What is Unique about RADIESSE Dermal Filler?

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.

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Clarisonic

Clarisonic is a professional-caliber brush that uses a gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply.  Clarisonic gently clears pores without harsh abrasion or chemicals, cleansing so effectively that skin care products absorb better.  Clinical results include 6x more makeup removed than manual cleansing, reduced appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and improved skin tone.  Without proper cleansing, drying detergents, pollutants, oil and bacteria can damage the appearance of your skin.

The Clarisonic PRO is a professional-grade face-cleansing tool  meant to boost your skin’s radiance.  The PRO is exclusively available through skin care professionals.  The 4-speed brush makes it suitable for the body, helping to gently exfoliate the skin for a healthy and vibrant look.  Men experience a closer shave with reduced shaving irritation due to its ability to exfoliate and rejuvenate even the toughest skin types.

The Clarisonic Mia is a compact, easy-to-use system.  The Mia has one speed but perfect for where ever life takes you.  The one-button, one-speed fits any active lifestyle.  It is perfect for traveling, at the office, or at the gym for a quick, one-minute micro-massage to invigorate your skin’s natural glow.

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Cell Youth Actif

This newly discovered serum is meant to activate and restore the youthful nature of your skin with this exclusive combination of five anti-aging cell technologies.  As its lightweight texture melts into the skin, this serum works overtime to correct 14 signs of aging including:

  1. Lines and wrinkles minimized.
  2. Firmness repaired
  3. Countours redefined
  4. Clarity revealed
  5. Tone evened
  6. Hydration intensified
  7. Smoothness refined
  8. Radiance awakened
  9. Redness calmed
  10. Puffiness eliminated
  11. Sun damage diminished
  12. Fragile skin strengthened
  13. Vitality recharged
  14. Repair enhanced

The culmination of over a decade of scientific research and multiple patents, this revoluationary serum is the first to address the 5 key processes known by reparative and regenerative biologists to have the most impact on cellular aging.  This skin tranforming serum contains five different anti-aging technologies:

1.  Problem: Activation-resistant stem cells

     Solution: As you age, skin cells die, youthful proteins decline and moisture-holding lipids decrease.  Recently, scientists discovered messengers in a North Atlantic algae that reactivates dormant stem cells found in mature skin.  Within days, skin is energized.  Within weeks, skin appears regenerated.  Contours become more defined, firmness returns, lines smooth and wrinkles are less noticeable. 

2. Problem: Loss of cellular water

    Solution:  Aquaporins are newly discovered cell membrane proteins known to channel water into cells.  Unfortunately, these water channels decline with age.  Skin may be hydrated, but little water is deliverable inside cells.  Skin looks flat, dull, lack luster.  Remarkably, molecules from the Brazillian tree Piptadenia colubrina increases the presence of aquaporins up to 11 times.  Within hours, a radiant plumpness is restored to cells while signs of unwanted puffiness are minimized.

3.  Problem:  Damaged DNA

     Solution:  Repair the cellular blueprint of damaged DNA.  Purified enzymes from the Mediterranean Arabidopsis plant repair the most common form of DNA damage within 2 hours of exposure to these corrective enzymes.  Skin begins to act younger almost instantly. 

4.  Problem: Too little anti-aging cellular enzymes

     Solution:  Turn on cellular enzymes.  Cellular enzymes called sirtuins are thought to protect against DNA damage and cell death, boost cellular antioxidant defenses and increase the lifespan of cells.  Resveratrol, the power full antioxidant and sirtuin-booster famously found in red wine, is even more potent in Japanese Knotweed.  Within two weeks, skin sensitivity is reduced, elasticity improves and deeper signs of aging begin to disappear. 

5.  Problem:  Downturn of energy within cells

     Solution:  Turn up cell energy.  Ergothioneine, the cells’s principal energizing antioxidant, restores power to cells, quenching age-producing radicals and supporting cellular activities from detoxification to the production of youthful proteins.  Within days, visible redness is calmed, signs of repair are enhanced, and an even tone and clarity begin to return to skin.

This product will activate youthful skin.  The groundbreaking algae extract empowers your skin to naturally activate these cells.  If you want to see results quickly, use the amount indicated. 

Directions: 

After cleansing, place 6 pumps of serum into palm.  While skin is still moist, using the third finger apply serum first around eyes, sweeping outward to hairline, neckline, and behind neck.  Immediately apply moisturizer followed by SPF 15 or higher during the day.  For best results, refine skin’s barrier with a microdermabrasion.

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Microdermabrasion

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?

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Massage Therapy

Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, while providing an integration of body and mind.  It can provide emotional and spiritual balance.  For the thousands of years, many cultures have used the healing powers of massage to reduce stress and improve overall health. 

Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.  It has been known to increase circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.  It increases circulation of blood and lymph systems while improving the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.

For athletes, massage reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts as well as relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.  It improves range of motion and decreases discomfort for patients with lower back pain.  It can also be used for chronic pain, injury, and recovery from surgery.  It reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.

A Swedish Massage is a feel-good massage which is meant to relax and invigorate.  It is meant to rejuvenate the body, while allowing oxygen to circulate faster.  The full body is usually able to be massaged and pressure can vary from gentle to firm.  Although, different practitioners may use various techniques when it comes to the Swedish massage; for the most part, it is meant to relax and increase circulation throughout the body. 

A Deep Tissue Massage is a massage meant to relieve tension in localized areas, whether it is chronic muscle tension or a sight of injury.  The practitioner usually uses more direct pressure or friction across the grain of the muscle.  It may provide some discomfort or soreness for the client but it is important to inform the massage therapist of any pain outside of their threshold.  There is sometimes some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so.  The client is advised to keep hydrated to assist the body to detoxify itself.  Deep Tissue massage is also practiced differently depending on what school the practitioner went to; overall, it is not meant to relax but rather relieve tension in a localized area.

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Dysport Event Sunday Nov.14,2010

Have you ever been to a Dysport Party?

Now is the chance to gather some of your closest girlfriends and experience the wonders of Dysport.  Many men and women find that Dysport gives them the results that no facial creams can.

Have you ever wondered if Dysport works better for you than Botox?

Sunday, is the day to try it out.  We will be offering Dysport at $3.00 per unit, plus a $50 rebate.

Looking for something to do with you and your friends on a Sunday afternoon?

We will be hosting a Dysport Party.  Get ready for the holidays and eliminate those frown lines before the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities.

We will be providing you with food and beverages as well as  complimentary chair massage and skin analysis.  You can also choose to get a manicure using Shellac nail polish which lasts up to 2 weeks!  Bring in your friends and receive a $5 voucher for every new client you refer to us.  We will also be offering discounted package prices for laser hair removal, only on this day.  Make it a party for all of you!

Please RSVP at 858-272-9564

Provide us with a time that is convenient for you (1-4pm) and how many people you will be with.

Remember, the more friends you refer, the more savings for you :) Share the experience with others.

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Cool Touch Laser

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?

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What is a Dermal Filler?

A dermal filler is a nonsurgical treatment for nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles.  Using a fine needle, a healthcare professional eases the filler under the skin to fill the soft tissue of the dermis.  This adds volume and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and nasolabial folds.  Its special smooth-gel structure holds up over time. 

Healthy-looking skin contains an abundance of a naturally hydrating substance called hyaluronic acid (HA).  But as you age, sunlight and other factors can reduce the amount of HA in your skin.  The lack of HA causes your skin to lose structure and volume, creating unwanted facial wrinkles and folds-like those parentheses lines around your nose and mouth. 

Dermal fillers are used to smooth the nasolabial folds (smiles lines), veritical lip lines (above the lip), marionette lines (the area that extends downward from the corners of the mouth to the jawline), oral commissures (corners of the mouth), and chin wrinkles.  Patients also use them to plump the lips or cheek augmentations.  We provide a prescription anesthetic to provide more comfort during and after the treatment.  Averagely, dermal fillers last up to 4-6 months, in some patients, up to one year.

The cost of a dermal filler is priced per syringe.  It is administered through a needle, so no matter how much you use per area, you pay for the whole syringe.  One syringe is standard to treat certain areas.  You may distribute the remaining filler in another area but sharing syringes are not allowed with other people. 

Juvederm Ultra XC is a dermal filler manufactured by Allergan.  They also manufacture Juvederm Ultra Plus which is a thicker consistency.  It is typically better for deeper folds. 

Restalyne is also a dermal filler but it is manufactured by Medicis Aesthetics.  They also manufacture Perlane which is also a thicker consistency. 

You should see the results immediately following your treatment.  Possible side effects include bruising and/or swelling, depending on the area being treated.  Some areas are more susceptable to bruising than others, such as the lip area.  Patients who are using substances, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may experience more bruising or bleeding.  Therefore, inform your injector if you have recently taken any of these substances.  We recommend Arnica, at least 3 days before and after treatment, to minimize bruising.  A follow up treatment is recommended in approximately 6 months.

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What is IPL?

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.

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Frequently asked questions regarding laser hair removal

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!

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