What is Skin Tightening?

Is a Non surgical procedure using light therapy to firm the skin and fight sagginess.

As shown below before and after skintight using the IR BBLs from Sciton courtesy of Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa.

Depending on the light source, physicians can opt to use Radiofrequency or Infrared devices.

What is the difference ?

Radiofrequency uses heat that targets different skin layers from dermis to hypodermis, resulting in deep tissue heating. Heating of subcutaneous tissue initiates a mechanical stretch in the skin that induces the production of collagen, stimulates fibroblasts to increase collagen secretion and improves the elasticity of the skin, resulting in skin tightening! Bi-polar RF energy heats the dermis thereby strengthening tissue fibers and dermal collagen to improve skin laxity, sagginess and texture.  The CORE™ technology has an integrated skin cooling mechanism therefore the superficial layers of the skin (epidermis) are protected from the heat.


Infrared works by two major mechanisms, heat-induced collagen shrinkage and micro-thermal injury as well as dermal regeneration, repair and remodeling. Is ideal for targeting jowl and neck laxity, sagginess under the eyes, hands, and nasolabial folds. Using infrared technology, deep dermal heating induces neocollagenesis resulting in an increase in skin firmness. A series of four to six treatments produces a tighter, firmer appearance — without pain or invasive procedures.


What are the side effects?

There is no downtime with either technology as the cooling devise associated with the handpiece of RF or IR protects the epidermis( the superficial layer of skin) from heat and burns. After treatment most patients return to their daily routine with minimal precautions: apply sunscreen and moisturizer to the area.

What areas can be treated with Skintight Laser or RF?


The BBLs technology from Sciton, used at Orchid Aesthetics Medcial Spa, is safe for any skintype from Fitzpatrick I-VI. Results may be visible immediately but usually it takes 3 treatments for long lasting sustained results. You can have former skin with a younger look and feel of a mini non surgical Face lift.

Even though most popular areas treated with a skintight devices RF or IR, are the jowls, neck, hands, eyelids, belly button, any area of the body can be treated.

Four to Six treatments are recommended to achieve better results but depending on the severity and laxity of the skin complementary treatments like Dermal Fillers or Botox Cosmetic might be needed.

Is it uncomfortable?


The procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe. Discomfort is typically minimal; however, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the depth of the treatment.  Most of the times there is no need for  topical anesthesia. Procedures can take from 20 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the area to be treated and on the degree of sagginess.


Other applications of Skintight Laser or RF

When combined with lipolysis skintightening is used for body recontouring and reshaping of the arms, abdomen, hips, chin, knees. The Reaction from Viora utilizes RF, Vacuum and massage rollers to treat Cellulite, Sagging skin and Recontour the body. The Lipo-sculpt from Sciton using IR technology utilizes two wave length to assist in lypolisis and skintightening of the area at the same time. The  result is body reshape and recountouring.

Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa is studying these technologies to incorporate the best available for body reshape and recontouring into its practice.

Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa to open a new Anti-aging center in Midtown Manhattan, will specialize in Cellulite treatment and body recontouring.

To assist in liposculpt lipotrophic B12 injections will also be available on case by case under direct physician guidance, together with private Yoga tone and sculpt sessions.

For more information about our new center read our press release @
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120911006850/en/Orchid-Aesthetics-Medical-Spa-Launching-Aesthetic-Anti-Aging

Melasma

A disease of Hyperpigmentation

What is Melasma?

A skin discoloration, patchy hyper pigmentation occurring especially on con-vexes areas of the face like forehead, cheeks, chin, upper lip,,,

Who gets Melasma?

Women more than men, while in their reproductive age period, if existing hormonal imbalances, ethnic predisposition in Fitzpatrick skin type III,IV,V( darker tones of skin).  It can occur during pregnancy in which case its termed "Cloasma". It is a "disease" of the very sensitive skin induced by exposure to SUN.

Are there stages of Melasma?

Melasma occurs in 2 stages epidermal and dermal-epidermal. Usually a period of time of 2 years or more of Melasma indicates a dermal spread of the melanocytes( the cells responsible for hyper pigmentation).  While initially Melanocytes populate most of the epidermis( the superficial layer of the skin), with time melanocytes and their secretory granules filled with melanin migrate across skin layers deeper and deeper until they populate the papillary dermis.

Why is this important?

The deeper the location and spread of melanin cells the more difficult to treat Melasma as none of the topical medications and or lasers penetrate into the deep dermis( with few exceptions, but incomplete). Therefore treatment of Melasma can be challenging for most experienced Dermatologists.

What happens with sun exposure?

Melanocytes, the cells secreting melanin, which are very sensitive to sun BURST and release their melanin content into the surrounding skin layers resulting in hyper pigmentation.

Treatment options

• PREVENT FUTURE PIGMENTATION BY AVOIDING SUN EXPOSURE
• use UV protection at all times while outdoors( rain or shine)
• controlled exfoliation of the skin under direct medical supervision
• topical lightening creams under physician supervision
• laser treatment like photofacials, non ablative lasers, fractional lasers

The most consistent UV protection is provided against daily UVA rays by physical agents(vs chemical agents). During summer or when in sunny areas added UVB protection is a must.

Ascorbic Acid( Vitamin C) is a natural UVA protector of the skin. UVA RAYS damage collagen, cause wrinkling, loss of elasticity and pigmentation. UVA are 50 times more prevalent than  UVB. UVB are stronger in the summer, cause sunburn and increase the risk of cancer.

Dr. Kerns skin care line features SPF 45 sophisticated sun protector, specifically formulated
as an all-in-one sunscreen, foundation and under-eye concealer with 4% TITANIUM DIOXIDE. Available at Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa.

Controlled exfoliation with medical grade peels and Retinoic acid products along with physician strength prescription lightening creams, are the main-stem of treatment for Melasma.

Dr. Kerns skin care line offers a great combination of Vitamin C cream or serum, HQRA( combination of hydroquinone,  tretinol and hydro-cortisone) a prescription lightening cream scientifically proven to inhibit melaogenesis, limits melanosome transport, reduces photo-induced pigmentation.

Laser or light treatments ( photofacials) like BBL from Sciton address epidermal melasma and help the topical regimen to a faster resolution. A combination treatment is usually recommended for severe Melasma or after 3 months of physician supervised topical treatment.

email your concerns or questions to orchidaesthetics@yahoo.com

 Call for a consultation  with Dr. Kerns : 212-595-1958

Laser for spider veins and Rosacea

 

Is laser beneficial in this field and how?

 

 

Laser can induce coagulation and homeostasis of benign vascular lesions like: port wine stains, hemangiomas,warts,teleangiectasia, rosacea, leg veins and spider veins.

 

Advantages of Laser in treating vascular lesions:

• stronger absorption in oxyhemoglobin results in selective heating of veins
• lower absorption in melanin results in safer use
• the YAG laser 1064 nm can penetrate as deep as 8 mm into tissue

Vessels size

• rosacea and port wine stains: 20-100 microns
• teleangiectasia 100 microns to 1mm
• venules 1mm-2mm
• varicosity :greater than 2 mm

How the laser works:

• heats the blood to above 70 Celsius
• breaks down the vessel wall
• shrink the vessel
• when blood flow stops  the vessel wall dies within 72 hours
• collagen surrounding the area contracts squeezing the vessel down

What should a our expectations be after laser treatment of vascular lesions?

• requires 3 treatments on average
• cannot treat vessels over 3 mm in diameter
• downtime varies with location of the vascular lesion 
• compression stockings must be worn for 5 -10 days after the procedure
• no hot tube or exercise for 10 days
• avoid suntanning for 1 week

Spider veins : a word from the experts

 

More than 80 million people in the United States suffer from spider veins or varicose veins. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates that 50% of women over 21 in the United States have spider veins.

Spider veins (Telangiectasias) are small, red, blue or purple superficial veins commonly appearing as thin lines on the thighs, legs and ankles. Spider veins occur in the general population much more commonly than varicose veins. In fact, most people who have spider veins do not have varicose veins.

However, once venous reflux occurs and varicose (bulging) veins form, the pressure in these veins leads to accelerated and often uncontrolled growth of spider vein clusters.

In the absence of venous reflux , spider veins occur spontaneously and independently due to the inherent weakness of the one-way valve system of the smaller veins of the legs. These veins subsequently dilate, expand and recruit even smaller network of thinner surface veins that are visible to the naked eye. This is why these dysfunctional smaller veins are also known as "feeder veins".

Spider veins usually take on one of three basic patterns: they may appear in a true spider shape with a group of veins radiating outward from a dark central point (A); they may be arbored and take branch-like shapes (B); or they appear as separate lines, each about the size of a large hair (C). Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the arbored pattern often appears on the outer thigh in a sunburst or cartwheel distribution.

Some people are at greater risk for developing spider veins. These risk factors include:

• Sex. Females in any age group are more likely than males to develop spider veins.
• Genetic factors. Some people have veins with abnormally weak walls or valves. They may develop spider veins even without a rise in blood pressure in the superficial veins.
• Pregnancy. A woman's total blood volume increases during pregnancy, which increases the blood pressure in the venous system. In addition, the hormonal changes of pregnancy cause the walls and valves in the veins to soften.
• Using birth control pills.
• Obesity. Excess body weight increases pressure on the veins.
• Occupational factors. People whose jobs require standing or sitting for long periods of time without the opportunity to walk or move around are more likely to develop spider veins than people whose jobs allow more movement.

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard treatment for reticular (blue 1-3mm veins) and spider vein removal.

The purpose of sclerotherapy is to produce endothelial damage that results in permanent

endofibrosis and clinical obliteration of the vessel. The ideal sclerosant would have a
highly specific mechanism of action, would be free of adverse effects when used for this
purpose, and would not produce allergic reactions. Although many agents have been
used in treating varicose veins and telangiectasias.

Sodium tetradecyl sulphate

STS is a versatile sclerosant that can be effectively used for

the treatment of a wide range of varicose veins and telangiectasias. The essential concept
in using STS successfully is to use the appropriate concentration for the given vein
diameter. This will result in minimisation of adverse effects. Although STS has a
predictable and constant effect within the same caliber and type of vein at the same level
or area of the leg, there can be variation in sensitivity among patients.

  

Is contraindicated in previous hypersensitivity reactions to the drug; in acute superficial thrombophlebitis; valvular or deep vein incompetence; huge superficial veins with wide open communications to deeper veins; phlebitis migrans; acute cellulitis; allergic conditions; acute infections; varicosities caused by abdominal and pelvic tumors unless the tumor has been removed; bedridden patients; such uncontrolled systemic diseases as diabetes, toxic hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, asthma, neoplasm, sepsis, blood dyscrasias and acute respiratory or skin diseases.

Dr. Roxana Kerns is a board certified anesthesiologist and a vein specialist doctor, with a long surgical operating room experience.

Dr. Roxana Kerns is an expert in sclerotherapy and cosmetic lasers treatments for spider veins.

Until a decade ago, compression therapy involving bandaging or wearing of compression stockings was the only option available to vein patients preferring a non-surgical solution to their vein problems. Although compression stockings offer some relief to patients with aching and heavy legs and are beneficial to those with existing blood clots in the deep and superficial veins, or in healing ulcers; these stockings can't eliminate varicose and spider veins, and do not cure chronic venous insufficiency, the underlying cause of vein disease, also known as venous reflux.

 

 
 

After summer skin care

Hopefully we all enjoyed the warmth and joy of summer and if SUNSCREEN was our main worry through August now we have to heal Hyper-pigmentation, peel off few layers of wrinkled and dull skin and find a quiet nest to shelter for winter.

We would like to be that nest for you! 

Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan at 57 west 57 street, by Central Park, awaits you for all your skin care needs: from regular cleansing facials to acne treatments, hyper-pigmentation to laser hair removal ,from  non surgical injectables, fat transfer to total body sculpting.

Our new Anti-aging center is located in a pristine building by central park, easy access with two entrances from sixth avenue or 57 th street, close to all means of transportation not only you are in the Mecca of Manhattan but we promise and guarantee the best customer care and top of the line anti-aging treatments to suit all needs.

Its time to get ready for major Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas : immerse in the tranquility of our spa and let us beautify you from the inside out.

• Dr. Kerns skin care line added for your convenience products like Rejuvineck a quintessential peptide cream to lift and firm the skin of the neck or chest, repair sun damage and restore supple young skin. Rejuvineck contains a uniquely blended peptide complex that features “Tretinoin-like” activity to promote and enhance cellular regeneration, lightens and brightens skin to correct pigmentation and age spots.Other ingredients: Algae Extract, Barley Extract, Vitamin E, Sunflower Seed Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Sweet Almond Oil.
• Vitamin C serum has a highly concentrated Vitamin C and Vitamin E combined with green tea extracts, glycolic and lactic acid to combat free radicals, absorb toxins from your skin and restore vitality. Highly potent Vitamin anti-aging serum with a dual Trans-Epidermal Carrier delivers unparalleled results to combat and reverse signs of aging by increasing collagen production, providing anti-oxidant protection and treating hyper-pigmentation. Part of an Anti-Oxidant, Vitality facial offered at Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa,. Vitamin C in high concentration works wonders for sun damaged skin, wrinkles or dull skin. Stimulates collagen and elastin production to firm and tighten the skin. Delivers gentle micro-exfoliation to help erase fine lines and wrinkles
• Microdermabrasion scrub a mixture of powerful natural based microbeads to peel off unwanted pigmentation, fine wrinkles to a youthful, brighter and healthier skin, now available for your weekly home care in Dr. Kerns skin care. Resurfacing ingredients remove dead cells and debris from the skin’s surface, while granules smooth dull, dry skin to a fresh radiant finish.Other ingredients: sugar Cane Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract.Diminishes hyperpigmentation, improves skin tone, texture and elasticity by smoothing dull, dry skin with non-abrasive exfoliation from pumice granules, scavenges free radicals and protects skin cells from deterioration.

Its the best time to resume your laser treatments whether is hair removal, skintight for firmer skin, or IPL( photorejuvenation);

Our state-of-the-art anti -aging center located in Midtown Manhattan offers the best products selected one by one for their proven results by Dr. Kerns. We offer all natural organic skin care meant to correct the most stubborn problem of your skin and the most troublesome skin disorder from  acne to rosacea.

Lips rejuvenation: myth or technique

LIPS are the center of our beauty and from ancient times have been a major point of interest for beauticians, poets and artists of all nature.

We are not born with the same beauty traits when it comes to lips and in the aging process there are significant changes that obscure and diminish the beauty of the lips.

 

 

As we can see in the aging process the entire area around the upper and lower lips is wrinkled, lips have lost fat and have a much thinner look and almost no shape; lips are surrounded by sagging folds( nasolabial and marionette), the corners of the mouth are down-pointing, the chin is flat and the jaw line is enlarged.

Can we stop the aging process? or just slow it down?

Few procedures to consider in lip rejuvenation:

FAT TRANSFER in lip rejuvenation is technique dependent and the fat survival after transfer is the maintain of a successful procedure.

• Up to 40% of the transferred fat will not survive the transfer; most physicians opt to transfer an addtional 20% to 40% after full correction is achieved to deliver more fat cells for neovascularization.
• The transplanted fat cells must develop new sources of vascularization to have ongoing nourishing and maintain life.
• At Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging Center we specialize in Fat Transfer using the Viafill disposable kits: our procedures are minimally invasive, painless with little or no downtime depending on the required amount of fat to be transferred.
• Cost including anesthesia and follow up visits start at $1500

CHEMICAL PEELS

•  Medical grade Glycolic 30% can prevent wrinkles around the mouth to form or deepen or stronger peels like the TCA( triclor acetic)or VI Peel 15%can correct moderate degree of wrinkling around the mouth. Peels must be applied to the wrinkled area every 3-4 weeks for up to 6 treatments with a minimum of 3 for adequate results.
• Costs start at $149 to $450

DERMAL-FILLERS are being used in lip rejuvenation to sustain the corners of the mouth , confer volume to lips or fill in  Botox resistant vertical wrinkles around the lip area. Cost for the procedure starts at $350.


BOTOX COSMETIC wil relax the "smoker lines", wrinkles caused by the contraction of orbicularis muscles, or lift corners of the mouth by relaxing the depressor angulis oris. Costs start at $250

ACUPUNCTURE is a beautiful natural technique that complements any other preventative or restorative treatment for the lips by plumping up natural collagen, preventing sagging of the skin, providing stress relief though total body relaxation, promotes better sleep and regulates hormonal imbalances. Works by successive sessions twice a week or weekly for up to 10 sessions minimum of 6. Cost for a package of 6 is $675, and for a package of 10 is $1095( plus you get an additional session for free).

SKIN CARE even though not the center of lip rejuvenation it is mandatory to complement any treatment by providing hydration to lips and surrounding skin;  Nourishing the epidermis and dermis of the "white" lip can prevent wrinkles and sagging of the supporting elements of the lips. skin care is often ignored by the busy New Yorker who prefers quick intense treatments versus longstanding day to day preventative measures. Preventing in the anti-aging battle is the maintain of any  treatment: slowing down the aging process and delaying factors like wrinkles, sagging, large pores, volume shrinkage. Restoring beauty and youth , once lost is possible even though not successful all the time, but requires much more expensive and invasive techniques( surgeries).

Dr. Kerns skin care line is natural, medical strength formula.

High concentration of Vit C, peptides, growth factors, stem cells can and will only be present in a prescription strength physician supervised formulation. Since better skin means better health, a physician embedded program is meant to work at cellular depth to deliver vitality.

Orchidaesthetics@yahoo.com

212-595-1958

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How to get a painless nose job

Getting a Nose job (Rhinoplasty) is not an easy thing: is painful, traumatic to your nasal bridge and septum( the doctor actually breaks down your nasal bones and remodels them), it gets you out of the social life for months. Plus you might not like the initial results, it takes at least 6 months for the shape and new contour of the nose to fit in, you may potentially need a redo.


Unless there is a specific surgical indication just for beauty reasons , there are alternatives much less traumatic to get a nose job (rhinoplasty).


At Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center our physician Dr. Roxana Kerns, uses a combination of Botox Cosmetic and or Juvederm Ultra or Radiesse fillers to lift the tip of your nose, reshape and straighten where needed the septal ridge of the nose: a non surgical "nose job" or rhinoplasty .

Botox Cosmetic is an Anti-aging injection, painless, with no downtime, that prevents muscle contraction and secondary the wrinkles or folds that are a consequence of such muscle contraction. To elevate the tip of the nose Dr. Roxana Kerns injects the depressor nasal muscle at the base of the nose. By leaving the levators of the tip of the nose having an unopposed action the tip of the nose will be temporarily lifted for 4-8 months. The injection must be repeated at such interval to keep the results ongoing.

Juvederm Ultra or Juvederm Ultra Plus and Radiesse are cosmetic injections,  fillers, that can be used in anti-aging or cosmetic procedures. Dr. Roxana Kerns of Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center, uses the above fillers to correct the shape of the nose and restore symmetry to the face.
The fillers are injected after application of topical anesthetic in areas of the nasal bridge and septum that are to be corrected. The results render more than 70% customer satisfaction, are painless, done in the office with no downtime or difficult scheduling. Fillers are ultimately absorbed by the body and need to be re-injected at 6 month-2 years interval depending on the filler used or degree of correction necessary. Radiesse tends to last longer than Juvederm and is the filler of choice at Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center for a non surgical "nose job"(rhinoplasty).

Juvederm Ultra or Juvederm Ultra Plus are less painful than Radiesse and provide a more natural initial look but their longevity for this procedure is not the best.
Juvderm is a hyaluronic acid injection while Radiesse is a mixture of crystals of hydroxiapatite.
While hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin, conjunctiva, crystals of hydroxiapatite have a thicker consistency similar to the bone and tends to stimulate a natural collagen response where injected.
The decision of which filler to use for a non surgical nose job depends on the shape of the nose, prior procedures, doctor and patient preference.

Fat Transfer and PRP are evolving as newer procedures with better results and longevity. PRP can be done complementary to fillers to prolong longevity or to decrease the swelling and inflammatory response.

Fat Transfer is an alternative to fillers and is mostly used in a total face rejuvenation process. At Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center, Dr. Roxana Kerns uses the Viafill disposable system.

The cost for a surgical nose job can be over $10,000 while a non surgical nose job(rhinoplasty) is only $750.


Dr. Roxana Kerns of Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center offers complimentary consultations in procedure available for a non surgical nose job(rhinoplasty).

For inquiries please call 212-595-1958 or email orchidaesthetics@yahoo.com
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Non surgical eye rejuvenation

We all know what a blepharoplasty is but how can we erase the time marks around our eyes without using the knife?

Non surgical procedures are very much in vogue and popular on the cosmetic and aesthetic markets and are very desirable when the results delivered match those obtained with surgery as they provide minimal discomfort and or downtime. For a busy New Yorker that says it all: we don't have to take time off from work, refrain from our social activities or worry about pain tolerance.

Depending on the prominent aging marker around your eyes there are few procedures available to help rejuvenate your eyes and bring back a youthful glow.

Non surgical blepharoplasty addresses the rejuvenation of the eyes and its not limited to : fillers or fat to treat "dark circles" and sunken eyes and fill up stubborn wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic to smooth out wrinkles, IPL laser treatments to cool off hypepigmentation of the skin, chemical peels to brighten the skin and erase wrinkles, Laser skintight to firm the sagging upper or lower eyelids.  

Fillers like Restylane or Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus occasional Radiesse can be used in the non surgical eye rejuvenation.  

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler with fine consistency and can be used with great success to replace the periorbital fat under the eyes or to fill up static stubborn wrinkles that form the "crow's feet" around the eyes.   In the aging process the periorbital fat migrates down into the nasolabial folds and leaves the eyes with "shadows" or "dark circles" that create a sunken look of the eyes.       Restylane before and after in eye rejuvenation



Juvederm Ultra and Juvderm Ultra PLus offer sometimes better longevity even though in the periorbital area there is a tendency of the fillers to stay longer as the muscle contractions are not strong enough to increase the absorption rate of such filler. Restylane gives instant youthful results and is more indicated for lesser degree of "sunken eyes" or where the dermis is very thin, where Juvederm is more of a choice with deep grooves or thicker dermis.

Radiesse is more or less of a choice in the eye rejuvenation, at Orchid Aesthetics we primarily use it to enhance the premalar cheek area right under the eye. Even though many plastic surgeons or aesthetic physicians prefer Radiesse in the eye rejuvenation, we must caution customers on the higher degree of swelling, lumpiness and pain associated with Radiesse

At Orchid Aesthetics we prefer autologous FAT TRANSFER using the Viafill disposable kits and nonsurgical approach instead of Radiesse in the eye rejuvenation treatments.

The benefits of Fat Transfer are: no allergies or sensitivities to product, smoother look, no lumpiness, less bruising as we use blunt cannula(s), longer results; downside: more expensive, rare to find an aesthetic physician trained in the procedure.

Botox Cosmetic is the number one anti-wrinkle treatment in New York and its benefits definitely outweigh the risks. Is being used in eye rejuvenation to smooth out "crows feet" periorbital wrinkles.

Chemical peels like TCA or VI Peel( combination of TCA, Phenol, Salicilic ac) can also be used to rejuvenate both upper and lower eyelids: smooth out fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, refresh the texture of the skin.

Laser or Radiofrequency skintight is a procedure to tighten and firm sagging upper or lower eyelids. It complements Fillers and or Botox in the eye rejuvenation process.

Dr. Kerns of Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa is very savvy about eye rejuvenation and offers complimentary consultations.

You can email your requests to orchidaesthetics@yahoo.com or call 212-595-1958.

Cellulite what's new?

what is cellulite?

Cellulite is the definition of fat deposits, lumped under thinner skin  with an "orange peel" texture, giving the skin a dimpled, lumpy appearance.

Am I too Fat?

It is not directly caused by excess weight and it is not a characteristic of obesity or overweight persons.
Repeated cycles of weight gain and weight loss can compromise skin elasticity, making cellulite more pronounced.
 

Why Me?

Collagen is a protein found in skin or connective tissue. If that connective tissue somehow becomes damaged, too thin, then the fat underneath your skin can surface through in a lumpy fashion that we call cellulite.

Genetics : Cellulite is directly and strongly related to your genetic heritage. You can have the perfect lifestyle, eat the best food, have a slim figure and still have advanced cellulite.



Hormonal imbalances can predispose to cellulite: too much estrogen, also known as estrogen dominance, which can result from eating a high amount of processed foods, soy, and packaged foods, or from physical inactivity or stress.

 Aging :as the skin loses its elasticity from getting older, smoking, sun exposure, and weight gain and loss, the skin becomes thinner and sags.

Lifestyle is not directly related to your degree of cellulite but a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain a slim figure , constant body weight, strong toned muscles that mask and prevent cellulite .

Why women and not men?

Why the preponderance of cellulite in females compared to males ?

• both men and women have alpha and beta estrogen receptors.

• Beta receptors are responsible for breaking down fat, and alpha receptors are responsible for producing more fat.

• And women have about a ten times more alpha receptors than beta receptors compared to men!

 

Do creams work? 

Creams containing methylxanthines, including caffeine, aminophylline and theophyllin have been postulated to help, but the extent of improvement is questionable,

Herbal creams containing a variety of ingredients, such as gingko biloba, sweet clover, and evening primrose oil, claim to reduce cellulite, perhaps by affecting circulation.

Lymphatic massage ?

Lipomassage devices knead the skin with a combination of massage and suction. Several different machines are in use at Medispas and dermatology practices, and at least one has been approved by the FDA for a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Generally, the treatment requires 35-minute sessions twice a week or weekly for 6-14 weeks. The cellulite is likely to return 6-18 months after the treatments stop.

Radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency devices deliver heat -- sometimes combined with tissue massage -- to damage the underlying fat and the connective tissue. This is designed to spur skin tightening and to smooth out the dimpled skin. Small studies have shown benefits, at least temporarily.

Mesotherapy

This controversial and unapproved procedure involves injections of fat-dissolving substances beneath the skin, such as phosphatidylcholine, which is a lecithin extract, and sodium deoxycholate, a detergent. The FDA has issued warnings related to "lipodissolve" products. Side effects include swelling, rash, or infection. The FDA says some products have caused "permanent scarring, skin deformation, and painful knots."

Liposuction?

Cellulite is generally not treated by liposuction, on the contrary liposuction can aggravate cellulite, therefore is not indicated.

 

Ultrasound?

Ultrasound waves penetrate below the dermis at the fatty conjuctival enclaved fatty deposits, fight thickening, impaired lymphatic and blood circulation in case of cellulite. Penetrating deeply into the tissues, ultrasonic waves destroy the connective tissue bridges between the fat cells, improves lymph circulation in the impact zone, stimulates metabolism, and normalizes the structure of collagen.

 

Cool Laser?

The procedure uses a device that combines suction and low-intensity laser light to temporarily reduce cellulite. The suction stimulates draining of lymphatic fluid. Lymphatic fluid is often blamed for aggravating cellulite. The laser component of cold-laser massage also aims to stimulate collagen to tone cellulite-ridden areas.

You are not alone!

Hollywood has been flagged with the infamous cellulite! The list of  celebrities with cellulite includes stars such as Britney Spears, Beyonce, Donatella Versace, Kim Kardashian, and Paris Hilton.
Many women feel that seeing their favorite star with skin problems will aleviate how they feel about their own body issues.

We all strive to have perfect skin and we encourage you not to give up! Just have patience, perseverance and dont' forget to enjoy life!

On Oprah's show:

Thalgo : ageless marine beauty

Skin care products are a must but choosing the right product and or line is a challenge!

 

Why did we at Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa and Anti-aging center choose Thalgo as our main skin care line?

 

1. The Ocean is the only endless life "on" earth and all Thalgo products are "algae" based.
2. Algae have been recognized worldwide for their nourishing properties, Thalgo opens a new world based on the science of seaweed.
3. The Ocean and Marine elements are free from exposure to all terestial  pollutants, therefore they are Natural and Organic
4. Thalgo is a very reputable professional  skin care line available only in spas or medical settings, their efficiency has been proven over more than 40 years all over the world.
5. We are very picky and choose only those products that in a combination treatment give the best results, with no side effects.
6. Over 5 years of using Thalgo in our treatments we encountered NO skin allergies, side effects, intolerance irrespective of the level  of sensitivity of the skin.

          Which Thalgo products we recommend for you?

• ANTI-WRINKLE

Collagen Cream is a deep nourishing cream, which hydrates skin with its fullness and smooths out fine and medium wrinkles to perfection. Recommended for fall/winter/spring, mostly in population of age 40 and above or younger if there is a predisposition for wrinkles or severe sun exposure/damage.

Terre& Mer anti-ageing concentrate is a 100% natural mixture of olive, sunflower and sweet almond oils; is a serum that only requires a drop on the wrinkle twice a day to keep and fade your wrinkles away! Use throughout the year on the wrinkles only complements treatments like Botox Cosmetic and increases its longevity.

Terre& Mer soothing concentrate, 100% natural,complements the anti-aging serum and calms down sensitive skin, recommended as application after chemical peels,sunburn or sun damaged skin or to replace the anti-aging serum  when sensitivities are present.

Vital Cream or Fluid 100% organic, with olive leaf extract provides intense hydrating and nourishing while preventing fine wrinkles, maintains skin supple and smooth: recommended for early prevention of wrinkles and as a moisturizer.

Absolute Rehydrate serum an intense moisturizer, provides radiance and vitality to tired looking skin; recommended for all ages as a daily moisturizer.

DeliciousComfort Cream is a rich cream in shea butter and algomega complex that treats and prevents advanced signs of aging. For lipid dry skin, Thalgo Delicious Comfort Cream instantly restores suppleness and comfort.

• EYE CARE

Revitalizing eye cream is enriched with marine elastin and plant extracts, this firming cream helps prevent loss of elasticity for youthful looking eye contours. Contains Marine Elastin, Hazel tree extract, Hyssop, & Chamomile.

Firming eye gel  is excellent for puffiness, resulting in a more rested and youthful look while decreasing swelling or minimizing wrinkles around your eyes. Contains Marine Plankton, Spirulina, Amino Acids, Crab and Lobster extracts, Wheat Protein.

• ACNE OR BLEMISHED SKIN

Thalgodermyl Purifying Extract contains  Controlamine, Pam Extract (Grapefruit)®, Kaolin, & Micronized Marine Algae.
Works wonders on blemishes skin by controlling and regulating the sebuum secretions, preventing clogging of the pores and providing  anti-bacterial properties by its natural ingredient Controlamine from Algae.

 Deep Cleansing Absorbent Mask with its main ingredient natural clay, absorbs excess sebum and clears away the skin's impurities, helps with closing and minimizing pores while keep skin looking fresh, matte and healthy.

Intense Regulating Serum controls the sebum rate, tightens pores and refines the texture of the skin.