Refresh Aesthetics Med Spa

Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which laser hair removal is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs. Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for laser hair removal. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body (the eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage). Candidates for Laser Hair Removal Because the laser beams used to remove hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made laser hair removal for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated. Benefits of Laser Hair Removal There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following: Hair is precisely targeted Procedure is quick Results are permanent (for 90 percent of patients) or long-lasting For many patients, laser hair removal is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band's snapping against the skin. Laser Hair Removal Procedure Laser hair removal is performed while the target area is numbed by a topical anesthetic. A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of laser hair removal, some of which combine laser impulses with radiofrequency. The appropriate method for each patient is decided in consultation with the physician administering treatment. Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective laser hair removal takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient's hair, and the location from which it is being removed. Recovery from Laser Hair Removal Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after laser hair removal, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for some period of time. Complications of Laser Hair Removal The most common complication of laser hair removal is the regrowth of the unwanted hair. Frequently, however, the hair that regrows is finer and lighter than the hair that was removed. Usually, regrowth can be addressed with a few additional treatment sessions. Other complications that may arise after laser hair treatment include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting; changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin; and scarring at the removal site.

BOTOX® Cosmetic FAQs BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. BOTOX Cosmetic injections treat moderate-to-severe facial lines and wrinkles that are formed by continual muscle contraction. Treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic is the most popular physician-performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. What does BOTOX Cosmetic do? According to its manufacturer, Allergan, Inc., "BOTOX Cosmetic is the first and only FDA-approved prescription product that temporarily improves the appearance of both moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows and moderate-to-severe crow's feet in adults." How does BOTOX Cosmetic work? Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic, which contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract. When will I see results from BOTOX Cosmetic? How long does it last? Results from BOTOX injections are apparent within 24 to 48 hours, and are maximized by 30 days. Results often last between 3 and 4 months. Does BOTOX Cosmetic have medical applications? Yes; it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. Who is qualified to give BOTOX Cosmetic injections? The manufacturer of BOTOX Cosmetic recommends that injections only be given by a doctor who has experience with BOTOX Cosmetic, and has a "medical practice that focuses on facial aesthetics and offers other facial aesthetic treatments." What are the possible side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic? Side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary. Possible injection-site side effects include pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising. What are the possible cosmetic side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic? Depending on where they are given, cosmetic side effects of BOTOX injections include eyelid drooping and swelling.

Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation Intense-Pulsed-Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation uses high-energy pulses of light to improve the skin's appearance. Also referred to as IPL photorejuvenation, photofacial therapy and pulsed-light therapy, IPL skin rejuvenation is a nonabrasive and noninvasive treatment option for removing red and brown pigment from the skin. IPL is used to treat age spots, birthmarks, freckles caused by the sun, symptoms of rosacea, spider veins, and scarring from acne; it is also an effective tool for hair removal. IPL penetrates below the surface of the skin, leaving the top layer of skin intact, which means that there is no post-treatment recovery period. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in the visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels. The Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation Procedure Prior to IPL treatment, a topical anesthetic gel is applied to the skin to reduce discomfort. The IPL machine is placed on the settings that best suit the patient's skin; among the factors considered are the condition being treated and, because IPL is absorbed differently by different skin colors, the amount of pigment in the skin. Protective coverings are placed over the patient's eyes, and the IPL handpiece is gently pressed to the skin as pulses of light are emitted. The light is absorbed by the skin's red or brown pigment and converted to heat, which dissolves the pigmented cells. After treatment, the topical anesthetic is removed with a warm cloth, and a moisturizer with sunscreen is usually applied. If there is any swelling, a cold pack is applied for 5 to 10 minutes. Three to six treatment sessions are usually required; sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes each, and are spaced approximately 3 weeks apart. Gradual improvement may be seen after each treatment, but optimal results appear only after several months. Recovery from Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation There is no recuperation time following IPL treatment. A patient can return to work or resume normal activities on the same day. Although skin may be slightly reddened after the treatment, redness typically disappears within a day or two. As it heals in the days following treatment, skin often begins to flake. Over time, however, a gradual, natural-looking improvement in the skin becomes noticeable. Applying sunscreen regularly and avoiding sun exposure is recommended following IPL treatment. Risks of Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation One possible contraindication for IPL treatment is taking medication that increases photosensitivity. A patient using a topical or oral medicine that increases sensitivity to light may not be a candidate for IPL treatment. And, although IPL skin rejuvenation is considered safe, there are some risks associated with its use. Although rare, IPL skin rejuvenation can cause skin discoloration, blisters, scars and burns.

Bioidentical-Hormone-Replacement Therapy Hormone-replacement therapy is a treatment for women going through menopause. Symptoms of menopause can vary from moderate to severe, and include a slowed metabolism, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, memory loss, mood swings, weight gain and low libido. One way to treat the symptoms of menopause is to replace the hormones that a woman's body is no longer producing. Traditional hormone-replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause. Bioidentical-hormone-replacement therapy (BHRT) is an alternative treatment that uses hormones derived from plants. Bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure that is identical to the hormones made by a woman's body. They are created in a laboratory from a plant chemical that comes from yams and soy. Some bioidentical hormones are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); others are compounded (custom-made) and, as such, are not regulated by the FDA. Benefits of Bioidentical-Hormone-Replacement Therapy Bioidentical hormones can be custom-made for the individual patient. They are available in many different forms, including pills, injections, suppositories and creams. In addition to menopause, BHRT can be used to treat perimenopause and severe premenstrual syndrome. Candidates for Bioidentical-Hormone-Replacement Therapy Women who are suffering from the symptoms of menopause may be candidates for bioidentical-hormone-replacement therapy. Many menopausal women using synthetic-hormone replacement who have not experienced significant symptom relief might consider switching to bioidentical hormones. Certain factors, such as preexisting medical conditions, determine whether or not bioidentical hormones are a viable alternative. Risks and Complications of Bioidentical-Hormone-Replacement Therapy Because bioidentical hormones have not been extensively studied over time, their long-term effects are unknown. In addition, bioidentical-hormone replacement therapy as a whole has not been approved by the FDA, although some individual bioidentical hormones have been. Risks and possible side effects associated with traditional synthetic-hormone-replacement therapy, however, include an increased risk of certain cancers, as well as the following: Breast pain Nausea Bloating Bleeding Mood swings A woman should discuss all aspects, including the risks, of bioidentical-hormone-replacement therapy with her doctor before deciding if it is an appropriate treatment. Additional research is needed to fully understand its risks and benefits.

Laser Skin Tightening Laser skin tightening is a noninvasive procedure designed to reverse signs of aging on the skin. It can be used on all areas of the face and body, but is typically used on the face and neck. It works by heating the underlying layers of skin to stimulate collagen production, which, in turn, causes the skin to look fuller and tighter. Wrinkles, fine lines, lax skin and other signs of aging are minimized, and skin looks healthier and more youthful. Laser Skin Tightening Procedure Laser skin tightening is an in-office procedure usually performed by a dermatologist. A session begins with an anesthetic cream being applied to the areas of skin being treated; this minimizes discomfort caused by the laser. Protective eyewear is also supplied. During the actual treatment, a handpiece, which emits cool air to also help reduce discomfort, is used to apply short pulses of laser energy to the skin. The heat from the laser stimulates collagen production, which then contracts and tightens the skin. Depending upon the size of the treatment area, sessions typically take 30 minutes to an hour. For best results, 2 or 3 treatment sessions, spaced about 1 month apart, are usually recommended. Many patients see improvement to the overall condition of their skin immediately after being treated, and skin continues to improve over the next few months as collagen production increases. In some cases, the results of laser skin tightening last for 2 years. Advantages of Laser Skin Tightening Because it is not invasive, many people choose to undergo laser skin tightening rather than facelifts, neck lifts, liposuction or "tummy tucks," all of which are surgical procedures that require recovery time. After a laser skin tightening session, patients can resume their regular activities immediately. Side Effects of Laser Skin Tightening There are no serious side effects associated with laser skin tightening. Mild side effects, which are temporary, include redness; swelling; bruising; skin sensitivity; and changes in skin color. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose and spider veins, most commonly found on the legs, by collapsing them through the use of a solvent. Sclerotherapy has been used on patients since the 1930s with great success, producing increasingly effective medical, as well as cosmetic, results. Reasons for Sclerotherapy Some of the reasons a patient may desire, or a physician may recommend, sclerotherapy may include one or more of the following symptoms: Pain, aching or burning sensations in the legs or feet Swelling or redness at the site Cramping of the legs, especially at night Scaly, dry or discolored skin at the site Discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods Individuals troubled by varicose veins may choose, in consultation with their physician, to undergo sclerotherapy either because they find them unattractive or because the diseased veins are causing unpleasant and/or dangerous symptoms. The Sclerotherapy Procedure During sclerotherapy, a solution of saline and a sclerosant is injected into the damaged veins. This will cause irritation in the affected veins and produce their eventual collapse. During this procedure, the surgeon is guided through the use of ultrasound to ensure precision. When the weakened veins collapse, they will be reabsorbed into the body and other healthier veins will take their place in the circulatory system. Sclerotherapy has proven to be a safe procedure and is performed outpatient in the doctor's office. Typically, sclerotherapy is performed in less than an hour, although a varying number of injections may be required, depending on the number of veins involved. Patients do not require an anesthetic and usually report little or no discomfort during the procedure, only a mild burning sensation. In some instances, several sclerotherapy treatments may be necessary. Risks of Sclerotherapy Although sclerotherapy is a safe procedure that has been successfully performed for many years, there are certain risks associated with any medical procedure. Certain minimal, temporary side effects are to be expected, including bruising and discoloration. More serious complications are rare, but may include: Inflammation Swelling, warmth and discomfort around the injection site may indicate the presence of an infection for which the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Blood Clot A lump of clotted blood may form in a treated vein and require drainage. Rarely, a deeper blood clot may develop, known as a deep vein thrombosis. Since there is danger that such a clot will break off and travel to the chest, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, such a clot requires urgent medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or the coughing up of foamy blood are signs of pulmonary embolism and must be addressed immediately. Air Bubbles Tiny air bubbles may rise in the bloodstream. These may not result in any symptoms, but if the patient experiences visual disturbances, headache, coughing or nausea, the physician should be contacted. Nerve Damage Numbness or odd sensations in the affected limb following sclerotherapy should always be investigated. While rare, it's possible for a patient to have a severe allergic reaction to the sclerosant used in the treatment. Recovery from Sclerotherapy Patients are able to return home shortly after sclerotherapy. Most can return to work and resume normal activities the next day, although exercise and strenuous activities are to be avoided a week or two. Compression bandages usually need to be worn for a week or so after the procedure. While it may take up to a month for the patient to see full results, some improvement is usually visible immediately. In order to promote vascular health and to preserve the positive effects of the sclerotherapy, it is recommended that patients maintain a healthy weight and make exercise part of their daily routine.