Velashape III Now available at Winter Park Laser in Orlando

Velashape III at Winter Park Laser cellulite reduction

Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center is now offering Velashape III Treatments for cellulite reduction-the only FDA approved non-surgical treatment for circumferential reduction in the Orlando and Central Florida area.
The expert staff of Winter Park Laser with over eleven years of body sculpting experience in Orlando, Florida has obtained the new technology created by Syneron-Candela; Velashape III as seen on Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray, Fox & Friends, Real Housewives Franchise, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Velashape III is the first FDA approved non-surgical procedure for body re-shaping and cellulite reduction on the market.
VelaShape III technology combines infrared light, bi-polar radio frequency energy and vacuum, which cause deep heating of the fat cells, their surrounding connective tissue and the underlying dermal collagen fibers. This type of efficient heating and vacuum stimulates the growth of new and improved collagen and elastin. The results are improved skin tightening, reduced body volume, inches lost, and an overall improvement in skin structure and texture.
The Velashape III is much more powerful than its predecessor, the VelaShape II due to it’s increased Radio-Frequency Power. The result is that you reach your goal with less treatment sessions which are also shorter in duration. The VelaShape II typically requires 8-10 treatments to achieve cellulite reduction while the Velashape III provides even better results in as little as 3 sessions. The Velashape III also has a hand-piece specifically for treating neck fat while Velashape II does not.
For more information on treatments, or to schedule a complimentary consultation and demonstration, call 407 601 1185 or go to www.winterparklaser.com Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center is located at 1155 N Kentucky Avenue Winter Park, FL. Aneta Filardo CME, MBA is owner of Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center medically supervised by Plastic Surgeon James F Farrell M.D.

Why The Younger Millenials are Turning to Botox

When Botox Cosmetic first gained FDA approval in the early 1990's it was marketed to an older demographic of mainly women in their fifties and sixties.  While that demographic is still heavily getting their Botox the atmosphere is changing, as more men and more younger women are turning to Botox at a much younger age.  In our Orlando Medical Spa Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center the age demographic of our clients has progressively gotten younger and of course more men are coming in that never before.
So why are the Younger Millenials turning to Botox more than ever before now?
There are many different benefits to Botox than just erasing wrinkles.  In the industry, we now know the preventative benefit of Botox for the younger demographic which is now a large sector of frequent Botox users.
Women and men as young as 25-30 years old are now having Botox Cosmetic Injections regularly (every 3-4 motnhs). However, they are not just doing it to remove wrinkles, they are also using Botox to prevent more wrinkles.  Botox is the only cosmetic treatment that can relax your muscles that create elaborate expressions such as squinting.  By doing this one can no longer flex the facial muscles & make wrinkles appear or make them worse.
Those who start Botox at a younger age are actually pretty smart & saving themselves money in the long run, as they won't need as much Botox when their older. Often in the medical spa industry I find that older clients who have never tried Botox or aesthetic treatments need a large amount of work and sometimes don't understand what it takes to ease the wrinkles or the expense.  Those who have always taken care of themselves in a preventive measure at a younger age tend to need less Botox and treatments in general.
For more information on Botox or other cosmetic procedures go to www.winterparklaser.com

How Botox Can Cure Excess Sweating

Throughout the past decade Botox® has achieved a worthy renwoned reputation for treating and reducing wrinkles.  However, Botox® has a multitude of other uses one of those is being utilized to treat excess sweating in the underarms and hands.  While some people might not think sweating is a big deal, for those who suffer from hyper-hidrosis (excess sweating) it can be a very big deal filled with armpit stains on clothing, and more.   At our Orlando medical spa Winter park Laser we have performed Botox® injections for excess sweating for years for many happy clients.
The best candidates for Botox® injections to fight sweating are those that have tried anti-perspirants, and deodorants sometimes even prescription that haven't slowed down the sweating.  The way that it works is when the Botox® solution is injected evenly into various points in the underarm area. The injector will determine the number of injection points based on each patient's severity of seating and condition and the injections are spread out evenly.
The injector will inject just beneath the surface of the skin directly into the sweat glands. The Botox works by temporarily blocking the components of  your sympathetic nervous system that trigger excessive armpit sweat.  The treatment is injected with insulin needles and virtually painless.  There is not downtime and regular activity can usually begin within 24 hours.  The treatment in underarms will typically work for 6-9 months before needed to be repeated.
For more information on how Botox can cause sweating go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

The benefit of exfoliation

In our Orlando Medical Spa-Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center, I must use the word "exfoliation" fifty times a day to clients because it is my favorite word & activity!!  Exfoliation can change everything in a woman or man's skin including texture, pore size, acne, pigmentation, and dullness.  Unfortunately, many people never exfoliate their skin, or do not do it correctly, which is sad because they are many the boat on it's effectiveness.  While, laser skin resurfacing and aesthetic injectables are so amazing in my opinion exfoliation is still necessary to enhance these procedures and improve skin texture.
Exfoliation is essential because at any age dead skin cells start to pile up on the skin which cause dull uneven skin tone & texture even preventing many skincare products penetrating properly.  Skin exfoliation should not only be done on the face but the body as well and at least on a weekly basis.  Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface, or epidermis.
Exfoliation is easy with new medical grade skincare products that contain glycolics, exfoliating beads, or with medical grade chemical peels and dermaplaning.
Here are the Top Methods of Exfoliation:
Chemical Peel Exfoliation uses various enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial chemical peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. Chemical peels can be mild or stronger levels of exfoliation.
Dermaplaning is another new and amazing exfoliating treatment that provides an alternative to microdermabrasion and is a good choice for anyone with extremely sensitive skin. The dermaplaning treatment is performed by an experienced aesthetician who uses a modified blade to gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells. A noticeable improvement is immediate with smoother texture and fresh skin appearance. Hair returns softly and will not become coarser because of the treatment. Even products penetrate the skin better following this treatment and a chemical peel can even be performed directly after for deeper penetration.
Medical Grade Exfoliation Skincare products are those you purchase in a physician's office that you use at home once a week.  Typically they have various glycolic, or other AHA/BHA's in them to slough off dead skin.  Retinol is always a must product for constant exfoliation.
For more information on the benefits of exfoliation go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

What is Melasma & How to Treat It

elasma is a term that has become more commonplace over the past decade especially in regions such as Florida with an excess of sun exposure.  Melasma is often referred to as "the mask of pregnancy" because it is usually caused by hormone changes especially with pregnancy, birth control or menopause, and is made increasingly worse by sun exposure.  Melasma can also be caused by medications or brought on by post imflammatory hyperpigmentation due to certain burns of laser treatments.  Melasma generally occurs when estrogen and/or progesterone stimulate pigmentation hormones, causing dark brown irregular sized patches on the face that are normally rather large.   Melasma is most common in ethnic skin types especially hispanic or meditteranean although it can occur in light skin types as well. Genetic predisposition may make one more susceptible to melasma, and thyroid dysfunction may also increase susceptibility.
Since our medical spa Winter Park Laser is located in Florida we see a lot of Melasma due to the to the amount of sun exposure and the high amount of hispanic population in Florida. Melasma can be very difficult to treat and the results rely heavily on patient compliance and the type of maintenance done by the patient.  Here are some of the top ways to treat and maintain melasma.
#1 The Vi PeelL this is a strong chemical peel safe for all skin types to treat melasma.  It is a proprietary blend of TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C and a mineral blend.
#2 At Home Skincare: It is crucial to use Skin Lightening Treatment products such as Hydroquinone bleaching creams, or Skinmedica lytera which will help to suppress the underlying pigmentation and prevent more patches of melasma from surfacing.
#3 Limited Sun Exposure: Sun can make Melasma worst so the more one stays away from sun by wearing a full broad spectrum minimum spf 30 everyday and reapplying,  and wearing large sunglasses and large hats to protect your skin.

For more information on treating Melasma in Orlando go to www.winterparklaser.com

In Honors of Father's Day-the Best Aesthetic Treatments for Dad

So it's Father's Day this weekend, and in honor of that I would like to go over the best aesthetic treatments for Men & for Dad.  Fifty years ago, men would never be the ones to be in the market for aesthetic treatments, but in today's generation men account for more than a quarter of all surgical and non-surgical procedures.  These are the top aesthetic treatments that don't require surgery for men and dad's in 2015.
The Best Aesthetic Treatments for Dad (men)
#1 Brotox
"Brotox" is a new slang word for Botox for Men.  While Botox has been FDA approved for 14 years, men have become increasingly popular.  BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a FDA-approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet as well as used to treat wrinkles on the forehead  & to provide a temporary brow lift for men and women.  Men love it because it is quick (20 minutes) always deliveers great results, has no down-time and shows a nice improvement without looking "done" like surgery might do to a man.
#2 Laser Hair Removal
More and more Dads and men come to our Orlando medical spa-Winter Park Laser for laser hair removal.  Men get tired of shaving everyday and still having a "5 o'clock shadow" by the end of the day.  Many men also do laser hair removal to deal with in-grown hairs on the beard, neck or more.  Laser hair removal is a fairly painless procedure with no downtime that requires 6 sessions on average.
#3 Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm
Many men start to have sagging jowles as they age especially if they have lost weight.  While men want to look younger, not many of them are up for surgery so they turn to non-surgical options.  Dermal fillers such as Juvederm Voluma can give a "liquid Face-lift" effect by filling in hollow cheeks and deep lines around the nose and mouth.  JUVÉDERM^® XC is the first and only non-surgical hyaluronic acid (HA) filler FDA-approved to instantly smooth moderate to severe wrinkles around your nose and mouth for up to one year with optimal treatment and Juvederm Voluma® is approved to replace mid-face volume for results up to two years.
For more information on the best aesthetic treatments for Dads & men go to htttp://www.winterparklaser.com

Liquid Face-Lift is the Alternative to Surgical Face-lifts

In the past decade or more ago the only option for sagging skin on the face was for a surgical face-lift.  A surgical face-lift that required time off work, incisions, going under with anesthesia, spending $7,00-$10,000 and weeks of down-time to recover.  However, in this decade there are many other options for sagging skin and anti-aging than simply turning to surgery.  Many patients are looking for options that require less down-time and give natural results that don't cost as much as a car.
There are many options in the world of medical aesthetics for non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as ablative skin resurfacing, ultherapy, chemical peels, and mincroneedling.  One of the most popular non-surgical treatments is the "liquid face-lift" which utilizes various types of dermal fillers and injectables such as Botox cosmetic , Juvederm Ultra, Sculptra, and Juvederm Voluma to lift, and tighten the face in a treatment that takes an hour with minimal recovery time a less expensive cost of around $1,500-$2,000 which is way less than a surgical face-lift.
A "liquid face-lift" using cosmetic dermal fillers especially Juvederm Voluma that gives a great lifting effect when injected in the mid-face cheek area and can be performed on several areas of the face or focus on "trouble spots" such as the deep naso-labial folds (laugh lines) around the nose and mouth and hollow cheek area. This treatment can fill in hollow cheeks again which pulls up sagging jowles, mask bags under eyes, lift brows, lift jowls and reshape and restore plump lips, rounded faces and plump cheeks.  Once corrected this procedure can make women and men look 10-15 years younger instantly.
Liquid Face-lifts are performed by nurse practitioners, Physican Assistants, and physicians.  Winter Park Laser is an Orlando medical spa that has has experts performing liquid face-lifts on a regular basis.  For more information go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

How dark skin types can safely have laser hair removal

In the past when laser hair removal began it's roots 2 decades ago treating dark skin types was considered taboo but today with the right precautions and preparation laser hair removal can not only be safe but extremely beneficial for ethnic and dark skin types.  At our Orlando medical spa Winter Park Laser we have treated dark skin types with different lasers for hair removal for 11 years and these are our expert tips.
How dark skin types can safely have laser hair removal
Here are our tips to get laser hair removal for dark skin types:
#1 Ask Questions
You should be able to have a complimentary consultation at any medical spa.  Ask them a lot of questions.  Some key questions are: "How long have you been performing laser hair removal?", "Do You have Experience treating dark skin types with laser hair removal & how many cases have you performed?"  "Do you offer test spots?"  "What type of laser do you use & is it safe for dark skin?"
#2 What Type of Laser is being used for Laser Hair Removal
Research the laser being used on dark skin and make sure it is safe-that is has a built in cooling system and is a newer model.  The Vectus Laser by Cynosure which is a Diode laser is currently the safest laser on the market because it is the only laser with a built in melanin reader-the skintel that actually reads dark skin types and adjusts the settings automatically.  However, there are other diodes and yags on the market appropriate for ethnic skin.
#3 Get a "Test Spot"
If you have dark or ethnic skin you should be able to ask the laser tehnician to perform a small "test spot" on a less visible patch of skin.  You would know within 24-48 hours if you had a negative reaction before you have a large area treated.
#4 Ask a Friend
Ask your friends for a referral and read reviews before deciding on where you should get laser hair removal.
For more information on laser hair removal for dark skin go to www.winterparklaser.com

Busting Myths on Laser Skin Resurfacing

After Being in the Medical Spa industry for 10 years the technology for non-invasive cosmetic treatments has consistently involved and improved.  One of the top treatments to burst on to the seen in the past year is laser skin resurfacing using non-ablative and ablative lasers to treat scars, wrinkles, stretchmarks and more.  At our medical spa Winter Park Laser in Orlando we utilize several fractional lasers to treat a variety of aesthetic concerns. However, while laser resurfacing is such a viable option for treating skin concerns there are many myths and incorrect information out there.  My goal is to bust the myths on laser skin resurfacing.
Myth #1: Laser skin Resurfacing is Painful

Fact: This isn't true anymore.  Most lasers now have built in cooling systems, and topical numbing cream can be applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatments for an extremely comfortable treatment.
Myth #2: Laser Resurfacing involves extreme downtime of being raw, bloody & red for weeks.

Fact: This is not true, certain older ablative lasers such as CO2, Fraxel, and Urbium used to cause severe downtime for 10-21 days as the holes took 96 hours to close.  However, Palomar's Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing hand-piece only requires a "rug burn" effect for 4-7 days as the holes close in 6 hours also significantly reducing any risk of infection.  There is also non-ablative laser skin resurfacing which involves multiple treatments but has no downtime with the exception of slight pinkness for a few hours and is great for minor wrinkles, acne scars and stretchmarks.
Myth #3 All Lasers for Skin Resurfacing Treatments Are the Same
False: While this may have been true a decade ago, it definitely isn’t today.  There are a growing number of different lasers and various brands which can be classified as either ablative or non-ablative.  Ablative laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of your skin whereas non-ablative relies on wavelengths to penetrate the epidermis and stimulate deeper tissues.  Newer lasers (less than 3 years old) are safer, require less down time and have better built in cooling systems for great results.
Myth #4 If you have a surgical face-lift you won't need any other treatments such as Laser Resurfacing or Fillers
Fact: This is a common myth among surgical procedures but the fact is that surgical does not improve the texture of your skin.  Laser skin resurfacing will stimulate your own collagen & elastin to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and tighten pores.
Myth #5: Dark skin Types are not safe for Laser skin resurfacing.
Fact: This isn't true for non-ablative laser resurfacing but it is true for ablative laser skin resurfacing.  Most non-ablative lasers such as Palomar 1540 are color blind so they are safe for all skin types.

For more information on busting myths about laser skin resurfacing for Fractional ablative or non-ablative lasers at Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center in Orlando go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Why laser hair removal is a necessity & not a luxury

So when laser hair removal started it's roots after FDA approval in the early 1990's it quickly grew in popularity but was definitely a luxury item.  Many of the companies that started offered laser hair removal were large franchises and chains that treated it as a high end treatment and charged as such.  However, in more recent years as more individual medical spas like ours; Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center in Orlando have made laser hair removal more accessible to the general public.  This blog is to explain why laser hair removal has become a necessity and not a luxury.
Here are some of the top reasons laser hair removal is necessary:
1.) It saves time:  We live in an age where everyone has less time; moms are working more, and men are busier that ever, the more time you can save the better. Laser hair removal will save hundreds of hours of your life on not shaving, waxing or threading anymore after 6 short treatments of laser hair removal.
2.) It saves money: Over 10-20 years you will save $5,000-$15,000  not spending money on razors ($20 a month on avge), waxing ($300-$1200 a year) or threading ($200-$1000 a year).
3.) It is a cure for folliculitis (in-grown hairs): Darker skin is especially susceptible to ingrown hairs. Laser hair removal can give permanent relief to in-grown hairs with less than 4 treatments. Laser hair removal helps by thinning out the hair and can also help reduce the hyperpigmentation (excess pigment) caused by ingrowns which mainly occurs in darker skin types.
4.) If you live in warmer climates, you will always be ready for a swim suit: Laser hair removal will ensure that you don't have embarrassing stubble or ingrown hairs in your swim suit.
5.) It eliminates facial hair for women: It is embarrassing for many women and young girls to have facial hair. Laser hair removal can rid the hair and build confidence for life!
Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center is a privately owned medical spa in Orlando that has been performing laser hair removal for 12 years and was the winner of "Best Laser Hair Removal Orlando 2009". Go to www.winterparklaser.com for more information on laser hair removal.

More men are getting "Brotox" (Botox)

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While we have always had men at our Orlando medical spa-Winter Park Laser the number of male clients as increased significantly in the past few years for all of our services.  However we have seen the biggest increase in men getting Botox injections.  It's not just us seeing this trend it is being seen nation wide.
While women have loved Botox cosmetic injections for nearly two decades it has been a slow incline in males getting Botox.  However, most men prefer to call it "Brotox" which means Botox for men and is a fun term that keeps it masculine.   Like many other non-invasive treatments the number of men seeking Botox Cosmetic  has increased 310 percent since 2000, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
So why are more men getting "Brotox" (Botox).  There are many different assumptions but I think it comes down to the same reason the number of women seeking Botox has increased; it's a lot more socially accecpted than ever and it works.  Men are competing with younger counter parts for corporate jobs and want to stay looking young, and put together.  A lot of men also date younger counterparts that urge them to try Botox Cosmetic to correct wrinkles.
Whatever the reason for the trend, we love it! For more information on men getting "Brotox" (Botox) go to http://www.witnerparklaser.com

Top 3 Non-Surgical Treatments to Be Bikini Body Ready

Even in our sunny state of Florida there is still "bikini season" which usually begins in March for us.  Everyone wants to look their best in a bikini as you can't hide any flaws when you're nearly naked!  Fortunately there are some non-surgical aesthetic treatments that men and women can utilize to look their very best in a swimsuit.  All of these along with a healthy diet & exercise will have you looking like a "beach babe" in no time.  Here are some of our favorite body treatments we use at our Orlando medical spa Winter Park Laser.
Top 3 Non-Surgical Treatments to be bikini body ready
#1 Laser Hair Removal: Who wants to worry about stubble, redness, or ingrown hairsaround your bikini line or underarms?
Laser Hair Removal will eliminate stubble & ingrowns  and will give you permanent relief after 6 treatments. How it works: Laser hair removal works by directing concentrated beams of filtered light to a group of hair follicles, using enough power to disable or destroy the root responsible for hair growth without harming the surrounding skin.  Treatments are once every 4-7 weeks as hair growth cycles differ on various body parts and requires no down-time. After just one treatment you will see an immediate improvement as the hair grows in thinner.
#2 Velashape II Cellulite Reduction: Cellulite is caused by hereditary issues, stress, water retention, and other factors that make it difficult to treat with exercise and diet alone.
Powered by the revolutionary elos™ Technology utilizing bi-polar radio frequency, it treats the deeper tissue, offering a measurable reduction in fat layers, circumference and the upper layers of the skin, resulting in cellulite reduction, the smoothing of the skin’s tone and texture, inches lost, and noticeable reshaping of the treated area in 5-6 treatments. An infrared thermometer is used to ensure your body heats up to 104 degrees-the temperature it takes to melt fat. Many clients describe the treatments as feeling like a warm deep tissue massage.  You will be dimple free in 5 weeks running down the beach!
#3 TruSculpt Fat Reduction & Body Sculpting: Sometimes areas like the abdomen and love handles are hard to reduce the stubborn fat.  TruSculpt helps make it easier so you can say goodbye one piece, hello 2 piece.
TruSculpt™ is the first RF Non-invasive procedure to give permanent surgical type results, previously only available through cosmetic surgery. Using radio frequencies, the practitioner deep-heats tissue over large areas of the body. This treatment is similar to coolsculpting by Zeltiq but offers more visible results with less pain.
In only 2-3 treatments, patients can quickly see permanent results in their appearance, such as smaller mass, tighter skin and less dimpling. TruSculpt™ can be used on any area where fat deposits can accumulate, such as around the buttocks, thighs, love handles, back, or abdomen.
For more information on top cosmetic treatments for summer go to www.winterparklaser.com or call (407) 601-1185

Why Dermal Fillers are the new Facelift

Dermal Fillers have been around for nearly 2 decades and each company continues to come out with better dermal fillers that last longer and do more.  It is because of this that dermal fillers have become an alternative to surgical procedures such as face-lifts.  The first cosmetic dermal filler on the market was Restylane, since then  Perlane, Belotero, Radiesse, Juvederm UltraXC, Juvederm Ultra PlusXC and Juvederm Voluma have all come onto the market. In our Orlando medical spa Winter Park Laser dermal fillers have become the hottest aesthetic trend in the US over the past five years.
So what is a dermal filler? Dermal filler helps to diminish facial lines & replace volume in the face because as we age the face naturally breaks down fat.  Then the facial skin is stretched out and sags. Dermal fillers can be very helpful in those with early signs of aging.
So why are dermal fillers the new facelift? Cosmetic dermal fillers require no downtime and give amazing results by filling in volume lost in the cheeks, lips, and smile lines as well as erasing wrinkles, or filling in deep scars.  The #1 cosmetic dermal filler in the United States is Juvederm Ultra PlusXC by Allergan.  The beauty of dermal fillers over surgery is that they cost a fraction of the cost, only take 45 minutes to perform, and give an amazing rejuvenation to the face making it look years younger.  The only downside is that they are temporary however there are new longer lasting fillers such as Juvederm VolumaXC.  JUVÉDERM VOLUMA^® XC is the first and only FDA-approved injectable gel to instantly add volume to your cheek area to correct age-related volume loss in adults over the age of 21. It can provide you contour and a subtle lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.
For more information on why dermal fillers are the new facelift go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Latisse Frequently Asked Questions

Latisse® received FDA approval in 2008 as the first and only prescription product FDA approved to grow fuller, longer & darker eyelashes for patients with eyelash hypotrichosis or those wanting longer lashes.  Since then while giving many with no eyelashes, long, full & luxurious lashes there have been many truths, myths, and questions about it.  This blog is written to help those with questions about Latisse have accurate answers.
Here are top Latisse® Frequently asked Questions and Answers:
#1 What is the active ingredient in Latisse that makes it work?
Answer: The active ingredient is bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% which was using in a Rx medication eye drop called Lumigan.  The makers of Lumigan (Allergan) started to notice that the side effect was longer lashes and that is how Latisse was created.
#2: Can blue eyes get darkening in the eye area?
Answer: No, this can not happen to blue eyes, it can only happen in hazel eyes but has only occurred with Lumigan not with Latisse® patients and the chance of it happening is less than 5%.
#3: How do you apply Latisse®?
Answer: Every box of Latisse® includes individually packaged applicator brushes to apply the solution once a day on clean eyelids at the base of the lashes. Usually applying it at night is the best way.
#4: Does Latisse® stop working it if you stop using it?
Answer: Yes, if you stop using Latisse® your eyelashes will shed and eventually go back to the way they were.
#5: How long does Latisse® take to work?
Answer: Usually a person using Latisse® consistently will see results after 8 weeks but will continue to improve for up to 16 weeks.
For more information on frequently asked questions about Latisse® go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Intense Pulsed Light Photo-facials

Aesthetic laser options can become overwhelming and there is always mixed information given thoughout the internet.  This is why I decided to give answers to some frequently asked questions about one of my favorite aesthetic laser treatments-Intense Pulsed Light Photofacials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intense Pulsed Light Photo-facials
#1 Who is a good Candidate for Intense Pulsed Light photo-facials?
The best candidate for photo-facials is men or women who have excess pigmentation or severe sun damage such as sun-spots, brown spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation, or slight melasma.  It is also great for treating anyone with Rosacea, redness, or broken capillaries. The best skin types for IPL photo-facials is lighter skin types, it is not an appropriate treatment for brown or black skin types.
#2 How does an Intense Pulsed Light Photo-facial work?
IPL is a light-based treatment that targets different chromophores in the skin. Chromophores such as sun spots or broken capillaries selectively absorb the laser or light energy as heat and yield the desired response. These optimal wavelengths of light clear pigmented lesions by targeting melanin. The damaged pigmented lesions are then cleared by the body. They then get slightly darker & slough off, removing the appearance of the lesion from the skin. The skin looks smooth, tone looks more even, and texture is improved.
#3 What is the downtime with Intense Pulsed Light photo-facials?
As long as it is an up to date IPL technology with a build in chilling mechanism there is minimal downtime.  Normally only slight redness for 1-6 hours and makeup can be applied immediately after the treatment.
#4 How many treatments are required with IPL photo-facials?
The number of treatments depends on the severity of sun damage and redness.  However, on average most women and men require 2-4 treatments for maximum results.
For more information on frequently asked questions about intense pulsed light photo-facials go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Tips & Tricks for Reducing Cellulite

Unfortunately even women who are in shape, work out, and eat healthy fall victim to cellulite.  Cellulite is probably one of the biggest complaints I find women have at our Orlando Medical Spa Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center.  While some men get cellulite it is primarily a female issue. Cellulite is thought to occur in 80–90% of adult females  So let’s start by discussing what cellulite is & why it occurs.  The definition of cellulite is deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue usually in the thighs, hips, and buttocks that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface. 
There are many factors that play a part in causing cellulite which give insight into why it is so hard to control & treat.  The first is hormonal, estrogen may be the important hormone to initiate and aggravate cellulite. The second is a genetic element in individual susceptibility to cellulite. Other factors include stress, and water retention.  Whatever the reason their are some treatments and ways to help reduce and control cellulite.
Here are some tips & tricks for reducing cellulite.
#1 Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and avoiding caffeine throughout the day. The more hydrated the body, the plumper the skin cells are, which can minimize the look of cellulite and make skin appear smoother. Water also aids in pushing toxins out of the body.
#2 Increase circulation: This is mainly achieved through exercise. Your cardiovascular system helps keep blood circulation healthy and regular; your lymphatic system keeps lymph fluids in check and flushes toxins out of the body. Exercise frequently with cardio, eat healthy and massage lotion into cellulite areas on your body in a circular motion daily.
#3 Velashape II Treatments: Velashape technology utilizes radio-frequency energy, infrared light, vacuum and massage modalities to smooth out unsightly dimpling and uneven bumps associated with cellulite. It stimulates the lymphatic system to promote proper drainage and works to reduce the size of fat cells. The heat from the infrared light melts & shrinks fat cells while the RF energy stimulates collagen & elastyn for skin tightening.  The suction and massage modalities help to stretch out the tissue to be healthy again.  It takes 5-6 treatments 1 week apart on average and offers great results with no down-time.
For more information on tips & tricks for reducing cellulite go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Aesthetic Solutions for Dark Under Eye Circles

Dark circles are a major complaint for at least 65% of the women and men who come into my office and has been for the past 11 years at Orlando medical spa Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center.  Dark circles occur for many reasons.  Sometimes it is for reasons that are difficult to treat such as hereditary reasons, or sinus infections.  Usually dark circles occur from lack of sleep, and are frequently shadowing caused from hollow tear troughs or hollow cheeks.  Whatever the reason for dark circles the good news it that there are aesthetic non-invasive procedures to help reduce the appearance of dark circles long term.
Here are the top 3 aesthetic solutions for dark under eye circles that actually work. .
#1 Belotero Balance® or Juvederm UltraXC® dermal filler injected into the tear-trough area between your orbital bone & cheeks.
Why? Belotero Balance® is a hyaluronic acid filler that comes fully hydrated-which means that the product doesn't have to be "under-filled" in the tear trough area for safety reasons to see the result, it also allows the injector to inject higher in the dermal tissue which lessens risk of "tindle effect-bluish tint".  Belotero Balance® costs around $475-$550 per syringe for a 1 ML pre-filled syringe.  The tear trough area is typically numbed with topical cream first and pre-filled with Lidocaine for an even more comfortable procedure.
The tear-trough area is the most sensitive facial area to inject so slight bruising and swelling may occur but overall this is a minimally invasive treatment with little side effects or downtime. The results typically last 10-13 months on average. The result of Belotero in the tear-trough area can give clients a more youthful look, with less hollowness, dark circles & wrinkles in the eye area also making them look more rested.
#2 Glytone EnerPeel: A chemical peel designed specifically to target under eye darkening as well as wrinkles and loose skin around the eyes.
Why?  This peel is especially designed for the eye area & combines Lactic acid (great for pigment issues) with TCA (tri-chloracetic acid) great for tightening loose skin and stimulating collagen.  The results are a significant increase in skin firmness around eyes, Decrease in fine lines, wrinkles and coarse crow's feet around eyes, &  a Decrease in dark circles.
#3 Skinmedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream: No matter what in-office treatments you have performed it is still important what you do at home.
Why? It is important to use an eye cream to keep the area around the eyes hydrated, and the illuminating eye cream has light flecks and growth factors to lighten dark circles & tighten skin around the eye area.
For more information on top aesthetic solutions to reduce dark under-eye circles contact Winter Park Laser located at 1155 N Kentucky Ave Winter Park FL 32789 at www.winterparklaser.com or call (407) 601-1185.

Favorite Celebrity Cosmetic Treatments

I am writing this blog in honor of the awards season when you see nothing but fresh faced celebrities that only seem to look younger every year.  While celebrities want you think that they are naturally blessed with the best genetics in the world, most of them have had a little help.  So what cosmetic treatments are these celebrities utilizing that make them look so flawless.
Here are top non-surgical favorite celebrity cosmetic treatments:
#1 Botox Cosmetic: So sure there are a few celebs who claim they have never used Botox (as their forehead doesn't move) but there are many who have now embraced it and recognize that their smooth forehead is due to Botox such celebs include Jenny McCarthy, Vanessa Williams, and Kelly Rippa just to name a few.  Celebs love Botox as do most people because it is a quick, painless, has no downtime (so noone will know) and it works!  In 20 minutes they can have a treatment that kicks in within 1-2 weeks & smoothes out their wrinkles
#2 Dermal Fillers: While people would find out in hollywood if a celeb had a surgical facelift, however, a liquid facelift can be done in 45 minutes and a celeb can leave the office looking fresh as a daisy.  Dermal fillers such as Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Radiesse can be injected into the mid face to give back lost facial volume to areas such as cheeks will lift up sagging jowles and minimize deep smile lines.  Celebs who admit to using dermal fillers are Kris Jenner and Courtney Cox.
#3 Laser Skin Resurfacing: If you ever see celebs with smooth skin free of pores, wrinkles or scars that are older than they look or mention severe acne scarring as an adolescent they have probably had laser skin resurfacing.  Lasers like fractional non-ablative or ablative skin resurfacing utilize heat to cause superficial trauma to the dermis stimulating collagen & elastyn.  Non-ablative fractional resurfacing has no downtime with the exception of redness & swelling for less than 24 hours.  Mariah Carey & Brad Pitt are rumored to have had laser skin resurfacing treatments.
All of these treatments we have offered at our Orlando medical spa Winter Park Laser for 10 years and have treated some local celebrities whom shall remain nameless.   For more information on favorite celebrity cosmetic treatments go to www.winterparklaser.com

TruSculpt Non-invasive fat reduction vs. Liposuction

It used to be that the only way to get rid of stubborn fat pockets was with surgical treatments such as Lipo-suction and tummy tucks.  However, technology continues to improve in the aesthetic arena and there are now non-invasive, non-surgical treatments that rival surgical lip-suction results.  The first FDA approved non-surgical fat ruduction treatment on the market was Zeltiq (cool sculpting) but now TruSculpt is on the market for permanent fat reduction and is less painful with better results than it's predecesor. While there is a place for surgical treatments like liposuction many people could get the same or better results with TruSculpt.
TruSculpt Vs. Liposuction
Down-time: Liposuction has downtime after the treatment as surgical incisions are made. There is risk of oozing and infection.  You can not workout right away, have swelling and most of the time need to wear restrictive garments. TruScupt has no down-time.  There is only slight redness for a few hours.  You can work out the next day.
Pain: Liposuction even with numbing is a painful process and there is pain afterwards due to the suctioning and surgical incisions.  Trusculpt has little pain during the procedure other than heat and there is no pain afterwards.
Time: Liposuction takes one treatment but TruSculpt requires 2-3 treatments. Both treatments take about an hour but you don't have to take any time off work afterwards with TruSculpt.
Price: Liposuction pricing varies but will typically cost $3,000-$5000 per area.  TruSculpt runs $1200-$1500 per area.
Results: Both treatments will reduce harden fat on the areas of thighs, saddle bags, abdomen, love handles & under the chin-the "turkey neck".  They both will give you inches.
So there you have it & you can decide for yourself with your treatment provider what is the best treatment for you.  Most medical spas such as ours-Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging center in Orlando will offer free consultations on TruSculpt.  I recommend having a TruSculpt consultation with your local medical spa & a surgical consultation with a well know plastic surgeon in your area.
For more information on Trusculpt Vs Liposuction or TruSculpt body sculpting in Orlando go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Frequently Asked Questions on Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have been around since Egyptian times and have always been one of the most recommended treatments for anti-aging and skincare treatments by medical spas, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons.  However, even though chemical peels are a widely know named in aesthetics there are still a lot of myths, and assumptions about chemical peels that aren't always facts.  After running a medical spa-Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center in Orlnado for 9 years chemical peels are still a go to treatment that give effective results and are still the best treatment for exfoliation.
Here are some frequently asked Questions on Chemical Peels:
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a combination of acids used to remove layers of dead and damage skin to reveal new, softer, fresh looking skin.
Do all chemical peels create severe downtime and peeling?
No, there are varying degrees of chemical peels including mild, medium, and strong peels.  This depends on the acid or combination of acids used, the strengths (percentages of each acid) and the length of time the peel is left on the skin.  Light peels are good for beginning peels and typically have no peeling involved.  The medium peels usually involve light flaking for 2-3 days.  Only strong peels such as TCA (trichloracetic acid) require 3-7 days of peeling.
At what age can one have a chemical peel?
Chemical peels can be performed at any age and are especially useful for teens with acne.
Do Chemical Peels thin your skin?
No, chemical peels stimulate collagen and elastyn so they actually plump the skin reducing wrinkles. They only remove layers of dead skin that need to be exfoliated.
For more information on Frequently asked questions on chemical peels go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Laser Tattoo Removal is like a "Start Over" button

Tattoos have been around since the Egyptian time and while in many cultures they are revered in the American culture they sem to be losing clout.  Many organizations are banning tattoos that "show" for employees which is especially cumbersome in Florida when wearing a long sleeve shirt in 100 degree weather is not always fun.  Almost all federal employers such as police departments, prisons, fire departments, government facilities, and the military have banned employees & those enlisting into the military including army, navy, marines, & airforce from having tattoos on any area of the body that show in uniform.  This means anyone with a tattoo on their face, wrist, fingers, ankles, neck, or behind their ear has to remove them with laser tattoo removal in order to be hired, keep their job, or enlist in the military.  These are just a few of the reasons that laser tattoo removal has become mainstream and continues to grow in popularity.  Some of the other reasons men and women want tattoos removed can be age; for example: that cool "unicorn" tattoo on your ankle you got when you were 18 isn't as cool when you are 35 with 2 kids in a PTA meeting, or of course the old I'll be with "so & so" forever so you inked their name on your wrist or got a "wedding band" tattooed on your finger but of course "so & so" is out of the picture now but the reminder remains.

Laser Tattoo Removal is a like a "start over" button for your life.  It can give you that amazing job opportunity or promotion that you have been wanting without being held back by a simple "tattoo mistake."  It can help you erase a memory of a bad relationship, drunken spring break tattoo, or help you get rid of a regrettable tattoo before your kids notice it and want one.  Basically laser tattoo removal is an awesome way to start over for the new year.

Here are some basics on how tattoo removal works.  We used the laser we use in our Orlando Medical Spa Winter Park laser & Anti-Aging Center. The NaturalLase QS is the highest energy q-switched yag system in the world.  Take advantage of four Q-switched wavelengths in one system (1064, 532, 585 and 650 nm). Tattoo ink is removed by using specific wavelengths of light which pass into the skin, and is absorbed by the ink. A given wavelength targets only a single color (or a group of nearby colors). For example, the red wavelength removes the green ink and the green wavelength removes the red ink. The rapid absorption of the light energy (shock wave) causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body’s natural filtering systems often referred to as the body’s lymphatic drainage system.  Complete Numbing of the treatment area using Lidocaine injections is an available option for a painless procedure.

So use tattoo removal as your "start over" button.  For more information on laser tattoo removal in Orlando go to www.winterparklaser.com