IPL or 7% TCA peels for hyperpigmentation?

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or 7% TCA peels for hyperpigmentation can produce similar results. Both treatments are about as effective for hyperpigmentation. However, if it is a diffuse hyperpigmentation the IPL might be a better treatment since there will be less downtime. However, in some cases where an IPL does not work, a stronger solution of TCA typically 7-15% can be effective in improving the hyperpigmentation but more risks occur with the chemical peel in either the higher or even lower strength.

-Scott Trimas, MD - Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon

~Latisse~

There’s been a growing interest in this product ever since it was introduced. And it’s no wonder. LATISSE^® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

LATISSE^® works from the inside out. As the treatment progresses, you'll first begin to see changes in length. Then, gradually, you'll notice more thickness and darkness in your lashes. If you're satisfied with your results by week 8, don't stop there. Stick with the treatment. After week 16, you'll see the full effect of LATISSE^® solution — and so will others. After that, you can talk to your doctor about ongoing use.

Results were proven in our clinical study.

LATISSE^® clinical study was conducted at 16 sites across the country and included 278 participants, featuring women and men of various ages (22 to 78), backgrounds and eye colors. By week 16, the results showed that LATISSE^® was effective for 78% of those participating (vs. 18% for the vehicle group). (Latisse.com) *A*

Juvederm vs. Restylane – Making the Right Choice

Juvederm and Restylane are both very effective in improving skin tone, enhancing the lips, adding volume and making the skin look richer and thicker in texture.  Since there is very little recovery time involved with both treatments, it’s a practical choice for many patients looking for a fast and effective procedure after work, or even during lunch hour. 

       "These two products are essentially made of the same material - hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance in your body.  My preference is Juvederm because I feel the product is smoother.  I also like to pay a little more to get the Juvederm that has lidocaine in it (Juvederm XC) for patient comfort."  

       -Dr. Cat Begovic M.D. Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

JUVÉDERM^® XC is the smooth gel filler that we offer to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose (Nasolabial folds).  With just one treatment, you’ll get smooth results lasting up to a year. JUVÉDERM^® XC is manufactured using HYLACROSS^™ technology, creating a smooth-consistency gel.  It is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. With JUVÉDERM^® XC you get the smooth results you expect, with the improved comfort you want. (Juvederm.com) *A*

DermaQuest 7% TCA Peel

TCA [7%] / Salicylic Acid [2%] Peel

This treatment represents a break-through in the field of anti-aging and has led to significant improvements in skin rejuvenation.  By combining -TCA 7% and Salicylic Acid 2% we can provide a professional peel treatment with all the benefits of a 30% TCA peel without the side effects. It will take from one week to ten days for this combi-peel to allow the skin to renew itself completely. This rapid renewal of the skin will cause fine lines, pigmentation spots, a coarse skin texture and sun-damaged skin to improve in no time. It is derived from plant extracts, it dissolves the top layer of the stratum corneum, providing a smoother, softer appearance to the skin  to improve overall skin tone and texture; also excellent for photodamaged skin and comedonal Acne. 

• Dissolves the top layer of the stratum corneum
• Provides a smoother, softer appearance to the skin
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Evens coloring and lightens hyperpigmentation
• Plant-derived extracts calm and protect the skin
• Appropriate for most skin types
• Benefits of a TCA [30%] peel without the side effects   (Dermaquest.com) *A*

B12 Injections

Vitamin B12 is sometimes also called cyanocobalamin because they contain a metal ion which is cobalt. The vitamin b12 benefits that are the most popular are often due to its crucial role in giving you energy. While not all the functions and vitamin b12 benefits are clear they definitely have a vital role in the creation of healthy red blood cells. In fact, you might sometimes hear of people such as athletes or people with low energy getting a B12 injection. You often hear about these injections because clinicians use them to help your energy level and nervous system. These vitamins might also be important in the production of neurotransmitters in your brain such as dopamine and serotonin.

If your low on vitamin B12 you might want to consider some supplements

Another of the B12 benefits is that it protects myelin which is a fatty material that covers your nerves and enables them to transmit electrical impulses/messages between the nerve cells throughout the body. Depressed patients often have low serotonin so one of the benefits of vitamin b12 is their role in preventing depression which is another of the reasons it is often called an energy vitamin. They also support your growth and appetite. People sometimes associate this vitamin with weight loss because since it increase your energy and metabolism your body will naturally  increase its daily energy consumption.
B12 vitamin is found in animal-based foods such as eggs, dairy products, fish including crabmeat, croaker, lobster, oysters, scallops, and meat. This is one of the reasons why vegetarians often have problems with vitamin B12 intake and might suffer from vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms . It’s interesting to note that your body actually produces a small amount of vitamin B12 in your small intestine thanks to bacteria that live there and help you digest foods. If you are vegetarian make sure you have enough B12 vitamins in your diet. If not, supplements are heavily recommended because this is an essential vitamin and you will have to add a much harder time making sure you have sufficient amounts of B12 in your diet. Other people at risk of deficiency in vitamin B12 are young children and seniors who can have problems storing a good supply of vitamins in their bodies. As previously mentioned some people, especially those with pernicious anemia, also get vitamin b12 injections because their diet does not naturally have enough for their needs.
You only need a few micrograms of the vitamin daily to receive all the benefits of vitamin b12; people sometimes enjoy taking up to a few milligrams claiming improved energy and no side effects. Since Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin all excess will simply be washed away in your urine. This is unlike vitamins such as vitamin A which are stored in your fat so while you might want to take a lot of supplements to take advantage of all the vitamin A benefits your actually doing so at your own peril past a certain daily amount. If you decide to take Vitamin B12 supplements you definitely want to make sure there is ample information about the brand you want to buy and contacting your health doctor for his approval is probably also a good idea.

Puritan`s Pride

Velashape

VelaShape™ features the revolutionary elōs™ combination of Bi-Polar Radiofrequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage.
The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime.
Vacuum and specially designed rollers for the Mechanical Massage smooth out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient heat energy delivery. The net result increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers.
The result:

• Gradual smoothing of skin's surface with a noticeable reduction in cellulite
• Circumferential Reduction, with noticeable reshaping of the treated area

In a clinical multi-center study, 85% of the treated areas have reported Circumferential Reduction of thighs of at least 1cm; ranging up to 7.2cm in reduction.
With VelaShape™ it is easy to enhance your body, improve your lifestyle and feel better about yourself!

Syneron

Get ready for Summer with Laser Hair Removal!!

-Shaving daily can be quite time consuming and irritating to the skin, and only yields great temporarily results usually lasting less than a few hours. Waxing is slightly more efficient and can result in smooth skin for several days or even weeks. However, the process can be incredibly painful—especially in sensitive areas like the bikini zone or large areas like the chest or back. More importantly, waxing requires hair to be at least a quarter of an inch in length prior to each treatment, which tends to lead to prolonged, undesirable periods of unsightly hair growth.
Laser Hair Removal is a dream come true for those who wish to remove hair from any area of the body without the hassle and pain of daily or weekly treatments. Laser hair removal treatments offer the longest-lasting and most visually appealing results. Although no hair removal technique lasts forever, there is permanent hair reduction for this FDA-approved technology ( Laser and Medical Aesthetics).  The result of the treatment may last for several years. This could mean an entire summer without having to worry about shaving your legs!
If you are looking to remove hair from the eyebrows, chin, upper lip, arms, legs, back, chest, underarms, or bikini area, Asava Medi Spa is the place to go. We offer laser hair removal procedures for both men and women at very reasonable prices. *A*

IPL Photofacial

The SkinStation IPL Photofacial treatments utilize the latest advances in laser technology to help treat everything from sun damaged skin to rosacea, acne, age spots, skin tightening, hyperpigmentation, bags under the eyes, and large pores on the face, neck, and chest. Photofacial (aka fotofacial or photo facial) treatments center around the patented Florescent Pulsed Light system, which penetrates deep below the skin's surface to help start the production of new collagen and other connective tissues. This process leaves the skin rejuvenated and smooth, starting from the very first treatment. The typical IPL Photofacial treatment lasts about 30 minutes, and they are typically scheduled across three week intervals. Most patients need between 4-7 total treatments to get the best results. -Healthy Skin Portal *A*

VelaShape Body Contouring

• VelaShape™ is the only FDA cleared device that effectively and safely contours, shapes and slims the body by reducing cellulite and firming problem areas in as little as 4 treatments
• VelaShape™ is a non-invasive, painless in-office cellulite treatment with absolutely no down-time.
• As seen on E! Keeping up with the Kardashians, Rachel Ray and Dr. Phil.
• VelaShape™ features the revolutionary Elos technology, a combination of Bi-Polar Radiofrequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage. 
• The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime. Vacuum and specially designed rollers for the Mechanical Massage smooth out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient heat energy delivery. The net result increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers. 
  The result:
  
  • Gradual smoothening of skin's surface with a noticeable reduction in cellulite
  • Circumferential Reduction, with noticeable reshaping of the treated area
• With VelaShape™ it is easy to enhance your body, improve your lifestyle and feel better about yourself! *A*

Asclera Treatment For Spider Viens

If you’ve been too shy to wear shorts for the summer weather because of unsightly varicose veins, you may have better luck next year. The FDA has approved Asclera, an injectable treatment for swollen or twisted veins that are considered varicose.

Asclera is an injection that works by damaging blood vessels. Although that may sound counterproductive, Asclera actually causes veins to close and hence reduces the appearance of varicose or spider veins on the legs or other areas

If you have minor varicose veins, Asclera may be right for you. The injection is approved to close spider veins and reticular veins (both smaller veins that are mostly an aesthetic issue) in the lower extremities of both men and women. Asclera is not right for people with serious medical conditions, people who are taking certain medications or people with more severe varicose veins. Pregnant women should also not receive Asclera injections.

Patients should see results after anywhere from one to three treatments, and improvement can appear in as little as a few days.

KG

Botox

Botox is a mucle relaxant that is injected into the muscles or deep into the skin. It works by partially blocking the nerve impulses to any muscles that have been injected and reduces contractions of these muscles. When injected into the skin,
Botox works on sweat glands to reduce the amount of sweat produced.

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BOTOX AT ASAVA-Questions and Anwers

Is Botox safe?
When Botox is administered by a trained and experienced professional, it is safe. Botox has been used for nearly 23 years on millions of patients in over 70 countries.  It is one of the safest, most researched and carefully monitored medications used worldwide.  It is actually safer than many common medications such as aspirin, insulin, or Tylenol, which are used by millions of people daily.  Botox is only made by one manufacturer, Allergan Corporation, headquartered right here in Irvine, California.  We only use the authentic Botox product, which is very precisely produced in the laboratory.
What does Botox do?
Botox is a protein that blocks the microscopic signals from nerves to small muscles, allowing the muscle to relax and reduce spasm or over-activity.  Less hyperactivity of the muscle helps reduce the lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin.  Also, by reducing the negative movements of facial muscles, botox can enhance the positive expressions in our face. Many patients are amazed by how effective these minor adjustments are to make them look less tired, old, stressed or angry. The effects of Botox promote a more relaxed, well-rested appearance.

Radical Radiesse Results!

Radiesse

Testimonial: "My Radiesse procedure was very intimidating but everyone made me feel very comfortable and safe. My procedure went great. I am 200% satisfied." S. Wallace

"This advanced technology allows us to get quick results with no downtime so that you can start to look and feel younger the same day as your treatment, yet can immediately return to your usual routine at work or home. Using state of the art technology and special treatment techniques we are able to perform a wide variety of in office procedures with beautiful results including:

Soft tissue augmentation uses natural fillers such as Radiesse to fill scars, lines, wrinkles, and folds to create a more youthful attractive look. Lips can also be enhanced since they tend to thin and lose definition as we age.

Radiesse® is an FDA-approved, next-generation dermal filler that is setting a new standard for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. Made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, Radiesse is injected into the skin through a simple and minimally invasive procedure giving you immediate, visible improvement of folds and wrinkles, and providing long-lasting and beautiful results. In many patients, the effects of Radiesse may last a year or more. Offering clinically proven safety and longevity, Radiesse is a convenient treatment that stimulates the body to produce new collagen, often with just one or two office visits. Get beautiful results and long-lasting wrinkle correction."

Radiesse

Radiesse Dermal filler contains tiny Hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in an agueous gel carrier. Once injected, it stimulates the body to produce its own natural collagen. The result is instant volume that will smooth out the signs of aging.
Over time the gel is absorbed and the body metabolizes these tiny calcium based microspheres leaving behind your own natural collagen.

Laser Liposuction vs. Traditional Liposuction

"Liposuction is a method for getting rid of extra fat (typically in the upper thighs, hips, buttocks, and stomach) and smoothing out the body contour and skin. Laser liposuction and traditional liposuction are cosmetic procedures that serve the same purpose, but achieve objectives quite differently.

Function

1. Both traditional and laser liposuction procedures have the same function: to rid the fat deposits that affect the aesthetic of the body contour and cause the cellulite "dimples" in the skin. The laser method is for mild to moderate fat conditions and skin tightening, however, while the traditional method can rid larger amounts of dis-proportioned fat.

Invasive Vs. Non-Invasive

2. Traditional liposuction is an invasive surgical procedure, meaning that incisions are made into the skin so that the surgeons can work below the surface skin layers. Laser liposuction is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure, depending on the amount of fat.

Technique

3. Traditional liposuction involves the removal of fat through the suction of a straw-like tube (canulla). Laser guided liposuction employs high-energy thermal laser beams that penetrate the skin tissue and heat the fat deposits in the skin's lower layers, breaking up and emulsifying these deposits, and also stimulating new collagen and elastin growth in the skin.

Results

4. After a recovery period of seven to 10 days, traditional liposuction patients see dramatic results from the fat removal. Laser lipo patients, however, may not see results for a month or two after the procedure, since the stimulation of collagen and elastin in the skin must work over time to smooth out the skin, according to the American Societyfor Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Risks and Complications

5. Although the traditional method is highly invasive, the laser guided method employs heat, so risks and complications are similar for both procedures, according to the ASAPS. These include scarring, contour irregularities, infection, inadequate fat removal, and continued skin laxity."

Reference: eHow.com