The New Treatment for Reducing the Appearance of Cellulite: Z-Wave by Zimmer Medizin Systeme

Ever get that feeling? I know I do anytime I feel brave enough to slide on shorter shorts or wear a fun short dress. No worries, there is now a treatment that can help get rid of it all!

Z Wave by Zimmer is a device that uses "Radial Pulse Wave Therapy" to reduce the appearance of cellulite at all stages.

Here is a video created by ZimmerMedizinSysteme to show how this new technology can acheive skin firming that leads to the reduction of the appearance of cellulite:

Interesting....

The treatment is virtually painless with the sensation of the hand piece thudding over the treatment area. Similar to the way a jack hammer moves. It is loud to the ears but last only a few short minutes. The treatment could leave the area slightly pink and warm to the touch however patients do not complain of side effects being bothersome following a treatment. 

Radial Pulse Wave Therapy, also known as Radial Shockwave Therapy originally was used to treat the pain associated with chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The sound waves delivered to a specific site allow for a biological reaction to take place in the cells (inflammation) which triggers a need for healing processes to begin, and for circulation to the target area to increase.

Some history on Radial Shockwave Therapy: 

"The effect of true “shockwaves” was first documented during World War II when the lungs of castaways on merchant ships were noted to be damaged without any superficial evidence of trauma. It was discovered that the shockwaves created by deep sea depth-charges were responsible for the internal injuries. This created a great deal of interest and research into the biological effects of shockwaves on living tissue."

Now, let's here what the Dr's think about this new type of technology and how it relates to the reduction of cellulite at all stages: 

This video shows a different device being used, but the same type of therapy. 

It's true...

For more information including prices on Z-Wave please contact Northwest Laser Institute & MediSpa at 208:888:7831

#Boise #Idahome #ThisisBoise #NWLI

Source:

 http://www.lakelandchiropractic.net/ieadmin/files/Shockwave_Patient_Education_Booklet.pdf

Microneedling - Difference between a pen and roller? Benefits?

Microneedling in a nutshell is: creating tons of micro-preforations in the skin in order to stimulate the production of new, healthy collagen and elastin fibers that will tighten, firm and smooth the skin. It is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and even those tough stretch marks. It is the perfect tool for maintenance to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.  Used in combination with solutions such as growth factors, hydroquinone, and vitamin c, you can achieve optimal absorption. 

Scarring and Stretch Marks-

A little info behind scarring and stretch marks: these are both created by an acceleration of collagen and elastin fiber production in the skin in order to heal or accommodate to skin conditions or changes. These rapidly produced fibers become tight and tethered in a way that forms a thicker patch of scar tissue. The only way to correct this is to break up those tethered fibers and cause a healthy production of new cells and fibers. Microneedling treatments reach depths that allow their needle preforations to puncture the tethered fibers causing a repair response that will dull the appearance of unsightly texture issues. 

Pen Vs. Roller-

The microneedling pens that are on the market have taken the microneedling technique to a more fine-tuned level. These pens have the ability to change speed and depth of the needle preforations by simply twisting a dial near the top or bottom of the device. This allows for better control and a treatment that can now precisely target problem areas such as scarring or deeper wrinkles. As you can see in the photo, the pen (left) has a smooth up and down motion to it, leaving behind clean puncture marks. Examples of the microneedling pen are: Rejuvapen, CosmoPen, Dermapen, and MDPen. 

The rollers are a less controlled way to get your preforations that cause collagen remodeling and restructuring. This method tends to have a significantly higher amount of pain involved in comparison to the pen. With some of these rollers you are required to change out your tip in order to change your depth of penetration. Results are achievable with both devices, however, the microneedling rollers are somewhat of an older form of mechanic collagen induction therapy. Looking back at our photo, you'll notice the preforations made by the roller are a little wider, showing that the needles sort of pull the skin open as they roll across the surface. This could potentially lead to higher risk of infection or prolonged healing. 

Benefits-

This mechanical way of restructuring your collagen formation is becoming more and more popular among med-spas and medical practices across the world. It can be a surprisingly comfortable treatment when a topical anesthetic is used. I have seen this collagen induction therapy dramatically improve acne scars, stretch marks and deep wrinkles- which are some of the most difficult skin problems to correct. I would strongly recommend this treatment option to anyone that is unhappy with their skin's texture, or anyone that wants a great anti-aging treatment without going the route of laser resurfacing or neurotoxins. 

At 23 years old I received my first microneedling treatment with Rejuvapen. I did not expect to see any noticeable results simply because I still have a pretty strong collagen formation at my age and don't suffer from any scars or wrinkles. Within a day or two of receiving my treatment I noticed a tightness and firmness to my skin that wasn't there before. I definitely could see the benefits in the healthy, smooth glow my skin was now giving off. I love this treatment and think it should be done in combination with any of our services. 

*Important Tip: Microneedling results are always best when a series of treatments are preformed. 
**Warning: There are microneedling pens all over the internet for "at home" use, it is safer to have this procedure preformed by a trained professional. Offices maintain sanitary conditions and have the necessary tools and topical to ensure the treatment is done properly and so that maximum benefits can be achieved. 

To schedule a free consultation or a microneedling treatment at Northwest Laser Institute please call 208::888:7831

For patient reviews on certain devices or for further information visit: http://www.realself.com/microneedling

Coming soon.. The New Cellulite Treatment: Z-Wave by Zimmer

Training and Education. How to Get a Job in this Booming Industry

When that realization smacks your twenty-something year old self in the face....yep, I've been there. I say twenty-something because usually 18-20 is that weird self-discovery phase where you experiment and go to raves and get arrested for being your rebellious free-spirited self. It's usually in the twenties when that nervous "where am I going with my life???" thought comes up.

Here's something super cool that I wish I would've known when I was graduating High School:

Becoming an Aesthetician, then getting trained and certified as a laser technician is a fast track to a great career with a very fair income and amazing opportunities.

It also doesn't hurt that you will become a pro at handling your breakouts and unwanted hair...

Okay, with that being said, here is a fun little diagram of the 4 steps it takes to become an aesthetician  and then a laser technician in today's world:

So the 500-hour program is for the state of Oregon where our Premiere Aesthetics Institute is located. The number of hours required for your aesthetics license will vary depending on which state you are trying to become licensed in. If you have already completed a program in one state and received your license, but then move to a different state, you are able to make up the difference in hours required (if any needed) and get licensed in the new state of residency.

In some states, they do not require that you have an aesthetics license in order to become a laser technician and work in a medical spa. Idaho is one of those states.

For more state laws and regulations as far as who can become a laser technician see:

https://www.fsmb.org/Media/Default/PDF/FSMB/Advocacy/GRPOL_Laser_Regulation.pdf

At Northwest Laser Institute we offer many courses that give you the knowledge and skills to perform more medical grade procedures and steer you toward an increased income. Tired of waxing and facials? With our training programs you could be doing Botox injections, Laser Hair Removal and much more.

A little less messy and a lot more fun.

Here is a catalog of our offered programs:

-40 Hour Laser Technician Certification Course

-Beginner Cosmetic Injection Course

-Vi Peel Chemical Peel Training and Certification

-Exilis Elite Radio Frequency Fat-Melting & Skin-Tightening Course

-SunFX Airbrush Tanning Course

-Rejuvapen Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy Course

For more info on these courses such as available course dates and course cost please visit our website at:

http://www.northwestlaserinstitute.com/

Or give us a call at:

208::888::7831

Upon completion of our course(s), we send you off with a stellar letter of recommendation and also help with job placement as much as possible! 

I absolutely LOVE what I do. It has been such an incredible learning experience and I continue to grow and gain knowledge every single day. This is an ever-changing industry with new technology and techniques advancing all of the time, so it really keeps you interested. The treatments sell themselves with the results they deliver which will keep your patients coming back and referring family and friends. I get invited to different training opportunities and seminars regularly which I find to be extremely valuable. It is amazing to find passion in learning and the relationships you build with your clients are so fun to maintain. I get to keep myself and my family and friends looking forever young and like their natural, beautiful self. Such a rewarding career. The income is LIMITLESS with most businesses offering some sort of commission, the more you sell, the more you make! Overall a great opportunity for anyone seeking a shorter route into a fun, constantly-growing, and educational career path.

Coming Soon..... Microneedling- Like a tattoo without ink right? What for?

Trying to wind back the aging clock? Ever tried Resurfacing? Halo- The Youth Elixir of Laser

If only we could peel off every wrinkle...

Luckily, we kind of can. Actually, it's more of a vaporization process than peeling...which sounds a little scarier than it really is.

Not a good feeling. Over time your skin looses it's youthful glow as well as it's nice tight structure. There are different resurfacing lasers out there, but Sciton Inc. found that the treatments with past lasers were either too superficial or too deep. That being said, they took it upon themselves to come up with the world's first Hybrid Fractional Laser which is just the right depth. Over achievers in the best way possible. So, this Halo treatment can improve:

-Discoloration
-Sun Damage
-Visible Signs of Aging
-Uneven Skin Tone
-Enlarged Pores
-Poor Texture
-Fine Lines
-Scar Revision

with very minimal downtime. In the past your options were limited, either you go with a very effective treatment but a lengthy recovery or you choose a fast recovery with marginal results. Halo gives the best of both: great results and little downtime.

"Halo combines deep dermal rejuvenation with epidermal renewal for a combined synergistic effect you can't get with any other treatment."

Halo is a custom treatment based on your skin concerns. You can choose to have one or two very aggressive treatments up front or you can do multiple treatments that are less aggressive over a longer period of time and achieve similar results.

Let's touch back on some terms from my first blog post "First the Run Down on Laser..." and those terms are: ablative and non-ablative.

Laser ablation is the process of removing material from a solid (or occasionally liquid) surface by irradiating it with a laser beam.


So ablative means there is material(skin) removed during treatment. Non-ablative means there is no removal of skin. 
Halo is a unique hybrid in the sense that it is both ablative and non-ablative. Giving you the results and benefits of two treatments in one. This treatment will require some topical anesthetic prior. Here's a pretty great video demonstrating a Halo treatment. The patient is not under, just numbed. 

As you can see in the video, the patient remains very comfortable. It feels almost like static electricity without pain. 

If you think about it, it took years for your skin to wear down and become damaged and wrinkled. This device can essentially vaporize those damaged layers right off while giving you benefits that come from stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis. 

This is the way to do a big amount of reversing. Prevention will always be the easier route, but not everyone knows how to take that direction. 

Now the easiest way to determine your level of damage and the depth of treatment needed? A Visia Complexion Analysis. Our office provides 30 minute consultations with a Visia Complexion Analysis for FREE. This analysis takes 3 pictures of your face up close and in the best(or ugliest) lighting using 3 different lenses: a standard, a cross-polarized, and a UV. These 3 pictures give us all the insight we need to do a proper evaluation of your skins current condition and can even give you a true skin age in comparison to your actual age to find out if your skin is aging faster than you! Visia Complexion Analysis' compare your photos to thousands of others your age to put you in a percentile, determining where your skin lands in a group of 100 others your age. It can show you you:

-Visible Spots
-UV damage
-Wrinkles
-Texture Abnormalities
-Hyperpigmentation (Brown Spots)
-Red Lesions (Swollen Vessels, Inflammation)
-Pore Count and Size
-Porphyrin (P-Bacteria: Acne Causing, Oil)

Here are the results of my own personal Visia Complexion Analysis:

Granted...My 23rd birthday is coming up in about 10 days but sheesh. My skin seems to be on a fast track. Not cool. 


Here are results from our Esthetician Amber's analysis:

She is ready to get in for her Halo...ASAP.

For patient reviews or more information on Halo by Sciton visit: http://www.realself.com/halo-laser

Northwest Laser Institute & MediSpa is the one and only practice in the Treasure Valley to carry Halo by Sciton Inc. If you are interested in learning more about Halo, or scheduling your free Visia Complexion Analysis, give us a call at 208::888::7831.

Coming soon...  Training and Education. How do I get into this kind of job?

Adult Acne? Try This!

We've all been there..

Suffering from adult acne? You are definitely not alone, I myself can attest to that. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health involving nearly 3,000 women ages 10 to 70, they found that 27 percent of adults had clinical acne, while an additional 29 percent had mild acne. Us women are more likely to get it than men, of course. 

What causes this terrible & unfortunate occurrence? 

• Fluctuating hormone levels
• Stress
• Family history
• Hair and skin care products
• Medication side effect
• Undiagnosed medical condition

How to treat the problem....

At Northwest Laser Institute & MediSpa there are a few treatment options that can help combat your breakouts and skin stress. We have:

-The Vi Purify Peel. This is a medium depth chemical peel formulated with a synergistic blend of acids that take your peel to a deeper lever in the safest way possible, providing you with the BEST results and LITTLE TO NO downtime.  A series of these chemical peels (typically 2-5) can reduce your acne breakouts, improve acne scarring, and give your skin an even, glowing tone! Combine these peels with the Vi Derm Skin Care System and you have the perfect acne arsenal. This is the perfect option for anyone suffering from that severe clinical acne. These peels are extremely easy to take care of. The Vitality Institute has come up with a simple at-home care system for you to really complete the chemical peel process from the comfort of your own home. We apply the chemical peel to your skin in the spa and that's about it! You head home after, looking a little orange (thanks to all the vitamin c), then in 4 hours you are free to rinse your peel or leave it on a little longer for deeper penetration if you'd like. There is a little personal take home kit your aesthetician provides you with that includes post-peel towelettes which are small cloths that are saturated in the blend of chemicals to continue your peel for up to 48 hours after the initial application. After you use the cloths it's simple, keep sun exposure to a minimum and let your skin peel then heal! There is about 3-6 days of actual peeling time where you can look a little flakey but once the process is complete, BOOM! Beautiful, evened-out, improved skin is left behind to admire...

-BBL Laser Treatments for Acne. With the Sciton BBL, there is a protocol available for the treatment of acne. Using appropriate wavelengths, your laser technician can target the bacteria in your skin causing the breakouts as well as the redness, swelling and inflammation that go along with said breakouts. THIS IS INCREDIBLE. Every time I feel a big one coming on...you know the feeling...I jump straight in the laser room and zap that sucker before it gets crazy. And it works. This would be a great option for those mild acne sufferers. With all of my laser hair removal clients, if I see an active breakout while I am treating their hair, I STRONGLY recommend they let me zap that too. It almost instantly relieves the pain that comes with pustules and definitely keeps it from growing. I notice that the zits and pimples that I do zap not only hurt less immediately after but they heal noticeably faster. So if you a feel it coming...or you see it coming, get in for a quick 15-20 min BBL treatment to stop it dead in it's tracks and send it packing. 

-SilkPeel Dermalinfusion System. This system is a crystal-free, diamond-tip microdermabrasion unit that can deliver skin specific solutions to help improve upon several skin conditions including....DUN, DUN, DUN...ACNE. Using a small metal tip with crushed medical-grade diamonds on the end and a small outer cup for suction, this device will clear all dead skin cells from the surface, pull any congestion from clogged pores, AND deliver salicylic acid and other beneficial solutions to help kill off the bacteria and heal up the lesions left. This is a pain-free treatment with zero downtime and very mild side effects such as redness. I personally try to get my SilkPeel in every 2 weeks to maintain this sexy 23 year old skin. But the frequency of this treatment is up to you. It can be done as often as every 14 days depending on the level of upkeep required/wanted. This treatment is extremely comfortable and makes a noticeable difference. It feels similar to a cats tongue licking you, but not in an unpleasant way.. 

There you have it! My suggestions and solutions for adult acne. If you are someone who is suffering from the aftermath of severe acne, and have been left with scarring, contact Northwest Laser Institute & MediSpa for other options for the treatment of scars 208::888::7831.

For patient reviews, photos, and more information on any of the treatments described in this post visit: http://www.realself.com/

Coming soon..... Trying to rewind the clock? Try resurfacing...

Skin Tightening & Fat Melting - What's the catch?

Almost every medical spa you come across has some sort of skin tightening and/or fat melting service they offer. There are several different devices that claim to reduce fat and tighten loose skin but how can we know which ones ACTUALLY work and which ones will be a waste of time and money? You're in luck, I'm going to give you tips to help determine just that! 

Let's start with the Radio Frequency skin tightening and fat-melting. There are two different types of configurations of Radio Frequency, one requires you to be grounded (with some sort of pad), and the other does not. Radio Frequency current is formed when charged particles flow through a closed circuit. As the energy meets resistance in the tissue, heat is produced. The flow of Radio Frequency energy through the skin depends on multiple factors which may not be uniform from one treatment to another. As this heat is being conducted down in your subcutaneous layer it is heating those adipose fat cells to a targeted temperature of 41-43 degrees Celsius (about 105-109 Fahrenheit).  These adipose cells must remain at the targeted temp for at least 5 minutes in order for apoptosis (cell death) to occur. 

Basically we cook those fat cells until they die. Once dead, your body will shed them as it does with dead cells. When we bring that energy, in the form of heat, toward the surface of the skin we reach a point in which we are working with your existing collagen formation. This is where we have those collagen and elastin fibers that have become weakened over years of fighting aging factors. The heat will then cause a thermal injury to these fibers and cause your body to go into repair mode to build these fibers back up stronger and tighter, leading you to the skin tightening benefits. Now it can take up to 6 months for this repair process to be completed so be patient when waiting on skin tightening results. Fat melting results are fairly instantaneous. 

One example of a Radio Frequency device is BTL's Exilis Elite. This is the device that we carry at Northwest Laser Institute for our fat melting and skin tightening services. The Exilis Elite has won several awards since hitting the market and is raved about by professionals around the world. Dr. Giselle Mary Lazaro is a prominent board-certified dermatologist in the Philippines specializing in clinical and aesthetic dermatology who invested in an Exilis Elite device in 2014. She was quoted saying, 

"Compared to its predecessors and other RF machines, Exilis Elite is twice as powerful, thus better results are achieved with fewer treatments. What other machines take eight to 10 treatments to accomplish, the Exilis Elite can do with just four. It is also recognized as the best non-invasive cellulite treatment on the present market."

Above are a couple of before and after photos of patients treated with the Exilis Elite for fat melting and for skin tightening. Pretty astonishing results for a non-invasive treatment. 

Now, as I mentioned, there are several devices on the market that claim to offer skin tightening and fat melting results. Below is a list of other devices with a brief description and a patient review:

• Ulthera :  Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, under the chin and on the eyebrow. Now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage - See more at: http://www.ultherapy.com/about-ultrasound-skin-tightening#sthash.nwMwWgAQ.dpuf  

• Cool Sculpting : Renowned Harvard University scientists, Dieter Manstein, MD and R. Rox Anderson, MD, observed that some children got dimples due to eating popsicles. The idea that cold can selectively affect and eliminate fat cells without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue was the insight behind Cryolipolysis^®, the proven science on which the CoolSculpting procedure is based. See more at http://www.coolsculpting.com/the-coolsculpting-procedure/the-science-technology/

• Venus Freeze : Freeze time and reverse aging, through thermal magnetic rejuvenation.  Venus Freeze™ uses 100% safe Multi-Polar Radio Frequency and proven Magnetic Pulse Therapy to deliver tighter skin, softening of wrinkles, plumper, fuller and more youthful appearance, reduced cellulite and a more contoured silhouette. See more at http://www.venusconcept.com/products

• Venus Swan : Redefining the new you.Venus Swan™ treatments are used to reduce wrinkles, rhytides, cellulite, circumferential fat, and tighten skin.  The technology behind the Venus Swan™ is Radio Frequency, which has been used in medicine for many years and has been proven safe and effective. See more at http://www.venusconcept.com/products/

• Venus Legacy : A revolution in medical aesthetics.  The Venus Legacy™ experience provides a non-invasive and pain free solution to reduce volume, tighten skin, contoured desired areas and revitalize your skin.  This is a Radio Frequency treatment that does not require grounding.The treatments provide clinically proven results, with no downtime, allowing you to get back to your daily activities right away. See more at http://www.venusconcept.com/products/

Now those are just a handful of the devices available today for skin tightening and fat melting. 

*Important Tip: I have heard clients report that with the Cool Sculpting procedure they were left with uneven areas and they felt that it was not a very precise treatment.*

If you are interested in learning more about these types of services or specifically the devices, each website will give great information as well as before and after photos with testimonials.
**Warning: This is once again, one of those treatments where bargain shopping should not be the deciding factor. You could end up wasting your time and money.**

For patient reviews and more information on Exilis Elite visit http://www.realself.com/exilis

For prices on Northwest Laser Institute's Exilis Elite services call 208::888::7831

Coming soon....Adult Acne - How to Effectively Treat It and Keep It Under Control

Cosmetic Injections...Should I Be Afraid?

We have all heard of Botox. We also have seen those celebrities that have clearly had work done...a little too much maybe...and now for some reason we tend to associate Botox with looking like you have a completely frozen face. Now, I'm sure if you used enough product and hit nearly every muscle in your face, that could be the case. Let's start this topic by taking a closer look at the actual neurotoxin: 

Botulinum toxin defined by wikipedia:

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species.^[1] It is also produced commercially for medical, cosmetic, and research use. There are two main commercial types: botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B.^[2]

Infection with the bacterium may result in a potentially fatal disease called botulism. Botulinum is the most acutely lethal toxin known, with an estimated human median lethal dose (LD-50) of 1.3–2.1 ng/kg intravenously or intramuscularly and 10–13 ng/kg when inhaled.^[3]

YIKES. Sound like pretty scary stuff? 

What is Botulism exactly? Here is the CDC's definition:

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and sometimes by strains ofClostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. There are five main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulinum toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. Adult intestinal toxemia (adult intestinal colonization) botulism is a very rare kind of botulism that occurs among adults by the same route as infant botulism. Lastly, iatrogenic botulism can occur from accidental overdose of botulinum toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food.

According to research done by the FDA there were 28 reported deaths between 1989 and 2003 associated with the use of botulinum toxin products but none of those deaths were attributed to cosmetic use. 

The CDC reports that in the US, there is an average of 145 cases of botulism reported each year. Of those, approximately 15% are foodborne, 65% are infant botulism, and 20% are wound. The other two types of botulism occur but very rarely. Outbreaks of foodborne botulism happen almost every year with 2 or more persons involved and its believed to typically be caused by home-canned foods. Most wound botulism cases are associated with black tar heroin injections with California having the highest rates....

Now, because of the reported deaths from the toxin, Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin must come with warning labels similar to this:

Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. These effects can cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. Symptoms of botulism can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death.

The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children and adults treated for muscle spasms, particularly in those patients who have underlying medical conditions that could make these symptoms more likely.

The toxic effects have been reported at doses similar to those used to treat muscle spasms in the neck. Lower doses, in both approved and unapproved uses, have also caused toxic effects. This includes treatment of children and adults for muscle spasms.

These effects could make it unsafe for you to drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Don't let this warning stray you away from a product that can be really beneficial. Ladies and even gentlemen, no one likes looking older than they feel, nonetheless looking older than they are. Just a teeny tiny amount of this toxin for cosmetic use is approved by the FDA to reduce lines and wrinkles in the forehead and between the brows. It also has approval for the treatment of migraine headaches. Think of it as a long-lasting muscle relaxer. It is not causing paralysis. Just relaxation of those contracting muscles that cause tension and wrinkles. 

Cool Facts About This Toxin:

• It has been researched for over 100 years.
• 1950’s First important study by Vernon Brooks, discovered that when Botulinum toxin was injected into a hyperactive muscle, it blocked the release of Acetylcholine from motor nerve endings.
• 2004 FDA approved to treat symptoms of severe underarm sweating
• Studies continue worldwide for over 21 different medical uses in approximately 80 countries. It is one of the most widely researched medicines in the world.
• Botox is now the most commonly preformed non-surgical medical procedure in the US. 

We are lucky enough to have a highly trained and highly educated RN on staff that really knows her stuff. Brooke Thayer, RN has been an educator for over 2 years, helping Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, other RN's, and Estheticians advance their career. She has been doing cosmetic injections for over 5 years and has been an RN for over 13 years! Brooke states, "My idea of making someone beautiful is enhancing their own natural beauty. I will never change how somebody looks, but rather, enhance the features that give them their unique look. The advantage to using neurotoxins and fillers, is that I can achieve very natural results with no downtime, relatively little cost, and just 30 minutes (or less) of their time. My motto...Be your own beautiful self."

To end this lesson with some fun, here are pictures of celebrities that took the cosmetic procedures a little too far.....

Ladies...watch yourself. 

I do want to briefly talk about dermal fillers as well. Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Voluma, Belotero, Restylane and Perlane are hyaluronic acid fillers. There are other fillers on the market, but these are the few that we work with most often. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance produced by your body and is found in soft connective tissues as well as in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It can be found in some cartilage and in skin tissues as well. I like to think of it as the substance that gives babies their soft supple look with the cheeks that bounce right back after a cute pinch. Hyaluronic fillers are among the most popular type of dermal filler on the market. Since your body recognizes this as a natural substance, side effects can be minimal such as swelling and possibility of slight bruising at injection sight. These fillers are used in areas of the face that are suffering volume loss. As we age, we lose fat, bone AND muscle from our facial structure which can cause an almost hollowed look. A small amount of hyaluronic filler can replace that lost volume giving your face a soft, smooth, supple appearance. Just like with most procedures, this one is best in moderation! It gives beautiful results which can be addicting! Remember, natural and aesthetically pleasing is the way to go. 

To wrap up, cosmetic injections are generally safe. 

*Tip: Make sure you are seeing a trained professional with a positive reputation. Asking for before and afters of their own clients/patients can help you get insight into their confidence.*

**Warning: This is another case where you do not want to receive treatment at one place versus another based on a cheaper price. Some facilities have been caught diluting or watering down their product to save money.**

For patient reviews or more information on Botox or other cosmetic injection products visit http://www.realself.com/

Coming soon....Skin Tightening and Fat Melting Procedures - What's the catch?