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