About 40 million people in the United States ages 12 to 24 have acne problems, and one in four adults experience acne until about age 44. By the age of 24, more than 85% of adolescents and young adults will have had acne at one time or another. While it is not a serious health condition, the physical effects of acne scarring can be permanent, and emotionally, acne can cause low self-esteem and depression. The latest technology uses light to treat acne, which has proven much more effective than traditional treatments.

Most other treatments target the causes of acne — clogged pores, excess oil production, and bacterial buildup. For over 30 years, antibiotics have been used to treat acne-causing bacteria, which has, as a result, built up resistance, rendering the treatment less useful. Topical prescription medications irritate the skin, which makes it appear that the condition is getting worse, causing the individual to discontinue treatment. Some oral medications may not even be an option, as they can harm the fetus in a pregnant woman.

Anti-Acne Light Emitting Diodes (LED) Therapy

What is it? No longer just used as indicator lights in electronic devices, LEDs are now used to treat acne. They are not lasers. There is no pain, no downtime, and no side effects.

Who can benefit from it? Acne light therapy benefits anyone with mild to moderate inflammatory acne-prone skin. Consult your skincare professional for an evaluation.

How does it work? Studies have shown that when acne-causing bacteria are exposed to blue light in a specific wavelength, singlet oxygen is produced, which neutralizes the inflammation-causing bacteria. When combined with red light in a specific wavelength, which has anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the redness, pain, and swelling associated with acne, as well as reduces pore size and decreases oil production.

What happens during treatment? Before the treatment, you will be instructed to cleanse your face to remove any sunblock or makeup. You will be provided with safety eyewear and the light will be positioned 1 to 2 inches from your face. Each light therapy session will take about 20 minutes. You will experience a feeling of relaxation and well-being during and after the treatment. After your session, you can go right back to your normal routine, without redness, pain, or irritation.

How many treatments will I need? Acne light therapy can be done eight times (twice a week for four weeks) or 12 times (twice a week for six weeks), depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments alternate between blue and red light. Depending on the severity of your blemishes, your skincare professional may also suggest using a face wash or gel containing salicylic acid to help clear pores. Your skincare professional can also adjust the number of treatments if needed.

What results can I expect from the treatment? After eight alternating treatments, optimum results will be visible 4 to 8 weeks following the last treatment. The light stimulates natural processes that go on even after the treatment has stopped. Studies have shown that on average, 81% of blemishes are cleared after 12 weeks.

How long do the effects last? Most clients’ blemishes are completely cleared after about six months. In some cases, follow-up treatments (typically two to four monthly) may be necessary.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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What Services Does a Medical Spa Offer?

Dermalounge offers advanced products and innovative skincare technologies.

How to Choose a Medical Spa

All services and products offered by the medical spa should be FDA-approved.

What is Care Credit?

Care Credit is a regular credit card, except for the fact that it is designed specifically for healthcare procedures.

The Blending of Medicine and Spa Treatments

Medical spas such as Dermalounge offer clients medically oriented skincare procedures in a spa-like environment.

Aftercare in Medispa Treatments

One of the most important factors in successful skin health treatments is the care that is intended to follow the procedure.

At-Home Products Available at Medical Spas

Dermalounge provides its own line of at-home products that are used for cleaning, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Benefits of a Skin Analysis

A skin analysis is a valuable tool.

Options to Diminish Wrinkles

If you are tired of looking in the mirror and not being happy with the image staring back at you, it may be time to consider undoing the effects of aging.

Juvederm Removes Wrinkles from Your Face

Juvederm is intended to treat the lines that appear on either side of someone’s mouth, sometimes giving it a parenthetical appearance.

What Does Latisse Do?

There are a number of benefits to choosing Latisse over other methods of enhancing your lashes.

All About Obagi Products

Obagi is an at-home treatment designed to prevent and improve common, visible skin disorders. You can only purchase Obagi from a doctor or licensed skincare professional.

What Does Perlane Do?

If you are searching for a subtle, effective way to reduce the effects of aging, Perlane injections may be your best option.

Benefits of Radiesse

Those in search of a reliable, effective wrinkle treatment should consider Radiesse.

Benefits of Restylane

Those interested in spot fixing wrinkles, or adding a subtle boost to their appearance, should consider a product like Restylane.

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1. A chemical peel, a procedure in which an acid solution is utilized to remove the top layers of skin, can restore a more youthful appearance to skin that is wrinkled, discolored, mildly scarred or sun-damaged. When the dead or damaged layers of skin are removed, younger, more vibrant skin is revealed. Chemical peels can significantly reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve the skin’s overall texture, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and correcting discolorations such as age spots.
   

   Chemical peels can restore skin to a fresh, youthful state.

2. Chemical peels are generally safe and can be performed quickly, getting you back to work with just a minimum of recovery time. A light chemical peel can be completed in just 15 minutes and requires virtually no time to recover. Deeper chemical peels may require a slightly longer recovery time, up to about a week. Chemical peels are associated with few risks, and most of them are relatively minor. Because these peels have been used successfully for many years, there has been ample time to perfect the procedure and to minimize risks and discomforts.
3. A chemical peel can be an affordable alternative to more expensive cosmetic procedures. Ranging in price from $150 for a very light peel to $2000 for a deep peel, chemical peels can offer dramatic results at a price that is accessible for most women.

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In rare cases, some clients have suffered irreversible burns from peels gone wrong.

If you fancy a spot of blistering and peeling yourself, there are myriad peels out there. Choosing the right one is important, so you will have to match up your needs and requirements with the promise of the peel. Just play it safe – unless you want to end up like Sex and the City’s Samantha, whose peel left her so red and raw she resorted to wearing a veil covering her entire face for weeks.

Chemical Peels: The Basics

Chemical peels can be performed not only on the face, although that is the most common area of choice, but also on the neck and hands. They claim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, freckles, and pigmentation, and also to make skin softer, smoother and more beautiful.

People with fair skin respond better to peels, although some may work well for darker skins as well (see below). Most can be carried out in a med spa, although occasionally a doctor’s office is recommended. In some cases, you will have to stop taking certain medications, such as acne medications, well in advance. You might also be prescribed antibiotics before the peel to ward off infection.

The peel may be painful, and you may want to take painkillers with you when you go to have it done. Afterwards your skin can appear red and blistered, so don’t plan to attend a black tie function the same evening! Your old skin will slough off within one to two weeks, and during this time – and for some time afterwards – it is very important to avoid being in direct sun.

Risks include scarring, infection and pigmentation problems, so discuss everything with your doctor in advance, including how prone you will be to these irregularities based on your personal history. You can also decide beforehand how deep you want the peel to go.

Most Popular Peels

Here is just a handful of the most popular peels out there…

Alpha-Hydroxy, or Fruit Peel. Takes off a very fine, thin layer of skin using the same ingredient found in sour milk, tomato juice and sugar cane.

PROS: Good for people with mild to moderate acne. Is considered one of the easiest and safest peels around because it is so light.
CONS: Has more side effects and doesn’t last as long as beta-hydroxy acid peels (see below). Should be tested on a small area of skin first to gauge the reaction.

Beta-Hydroxy Acid Peel. Found to be highly effective for acne-prone people. Derived from salicin, related to the same ingredient found in aspirin. Stronger than alpha-hydroxy peels.

PROS: Less redness, peeling and scaling of the facial skin than alpha-hydroxy peels (see above).
CONS: Not good for women who are pregnant or nursing, or those who have aspirin allergies, due to slight risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Jessner’s Peel. A mild peel that helps deal with signs of aging and also skin that is damaged by the sun or is showing signs of hyperpigmentation. Also helps with clogged pores and mild acne.

PROS: Can help naturalize areas that are very affected by sun damage.
CONS: Usually contains some salicylic acid, so not good for those with aspirin sensitivity (see Beta-Hydroxy Acid Peel, above).

Phenol Peel. The deepest chemical peel available, it achieves maximum exfoliation by using carbolic acid as the main ingredient.

PROS: Can produce excellent results – although it can be painful!
CONS: Not recommended for very sensitive skin or those with dark skin. Also, can take up to three months to see maximum results.

Retinoic Acid Peel. Must be performed only by a medical professional, not a beauty therapist, as this peel is very deep and may even require a mild anesthesia or sedative to make you entirely comfortable.

PROS: Can really help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
CONS: You will have to stay far away from the sun for up to three months after this peel, so don’t plan a Caribbean holiday unless you take full recovery time into account first.

Trichloracetic Acid Peel. Penetrates underneath the top layers of the skin to remove blemishes and reverse the signs of aging.

PROS: Great for patients with darker skin.
CONS: You will need to take at least several days off work as it will take a while for your skin to heal.

A chemical peel can rejuvenate the facial skin, but you need to play it safe for best results, and get the peel that is right for you. Only have one carried out by an experienced cosmetologist or, better yet, a dermatologist, and make sure you have one suited to your own specific skin.

Scarring, believe it or not, often comes from the more mild peels, and can usually be prevented from avoiding the temptation to pull off the skin too quickly, and keeping up your doctor’s after-care recommendations to the letter to avoid infection. If you are prone to keloid scarring or have cold sores or fever blisters, ask your dermatologist about whether a peel is right for you.

In rare cases, some clients have suffered irreversible burns from peels gone wrong, so be careful. Others have seen less predictable results and scarring from hand peels, which isn’t always a good idea unless done by a professional who has had fantastic results countless times before.

Peels can work wonderfully, but do your homework beforehand and make sure the peel you choose is best suited to your own particular needs. Good luck!

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A is for Artecoll. A dermal filler that claims to be “permanent” as the results last five years or more. Can be used to plump out facial wrinkles in particular and, occasionally, in the lips – although it’s not recommended as the result can be disastrous! Make sure you have an allergy test before having this treatment – and the jury is still out about whether it is 100 percent safe.

B is for Botox. This FDA-approved injectable med spa treatment is made from a Botulinum Toxin A, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It works by either making us have chronic diarrhea, or paralyzing the muscles that can cause us to frown and make other wrinkles appear. Amazingly, it can also do wonders for migraines, excessive seating and even incontinence!

C is for Cellulite Treatments. Cellulite is just plain old fat, and the best way to get rid of it is through diet and exercise. If that fails, liposuction is one way to stop that orange peel look from taking over, as well as less invasive treatments such as LipoSolve, Smart Lipo and others. Many potions and lotions also claim to work, as well as procedures such as Lipomassage, Velasmooth and a host of rivals.

D is for Dermaplaning. A rather extreme method to get rid of acne scars and other skin problems by having someone scrape the skin off your face with a scalpel. Some people swear by it, others say it’s a bit too brutal. You be the judge.

E is for Elite-Lipo Dissolve. A fat-busting treatment designed to get rid of lard in problem areas, such as love handles. You will have a series of injections to melt the fat away, along with attendant pain and discomfort. Stubborn areas usually respond well.

F is for Foot Implants (no, really). Wanna dance all night? Make the pain of high heels a thing of the past by having a filler injected into the soles of your feet. Try Perlane, Restylane or collagen – incredibly painful while you’re having the injection, but isn’t that what beauty’s all about?

G is for Goretex. While it may sound like a brand of waterproof material, this is used as an non-toxic implant to plump out deep laugh lines, wrinkles and lips. As the body doesn’t reject this substance, results are longer lasting than with other fillers. Also, because it’s flexible with microscopic pores, it’s has a low predisposition toward tearing.

H is for Hair Transplant.”Donor” hair from the back or sides of your scalp are placed in the areas of your head where there is no hair, or where it is very thin. The idea is to have new hair grow in places where it has stopped growing. Painful and has limited results for most people.

I is for IPL Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light). Combat the signs of aging – and the redness of rosacea – with light energy which stimulates the production of collagen. You will need at least five to ten treatment for maximum effect.

J is for Juvederm. Another filler for lips, face and other body parts. The beauty part, however, is that 80 of the Juvederm injected is safely reabsorbed by the body and eventually disappears, while 20 percent stays in the tissues. Lasts longer than Restylane as well – up to a year.

K is for Keratin used in Brazilian Hair Straightening. Using Keratin, this system is touted as being kinder to hair than other types of “permanent hair straightening” systems. Compared to the YUKO system, it is cheaper, takes less time, and wears away gradually. The downside is it only lasts up to four months. Play it safe by making sure your salon uses a cocktail without formaldehyde.

L is for Laser Hair Removal. Make unwanted hair a thing of the past with this treatment, which will make hair disappear almost permanently after time. The hair is zapped with light from a laser, which disables the hair follicles and stops the hair from growing. Nifty, huh?

M is for Male Waxing. Better, faster and more long-lasting than plucking or tweezing, hair waxing for men is becoming more and more popular. Give your hairy back a break or sample a hair-free chest for yourself – waxing isn’t just for women anymore!

N is for Natural Body Contouring. Give yourself an overhaul with laser therapy to zap cellulite – before it zaps you. Non-invasive with long-lasting results, it purportedly works by changing the shape of the fat cells in your body and remodeling the connective tissue underneath.

O is for Obagi Facial. Cleanse your skin – and turn it blue – with this unique facial using Obagi skincare products. The Blue Peel chemical peel reveals fresher skin in just a week, after the old layers of skin have peeled away. Can also be done on other parts of the body such as the chest, hands and neck.

P is for Power Peel. A way to polish your face through the sanding technique of Microderm, or microdermabrasion. An alternative to a chemical peel, it can help get rid of wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and discoloration on the face.

Q is for Q-Med. Impress your cosmetic practitioner by knowing a bit about Q-Med, the medical company that makes medical implants, including Restylane (see below). Headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, it also makes the injectable gel Macrolane, which is slowly gaining popularity as an “instant” breast enhancer, although it’s not yet approved for sales in the US.

R is for Restylane. A dermal filler manufactured in Sweden, this popular filler can make skinny lips a thing of the past, and can plump up fine lines and wrinkles. It contains hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body to create volume. Once injected, it works with the hyaluronic acid already present in the body to create even more volume. Dissolves naturally, and can last least six months or more.

S is for Smart Lipo. An alternative to traditional liposuction, this revolutionary new technique involves making fat “melt” away by using a special laser that zaps problem areas. Is cheaper and has less down time that conventional lipo, but you may have lumpy and bumpy results.

T is for Thread Lift. Also known as a “lunchtime face lift”, this med spa procedure involves making special sutures, using a barbed thread, to lift and therefore reposition the sagging parts of the face, such as the jowls. Cheaper and less invasive than a full face lift, but will have to be redone within a few years to keep up the look.

U is for Ugly Scar and Stretchmark Removal. Four main ways exist to get rid of scarring and stretch marks: chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser surgery and full excision. Remember that having realistic expectations is key: your skin will never revert to its pre-adolescent state, so don’t expect too much!

V is for Vein Therapy. A popular way to get rid of thread veins by injecting a special solution directly into them, causing the lining of the vessel to become irritated. It then begins to swell and stick together, making the vein close. As a result blood can no longer flow through it, so the red or blue colour disappears.

W is for Wrinkle Peel. Make old layers of facial skin peel off with a special solution of acid, as the top layers are the ones most likely to wrinkle. Sounds tempting? Remember that a wrinkle peel can take up to a month to recover from, with risks including infection, scarring, permanent skin lightening and inflammation of the skin.

X is for X-ray. Keep healthy by knowing exactly how your internal health is doing. Some med spas offer X-ray absorptiometry scans, which can check your BMI, or Body Mass Index, as well as your bone density, before you have a treatment. Good to know before following any diet plan – or having lipo!

Y is for Youthful Skin. Skin rejuvenation treatments are perhaps the most sought after procedures offered in med spas today, as virtually everyone wants to look – and – feel younger. Don’t forget, however, that exercise and proper diet go a long way to a healthier new you.

Z is for Zinc. Try this and ditch the skin rejuvenation treatments, as prevention is often better than cure. Keep yourself looking younger by religiously applying sunscreen containing zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against the sun’s harmful rays – and is also used as a barrier cream for babies with diaper rash!

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While it may sound cliched, learning to live with yourself is perhaps the easiest, as well as safest and cheapest, way to deal with physical imperfections of any kind.

Acne usually begins with the onset of puberty, when we produce more sebum, the oily secretion made by our sebaceous glands, than our bodies can cope with gracefully. Prescription acne medications can often nip those pimples in the bud, but for some of us there is no escaping them – as well as the subsequent scarring.

Luckily, there are myriad treatments available on the market today that can either completely remove scars, or reduce their appearance significantly. Many dermatological procedures to reduce the appearance of acne scars can be carried out either by your dermatologist or at a med spa. Just make sure the person scraping, lasering or digging holes in your face is someone you trust!

Dermatological Acne Scar Removal Procedures

• Laser Therapy. Works by making keloid scars, where this an overgrowth of tissue, and hypertrophic scars, which look similar to keloids but are smaller, less visible. Also works well on atrophic scarring, or tiny pockets in the skin which can be a direct result of acne. The magic of the lasers is that they remove a scar’s outer skin layer, revealing a bottom layer that eventually heals and by doing so minimizes the visibility of the scar itself. The type of laser used will depend on the type of scarring you have. You may suffer redness for several months, but the upside is that in some cases, one treatment is all you need for permanent results.
• * Steroid Injections. Sometimes these are used in conjunction with lasers, jabbed directly into keloid scars, to make them flat and less visible. It is difficult, however, to raise depressions, or pockets, except by regenerating the skin. Steroid injections are usually the only way to treat keloid scarring that occurs from acne scars, as surgical removal of them is seldom instrumented.
• Dermabrasion. Thought to be the best method for acne scar removal, and is a more severe form of Microderm (see below). Instead of abrasive particles being used, your practitioner will use a brush (or fraise) to remove the skin. Superficial scars may disappear completely, deeper ones will be make less noticeable. Does not work for all types of scars, and people with darker skin might require additional treatment to sort out resultant pigmentation problems.
• Microdermabrasion. A technique in which the top, superficial layer of the skin is removed, both to stimulate the production of collagen (and encourage healing) and reveal softer, smoother skin underneath. Often called a “lunchtime peel” because Microderm can be carried out so quickly – in your lunch hour – the procedure works well in areas where acne scarring is not very deep. It can also be done in conjunction with chemical peels, as it will make the chemicals seep in easier.
• Collagen Injections. Injections of bovine-sourced or human collagen plump out the scars, making them instantly less noticeable. Advantage: works well. Disadvantage: may only last for three months; bovine collagen is not good for people with comprised immune systems; does not work on all types of scarring, such as ice pick scars, which leave a tiny hole which looks as if it has been made by an ice pick or other similar instrument.
• Chemical Peels. A variety of chemical peels are on offer that both plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars, and also smooth and exfoliate to make skin look better – and reduce future occurrence of acne breakouts. Depending on the nature of your skin you can opt for a light, medium-strength or stronger peel. Just make sure you choose one that doesn’t exacerbate your skin even further!
• Surgery. Some types of scars, such as ice pick scars, can be removed by “punching” them down during surgery, then suturing the skin back together. Or try Z-Plasty, aka zigzagplasty, where a scar is repositioned to blend in better with your face – along the natural creases of the cheek, or elsewhere.
• Medical Tattooing. As scar tissue that is light-colored has no pigment, tattoos can infuse color to make them blend in better with the rest of your skin. Can also help scars to “relax” and re-pigment naturally. Finally, if you have only one tattoo in a not very noticeable area, ask your doctor if you can tattoo it with a pattern or design…
• Fat Transfer. Fat is taken from other parts of your body and injected into a scar to plump it out. Remember, the fat will eventually be absorbed into the body, so you will need to repeat this time and time again to keep up the look.
• Lotions and potions. Some people find that certain types of acne scarring reduction creams work wonders; others find they have no effect whatsoever. A lot will depend on the type of scar you have, as well as the severity of your scarring. It’s all a matter of trial-and-error…

Even the best surgeons cannot completely remodel a face so that it looks completely different – not unless you were willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars having countless operations. While surgery can help get rid of the worst acne scars, you will probably still have some pitting left if your face – or your neck or back – was deeply affected by acne as a teenager.

While it may sound cliched, learning to live with yourself is perhaps the easiest, as well as safest and cheapest, way to deal with physical imperfections of any kind. If that doesn’t work for you, remember that one of the Harley Davidson mantras is “chicks love scars”. Hopefully, you can also learn to love them – or at least love yourself with them!

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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Elevating your legs (without crossing them) is one way to reduce the amount of spider veins you have.

It’s estimated that at least half of all people over age 50 have thread veins, which are simply enlarged blood vessels which are visible through the skin, in several places: knees, ankles, legs and parts of the face, especially on the cheeks and around the nose. Although they are most common among women, they also afflict men – even though some say they appear due to the prevalence of the female hormone, estrogen. Most people start getting them between the ages of 30 – 60, although is some cases they appear when an individual is still in his or her teens.

Luckily, several treatments now exist to treat the veins, which in medical parlance are called telangiectasia or “sunburst varicosities” – a lovely name for an unattractive sight! While they cause no physical harm, they can be ugly and cause undue emotional distress. Before having them removed, however, check with your doctor to make sure they are not the result of an underlying vascular condition.

Why We Get Veins
We get spider veins because we’re human. The human skin is a fragile thing, and veins can appear due to a number of causes, including a backup or pooling of blood in an area, excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, age, genetics, hormones, pregnancy, taking certain medications and exposure to the sun.
A variety of treatments are available to get rid of spider veins. Be aware that some thread veins are actually connected to varicose veins, which is why it’s important to have an ultrasound first before having any treatment to remove them. This is to stop them from reappearing.

If your spider veins measure more than 3mm, it might be a good idea to have them removed surgically. Most of the treatments listed below are only for smaller veins. It is recommended that around five treatments on average will be required to achieve the look you want, but every case is different – so talk things over in detail with your physician or qualified practitioner before you begin.

Treatments Available

Microsclerotherapy. A bit sticky, this one. Your veins will be injected with a fluid that makes the vein walls stick together, which stops blood from flowing to the area and prevents them from reoccurring. Don’t worry that your legs will be full of blood afterwards: the veins eventually will be absorbed by the body completely. However, as the vein must be large enough to accommodate a needle, this treatment is best for large or medium-sized veins.

Pros: It’s estimated that most patients see an improvement anywhere from 50 to 90 percent.

Cons: Good for the legs but not great for delicate parts of the body such as ankles or face. Is not always successful first time around, so follow-up treatments may be necessary for maximum effect.

Laser Treatment: Strong bursts of light are directed at the veins, which eventually fade away and disappear. About two to five treatments are necessary, with each treatment lasting up to one hour. Be aware that large spider veins usually respond better to sclerotherapy (see above) than laser treatment. Also, the veins will appear bigger and darker immediately after treatment, before they begin to fade. This is the treatment of choice for facial veins.

Pros: Considered the most effective treatment on the market today.

Cons: You can experience burns and scars if this technique is not carried out properly.

Veinwave: This thermo-coagulation technique destroys veins by heating them, using microwave technology. A fine needle is introduced over the veins, making them disappear almost instantly.

Pros: It’s not very painful, compared to other treatments, and can be used to treat either face, legs or both.

Cons: In some cases scarring may occur.

PhotoDerm: Intense pulsed light therapy reduces the melanin in your skin, making the veins fade away. Reddening may occur short-term, and several sessions may be necessary.

Pros: Can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as port wine stains and rosacea.

Cons: Can only be used on the face.

Ways to Prevent Spider Veins
There is no fool-proof way to prevent all spider veins from occurring. But there are ways to minimize the number of veins you have. They include:

• Always wear sunscreen and minimize exposure to the sun.
• Elevate your legs when resting, don’t cross them
• Watch your weight and eat a diet low in salt and high in fiber.
• Get different parents!

Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 on up per session to remove spider veins, depending on the treatment you choose and the severity of the problem. You may also pay more if you choose to have a physician perform the technique rather than a qualified technician. Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified and experienced, and that they have performed the technique countless times before.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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Medical spas are burgeoning, a phenomenon driven by consumer demand and the recognition that there’s money to be made in them thar wrinkles, sags, skin blemishes and hirsute areas.  As more and more people clamor for glamour and an increasing number of physicians become disenchanted and frustrated with a troubled health care system that continues to erode their professional control, the climate for entrepreneurial development ripens.  Witness medical professionals and lay entities alike jumping into the medical-spa fray, even cooperating, by forming partnerships, corporations and all sorts of other quasi-legal business arrangements to supply the increasing demand for services.

Today’s aesthetic medicine is not your mother’s brand, in fact, even the physicians who are performing some of the procedures like laser treatments and BOTOX injections have changed.  Attend a laser seminar or cosmetic surgery meeting and you will observe not just the usual genre of dermatologists and laser surgeons, but gastroenterologists, family practitioners, even OB/GYNs interested in jumping on the medical spa bandwagon by broadening their practices to include aesthetic services.

Adding to the confusion of (1) new and ever-changing services (2) physicians from specialties other than cosmetic medicine participating in the delivery of aesthetic services and (3) the existence of a multitude of varying business arrangements is the fact that few states have any regulations in place to guide medical spa owners or consumers.  Guidelines as to what procedures are or are not appropriate and who should or should not administer them are sparse and tenuous at best.

The urgency felt by state regulatory bodies and medical societies to formulate guidelines for medical spas, including standardizing procedures and defining practitioner qualifications, has been lethargic at best.  However, the rash of medical spa boo-boos reported by the media of late has reenergized the guideline process. For those unfortunate few on the receiving end of deleterious results at the hands of incompetent spa personnel, a well meaning desire to create and enforce guidelines by state governments and medical organizations is a case of too little too late.

That said, in fairness to those bodies attempting to create guidelines for the purpose of oversight and regulation, it must be pointed out that the issue is complicated by the many different professionals who may be practicing their specialties under the same roof:  cosmetologists, electrologists, aestheticians, nurses, and physicians. In states like Massachusetts for instance, each of these professions is licensed by its own board, and each board has its own standards.  The trick in writing a defining set of regulations peculiar to the operation of medical spas requires incorporating each profession’s standards into the guidelines for each cosmetic procedure—not an easy task.

The American Society for Lasers in Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery produced actual guidelines for medical spa personnel, but without regulatory oversight, these guidelines have little clout.  The prevalence of regulatory differences between states further complicates matters.  For example, in some states laser hair removal is classified under the practice of medicine (meaning the procedure must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner), while in other states, this same procedure can be performed by non-medical, but certified or licensed personnel with the stipulation that a physician be immediately available on site, not just a telephone call away.  Some states require procedures to be performed under medical supervision, but the definition of “supervision” is so loosely defined that it can mean anything from having the physician physically present at the procedure to several rooms away or even just available by telephone.

So called “medical equipment” is also in regulation limbo.  A medical grade laser hair removal device can be purchased by a spa owner (even when no physician is on staff to render the service) with the supposition that a physician will then be hired to perform the actual procedure.  This begs the question:  Does anyone know if the physician is actually present or even hired?

The bottom line in this confusing morass of rules and no-rules is this:  There is no standardized regulation of medical spas across all states and all disciplines.  Regulations that do exist differ from state to state, not all states have regulations and some states have no regulations in place at all.

There is little doubt that consumers of medical spa services remain in need of greater protection.

Likewise, owners of medical spas offering legitimate and safe services would benefit by having their industry regulated.  For everyone involved in the dispensation of cosmetic procedures, enhanced regulation and oversight can’t come too soon.  Until it does, the caveat for the consumer of medical spa services is to undertake your own due diligence to protect yourself from risk.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is concerned about the lack of consumer education with respect to the risks associated with procedures performed in medical spas by unlicensed personnel.  The Society cautions consumers not to let anyone “inject anything into your body without the advice of a doctor.”  It also warns against undergoing any cosmetic procedure offered in a non-clinical setting such as a beauty salon and stresses that “only licensed practitioners should perform cosmetic procedures.”

The ASAPS recommends checking to see if the facility is accredited, but this is easier said than done because not all facilities are accredited by the same organization necessitating an investigation into which accrediting organizations are truly credible—simply too difficult a task for most consumers.

A good deal of information can be found on the website of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, www.abplsurg.org, in the Q & A section including what it means to be board certified, how to check the credentials of a particular practitioner and how to know if your physician is certified to perform the type of cosmetic procedure you are seeking.

When you begin your investigation of a particular medical spa prior to using its services, ask first about physician supervision and what that really means.  Find out the physician’s area of practice.  Is he/she a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon or from some other discipline?  Ask if the surgeon is board certified and if the answer is yes, be sure to ask for the name of the board that has granted him/her certification.  It is not very reassuring to know that the supervising physician is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery when what you want is laser treatment on your face.

Next, if you know the cosmetic procedure you are seeking, ask about the person who will actually perform the service. Is this person required by law to be licensed and certified?  If so, by what entity?  How many years has this practitioner been performing this service?

Be sure to ask about malpractice insurance and professional liability insurance. Is the physician covered?  Are the non-medical personnel covered as well as the business?  If something goes wrong, who will pay the bill for any needed correction?

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in an effort to advance healthy outcomes and protect patient safety, have created a list of questions you should ask “before committing to any procedure or medical treatment in a spa or non-traditional facility.”  You can find the complete list at http://www.surgery.org/press/news-release.php?iid=462.

Frankly, the list is daunting—so many questions to ask and so much information to absorb—but without the appropriate answers you are putting yourself at risk.  Only you can ask yourself, what price beauty?

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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People have been relying on various types of exfoliation for centuries, and microdermabrasion falls into this category, although it’s a bit more intense than using a gritty lotion to get rid of dead skin cells on the face. In early times people rubbed themselves with rocks and bits of bark to feel more clean, silky and and smooth, in modern times a plethora of lotions and potions have been made readily available. But if you want to do more than just a surface sweep, then a professional spot of the old Microderm may be for you.

What is Microdermabrasion?
As the name suggests, this is a skin rejuvenation technique that sloughs off the entire top layer of your skin to reveal new, glowing skin underneath. Proponents of this method say it can be used effectively on stretch marks, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles and age spots or other types of skin discoloration, although its efficacy is under discussion.

Microderm is good for almost any area of the body, except where the skin is especially fine and thin. It is not recommended for use on the eyelids (ouch!) or the feet, as the skin there is extremely fine, and you will need to go very easy on the area around the lips. Suffice it to say that it is also not recommended for the genital area (unless you truly are into S & M).

Fans of Microderm say another advantage of this technique is that it allows skin products to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus helping them build up both elastin and collagen. One of the building blocks of our skin, which is found naturally in the body, collagen is what makes skin look thicker, firmer, stronger – and therefore more youthful.

Currently, three main types of Microderm, also known as a particle peel, power peel or Parisian peel, are the most popular (it’s also sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime peel”, as you can get at least some parts of your body sanded away during your lunch hour). They are:

• Crystal Microderm
• Diamond Microderm
• Home Microderm

Crystal Microderm. Your practitioner will wield a special device which blows aluminum oxide crystals across the parts of the body you have targeted. The result is that the “damaged” top skin layer is removed, while fresher layers are revealed underneath. At the same time, a vacuum-like system will manage to suck away all the dirt and dead skin that has built up in the area.

Diamond Microderm. Much like the above but the device used is fitted with a diamond tip (don’t worry about the price– it is used more than once!). This is considered especially helpful when performing Microderm on areas that are either sensitive or more difficult to access.

Home Microderm. The do-it-yourself kits usually contain a crystal-based cream for home use, often with a motorized applicator. The advantage is that it’s a lot cheaper, but it’s a question of trial and error for most people as you may have to shop around for a while before you find a cream compatible with your skin. Acne break-outs with home kits are, unfortunately, all too common. Some also provide DIY chemical peels.
What Can Go Wrong?

Microderm is considered generally a safe cosmetic treatment, but you should be aware of the following:

• You can suffer some skin discoloration, with patches of different colored skin as a result. This is common with similar procedures as well, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing. The skill of the practitioner is key, as is the case with many types of cosmetic treatments.
• You could get an infection if the equipment is not sterilized properly.
• You could get scarring if the practitioner is unskilled.
• You can suffer eye problems if stray pieces of crystal land in your eyes. These days most med spas require that goggles be worn, so this should not be an issue. Insist on them.
• You may notice redness or skin streaking, and even see some blood, for a few days after treatment until everything has healed. This is normal and should clear up on its own.

Please note that Microderm is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, teens or people taking certain medications, specifically for acne. That is because prescription drugs such as Accutane make the skin a lot more sensitive than normal. It is advised to wait at least one entire year before coming off the drug before having Microderm performed.

Other people who should refrain from Microdem are those with certain types of diabetes, rosacea, certain types of ketaratoses, eczema, lupus, active herpes and other conditions, such as present sunburn. You should always consult with a trained medical professional first before having any type of invasive or non-invasive treatments.
Finally, certain types of dermabrasion machines can be used by trained beauticians; while more “aggressive” machines that dig deeper into the skin should only be used by a medical professional.

If you decide this technique is for you, make sure you come to it with realistic expectations. If you have deep pitted acne scars, for example, don’t expect to walk away with a flawlessly smooth, creamy complexion. Know what you want – but also what you can realistically get.

People who have had Microderm carried out by a qualified professional are usually happy with the results – but that was because they knew what to expect from the start. For acne scars, age spots on the face and chest and mild blemishes it can be said to work wonders, and also, at least to some extent, to minimize the signs of aging.
In a recent poll, 68 percent of people who had Microderm said that it was worth it. If you think it could help make your skin more soft and smooth and virtually blemish free, you may want to give it a whirl. Keep in mind that with any type of cosmetic surgery as a rule, people with lower expectations are usually those most satisfied with the outcome!

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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Laser hair removal does not claim to get rid of hair permanently, although when done regularly you may see permanent hair reduction.

Unfortunately, plucking, bleaching and shaving don’t really work in those oh-so visible parts of the body such as the face – and neither do tweezing or waxing. It might be okay to pluck a stray nipple hair now and then or to shave your underarms, but using a razor on a female upper lip is NOT the way to go.

So when all has has failed, luckily there finally is a relatively new technique that promises to put an end to our daily quest to rid ourselves of unwanted hair: laser hair removal. But when all is said and done, does it really get rid of that hairy problem?

The short answer is: yes.

How Does Laser hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal became widely available in the middle of the 1990s. Clever boffins discovered that lasers can cause damage to parts of the human body, such as skin and hair, by heating specific targets. Where hair is concerned the target is melanin, a dark matter present in the follicle, which causes the hair to grow.

Advanced scientific techniques resulted in a laser which, when yielded correctly, would target the follicle and damage it, but leave surrounding skin intact. Basically, the follicles are heated and become inflamed, which makes them retreat to the resting, or telegen, phase, and stop growing.

In the past, lasers could only work on dark eumelanin, responsible for brown or black hair, and not pheomelanin, which produces blonde and red hair. But now other hair types can also be removed.

To ensure that your hair is gone and your skin isn’t, however, the skill of the person carrying out the procedure is vital. The darker your skin is, the harder it is to produce good results – and the easier it is to damage the skin itself. Risks of shoddy laser hair removal can include acne flare-ups, burning, white spots and skin discoloration – this can be avoided by using one of three types of lasers which are suitable to your specific skin type.

Remember: laser hair removal does not claim to get rid of hair permanently, although when done regularly you may see permanent hair reduction. Most people will need a series of treatments, anywhere between three and five at least four weeks apart, for best results – although that depends on the amount of hair, its coarseness etc. Maintenance or upkeep treatments are also recommended, although they can take place just once a year.

Also keep in mind that hair grows in spurts, so you will have to return at different times to target complete hair removal. The skill of the person doing the removal is also key, so get someone you trust who has lots of experience removing hair.

A Laser Hair Journey

Here are the steps you will take to get rid of unwanted hair through lasers. Note that you should not pluck or wax your hair in the three weeks prior to treatment, that you should avoid exercise for at least 24 hours after, and shouldn’t be in the sun for about two weeks after. Always wear suncream – but especially following laser hair removal!

1. A practitioner will most likely apply a spray or gel to the area first to numb it but not always – ask in advance if this is something you will want. Remember that pain is usually worse the first time, and that people with coarse hair and/or lots of hair will find the experience the most painful.
2. Next, the practitioner will use the laser to take out the hair. If you are having laser therapy on or near your face, you may be asked to wear googles – some practitioners may ask you to wear them no matter what part of the body is being treated for extra safety.
3. There is a good chance you will be red and sore after the hair removal has taken place, but luckily this will only last a few days. If you have an infection in the area or are taking certain medications, ask your doctor first whether laser hair removal is a good idea.
4. You will soon find that the laser has inhibited the growth of your hair to a significant degree, more so with additional treatments, although the hair may not disappear entirely. Be aware that a very small minority of people do not respond to laser hair removal, and that electrolysis may work better in areas where the strands of hair need to be removed one at a time – such as in the eyebrow area. And in very rare cases, new hair will grow in the areas adjacent to the ones treated, which will require additional hair removal treatments.
5. While you may experience some temporary pigment changes after laser hair removal, be aware that scarring can occur. Minimize the risk of this happening by using only an experienced practitioner and making sure you have the right type of laser for your skin type.
6. If you have a tan, either fake or real, you will need to wait until it has faded completely before you embark on a course of laser hair removal. This is to decrease your risk of skin discoloration as well as to reduce any possibility that your skin will blister, which will be only temporary if it happens at all.

Both men and women often seek laser hair removal as a way to remove unwanted hair seemingly forever. While women concentrate on the upper lip, chin, breast area, thighs, legs, armpits and bikini lines, men often want their chests and backs hair-free. It is estimated that lasers can reduce the hair count, in some cases, by a whopping 90 percent. Happy lasering!

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