The Medi Spa Advantage

Spa days are like baseball. They’re a popular pastime for many, they are a good way to relieve stress and, for some, they’re almost a rite of passage. Spa treatments can also be an important part of your skin care routine. The various treatments can help anyone maintain youthful, radiant skin at any age.

When considering who to trust with your skin care treatments, consider that not all spas are medical spas. While many spas offer treatments like facials or chemical peels, a medical professional may not perform the procedures. That’s the biggest difference between your average day spa and a medi spa. At Advanced Dermatology, for example, you’ll get the full spa treatment and trust your skin to a board-certified dermatologist.

In this blog post, I’ll address common treatments offered at ADSCA and other medical spas, as well as questions to ask that will help you make an informed choice when choosing the spa for you.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are topically applied formulas that revitalize the skin’s surface by creating a controlled shedding of the outermost layer of skin. This allows new layers to be exposed, creating a fresh appearance and smoother texture for the skin’s surface.

Types of Chemical Peels

• Light Exfoliating Peels – These are great for patients new to chemical peels. For maximum results, these peels should be done every two weeks in a series of up to six treatments.
• Light peels can improve mild to moderate cases of acne, soften the look of fine lines and improve skin texture. There is little to no downtime after the procedure.
• Modified Jessner’s Peels – This blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol is great for reducing acne, and can help diminish the appearance of sun damage and decrease the appearance of fine lines.
• Patients can expect about three to five days of downtime after the procedure, with the skin showing some peeling and flaking.
• TCA Peel – This peel offers a deeper peeling depth and is great for improving skin texture, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems.
• This peel can be used on the face and other areas of the body. Patients will experience three to seven days of downtime afterward. 

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What level of skin improvement do you hope to achieve? This is important, as various peels may be more beneficial for different goals.
• Is your skin sensitive? Not everyone’s skin is cut out for chemical peels. Some people may require a lighter peel; others may not need one at all.
• How much downtime should you expect after you peel? Depending on the peel, your skin may appear blotchy, flaky or very red after your treatment. This can last from a few days up to a week. It’s also important to note that after a peel, you should avoid sun exposure for at least a week.
• What type of care is provided or recommended by your provider? Some peels may require some follow-up care. 

Facials

Facials include any of a number of services intended to exfoliate the skin, aid in anti-aging and eliminate dead skin cells. Generally, facials refresh the skin with less downtime than chemical peels. The types of facials available depend on the spa you visit, but generally focus on one area, such as the pores.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your expectations for the facial? This will help you and your provider choose the type of facial that is best for you.
• Have you had any exfoliating treatments or other facials recently? You should allow your skin some recovery time before having another similar treatment.
• What type of post-facial treatment does your provider recommend? Many facials may require protecting your skin from the sun for a period of time, using gentler face washes or certain moisturizers. 

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves using a diamond-tipped wand to remove impurities from the skin. This treatment can take care of pollutants, ultraviolet rays and other outside factors that may cause the skin to age prematurely. The end result is smoother, softer skin. Some spas, including ADSCA, offer a type of microdermabrasion that infuses oxygen with a healing serum to create immediate results. 

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your expectations for the treatment? Depending on your goal, you may need multiple treatments to see your desired results.
• Do you have any existing skin conditions or concerns? Microdermabrasion is not ideal for patients with visible, broken capillaries or rosacea.

Dermaplaning

This exfoliation procedure uses a special surgical blade to gently slough away the top layer of the epidermis. Removing the dead skin cells leaves the skin looking vibrant and smooth. Dermaplaning can also be useful in removing vellous facial hair (also called peach fuzz), which can trap excess dirt and oil, as well as rejuvenating skin tissue and reducing acne scarring, uneven pigmentation and fine line wrinkles.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your goals? Most people see results after just one treatment, but maintenance requires more over time.
• Is it necessary? Not everyone needs this treatment.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

This treatment combats the effects of aging and sun damage through the use of lasers. This procedure is often combined with other medi spa treatments, such as facials or microdermabrasion.

One type of laser skin rejuvenation is Ultherapy™. The ideal candidate for this treatment experiences:

• Laxity of the facial skin
• Sagging skin around the jaw line (jowls)
• Loose neck skin
• Wilting brow
• Puffiness around the eyes

Before getting this treatment, it’s important that the patient not use any aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products for a least a week prior. Patients should also not take any fish oils or omega oils for at least a week prior to treatment. Most spas will require the patient to arrive early for medication before treatment.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• Do you qualify for laser skin rejuvenation? It isn’t for everyone. Pay attention to the criteria listed above, and consider whether this treatment is necessary or if another method will satisfy your goals.
• Is there another, easier method to achieve your skin care goals?
• What activities should you avoid before or after treatment?
• How much downtime should you expect after treatment?

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or get more information about ADSCA’s medi spa, click here. If you have any general questions, comment below and I’ll try to address them!

The C-Word: Cellulite

Cellulite might as well be a foul word, because nobody wants anything to do with it. There are numerous myths, procedures and plans for how to get rid of it. Before you get too worked up and take drastic measures, read below to find out what cellulite really is and what safe choices there are to aid in its disappearance.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the trapping of swollen fat cells between fibrous bands of tissue. As these pockets become denser, sometimes lumps or dimples can be seen on the surface of the skin. Cellulite is not a disease, illness or condition. It is simply the way your body’s fat cells have deposited between connective tissue. People of all shapes and sizes can have cellulite.

What causes cellulite?

Some situations that may cause cellulite include poor diet, fad dieting, slow metabolism, lack of physical activity, hormone changes, dehydration, total body fat and thickness or color of the skin.  Keep in mind that most of these also lead to basic weight gain. Thickness and color of skin do not factor in to weight gain, but they do influence the appearance of cellulite. The lighter and thinner your skin is, the more likely you are to see cellulite on the surface of your skin.

Can cellulite be prevented or treated?

While cellulite can be treated, there is no quick fix or guaranteed method for getting rid of it. Although it is not harmful, cellulite isn’t exactly pleasing to the eye. Many people want to get rid of it once it shows up. People have used a variety of methods to reduce the existence and appearance of cellulite. The below methods vary in effectiveness, but all generally have some impact on cellulite.

1. Liposuction – Probably the most well-known “quick fix” for cellulite, this procedure has been quoted in songs and popular culture for the past decade. A surgery that removes fat cells from the body by essentially vacuuming them out, liposuction is not a guaranteed solution for cellulite. In fact, the erratic vacuuming of the fat cells may actually cause more defined dimples afterward. This is because liposuction may not remove all fat cells.
2. Mesotherapy – Not as well-known as liposuction, mesotherapy is the regimented injection of substances such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids into the tissue just beneath the skin. It can result in a slight improvement to the appearance of cellulite, but it has potential risks that include swelling, infection and irregular contours.
3. Massage and spa treatments – Endermologie is a treatment that involves kneading the skin with a suction device to stimulate collagen production by increasing circulation to the treated area. Laser treatments are becoming more frequent in spas as well. FDA-approved laser treatments claim to sever the connective tissues that press the fat cells together, creating the bulging. They also claim to melt the fat, creating a smoother appearance. These are relatively new procedures, so there aren’t many stories, positive or negative, to support their validity. These treatments do not remove the fat cells that cause cellulite, so any associated benefits are only temporary.
4. Cellulite Creams – These creams claim to dissolve fat and smooth the skin, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Many of the creams contain aminophylline, which is an agent to that can cause the blood vessels to narrow and help flush water from the skin. This effect can be dangerous to people with existing circulatory problems and may cause allergic reactions in others.

Don’t forget about your diet!

Because cellulite is the accumulation of fat cells, your best chance of changing its appearance lies in shrinking those fat cells. This can be done through a lifestyle change focused on healthier eating and increased physical exercise. Remember that poor diet, fad dieting and lack of physical activity can all cause cellulite.

Keep in mind:

• Diets low in sugar and salt help prevent water retention and the plumping of the fat cells within the fibrous bands that create the cellulite dimples. Take note of the sodium and sugar content in the foods you eat. Try to stay below 6 teaspoons of sugar and 2000 mg of sodium each day.
• Diets high in protein promote lean muscle mass. Protein rich foods include meat, beans, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds.
• Exercise helps to use utilize fat stores to burn energy and build muscle mass. Focus on strength exercises that tone the areas where cellulite appears. Also, cardio workouts help to utilize those fat stores and keep your metabolism elevated even after you are finished working out. 

As the fat cells shrink in size and increased muscle mass replaces body fat, you should experience a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Although cellulite is not pleasant to the eye, you should know that it is not something to rush to your doctor about. Before you resort to extreme solutions, try altering your daily diet and exercise programs for a healthy low-risk fix. And if you do decide to consult a dermatologist or aesthetician, make sure to check their credentials! If you’d like to make an appointment with ADSCA’s new medi spa, click here.

Latisse's Long Lash Effect

Photo courtesy of Latisse

LONGER, FULLER, DARKER EYELASHES! For years, cosmetic brands from L’Oréal Paris to Dior have boasted their over-the-counter mascara that can give you false-looking eyelashes without the struggle or mess. Now, Latisse (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), the first FDA-approved topical product for “inadequate” eyelashes, is promising to surpass previous beauty industry claims by simulating natural eyelash growth.

You may have first heard of Latisse from Brooke Shields, a former model. She has appeared in television ads talking about Latisse and the great results she experienced. Below are a few key points to know before consulting your doctor about the product.

Origin

Latisse was introduced after researchers discovered that its main ingredient, bimatopost, was causing consistent eyelash growth in glaucoma patients using Lumigan (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), a prescription eye drop regimen, in their treatment plan. Latisse has been labeled an effective treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, having lower than average length, thickness and/or number of eyelashes.

Application

Latisse should be applied once daily in the evening or as instructed by your medical provider. Wash your face to remove any makeup on or around your eyes prior to application. You can still use Latisse if you regularly wear contact lenses; just make sure to remove them to apply the Latisse. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.

Latisse is a clear liquid to be applied only to your top eyelid at the base of your lashes. It should not be applied to the lower lash area. Only a very small amount is needed per application, around one drop.

You do not need to rinse your eyes if the medication touches them, unless you experience an allergic reaction, in which case you should contact your medical provider. An allergic reaction occurring is unlikely because Latisse contains the same basic ingredients approved for use in glaucoma medication.

While eyelash growth will last as long as you use the medicine, it is not permanent. If you stop using Latisse, expect eyelash growth and appearance to return to its normal state.

Results

Latisse’s website provides a gallery of before and after pictures of women who saw positive results with the product. View the gallery here. 

You should expect to see increased length around week four and full results by week 16.

In clinical trials, close to 80 percent of users saw longer, fuller and/or darker lashes from using Latisse.  Approximately 25 percent saw longer lashes, 100 percent saw fuller lashes and 20 percent saw darker lashes.

Potential Side Effects

Like most other medications, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Latisse.

Redness, dryness, itching or discomfort in or around the eye may occur. If these side effects continue or worsen, consult your medical provider.

You may experience darkening of the skin around your eye, inside your iris, the colored area around your pupil, if you use Latisse constantly over time. Skin discoloration is likely to fade after stopping the use of Latisse, but a change in iris color is likely permanent.

In extreme cases, Latisse could cause eye pain, eye infection or rapid vision changes, Stop the use of the product if these side effects occur and contact your medical provider immediately.

Purchasing Latisse

There has been debate over the validity of physician offices and cosmetic studios that have sold Latisse online. Although there are ways to purchase this product without a doctor consultation, I always recommend seeing a doctor to discuss the pros and cons of this product. And I highly recommend an eye exam first to determine if you are at risk for any ocular complications when using Latisse.

The FDA requires that a prescription must be written for the sale of this drug because of the potential harmful side effects. You should keep this in mind when considering how to purchase this medicine.

Be honest with your medical provider about your medical history when discussing Latisse, especially if you have eye pressure problems or other eye problems such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis or lens extraction/alphakia. The potential benefits of Latisse do not outweigh the potential risks if your vision is in jeopardy.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about using Latisse, please leave a comment below or click here to schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!