HydraFacial

 The Hydrafacial is a deluxe facial treatment that incorporates many different steps simultaneously.  This new technique is designed to fully restore moisture and volume back into the skin. The HydraFacial is a deep cleaning system that infuses water, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, deep into the skin.  As the hydrating hyaluronic acid serums penetrate into the dermis, the HydraFacial system has a unique microdermabrasion feature that simultaneously sucks out black heads, comodones, makeup, dirt, and all other debris that is clogged in the pores.  It sloughs off the dead skin cells like a vaccuum and then infuses the vitamins, antioxidants and the very moisturizing hyaluronic acid serum. 



The infusion of the hyaluronic acid serum is one of the most important steps in this system.  This serum used is a 70% concentration, which is a very strong solution. A normal facial only utilizes a 20% Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is extremely attracted to water, which is one of the main components constantly flowing through this system during treatment which is why it works so well to restore water and moisture back into the skin.



We often don't realize that the reason for many of our skin problems began with dehydrated skin.  Lines and wrinkles from age and smoking are more apparent on individuals with dry skin.  Infusing water into the dermis immediately erases the fine lines and wrinkles which leaves the skin looking evenly toned, refreshed & much more youthful and healthy.

 

The results you will see from one Hydrafacial is equivalent to the results after having 5 facials!! WOW!

What makes this facial different? 

When you are having a regular facial treatment, the products being used are applied topically and are only given about 7-10 minutes to penetrate into the skin until it is cleansed off.  The HydraFacial infuses the product deep into the skin and is NEVER cleansed off! Although you are not able to see the product, it is deeply sealed into the newly cleaned pores and will continue to benefit the skin for 5-7 days! That really allows a good amount of time for the products to work their magic, which is why one HydraFacial works better then having 5 regular facials.

The HydraFacial will leave your skin SMOOTHED, PLUMPED, HYDRATED, REFRESHED AND YOUNGER LOOKING!  

  You CAN have a flawless complexion!

 

We are offering the HydraFacial for $150 (regularly $250) as an introductory price to give the HydraFacial a try.  You will not be dissappointed, this facial is worth every cent!   

*Also included is a hand or foot massage.

To schedule an appointment, please call our office:

(480) 664-2288.

*Discounted packages are also available through August 30th. 

Vampire Facelift

Capture the Twilight of Youth, with the Non-Invasive Vampire Facelift…..

Emmanouil Karampahtsis, NMD

Summit Entertainment.. Twilight –Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson
Women are constantly looking to turn back the hands of time and have found surgical alternatives such as dermal fillers Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse or Juvederm to name a few.

These fillers have contributed significantly to the art of anti-aging by increasing depleted volume, but have fallen short of the mark however when it comes to actually rejuvenating the youth of the face the way that the new Vampire Facelift .

What is the Vampire facelift?

It is an injectable non-invasive procedure that utilizes the patient’s own blood. Instead of using a foreign substance as filler, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient. The blood is then processed in a device that creates a thick substance called platelet rich plasma (PRP) also called PRFM (Platelet rich fibrin matrix). This substance in then injected into the face, in areas that need cosmetic improvement.
What are the advantages of the Vampire lift versus other fillers?
The advantages are many. First of all the product used is not foreign to the body; it is derived from the body itself so the chances of allergic reactions are minimal to none. The substance can be injected into areas that fillers cannot be used such as forehead and glabella (the area between the eyebrows, on top of the nose), as well as the neck. The total volume that can be injected can be as much as 10ml without increasing the cost. What happens after the injections?
Where the PRP is injected, the platelets get activated and release several growth factors that stimulate repair of the surrounding tissues. Those growth factors stimulate multi-potent stem cells to develop to into new tissue to facilitate the repair process. The end result is improvement of the whole tissue not just adding volume into the area that the product was injected.
How soon can results be seen and how long do they last?
Some increase in volume can be seen immediately after the treatment but the results start being more noticeable after 2-3 weeks with a peak time of 2-3 months. Depending on the person’s lifestyle and habits such as smoking, hydration, nutrition, sun exposure, daily skin care, the results can last from 8 months to two years. The good news are that the treatments work cumulative, meaning, the more treatments one has and if they are careful with their overall skin care, they can significantly reverse the aging process.
What imperfections can be treated with this procedure?
Because the plasma can be injected at different depths and everywhere in the face, it works to correct problems such as, lines and wrinkles such as on the neck, crow’s feet, or parenthesis lines. Old scars from acne, as well as skin laxity can be improved by this procedure. Collagen production is stimulated, as well as fat tissue that reduces the appearance of naso-labial folds or improves the volume on the cheeks. New dermal and epidermal skin cells can grow so total face rejuvenation can be achieved with this procedure.
How do I choose where and who will perform my procedure?
There are several different equipment in the market that can process the blood to create the PRP or PRFM gel like substance. Some of them can produce higher concentrations of platelets, therefore better results will be achieved; other equipment produce lower concentrations, therefore inferior results will be achieved. Make sure that the facility uses a reputable device that is backed up by scientific studies that prove its efficacy. Also remember that you have to have a physician that understands the science and art of beauty, and takes time to understand your aesthetic concerns. A physician that has had experience with dermal fillers as well as other facial injections can best help you achieve the results you want. Remember, everyone with a syringe of product that is used for cosmetic purposes, does not create the same results with the face. Just because someone can inject a substance, does not mean that they can give you the beautiful results you are seeking.

Platelet Rich Plasma

 

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy

PRP therapy is gaining grounds among physicians and patients as the desired treatment for joint pains. Patients that do not want surgery, or are not good candidates, and those who do not want to take pain medications for the rest of their life, are seeking other therapies that promote joint healing. PRP has shown to be one of the most effective natural treatments that promote the body’s own natural healing properties. PRP can help heal traumatized joints or injured muscles.

It is considered a Regenerative Therapy by using the platelet component of the patient’s blood. Platelets are blood cells that are immediately involved into healing injured tissues. They release growth factors that cause the laying down of new collagen, fibroblasts, and regeneration of other cells. With the proper technology, physicians can separate the platelets from the blood in a 15 minute in office procedure which is safe and easy.

When a person sprains a joint, the ligaments and tendons supporting that joint are stretched. Because these tissues don’t have a good blood supply, the healing process can be extremely slow or ineffective; that leaves the joint in a loose unstable state which causes it to “wobble”. The body does not like this instability and tries several methods to stabilize the traumatized and unhealed joint. The first is to recruit the muscles above and below the joint to hold the joint tight. Since the muscles are not designed primarily for this type of work, fatigue and spasms start leading to referred pain. If the instability goes on long enough, the second method the body uses to stabilize the joint is to calcify the inflamed areas. This leads to osteophyte formations and what we know as arthritis. Using the PRP injections, we can target those injured tissues and the body’s own healing factors within the platelets restart the repair process effectively.

What is PRP ?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. It is an advanced therapy that applies the patient’s own natural healing mechanisms in the platelets to repair injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles which support the joints. Joints become painful and non-healing with repetitive injury, poor nutrition, or use of anti-inflammatory medications. PRP can accelerate the healing in acute injuries or restart the slow repair process in chronic injuries.

How does it work?

When a joint is injured, the ligaments and tendons are stretched. The first cells to start the healing process are usually the platelets. They move into the damaged tissue and stop the bleeding at the sites of tears. Then they release growth factors which start the healing cascade. These growth factors call in new cells and cause new blood vessels to form in the tendons and ligaments. Eventually, stem cells remodel the tissues and lay down new collagen and fibroblasts. When patients have chronic injuries, somewhere this healing process becomes ineffective. By injecting the PRP into the injured ligaments and tendons we are able to restart the healing process at the sites that need it.

How long does it take?

The PRP process takes about 30-60 minutes in the office. Blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special separator cup and centrifuged for 15 minutes. This patented process yields the greatest concentration of platelets. Not all devices in the market have the same capability. Before injecting the PRP, the ligaments and tendons of the joint are anesthetized with local anesthetic. After the PRP has been separated and concentrated by the centrifuge, it is then injected into the injured joint.

Which joints can be treated?

Any injured joint can be treated such as ankles, knees, hip, low back, shoulders, elbows and wrists. The injury can be acute or chronic.

How does this compare to cortisone?

Cortisone does the opposite of PRP. It causes the tissues to thin and become weaker. It temporarily reduces inflammation and discomfort but does not promote healing. PRP, on the other hand, causes the tendons and ligaments to thicken and strengthen, by temporarily increasing inflammation.

What kind of result can I expect?

Several studies have shown as much as 80% of the patients achieving at least 60% improvement in symptoms. Patients had injuries for a couple months to a several decades and most of them usually feel better in a week or two. An average of 1-2 treatments per joint are required. Some of the improvements are increased stability, less joint pain, more mobility, less use of pain medicines, and better sleeping. Different studies show close to 85% of patients being satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment.
Down Time/When can I return to normal activities?
Patients are asked to do light activity for a week and resume heavier activity after that, but still exercising caution as the healing process is still going on.
Is the treatment covered by insurance?
Most, PPO insurances typically cover the procedure. Our office can check with your insurance carrier for re-imbursement prior to treatment.

Who is using PRP?

It has been used by professional athletes to get back in the game quicker without surgery. They avoid lengthy downtime and lengthy physical therapy commitments. Tiger Woods, Hines Ward and various professional football and baseball players that remained anonymous, have used PRP to recover from injuries.
PRP History and Current Studies

PRP was initially used over 20 years ago in dentistry to enhance wound healing in cancer patients with jaw reconstruction. Soon afterward, its applications extended across many fields of medicine from cardiovascular surgery to orthopedics. Multiple studies are underway to help further refine the treatment and demonstrate its efficacy.
Gosens and Sluimer in a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 100 patients with tennis elbow found PRP beat cortisone injections in reducing pain and improving function within 24 weeks. This excellent study confirms platelet rich plasma performs better than the "gold standard" of treatment for patients with tennis elbow that don't respond to simple treatments.