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?