SynerChi Day Spa Blog

Radiesse is considered a Volumizing Filler. The difference in Radiesse compared to other dermal fillers is that it contains a calcium-based gel that stimulates collagen production, providing the volume and lift needed to diminish signs of aging. It acts as a scaffold under the skin while stimulating natural collagen to grow and the only filler that immediately replenishes lost volume. Radiesse patients are significantly more satisfied with the results. It is FDA approved to mix with lidocaine to provide more comfort for the patient.

We like it because it is beneficial in areas where other dermal fillers aren’t, such as hand rejuvenation and cheek augmentation. Hand rejuvenation is a treatment meant to diminish the appearance of veins in the hands, a treatment more effective using Radiesse for its thick texture. Cheek augmentations have been more effective using Radiesse because of its ability to provide a small lift, giving the effect of higher cheekbones.

It is also useful in the common areas for dermal fillers, such as smile lines, corners of the mouth, marionette lines, chin wrinkles, and pre-jowl (the area behind the chin) but depends on whether or not these areas need a volumizing filler. For example, lips are not recommended to use Radiesse due to its thick texture, making lips appear lumpy.
Radiesse is the latest dermal filler FDA approved, so it is natural to have many questions regarding its results. Please post any questions or comments you may have regarding the new Volumizing Filler.

A microdermabrasion can be done to decrease the appearance of uneven pigmentation, superficial scarring, photo-damage, diminish fine lines, and shallow acne scars which helps to even out the texture of your skin. It has become a popular method for facial rejuvenation. In 2010, it was one of the top 5 nonsurgical procedures for men and women according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

This procedure lightly resurfaces the epidermis (top layer of the skin) by simultaneously spraying crystals and using suction to exfoliate. This procedure increases circulation and provides a stimulating massage. The degree of exfoliation depends upon the level of crystal spray, degree of suction, the number and speed of passes over the skin, besides the number of treatments performed. The degree of suction can be adjusted to your comfort level but the higher the degree, the higher the degree of exfoliation. The more treatments you receive, the more comfortable you will become with the pressure.

A single treatment can remove 20 – 30% of the epidermis (top layer of the skin).

By damaging the upper layer of skin, this aggressive treatment shocks the skin’s regenerative process into overdrive, causing the cells in the dermal layer to rapidly replace the damaged layer by growing new cells. Consecutive treatments are given every seven to 10 days.

After treatment areas may feel warm and may appear sunburned. By day 2 my skin may feel tighter and more sensitive. Sunscreen is recommended on a daily basis immediately after treatment. Since your skin is regenerating new skin cells, it will be sensitive to sunlight. Pigmentation may occur if exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time.

Microdermabrasion is also beneficial when receiving facial laser treatments. Stimulating new skin cells, helps turn over the dead skin cells from the laser treatment, increasing its results.

What questions do you have regarding microdermabrasions?

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

Did you know that the Cool Touch laser can be used to treat toenail fungus?  The laser works by penetrating through the nail with an invisible beam of laser light to the fungus layer below; heating and eliminating the destructive pathogens while revitalizing the nail. As each toe is treated, you will feel a mild, warming sensation immediately followed by a burst of cooling cryogen spray.  There is no discomfort either during or after the treatment.  You may return to your normal daily routine immediately after your toenail treatment, including painting your nails or pedicure treatments.  You will notice results within 2-4 months, depending on how quickly your toenails grow.  New, clear growth begins to appear at the bottom of your nail as the diseased portion of the nail grows out.

This is still an experimental treatment which is not yet FDA approved.

Laser Treatment for Acne and Wrinkle Reduction?

Unlike other acne therapies that address bacterial symptoms only, the CoolBreeze laser treatment targets the source of the acne.  The laser energy is applied in gentle pulses over the treatment area.  The energy penetrates deep enough to shrink oil glands and decrease their capacity to produce acne without affecting the oils necessary for healthy skin.  The laser also stimulates your own natural collagen which replenishes to fill acne scars.  Since the light targets water in the skin, not melanin, the wavelengths are appropriate to treat darker skin.

We use the “Gold Standard” CoolTouch CT3 Laser, which is used for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, and acne/acne scarring treatment.  It was voted “Best Non-Ablative Laser for Wrinkle Reduction and Acne” in 2005 by physicians and aestheticians.  The laser’s heat gently stimulates the tissue which triggers a repair mechanism and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural collagen.  As new collagen is produced, your skin begins to look younger and softer.  It is a painless skin tightening treatment, developed for increased patient comfort with no down time.

You will notice a reduction of acne and improvised appearance of fine lines.  Results are achieved through a series of treatments, and follow-up visits may be required to maintain your improvement.  Patients have noticed a significant difference after 2-3 treatments.  Typically, a patient receives 3-6 treatments at monthly intervals.

This treatment has been FDA approved.

What questions do you have regarding Cool Touch?

IPL is an Intense Pulse Light treatment that improves the appearance of photo-aged skin, removes age spots (sun-induced freckles), most benign brown pigments, and redness caused by broken capillaries through a process called photo-rejuvenation for the face and body.  Typically, patients come to treat the face, neck, chest, or hands.  The process is ideal for patients with an active lifestyle because the procedure requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects.

You should not be tanned or sunburned while receiving IPL treatments.  Avoid tanning or tanning creams for at least 2 weeks prior to treatments.  This increases the chance of burning from the laser since the laser targets pigmentation.

Here is how it works:

A broad spectrum of light is transmitted through a small, smooth, transparent hand-piece which is gently placed over the skin.  The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmentation, damaging them. The body’s natural process removes the injured tissue giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

It is a laser treatment which may include some discomfort but we apply a prescription numbing cream to the treated area before to make the patient more comfortable.

What to expect:

If treating sun-damaged skin, usually the dark spots get progressively darker over the next several days. You should notice this gradual increase in pigmentation.  You should see it gradually coming to the surface and peeling off over the next week or two.  A microdermabrasion is recommended 7-10 days after your treatment, this helps with exfoliation of the damaged skin cells.

You are recommended to protect your skin with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning before going outdoors for the next 6 weeks to avoid sun induced, discoloration of the skin.

Due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, multiple treatments (4-6) are recommended every 3-4 weeks for the maximum possible results.

Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal

Q.  What is laser hair removal?

a.   Laser hair removal is a procedure by which hair is removed from the body by utilizing a long pulse laser.  The laser works by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment.  Since other hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, several treatments are necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area.

Q.  Am I a candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

a.   Laser works best on pale skin and dark, coarse hair.  The closer you are to this combination (i.e. the lighter the skin and darker the hair), the better the results will generally be.  Unfortunately, the darker the skin, the higher the laser must be set to be effective and a possibility for additional treatments.  Laser hair removal is not usually effective for white, blonde, or red hair.

Q.  What does laser hair removal feel like?

a.   Everyone’s pain threshold is different.  It is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation is different.  On a scale of 1-10 most patients rate it a 3 or 4.  The procedure is often likened to a rubber band snap against the skin.  Certain areas may be more sensitive than others (i.e. bikini and lower legs) especially during menstruation. 

We provide patients with prescription numbing cream prior to the treatment to provide less discomfort.  For any area above the neck (face, lip, chin, forehead), allow 30 minutes for numbing cream to be effective.  For any area on the neck and below (chest, arms, stomach, bikini, legs), allow 1 ½  hour for numbing cream to be effective. 

Q.   How long does the treatment take?

a.   Depending on the area to be treated, laser hair removal can take only a few minutes or over an hour.  The most commonly treated areas; bikini line, upper lip, chin, underarms, typically require less than 20 minutes. 

Q.   Can I return to work and normal activities immediately?

a.   You can return to work and normal activities immediately.  After laser hair removal, the treatment site may feel like a mild sunburn for 24 hours or more.  Slight redness and swelling may occur but it is a normal reaction to the burnt hair follicle and actually an indicator of a good clinical response.

Q.   How many treatments will be required?

a.   Every patient is different.  In general, lighter skinned patients (skin type 1-3) will require 4-6 treatments and darker skinned patients (type 4-6), will require 6-8 treatments spaced approximately 4-8 weeks apart to achieve satisfactory results.  Our practice cannot promise that each patient will achieve any level of permanent hair reduction; however, on average most patients can expect to achieve a 50-90% permanent reduction in the number of hairs following a full course of treatment within the prescribed time.

Face & Neck areas:  every 4 weeks.

Body areas:  every 8 weeks.

Q.   Can I wax in-between treatments?

a.   No waxing or plucking in the area being treated.  It will remove the hair follicle which the laser needs to disable.  Once you start laser hair removal, you are advised to shave the area from then on.  The hair will lessen over treatments and waxing will be unnecessary. 

Q.  Is it affordable?

a.   If you total the amount you spend on waxing, shaving products, and other hair removal products, plus the time consumed in applying these products, you will find that laser hair removal is worth it.  Considering you spend $30-$50 to wax the bikini area.  We charge $59 to treat the bikini area, and you would only pay that price every 2 months.  If you keep up with the treatments, and follow the prescribed time, a year later, you will never have to wax again!  Our patients have found it to be a life and time saver.

Post any questions you have regarding laser hair removal and we would be glad to answer them!