Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc.

Acne – The most commonly dreaded of all skin conditions. Acne Vulgaris (common acne and often referred to as zits or pimples) is the single most troublesome skin disease for teens and young adults. Fortunately, it is also one of the most manageable chronic skin problems. Acne problems can begin early, even before preteen years and can continue for some all through middle adulthood. Early medical treatment becomes a necessity in order to prevent long term problems such as scarring and discoloration of your skin. Dr. Sedgh treats acne with a variety of acne control programs which may include one or more of the following combined in a custom program for your unique needs: Effective products which contain physician strength ingredients to help treat nearly all stages of acne – may include both prescribed and non-prescription products Blue Light Therapy treatments for mild to moderate acne Pulsed Light Acne Treatment using the advanced Palomar LuxV system Oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics and other prescription anti-acne products or hormone regulators such as birth control pills to reduce and prevent acne activity. Accutane (Isotretinoin) for Severe, Resistant Acne and Cystic Acne. (The use of this medication requires strict adherence to the FDA-required Pledge Program) Photodynamic Therapy for moderate to severe and cystic acne Palomar LuxV™ Acne Treatment * Patient results may vary For many years, acne sufferers have been forced to rely on topical and oral medications to treat their blemishes, cysts and inflammation. These medications tend to have inconsistent results and many side effects. Patients have access to a new option that uses pulsed light instead of pharmaceuticals to clear acne: the Palomar LuxV. The success of light-based acne treatments should be no surprise; sun exposure has long been known to have a beneficial effect on patients with acne. This StarLux system uses concentrated pulses of light to attack acne on two fronts: The light pulses kills the bacteria that causes your acne Acne light treatment damages the overactive glands that trap the bacteria and lead to more acne. Why Choose LuxV? The LuxV acne treatments are quick and nearly painless. Although the system is very powerful, most patients describe the light pulses as a ‘snapping’ sensation, which causes mild discomfort at most. After the treatment, you may have some redness for about a week, but that quickly fades and you can enjoy the effects of much improved skin and significantly lower blemish count. Every patient receives a personalized treatment program to give the best results. Each acne program is individually tailored for your specific acne condition and level of severity. We will work closely with you in creating the most effective treatment plan to ensure you have the best possible response - and most importantly - skin you can live with. What about Accutane? * Accutane is often now a "last resort" treatment for severe acne. Serious side effects have prompted physicians to first implement treatments that are less likely to cause systemic problems. In the event your acne is non-responsive to these first line procedures, you may be a candidate for a strictly FDA-regulated and monitored course of Accutane. Acne Overview Acne is caused by a combination of excessive sebum production (sebum is the natural lubricant your body produces to keep your skin supple), dead skin cells and a form of bacteria called P. acnes. Acne is a medical condition that is not your fault. It is most often caused by hormonal changes which affect your body’s ability to regulate sebum production and skin cell turnover. Acne can begin at any age but typically shows up during puberty when hormones begin to surge. Nearly 85% of those aged 14 to 24 deal with some level of acne, even if it is only the occasional “zit” that shows up the day before a date or a job interview. All acne is not alike. Frequently misinterpreted as adult acne, Acne Rosacea is a different condition. Treatment programs are not the same for this type of acne as for Acne Vulgaris. If you are an adult and your acne is “new,” you should have a medical evaluation so you can receive the correct care for this condition. Regardless of the type or grade of acne that you have, you will benefit from using the correctly formulated products. For more information on Acne Rosacea from the National Rosacea Society.

Surgery isn't always required to achieve a look that turns back the clock. Dr. John Sedgh has extensive experience with the most advanced fillers and cosmetic injectable treatments. See the full list of options below: Belotero BOTOX Cosmetic Dysport Juvederm Juvederm Volbella Juvederm Voluma Kybella Radiesse Restylane Restylane Lyft Restylane Silk Sculptra Xeomin Schedule a free cosmetic consultation with Dr. Sedgh to discuss your filler treatment plan. Call Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc. at 888-333-2515 today.

Permanent reduction of unwanted hair is quickly and effectively achieved with our fast Starlux Pulsed Light system. By disabling the hair at the root itself, permanent hair reduction offers the ideal alternative to traditional hair removal methods of waxing, chemical hair removers, shaving or electrolysis. Effective on dense body hair, the Palomar system is particularly suited for mid to darker toned skins which easily hyperpigment. Dr. Sedgh uses the Palomar StarLux system. This fast system can be set at variable wavelengths and power to treat any skin color efficiently. light-based hair reduction on female upper lip - before and after Source: Palomar Medical Physician Unspecified Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction* Patient results may vary The selection of the correct power levels for your skin tone is crucial in obtaining lasting results while preventing the occurrence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening), hypopigmentation (removal of natural skin pigment), blistering or scarring. Areas Treatable: Legs Back and Neck Arms and Under-arms Chest Upper Lip Ears Excess Facial Hair Bikini Area Hormone-induced Hair Growth The "How" of Hair Reduction Lasers and lights work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by pigment. This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the cells being targeted, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Palomar laser and light systems feature a patented contact cooling system which helps make the procedure comfortable – even for large areas such as the legs, chest or back. Can I Expect Total Hair Removal? Multiple treatments are required for effective hair reduction because the hair follicle must be "active" at the time of treatment; not all follicles are active at the same time. Total hair removal is not possible, but a permanent reduction in hair growth makes this procedure one of the most popular of all non surgical cosmetic treatments. Palomar manufactures some of the fastest hair reduction systems available today. Treatment time per session depends on the amount of area treated. A lip may take only a few minutes whereas an entire back may take 30 minutes or more. before and after upper back hair removal with laser light Source: Palomar Medical Photo courtesy David Van Dam, MD Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction* Patient results may vary Does Hair Reduction Hurt? You will feel a stinging sensation when the light is activated. A topical local anesthetic is applied before the procedure to reduce discomfort. The procedure causes a slight charring of existing stubble. What about Side Effects? Slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn, may occur in some clients. These effects typically last 24 hours or less. In some instances, slight blistering may occur. This is non-problematic and is managed easily with a topical cream. Burns and scarring can occur if treatment providers are not properly trained. For your protection and safety, it's important to always make sure your treatment is being performed in a well-trained physician-supervised medical office. Lasers and light systems are capable of extensive damage if not used properly. Special training and knowledge is necessary to obtain effective results while protecting your safety. Am I a Candidate for Hair Reduction Treatments? before and after light-based hair reduction - male back hair Source: Palomar Medical Courtesy Alan Rockoff, MD Treatment: Light-Based Hair Reduction* Patient results may vary Hair reduction treatments work best in lighter skinned, darker haired patients. Because the primary target in hair follicles is melanin pigment (the "color" in skin and hair), less light energy is absorbed by the skin and more by the hair follicle. This does not mean that any skin color will not respond to treatment, just that lighter skin may have faster results because there is not the need for the extra caution required in treating darker skin. Dr. Sedgh uses the Palomar systems because they allow treatment of all skin types and color. Why Tanning Slows Hair Reduction Dr. Sedgh will recommend that you stop tanning prior to and during your hair reduction treatments. Tanned skin absorbs some of the light energy as it passes through the skin to the hair follicle. To protect your skin from excessive heat buildup, your treatment settings must be set at a lower than optimal level when you have the additional pigment from a tan (natural or from tanning beds). Although Dr. Sedgh recommends that you refrain from tanning prior to hair reduction treatments, with the Palomar system, even tanned skin can be treated, although you will need more treatments at lower powers to prevent damage to the skin itself.

Laser Technology from Acne to Wrinkles male patient receiving Thermage treatment under the skinLaser technology has completely changed the way we treat skin problems and cosmetic concerns. A laser is a highly focused beam of light which is absorbed by various colors (brown, red, blue, purple) or water in the skin. Each laser has either a different "color-match" to the various pigments in the skin or is designed to heat tissue that contains water. Although this is a simplistic explanation, it is the basis of laser action and the reasons why lasers are so effective on such a wide variety of skin issues. At Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc. we offer a complete range of lasers. To help you understand the lasers and aesthetic technologies and what they do, we've listed our systems and their primary use. Thermage* Thermage skin tightening of the face - before and after With Thermage skin tightening, radiofrequency waves firm and tighten the skin all the way to the deepest layers. Retightens collagen strands which have loosened with age and causes new collagen production for continued improvement in skin firmness and contours. Effective for the face, eyes and body. Palomar LuxV* Acne: Kills acne bacteria and alters function of acne-causing oil glands Treatment: Lux V Pulsed Light* Pigmented Skin Spots: Destroys the melanin cells that cause brown spots Palomar LuxG* Veins: Coagulates small blood vessels so they fade and disappear Facial Spider Veins Redness from Acne Port Wine Stains Redness from Surgical Scars Spider Veins on the thigh, leg and ankle Rosacea: Shrinks and destructs veins responsible for facial redness and flushing Sun-Induced Pigmentation and Brown Spots: Selectively destroys melanin in the epidermis Brown Pigmentation from Sun Damage Sun Spots and Actinic Bronzing IPL Photofacial IPL before and after on the chest Photofacial treatment blends and removes diffuse brown discoloration form sun damage. Fragments pigment in the skin so it is easily discarded by the body's natural skin turnover Palomar Lux 1540 Fractional Laser* Laser microbeams remove damaged skin and spur new collagen growth. Lux 1540 Fractional Technology allows skin resurfacing with minimal to no downtime. It is a novel and non-ablative* method of resurfacing the skin incrementally. Improve Skin Texture Reduce Wrinkling Improve Melasma Lessen Acne Scars Smooth Surgical or Accident Scars Reduce Appearance of Mature Stretch Marks *Non-ablative lasers do not remove the skin surface. Ablative lasers, such as the CO2 laser Laser, remove the entire top layer of skin and require extensive and painful healing time. Palomar 1064 Vascular Laser* Veins: Shrinks and clears visible blue and purple veins in the legs and thighs. The 1064 is a powerful laser for clearing deep-lying veins. Rosacea: Shrinks larger facial veins in advanced rosacea The 1064 Vascular Laser will be in use at our office at a later date. Palomar Rs Hair Laser* Permanent Hair Reduction: Directly affects the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair. Laser hair treatments work on any part of the body or face. Blue Light* Blu-U acne treatment - before and after Blue Light treatment reduces the number of painful acne pimples and helps reduce inflammation by killing acne bacteria. It also shortens the acne life cycle. PDT Therapy Photodynamic therapy for severe acne is used in conjunction with Levulan for the reduction and control of severe and cystic acne.

Understanding Thermage The Thermage® procedure is a non-invasive treatment designed to tighten skin and firm facial and body contours. This is accomplished over a period of time as the body responds to the heat effect of the treatment by spurring new collagen production. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.) The Thermage® procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians, with options including: Thermage Facial and Neck Tightening Thermage for Eyes Thermage Body Why Skin Sags and Loses Firmness Skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich underlayer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibers running through it. When the collagen in these three layers breaks down due to sun exposure, family heredity, or the normal aging process, your face begins to sag and wrinkle. Body skin stretched by pregnancy, weight loss, age and environmental stress loses firmness and smooth texture. For a treatment to effectively tighten the collagen in the under layer or the inner layer of your skin, those layers must be adequately energized and stimulated. To date, one of the recognized methods of accomplishing this is through the application of heat deep within the tissue. Thermage was created for this single purpose. Thermage and Radio Frequency Thermage treatment of the chin and neck Treatment: Thermage* The Thermage procedure employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called Thermacool™. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin and renew facial and body contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types, colors and backgrounds. How Thermage Works to Tighten Skin The Thermacool system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called Thermatip™, which delivers a controlled amount of RF energy. With each touch to the skin, the Thermatip device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes the loose and disorganized collagen structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. Treatment results vary from patient to patient with some patients experiencing more effect than others. Photos presented on this site and others are not promises of similar results. Steps in Your Thermage Procedure Thermage treatment of the cheekYour skin is thoroughly cleansed prior to the procedure. (Please do not wear mineral makeup, mineral or "pearled" eye shadow or mineral blush the day of treatment. Refrain from the use of tanning products a week prior.) Your Thermage treatment is customized to provide the most benefit for your particular needs and concerns. A special pad with adhesive backing will be placed on your back or leg. This pad completes the "circuit" for the RF energy and is removed when your treatment is completed. A paper transfer will be used to place a "grid" on the areas of your face or body to be treated. This grid ensures complete and uniform treatment and assists in the customizing of the treatment. Some areas will require more "passes" of the Thermatip than others to achieve the desired results. The grid markings are washed off completely During the treatment you will be asked to provide feedback on the level of heating you feel from the RF pulses. This feedback allows the best selection of RF energy levels to be used and makes certain you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Thermage for Facial and Neck Tightening* – Areas Treated Periorbital region: Forehead and area around the eyes Mid/Lower face: Includes the cheeks, area around the mouth, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin Lower face/submental: Includes the area around the mouth, chin, jaw line, jowls, and area under the chin Full face: Includes the periorbital region and mid/lower face areas How Long Does the Thermage Treatment Take? The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of pulses required. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.

At Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc., we believe that every patient's complexion deserves individualized treatment. Skin care is never one-size-fits all, which is why Dr. John Sedgh offers services including: Chemical peels IPL photofacial Microdermabrasion Hand rejuvenation Non-surgical facelift Treatment for excess sweating (hyperhidrosis) Sun damage treatment Rosacea treatment Skin discoloration and brown spot treatment Cosmelan depigmentation treatment PhotoDynamic Skin Rejuvenation Skin care products Call 888-333-2515 for a complimentary consultation. During this appointment, you and Dr. Sedgh will discuss your treatment options and create a customized skin care plan.

Photofacial is for the treatment of sun damaged skin. Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light) is a fast and effective simple light based procedure to lighten pigmentation caused by sun exposure and small facial veins from various causes. Photofacial can be used on the face, arms and chest. Imagine your skin before all those hours in the sun. The Palomar Rejuvelux™ Pulsed Light Photofacial offers comfortable and effective treatment of sun damage and visible veins. IPL Photofacial treatments break up pigment so the body can more easily remove it through exfoliation. Small capillaries are heated to the point of coagulation and are then absorbed by the natural cleansing system of the body. Photofacial Is Ideal for: Sun damage: Wide areas of pigmentation on the face, chest and arms. Sunspots: Individual pigmented lesions, also known as age spots or liver spots. Results: The sunspots will darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks. Rosacea: General inflammation of the cheeks and face. Results: Skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within one week after treatment. Spider veins: Individual vessels, which can be red, blue or purple in color. Results: Vessels may disappear after treatment or they may appear darker and then fully or partially fade within 10-14 days. How Does IPL Photofacial Work? The Palomar RejuveLux hand piece emits pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels. What Is the Procedure Like? A cool gel is spread over the area to be treated. You will wear small protective eye goggles. The hand piece will be moved over your skin while the light is pulsed. Each pulse will send a beam of light through the skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin indicate when the hand piece is being pulsed. Intense pulsed light is strong light. First-timers may be surprised at the flash of light which is noticed even with the wearing of goggles. Once you know to expect this, it is easy to relax and know the light is simply "doing it's job". The sensation is a slight "snap" feeling, but it is not painful. Treatments are over in 10 to 15 minutes. Typically, several treatments will be necessary to achieve complete clearance of sunspots, rosacea and vessels. IPL Photofacial is an excellent way to restore a more youthful appearance to hands. As we age, often it is our hands that "give away" our age. How Will I Look after Treatments? Improvement is subtle and occurs with a series of treatments. You can expect your skin to look more even-toned, smoother and more youthful. After initial treatment you may experience temporary darkening of pigmented areas. This is a good indication and shows that your these trouble areas absorbed the light as was intended. What Is the Healing Process? Immediately after treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, sometimes accompanied by some minor swelling if you are particularly sensitive. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with a washcloth dipped in cold water or ice packs. Aftercare Sun protection is your primary post-treatment requirement. IPL is a gentle procedure and does not require unusual after-care. But you will need to protect your treated skin from sun exposure to prevent causing new sun damage. Will IPL Photofacials Be All I Need to Make My Skin Looks Its Best? For some people, IPL is all that's needed to refresh skin tone and take care of redness or splotchy pigmentation. Others may need a combination of treatments. Heavier veins are treatable with vascular lasers and those with multiple years of sun damage may decide to seek the more profound benefits of fractional laser.

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you know how genuinely frustrating it is to try to conceal, lighten or erase the spots and brown patches on your skin. Hyperpigmentation is essentially a case of your pigment-producing cells being pushed into overdrive by either external factors (typically sun exposure) or internal factors such as hormonal shifts caused by pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause. Any form of hyperpigmentation will be worsened (sometimes significantly) by sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation may be referred to by a number of names, including brown spots, melasma, age spots, "liver spots", sun spots, sun freckles, pregnancy mask. Whether diffuse, as in melasma, or in single concentrated areas such as those in a freckle, hyperpigmentation is more often controlled than eliminated and in some cases the best response will be blending and lightening. The most effective solutions to existing brown spots and unevenly-colored skin will be one of or a combination of: Rejuvelux Photofacial: Photofacial (IPL) is a light based treatment that focuses on brown and red pigment in your skin. This dual action means it can help reduce and in some cases eliminate both brown patches and small veins. Cosmelan: An intensive topical treatment program that inhibits melanin production and lightens your skin with non-hydroquinone ingredients Fractional Laser: A laser treatment that has FDA approval for Melasma and Chloasma and Sun-induced hyperpigmentation Chemical Peels: Overall skin regeneration by chemically causing a peeling of your damaged skin Prevention and protection is a key element. An effective sunscreen of 30SPF of higher, used correctly, will go a long way in helping improve and prevent hyperpigmentation problems Melanin: The Good and Bad of Your Natural Pigment Skin gets its color, whether light or dark, from melanin. Some people are born with more melanin cells than others and consequently, have a higher incidence of problematic pigmentation. The more melanin, the more color and the more "color-potential" you have in your skin. Sun exposure, heat, injury or hormonal changes can all trigger increased melanin production. It is the abnormal increase that causes irregular color on the skin. Melanin rises to the surface of the skin in response to these triggers but is not seen right away as the cells are produced deeper in the skin and then rise slowly to the surface. This is why you may not see the brown spots until days, weeks, or even months after the cause. Melanin is a skin protector and is the body's attempt to stop cell damage from sun or heat. The "tan" that so many Southern California sun worshippers seek is actually the body's reaction to cell damage. With repeated insult, skin that evenly tanned will begin to take on a mottled appearance and then begin showing concentrated dark spots. The 3 Major Causes of Hyper Pigmentation and Brown Spots One of the primary functions of melanin production in your skin is to protect you from UV rays from the sun. A "tan" is the prime example of your body's melanin response to the sun. When the skin is assaulted by repeated exposure to the sun, you experience sun damage in a variety of ways and one of those is brown spots and hyper-pigmentation resulting from an over-production of melanin. Once the cycle of pigment over-production has started, it is difficult to stop it and usually medical intervention is required. 2. Hormonal hyperpigmentation (melasma or chloasma) caused by hormone changes The second most frequent cause of hyper-pigmentation is hormone changes. This may be a result of birth control pills, pregnancy or the various stages of menopause. Hormone shifts trigger the melanin cells to go into over-drive. This can happen even if you are not a sun worshipper. Sun exposure will always make it worse. 3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by injury The third most common cause of pigmentation is a direct result of some type of injury to the skin. Typical pigmentation-causing injuries include: Improperly performed laser treatments Acne or acne cysts Over-exposure to heat Hair waxing Insect bites or itchy rashes Abrasions or cuts Inflammation is your body's response to injury. Often inflammation is not obvious because it is occurring at a deep level. This inflammation triggers melanin production and the result is a concentration of pigment in the affected area. A common result of improperly performed hair laser is a proliferation of dark patches on the legs or face. There are a variety of hair lasers on the market and not every one is designed for every skin type and color.

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular superficial peeling therapies available. It is non-surgical and effective. This light peel can help with fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth minor pigment irregularities. As a first step for those who have not tried any skin exfoliation procedures, a medical microdermabrasion is an excellent way to see how the removal of thickened and dead skin cells will instantly improve texture, tone and color. Microdermabrasion is a skin revitalizing method that uses exfoliation to smooth lines, scars and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that can combat signs of aging and sun-damaged skin. Dull congested skin is immediately revitalized with microdermabrasion. It also improves non-inflammatory acne, mild acne scarring, stretch marks and helps sun damaged skin in need of rejuvenation. More intensive treatments for facial rejuvenation may include: Why Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is an excellent procedure for unblocking clogged pores and helping to eliminate or reduce blackheads. Microdermabrasion provides improvement in many skin problem areas. It has little to no down time and the procedure is fast and provides little discomfort. It complements most treatment programs by providing a gentle but effective mechanical peeling of the skin. Microdermabrasion is the first step in PhotoDynamic acne therapy. The result is glowing younger-appearing skin tone including an improvement in the skin’s texture and appearance. The Treatment Procedure Crystal Stream Microdermabrasion* Microdermabrasion uses fine particles of aluminum oxide to remove the dead layer of cells from the skin, and stimulate the production of new collagen and cells in the deeper layers of the skin. The micro crystals cause a gentle exfoliation of the skin and removal of dead cells. It sometimes is referred to as a 'sandblasting' technique. You will lie back comfortably with a towel or paper cover placed over your hair. Small pads or goggles will be place on your eyes so no crystals fall into the eye. Your face is cleansed. You will feel the tiny particles as they exfoliate the dead skin cells. Many patients say the sensation is similar to the feel of a kitten licking their hand. The vacuum system pulls the particles and the loosened skin away leaving your with a silky smooth complexion and short term rosy glow. The microdermabrasion system is so successful due to its unique combination of a high-velocity vacuum and the microscopic size of the exfoliating particles. The aluminum oxide crystals are sterile and self-contained so they never touch human hands before they come into contact with your skin. Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion* The Edge system used by Dr. Sedgh is capable of "crystal-free" microdermabrasion. The effects are very similar but the non-crystal choice uses an abrasive tip with embedded diamond crystals instead of the aluminum oxide particles. Crystal-free microdermabrasion is often selected for sensitive skin. Typically, treatments are administered over a series of approximately five sessions, usually at an interval of between one to two weeks. Treatments usually take 20 to 30 minutes depending on treatment goals. Pre-Treatment Recommendations Do not use retinoids such as Retin-A or Avage or high strength retinols for several days prior to your microdermabrasion treatment. Avoid the use of at-home peeling agents and take care that you do not sunburn your skin. Please inform us of any topical products, prescription or otherwise, that you are using on your skin. Aftercare Recommendations Make up on the day of treatment should be avoided to allow the skin to regenerate itself and to not clog the pores. Since microdermabrasion can be a very dehydrating procedure we advise use of moisturizing treatments following your treatment. Sun block is used to protect the your skin from sunburn and should be used daily to prevent recurrence of sun damage. Who Should Not Use Microdermabrasion Anyone with cystic or inflamed acne should not undergo microdermabrasion. If you suffer from aggravated Rosacea, Eczema, Herpes and various other active or any chronic skin disease you should follow the advice of a physician. Microdermabrasion is a wonderfully effective procedure when used for the right problems with a medically trained technician. Dr. Sedgh has the experience and training to help patients with a variety of skin types enjoy rejuvenation. Call Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc. at 888-333-2515 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Weight Gain – Beyond Control? Most of us have grown up with a fast-food lifestyle, and nearly all restaurants have created the "more is better" serving size plan. It's all in the marketing, and there are billions of dollars behind that marketing. Combine this with a genetic predisposition to weight gain or insulin resistance or an ineffective exercise pattern, and the problem escalates. The result? Over 60% of Americans are either overweight or obese. (U.S. National Library of Health) By the time we realize things are out of control, often weight control is beyond "self-control" and medical assistance is necessary either for the jump start on weight loss, or to set up a systematic program that is designed to start and sustain healthy weight loss. Why an Overweight Person "Needs" More Calories Recognizing that many people who are overweight require more calories than someone who is normal weight for hunger satisfaction gives a good starting point in the thought process. No doubt you have heard thin people scoff at those who are overweight and make comments such as "Well, if they ate a normal amount of food, they'd lose weight." This is an unfair assumption. When someone has reached overweight or obese status, a "normal" amount of food intake will no longer send the required messages to the brain. In a thin person, a much lower food intake will signal the brain that sufficient calories have been consumed to maintain proper body function such as temperature control, heart rate and breathing - at that point hunger is satisfied. However, an overweight or obese person won't get these messages until far more food has been consumed. This is a seldom considered component that adds to the difficulty of weight loss. For someone battling excess weight, the issue may not be not a lack of self control, but a lack of the brain messages that say "Okay, that's enough." Fast Start Weight Loss One of the advances of modern medicine is that with correctly balanced supplements and appetite suppressants such as phentermine, the information that the brain receives is altered and the new message that arrives is "This is enough. You can stop eating now." And this message gets through even with a restricted calorie diet plan. Anyone who has a weight problem and has decided to do something about it typically wants things to happen fast. It takes time to gain weight and it takes time to lose weight. But, with medically assisted and supervised weight loss plans which incorporate medication to suppress appetite along with natural metabolic stimulators and supplements, the fast start weight loss programs are available to anyone who is in otherwise good health. Your Weight Loss Program Begins with: A comprehensive examination (including family history) Thyroid testing to rule out weight gain caused by hypothyroidism Lab work up including Chemistry, Liver and Kidney function tests, Lipid Profile, and complete blood count. BMI analysis. Body Mass Index indicates percentage of body fat. We use Tanita digital analysis to determine the body fat loss goals. Tanita body composition analyzer/scales provide detailed body composition analysis – weight, impedance, body fat %, body mass index, fat mass and fat-free mass. For a very basic online BMI calculator, click here A current analysis of your present dietary and exercise habits Weight goals and timeline Diet plan and exercise program First Steps Dr. Sedgh will select the most effective and appropriate plan to help you begin your weight loss. This may include either an appetite suppressant or a metabolic stimulator or both, to help your brain stop giving you erroneous messages about hunger and food intake. You will be given a restricted calorie diet plan. Although this may look like an insufficient amount of food on paper, rest assured it will be adequate based on your health, current weight and health condition. Instituted along with your unique formula of supplements, you will not suffer from diet-wrecking hunger pangs and energy loss. To lose weight that will not come back, you will need to retrain not only your brain, but your body's habitual digestive secretions that have come into play from consuming larger amounts of calories. Concentrated protein based foods are specifically balanced with fiber and water based foods so you will have ample nutrition and physical satisfaction even with lowered calorie intake. Remember that your digestive system has become accustomed to a "false - normal" response to what is actually an overly high caloric intake. Exercise is an important component of both losing and controlling weight. Although it is possible to lose weight with medication and calorie restriction alone, exercise can double the loss and help you maintain a life long healthy weight.

If you are a woman, chances are extremely high that you have some level of cellulite. Completely eliminating cellulite is not possible, though there are injection therapies which help improve the appearance of the skin by reducing the volume of fat within the fat cell itself. Cellulite is lumpy skin areas commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and buttocks. Cellulite is actually individual and clumped collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy. How Cellulite Forms Cellulite appears in the subcutaneous level of skin tissue. Fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by bands of connective tissue called septae. As water is retained, fat cells held within the perimeters of this area expand and stretch the connective tissue. Eventually this connective tissue contracts and hardens (sclerosis) holding the skin at a non-flexible length, while the surrounding tissue continues to expand with weight or water gain. This results in areas of the skin being held down while other sections bulge outward, resulting in the lumpy, 'cottage-cheese' appearance. The irregular bulging dimpled appearance that results are the visible signs of cellulite. No lotion or cream will help cure cellulite because topical products can't eliminate the septae, which are the root cause of the condition. Who Gets Cellulite and Why Several factors influence whether a person has cellulite and how much they have. Your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin are all associated with the amount of cellulite you have or how visible it is. It has been shown that people who have cellulite have different patterns of connective tissue than people who don't, so the genetic component is probably a bigger factor than any other in how much cellulite you have. Between 85% and 98% of post-pubescent females display some degree of cellulite. There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males. Cellulite is not related to being overweight; average and underweight people also get cellulite. While harmless, the dimpled appearance is a cause of concern for some people. Dieting does not get rid of the dimpled appearance, but a balanced diet and exercise may help to reduce the fat content within the distorted cells, reducing their contribution to the dimpling. Because there is no "cure" for cellulite, the best and most effective treatments diminish the appearance by reducing the amount of fat within the fat chambers themselves. Although liposuction is thought to be a solution, often it worsens the situation by creating deeper pockets in the skin through internal scarring and the inherent unevenness of mechanical tissue removal. Dr. Sedgh recommends a specific Mesotherapy procedure for cellulite. Injections into the areas affected by the cellulite introduce a mixture of solutions. The main component of cellulite treatment in Mesotherapy is Phosphatidylcholine. This component break down the fat within the fat chambers, allowing the cells to shrink and become less obvious on the skin surface. Mesotherapy Procedure Mesotherapy involves multiple injections using tiny 30 gauge needles. The entire problem area is treated in each session. Dr. Sedgh may follow the injections with ultrasound to help speed the treatment process. You may feel some slight stinging during the treatment and possibly experience some post injection soreness that could last a day or two. A common side effect of Mesotherapy is bruising, which generally resolves over one week. To speed up the healing process, we recommend that a supplement called arnica be taken either orally or applied topically on a daily basis. Avoiding Ineffective Treatments The use of cellulite "shorts" used with topical creams do little more than make your skin perspire, temporarily dehydrating the skin as opposed to actually affecting fat cell volume as Mesotherapy does. Topical foams and lotions alone usually only contain caffeine as the "active" ingredient, which acts as a temporary cell dehydration agent. Many people who use these lotions at night have a more difficult time sleeping due to the increased caffeine in their bloodstream. Learn more about cellulite treatment options by calling Beverly Hills Laser Institute, Inc. at 888-333-2515 today. Your initial cosmetic consultation is free.

Weight gain, fatigue, loss of sex drive, insomnia, negativity, feeling old and tired. These may all be symptoms of hormone imbalance. Testosterone, DHEA and Growth Hormones play a major part in how you think, feel, and perform. They also play a major role in your overall health. Often men will ask their physician for a "quick fix" of steroidal hormones or prescriptions for erectile dysfunction, thinking that there is no natural way to restore their feelings of energy and sexual ability. Steroids and erectile dysfunction drugs (such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra) are not always the answer or may only solve part of the problem. A better approach is to first restore proper hormone balance with natural hormones that arenot foreign to body. Bio-identical hormones are alternatives to synthetic drugs with potential dangerous side effects. Bio-identical hormones are individually dosed to meet your specific requirements for a natural balance. Hormone replacement therapy is equally suited to correct imbalanced and deficient hormone levels for both men and women. Understanding the impact hormones play in the life and well-being of you and your partner will be beneficial to you both. Hormonal Deficiencies in Men: Androgens: Testosterone and DHEA What are the symptoms of androgen deficiency? Without adequate androgen hormone levels (testosterone and/or DHEA) a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, and have difficulty concentrating. What changes occur in the body due to DHEA/testosterone deficiency? Decrease in muscle mass with an increase in body fat Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia Fragile bones (osteoporosis) Decrease in body hair Changes in cholesterol levels and lipid levels Decreased mental alertness Hormone Replacement for Men and the Positive Effects DHEA Levels begin to drop in your thirties. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone...which means that the body metabolizes - or converts - DHEA to testosterone. Precursor hormone-regulates other hormones Maintains youth/health Protects against heart disease Enhances immunity Acts as a glucose stabilizer Stress reducer Stabilizes weight Testosterone is the Primary male hormone. Levels usually decline beginning in the 50s. Responsible for gender characteristics, sexual desire and performance. Enhances libido Decreases heart disease risk Increases lean body mass Prevents osteoporosis Lowers total cholesterol and LDL Improves mental alertness Supports Collagen Anabolic hormone Growth Hormone is a major player in fat-to-muscle ratio and overall youthfulness Decrease in body fat Improved skin texture Osteoporosis reversal Increase in lean muscle mass Fewer skin wrinkles Faster healing Increased immune response Improved well being Retention of intellect with age Improved moods Improved sex drive Improved in sleep disorders Better exercise tolerance Improved mineral balance Growth hormone is administered with subcutaneous Saizen. Treatment programs requires 6 day per week microinjections. Most patients feel better within 3 months with average treatment length of 6 months. In your testing, Dr. Sedgh will first determine if your deficiency is primarily DHEA or testosterone or both. Restoration to proper levels of DHEA may be sufficient to return testosterone-related functions to normal. Growth hormone supplementation is recommended if levels are low normal or below normal. Growth hormone testing is done by measuring the level of IGF-1 (Somatomedin-C) in the serum, saliva and urine. Where Do Synthetic Hormones Come From? Synthetic hormones are not bio-identical to human hormones. Anabolic steroids can cause intense psychological changes, acne, over-muscularization and a host of undesirable effect. Where Do Natural Hormone Replacements Come From? Natural hormones are derived from wild yams and soy then converted by a chemist to hormones which are identical (bio-identical) in every way to those made by the human body. These naturally occurring substances cannot be patented and therefore are not produced by drug manufacturers. **They are not like their weaker, less effective counterparts you might see at some health food stores.** Effective bio identical hormone replacements are only prescribed by a doctor. Only a special compounding pharmacy can make natural Bio-Identical Hormones. They are not available over the internet, through mail order or from health food or drug stores. The Natural Balance Program™ pills coming from bottleUnderstand that your hormone profile is as unique as your very own fingerprints. With a three-step diagnostic procedure and then a custom treatment program, your specific hormone replacement "recipe" will help return your body to its natural properly functioning levels.

If you're persistently tired. If you've gained weight. If you've lost sexual desire or ability. If you can't sleep. If your mood is negative. If you feel "old" ... Your problems might easily be substantially alleviated by rebalancing your hormones. This delicate balance can be accomplished naturally without the dangers associated with chemically-derived hormone replacement therapy. Typical synthetic or steroidal hormone prescriptions can cause as many ill side effects as they suppress. What is your best choice? Bio-identical Hormones are alternatives to synthetic drugs with potentially dangerous side effects. Bio-Identical Hormones are individually dosed to meet your specific requirements for a natural balance. Hormone replacement therapy is equally suited to correct imbalanced and deficient hormone levels for both women and men. Those in a marriage or partnership will benefit from understanding possible hormonal issues in their mate. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement for Women: The Need and the Solution Fact: 50 to 90% of women suffer postmenopausal hot flashes that can last for 3 years or longer. Many women will experience episodic awakenings during sleep – from 3 to 30 times a night! Night sweats cause some women to repeatedly change night clothing and bedding - often in the middle of the night. One of the most disturbing aspects for couples is a woman's loss of sexual desire due to hormone imbalance and loss. Possible Menopause Symptoms Lack of Estrogen Hot Flashes Night Sweats Depression Memory Loss Hair Loss Headache Dry Skin Low Energy Mood Swings Anxiety Sleep Disorders Lack of Menstruation Vaginal Dryness Painful Intercourse Yeast Infections Lack of Progesterone Swollen Breasts Insomnia Nervousness Anxiety Fuzzy Thinking Headache Low Libido Emotional swings Depression Irritability Cramps Food Cravings Weight Gain Painful Breasts Painful Joints Lack of Testosterone Loss of Muscle Loss of Pubic Hair Muscle Weakness Muscle and Joint Pain Hyperemotional Lack of Self-Esteem Lack of Muscle Strength Lack or Sexual Desire Possible Long Term Consequences Osteoporosis Cysts, Cancer of the Breasts Cardiovascular Disease Cysts, Cancer of the Ovary Premature Aging Cancer of the Uterus Alzheimer's/Dementia Key Hormones for Women The key female hormones are estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. Although considered your “minor hormones” (the major ones being insulin, adrenalin and cortisol just to name a few), when an imbalance of any or all of them is present it can wreak major havoc on your life (as you may already know). Here are just some of the benefits these youthful hormones provide: Progesterone: First hormone to decline. Plays a major role in the female reproductive cycle and is also known as the "feel good hormone" because of its mood-enhancing and anti-depressant effects. DHEA: Levels begin to drop in your thirties. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, which means that the body metabolizes (or converts) DHEA to testosterone. Regulates other hormones Protects against heart disease Enhances immunity Acts as a glucose stabilizer Stress reducer Stabilizes weight Testosterone: Produced by your ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels usually decline beginning in the 50's. Responsible for sexual desire Enhances libido Decreases heart disease risk Increases lean body mass Prevents osteoporosis Lowers total cholesterol and LDL Decreases insulin resistance Estrogen: Found in the body as estradiol, estrone and estriol. Together with progesterone, it plays an important role in the female reproductive cycle and organ health. Cortisol: Normalizes blood glucose levels, blood pressure, electrolytes. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. Growth Hormones: Decreases body fat and increases lean muscle mass, reverses osteoporosis, helps with retention of intellect in aging, improves skin texture for a more youthful appearance. Growth Hormone Benefits Decrease in body fat Improved skin texture Osteoporosis reversal Increase in lean muscle mass Fewer skin wrinkles Faster healing Increased immune response Improved well being Retention of intellect with age Improved moods Improved sex drive Better exercise tolerance Improved mineral balance Growth hormone is administered with subcutaneous Saizen. Treatment programs requires 6 day per week microinjections. Most patients feel better within 3 months with average treatment length of 6 months.