Shaping A Smoother You With SmoothShapes
Have you ever wondered if your cellulite could disappear? At Seasons, we have the technology to do just that. SmoothShapes, a state-of-the-art machine, is a pain-free treatment that uses dynamic laser and light energy to smooth and tighten skin. Collagen is regenerated, circulation is improved and metabolic processes are restored. This system is recommended in a series of eight treatments over a four-week period.
“Dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD. was very excited about SmoothShapes, a new laser treatment that she believes can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. ‘At this time, this is the only technology with a laser that’s specifically designed to melt fat.’” (Oprah Magazine; May 2009, p. 204)
A recent study was done in Phoenix with 83 patients that showed the SmoothShape system to effectively reduce thigh circumference. When the results came in, the average overall reduction among the thigh areas treated was 1.9 cm, with the maximum loss being 8.7 cm. “We generally saw the greatest results in the upper thigh,” said Dr. Robert A. Weiss, director of the Maryland Laser, Skin, and Vein Institute in Hunt Valley, Md. He concluded that the SmoothShapes system “was highly effective in producing thigh circumferential reduction at each thigh location and at each evaluation time-point in the study with 1- and 3-month follow-up.”
We all want to look better in our swimsuit, or maybe just feel better in our clothes. Anytime is a good time to think about cellulite. Give us a call to set up a consultation to see if SmoothShapes is right for you! SmoothShapes is available in our Ruston location at Seasons – The Spa, 318-255-1155.
Hair Removal: What’s best?
There are so many methods of removing unwanted hair, but some temporary methods—like waxing, tweezing, threading or using depilatories—can irritate the skin and actually cause increased hair growth.
Electrolysis
Thankfully, electrolysis was discovered by an ophthalmologist over 100 years ago. It is the only FDA approved form of “permanent” hair removal. It’s permanent because it is the only method that destroys the hair follicle.
Don’t worry, destruction is a process of weakening the follicle through multiple treatments. Electrolysis works for all hair regardless of color because its target is the follicle. For the same reason, it is tolerated by all skin types.
Be aware that it is a slow, tedious procedure, and will require a commitment of time and money from the client. That said, electrolysis is the treatment of choice for small areas like the brow bone, lip, ears, chin, fingers and toes and other areas where the hair is too light for laser or IPL devices.
IPL and Laser
IPL (intense pulse light) and laser treatments are effective on melanin found in the hair shaft. (Red, blonde, white and grey hair cannot be removed with laser or IPL.) Both devices are FDA approved for permanent hair reduction because they do not completely destroy the follicle. This means your hair could grow back, but it will be much smaller in size, thickness and growth pattern.
IPL and laser treatment would be the treatment choice for large areas—like your back, legs, bikini, abdomen, etc.
Both electrolysis, which is electric based, and laser/IPL, light based devices, are very effective for their specific areas of application. Together, they can accomplish much greater results than either can do independently.
Trypsin
In 2004, the FDA approved trypsin for use in eliminating unwanted hair. First, trypsin is applied to the skin after hair removal. (The fancy word for hair removal is epilation.) Then, we use galvanic current to diminish regrowth.
See a Professional
For any hair removal treatment to be effective you’ll first need a clinical evaluation by a qualified professional. You could have hirsutism or hypertrichosis, for instance. (Don’t worry, I’ll cover those ideas in a future post.)
A successful treatment plan will be as individual as you are. A professional electrologist is proficient in the most advanced treatment methods and techniques and will provide you with a customized plan that will address your specific concerns.
Terri Grayson, LE, is a licensed electrologist at It’s Permanent Aesthetic Clinic in Monroe, Louisiana.
