Seasons Wellness Clinic » laser

Getting Rid of the Dirty Word – Cellulite!

Hannah — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:52:16 +0000

The dreaded “c” word! Yes, summertime is just around the corner and so is…the unveiling of the CELLULITE!

Before SmoothShapes

Are you feeling unprepared to bare your legs? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that somewhere between 80 and 95 percent of women have cellulite somewhere on their body. Women have been dealing with cellulite for ages. It was originally identified as early as the 1920′s!

Researchers have found that cellulite occurs when connective tissue ages. Skin loses its collagen as it ages and creates a dimple-like appearance. Cellulite can be the result of overproduction of estrogen, heredity, decreased circulation, diet, alcohol, smoking, and stress.

We often feel as if we have no control over cellulite; however, there’s good news for you at Seasons – The Spa. A recent technological breakthrough in the treatment of cellulite utilizes a combination of a deep tissue mechanical massage and targeted laser energy to smooth and tighten bumpy areas. And it’s only offered at Seasons!

After SmoothShapes

During the SmoothShapes Cellulite Reduction therapy, one laser permeates the fat cell while another laser softens the fat in the cell to a liquid state, making it easier to leave the cell. Rollers in the massage push the fat (in liquid form) into the lymphatic system and out of the body. SmoothShapes does not eliminate or destroy fat. It aims to increase the metabolism of fat cells. It also stimulates collagen production to firm and rejuvenate the skin

Seasons offers a SmoothShapes package of eight sessions. We recommend 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks. SmoothShapes is a very relaxing non-invasive procedure. There are no side effects other than a little redness that quickly goes away. SmoothShapes may require maintenance appointments 4 to 8 months after the initial cycle is over.

Call us at (318)255-1155 to set up your SmoothShapes appointments today. We’ll have you ready to show some skin just in time for summer!

Shaping A Smoother You With SmoothShapes

Blair — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:47:10 +0000

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?

Terri Grayson — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:10:01 +0000

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.