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

Laser Stretchmark Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Until 4 years ago most physicians would tell women and men that there was no treatment or cure for stretchmarks.  However, that changed when Palomar Medical became the first company to receive FDA approval for laser stretchmark removal with their Fractional 1540 Laser for skin resurfacing.  Since then we have seen thousands of women and men receive up to an 85% reduction in their stretchmarks in 4-5 treatments at our Orlando Medical Spa Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center.   While laser stretchmark removal is extremely effective it is still a relatively new procedure in the asethetic field and therefor still garners a lot of skepticism and questions.  So here are frequently asked questions and answers.

Laser Stretchmark Removal Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

#1 Does laser stretchmark removal really work?

Yes! It really does work-the fractional laser penetrates to the deepest skin layer the dermis and breaks up weak stretchmark tissue, pushes it out, and the heat stimulates new collagen and elastyn, thus reducing the appearance of the stretchmarks.

#2 How does laser stretchmark removal work?

The Lux1540XD™ Fractional laser hand-piece can improve the unsightly color and skin texture associated with stretch marks, leaving women with smoother, better-looking skin with no downtime. The Lux1540XD hand-piece delivers an array of high-precision micro-beams to create deep, narrow columns of coagulation in the epidermis and dermis. This triggers a restorative natural healing process that creates healthy new tissue, including the deposition of new collagen on any area of the body eliminating embarrassing white or red striae (stretch-marks). Treatments are relatively comfortable and topical numbing is a complimentary option for an incredibly comfortable procedure.

#3 Is laser stretchmark removal permanent?

Yes, the results are permanent and usually require 4-6 treatments.

#4 Who is the ideal candidate for laser stretchmark removal?

While, laser stretchmark removal will give a reduction in stretchmarks for everyone, there are certain circumstances that garner better results.  Lighter skin types who have newer stretchmarks tend to do the best.

For more information on laser stretchmark removal frequently asked questions go to http://www.winterparklaser.com/services/stretch-mark-removal/

Give the gift of Beauty with Aesthetic Treatments

So every year around the holidays there are the same go to gifts-candy, perfume, jewelry etc for women and ties, scarves, wallets for men. However, after running a medical spa-Winter Park Laser in Orlando for 10 years every year our clients beg loved ones for our treatments as gifts. This year it is time to think outside of the box and give people what they really want and need.  While aesthetic treatments such as Botox, fillers, laser hair removal and more used to be a very private entity but now it is much more well known now and people are more comfortable to talk about these treatments and ask for them.  So this year instead of traditional gifts give the gift of beauty with Aesthetic Treatments.
Here are the top aesthetic treatments that our clients as for as a gift.
#1 Laser Hair Removal: Laser hair removal is the top gift asked for in our medical spa.  It is a great gift for women, men and teens.  The gift of not shaving is an amazing gift and will give people back extra time.  It is an easy painless procedure and can be extremely affordable to purchase especially for small areas.  For men laser hair removal for the neck, beard or back can give them the time and confidence they deserve especially for those with ingrown hairs.  Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for those with ingrown hairs.  Teen girls especially love the underarms as an area for laser hair removal.
#2 Botox® Cosmetic: If you know your loved one gets Botox® on a regular basis or it is something that they have been wanting to try this is an excellent gift that will be greatly appreciated. Botox® can be extremely affordable to gift-$250 would typically get one area treated and corrected.
#3 A Clinical Facial: If you have a co-worker, friend or loved one who doesn't get to pamper themselves a clinical facial is the perfect gift to give.  It is better than a traditional day spa facial because it will be performed by a medical aesthetician utilizing medical grade skin-care to give longer lasting results.

For more information on giving the gift of aesthetic treatments go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Tips for getting the Best Botox Injections

While Botox® has become a household name and is the #1 cosmetic treatment performed in the world (both surgical and non-surgical) there are still many questions and mystery surrounding it. When deciding to get Botox injections it is important to know what to look for in a treatment provider as well as how to know you are really getting Botox® Cosmetic from Allergan and not an imitation Botulin Toxin. After performing Botox® consultations for 5 years at our Orlando Medical Spa Winter Park Laser I have come up with the best tips. Here are Tips for Getting the Best Botox® Injections #1 Ask for a referral from friends. Botox® is no longer a "taboo subject" amongst friends, it's almost as common as brushing your teeth these days and even if you think you don't no anyone who uses it, I guarantee if you bring it up at least more than a few of your friends will admit to using it and can give you a great referral. By using a referral from a friend you can see the types of results you want-the friend who looks so great but natural that you didn't even realize she used Botox®! You will therefore feel comfortable with the Treatment provider before you even begin treatment and you will have an idea of what to expect. #2 Verify that you actually getting Botox® Cosmetic from Allergan: Botox® is a brand of Botulin Toxin, and is the #1 type used however there are unfortunately imported Botulin Toxins from Canada or other brands such as Dysport or Xeomin. It is important when you schedule your appointment that you ask directly if they are using Botox® Cosmetic. You then want to ask to see the bottle and look for the Botox® Allergan hollogram on the bottle. It should also be a red flag that it may not be Botox® if it is 50% less than most place or is a groupon. #3 Bring a Picture of your "younger self" so you can express exactly the way you want to look and what you loved at that time and give to the consultant or treatment provider prior to your Botox® injection. This way the provider knows exactly what you want and there will be no miscommunication. You want to be direct and clear about what you want so that you can have reasonable expectations and know that Botox® is really what you need to correct your concerns. #4 Look at Reviews of your Botox® provider and check that they are listed on the Allergan website. This will of course give you an idea of the best and allow you to feel comfortable before you go. You will also know that they order directly from Allergan and feel more comfortable with that as well. For more information on tips for getting the best botox® injections go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Fall Skincare Tips for Glowing Skin

While you change your wardrobe and foot wear with the seasons it is important to remember to change your skin-care routine and products with the seasons as well.  Your skin adapts with the season changes and your skin-care products should follow suit.  I am a lead consultant at an Orlando Medical Spa-Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging so part of my job is to recommend the best products and when you should you use them.
Here are my top Fall Skincare Tips for Glowing Skin
#1 Exfoliate! 
Over the summer you accumulated a lot of superficial sun damage and pigmentation therefore it is important to exfoliate your skin in order to reduce pigment as well as break down dead skin cell build up, clean out your pores, and tighten your pores.  The #1 way to exfoliate is with a chemical peel.  Chemical peels can come in light, medium, and strong peels and range between light flaking to days of peeling. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it  eventually peel off revealing fresh skin. The new skin is tighter, less porous, brighter and smoother.  If you can't make it to your local medical spa for a chemical peel, then an at home scrub or product with Alpha Hydroxy Acid or Beta Hydroxy Acid will help as well.
#2 Still Wear a SPF in your Moisturizer everyday!
Even though you may not be at the beach in the Fall or it might even start snowing you are still exposed to sun.  When you walk to your car, drive your car, rake the leaves you are still accumulating sun exposure and damage.  It is important to stick to a moisturizer with a minimum spf 30 full broad spectrum UVA/UVB.
#3 Switch your moisturizer to a heavier daytime moisturizer or add a night-time moisturizer.
During the summer your skin tends to be more oily and a lighter moisturizer is necessary.  When the seasons change your skin typically becomes dryer which means to keep that sweet summer glow you need more hydration.  This is when you should switch to a thicker daytime moisturizer with SPF or add a nighttime moisturizer such as Skinmedica's Dermal Repair.
For more information on Fall Skincare Tips for glowing skin go to http://www.winterparklaser.com

Laser Hair Removal Benefits

Laser Hair Removal has been available to the public for nearly 20 years now yet so many men and women are still unaware of the benefits laser hair removal especially in comparison to other hair removal methods such as waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis. Laser hair removal has proven to be the safest and most effective treatment form of  hair removal available.
Many men and women  are uneducated about the facts and benefits of laser hair removal.  Just a few important things to know about laser hair removal are the following; it is now safe for all skin types with the appropriate lasers, blondes and red heads can be treated effectively with the correct laser for laser hair removal.  There are many benefits to laser hair removal other than just permanent hair reduction.
Laser Hair Removal benefits:
#1 It's Fast: New technology has allowed laser hair removal to become incredibly efficient. Treatments for small areas such as lip or chin can take only 5 minutes, and large areas like full legs or full back only take 30-40 minutes to complete and in less sessions-only 6-7 on average.
#2 Eliminate In-Grown Hairs (folliculitis): Laser hair removal destroys hair follicles and thins out hair so that hair follicles can no longer become clogged and cause in-grown hairs or folliculitis.
#3 More Personal Time: On average men spend a total of 35 days of their life shaving, and women spend an average of 72 days of their life shaving just their legs.  So in a nutshell laser hair removal can give you have 35-72 days of your life on average to spend doing more productive things with your time.
#4 It is the only permanent hair reduction method: Laser Hair Removal is 95% permanent which means that you might only have 5% regrowth caused by the follicle stimulating hormone and it should be as easy as a touch up once every 1--5 years on average.
#5 It Saves You Money: If you are waxing or shaving you are spending at least $50 per month on average for life for hair reduction.  Laser hair removal can be a little more of an investment in the beginning, but you only need 6-7 treatments on average and then you won't be spending money on hair removal on a monthly basis.
For more information on the benefits of laser hair removal go to http://www.winterparklaser.com