Radiesse Wrinkle Filler

Radiesse^TM is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable, injectable filler approved by the FDA  in December 2006 for the correction and filling for moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles. It is also used for cheek enhancement, replacing volume loss in the mid-face, hands and other areas.

RADIESSE wrinkle filler consists of smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres that are suspended in a water-based gel carrier. Over time, as your own soft tissue replaces the gel carrier, and newly formed collagen provides the desired long-term effect. These unique advantages make RADIESSE filler treatments the ideal choice to fill moderate to severe wrinkles. This immediate and long lasting correction of facial wrinkles makes RADIESSE wrinkle filler the natural choice.

Women or men who have facial wrinkles and folds common with aging and volume loss are candidates for Radiesse. Radiesse is much more cost-effective when you consider that it lasts on average twice the length of time as Juvederm or Restylane. In addition, there is more filler in the Radiesse syringe (1.5 mL of Radiesse vs 0.8 mL and 1.0 mL with Juvederm and Restylane respectively).

Radiesse is gently injected into the skin in small amounts with a very fine needle. Its exclusive calcium-based microsphere technology contains tiny particles that form a scaffold around which the body is stimulated to produce new collagen. This unique response provides immediate, visible improvement of folds and wrinkles, while the body's own collagen naturally restores a fuller, more youthful appearance that keeps patients looking better even longer. Radiesse's tiny microspheres gradually break down into calcium and phosphate ions that are naturally taken up by the body over time.

Radiesse is not recommended for use in enlarging/enhancing the lips. Dr. Bell usually prefers  Juvederm or Restylane for lip rejuvenation. Since Radiesse has no anesthetic in the product Dr. Bell recommends that patients have a "dental block" before they receive an injection of Radiesse.  She uses a technique that is similar to that used by dentists when giving "Novocaine" for dental work. This "block" is identical to that used before injecting Juvederm or Restylane, and using a block allows virtually pain-free placement of Radiesse. Dr. Bell provides this "dental block" at the time of treatment, and it is included in the price of a Radiesse injection. 

The results with Radiesse can be seen immediately. As with any filler treatment or injectable there may be some bruising for a few days. Makeup usually adequately covers most bruising and patients are able to go about their normal daily routine. While this bruising may be minor, patients do need to be aware of it and not schedule treatments within a week of important events.

We recommend that patients avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen), vitamin E, or St. John's Wort for 1-2 weeks prior to receiving any filler injectable treatment. This is because these medications can increase bruising. If your physician has prescribed any of these medications such as aspirin please consult with them before you stop.


For more information about Radiesse or other dermal fillers, call Plush Medical Spa at 334-702-6869 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bell.

RADIESSE Dermal Filler

• Delivers immediate correction
• Typically requires only one treatment for optimal results for most patients (a touch-up may be required)
• Stimulates the body to produce new collagen over time
• Results last up to a year or more for many patients
• Reduces the need for re-treatment
• More cost-effective for many patients
• Soft, natural-looking results that feel like the patient's own tissue
• Primary component is identical in composition to the mineral portion of bones and teeth
• Contains no human- or animal-derived components
• Virtually no risk of allergic reaction
• Does not require sensitivity testing prior to treatment

~ SPECIAL THROUGH March 31st, 2011 ~

Radiesse 1.5 mL $495 (reg $650) 

BOTOX & DYSPORT

     Last Friday the FDA announced its approval of Botox as a treatment for chronic migraine. For years neurologists have used the drug as an off-label treatment for headache, migraines in particular, and many of our patients report more headache-free days after having only cosmetic Botox treatments. This exciting and potent toxin is currently being studied for disorders that effect every part of the body and is currently used by to treat a wide variety of diseases

     In addition to the new indication for migraine, Botox currently holds FDA indications for treatment of:

**cervical dystonia, to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain 

** severe axillary hyperhidrosis (excessively sweaty armpits) 

** strabismus and blepharospasm (crossed eyes and excessive blinking) .

     Eight years ago, botulinum toxin stepped into the mainstream spotlight when Botox Cosmetic was approved by the FDA for treatment of frown lines. Botox and Dysport are now the two only forms of Botulinum Toxin type A on the market in the US for cosmetic purposes. When skillfully injected they provide a much more relaxed, youthful appearance, and all anyone else ever seems to notice is how "beautiful" and "well-rested" you look.

     Frown lines and wrinkles in patients injected with Botox or Dysport are reduced (or eliminated) for about 4 months. Frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet all respond extremely well to treatment. At Plush, we strive to eliminate the lines that occur with muscle movement while leaving enough strength in the muscle for some movement to still occur. Ideally you will still be able to express yourself as well as before Botox, just without the repetitive folding of the skin, a mechanical injury  that will lead to deeper, more permanent wrinkles over time. Younger patients with less extensive wrinkling should be able to achieve a wrinkle-free look to the entire upper face using fewer units of Botox, while maintaining enough movement for a very natural appearance.   The areas that suffered that repeated, folding injury (i.e. the wrinkles) will then have time to heal and fill-in, so that even the forehead lines and crows feet visible even without expressive muscle movement can be improved from treatment with Botox. With treatments 3 times a year, many patients have seen even those "permanent" vertical frown lines between their brows, that were once visible at rest, completely disappear even when viewed under 5x magnification. 

     Since muscles have a baseline amount of tone even at rest it is possible for static wrinkles (wrinkles present without muscle movement) to show improvement with treatment. This is the reason for almost always using Botox or Dysport before filler in these areas. 

We discourage use of  botulinum toxin around the mouth as it can be quite problematic. Drinking, eating, smiling and speaking could become difficult. For lip enhancement it's always best to use a dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm.

     While the lines between the brows and the crows feet have virtually no downside to treatment, the horizontal lines of the forehead require more skill on the part of the physician. The skin of the forehead and the position and height of the eyebrows depend in part on the natural, baseline tone of the forehead muscles. When that slight tension is reduced, you may notice a small drop in the position of your eyebrows. Keeping injections higher in the frontalis muscles of the forehead and using fewer units are two keys for maintaining good eyebrow position after Botox or Dysport treatments.  Strategic injection placement will also ensure that you get the eyebrow shape you desire and not the crazy "bat brow" that can occur when the physician does not adequately treat the lateral forehead muscles. Because of differences in diffusion of the drug between the two sides of the forehead, about 10% of patients at Plush that have their horizontal forehead lines treated will require a small (Free!) touch-up to even their brows at their 1 week follow-up appointment.

The differences between Botox and Dysport are small. Dysport has a quicker onset of action in our experience, with patients seeing a decrease in muscle movement at 1-2 days versus 2-3 with Botox. Both drugs seem to last the same amount of time with the majority showing clinical improvement for 4 months. The units of Botox and Dysport are not equal, in fact it's takes about 3 units of Dysport to equal the clinical effect of 1 unit of Botox., but that isn't necessarily a reflection of potency. . For example, 1 unit of botox (actually called a Mouse Unit) is defined as the LD50 (the leathal dose for 50% treated) when injected intraperitoneally into a 18-22g mouse. The lethal dose for humans is many times greater than the doses used for cosmetic purposes.  

     According to the FDA "There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when Botox has been used at the recommended dose to treat chronic migraine, severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm, or strabismus, or when Botox Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to improve frown lines."

     Some  have suggested that Dysport may be more likely to induce antibody formation and therefore cause a patient to become "immune" to it and require more units and eventually perhaps not respond to treatment with Botox or Dysport. Studies have yet to show clear evidence of this. Interestingly though, patients that have shown a developing resistance to Botox have been sucessfully subsequently treated with Dysport.

     Ultimately the choice between Botox and Dysport is yours! If you have questions, talk with your doctor or come see us at Plush. Consultations with Dr.Bell are always free, and she can tell you exactly how many units you will likely require in any area.  334-702-6869

Click here to visit our website, www.PlushMedSpa.com

Buy Clarisonic Pro & help support Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Clarisonic Pink Makes a Difference 

Clarisonic is proud to help Look Good...Feel Better.   
With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, they will make a donation to help women with cancer look and feel like themselves again. Thanks for your support in making this happen!

     The Pink Clarisonic Pro is one of Plush Medical Spa's feature Breast Cancer Awareness items for October 2010.

     We at Plush are all using the Pro systems for at-home facial cleansing along with the Body Brush head (for the rest of our skin!) in the shower. We have nothing but praise for this system!

     Even though this is an award-winning product and was named an Allure Magazine "Best of Beauty" in 2008, we had limited exposure to it until recently. Our receptionist, Renee was already using the Clarisonic. She recommended we give it a try, and we also had several clients ask about it. Dr. Bell contacted the company to find out more, and before we knew it we were ALL hooked!

    Our massage therapist Deana was soon surprised to find increased skin turnover with some peeling after just a few days of using the Clarisonic at home. Our esthetician, Raychel explained to her that this was likely due to the increased absorption of her skin care products (i.e. her Obagi glycolic acid cleasner and Retin-A Micro cream) after using the Clarisonic. How exciting! We all have smoother, softer skin now, and we know what gifts we're giving our favorite people for Christmas!

     We are so impressed with the Clarisonic system that we have integrated it into our facial regimens at the spa. So come in and try it out before you decide to buy! We carry the pink, white and grey versions of the Clarisonic Pro as well as Sensitive brush heads and Body brush replacement heads.

     For more information on the Clarisonic Pro, read on...

The Clarisonic Pro, 

the professional version of the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush,

 is the exclusive model used and sold only by skin care professionals.

Oscillating back & forth at a sonic frequency that produces about 300 movements per second, a flexing action is created between the outer & inner brushes that work deep within the pores to loosen dirt & oil. The brush motion effectively cleans, clarifies & stimulates, resulting in smoother feeling & looking skin.

Experience the benefits of CLARISONIC's sonic cleansing:

• 6 times more makeup removal than regular cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking younger and smoother
• Increases product absorption - Retin-A, Vitamin C and all your other products absorb up to 65% more
• Gentle enough for use twice daily
• Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Reduces the appearance of pores
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Gentle enough for different skin conditions - sensitive brush heads available

CLARISONIC Pro Professional Skincare Brush (4-speed) is:

• For all skin types
• For use with your own non-abrasive cleanser
• Waterproof  and may be used in the shower or bathtub
• Adjustable for different power levels
• Used and recommended by skin care professionals

Clarisonic Pro Systems are

Now available at 

Plush Medical Spa!

- October BCA Special -

Pink Clarisonic Pro for only $175! 

(Reg $199)

(Through Oct 31, 2010)

Rise Above with Jane Iredale and support Breast Cancer Awareness

 

 October is Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month

Jane Iredale has introduced a new version of  their popular sugar & lip butter exfoliater and plumper called Phoenix. The Mythical Phoenix is known for it's resilience and renewal just as the breast cancer survivors they celebrate. 


 They will donate $2.00 from each sale to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in support of all women who have risen above breast cancer and those who love them.


 Plush Medical Spa carries the largest selection of Jane Iredale in a 100 mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. Come in today to try the...


 Rise Above With Love look: 
Apply the White/Pink Highlighter Pencil to the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone. Add a shimmering accent with Champagne 24K Gold Dust. Finish the look with Phoenix Sugar & Butter Lip Exfoliator and Plumper, a beautiful translucent pink that makes your heart sing!

  

Best Anti-Aging Tips

1) Retinoids
A cousin of vitamin A, retinoids are available by prescription. The best-known retinoid in the USA is tretinoin, sold under the brand name Retin-A. 
Retinoids are the fuel for skin regeneration. “They can reverse some of the signs of aging—fine lines, blotchy discoloration and enlarged pores,” says Dr. Lupo. Retinoids also promote the production of collagen (the skin’s essential support structure) and help the skin make more elastin (which gives skin its resilience), thereby making the skin look younger and fresher.
Retin-A  requires a doctor's prescription. Retinoids' milder siblings, retinols, which are available over the counter, can do all this to a lesser extent. 
Dr. Bell prescribes and dispenses Retin-A and other tretinoin formulations to her patients at Plush, depending on their skin type and needs. Call for your free consultation at 334-702-6869.

2) Topical Antioxidants 
Using a cream, serum or lotion that contains such antioxidants as vitamin C, green tea extract or ferulic acid can make your skin healthier. “Antioxidants really prevent aging by quenching free radicals, but they also decrease inflammation that can lead to wrinkles,” says Leslie Baumann, M.D., author of The Skin Type Solution. And if you apply them during the day, antioxidants can block damage from any UV light that gets through your sunscreen.
Obagi has a whole line of C-serums of varying strengths that can be incorporated into any skin care regimen. Talk to one of Plush Medical Spa' estheticians during your FREE skin care consultation.   



3) Out with the Old, In with the New
Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week with a facial wash, scrub or chemical peel that contains glycolic or lactic acid (both alpha hydroxy acids) removes dead cells from the skin’s surface and allows new ones to emerge. “This gives the skin a smoother surface that reflects light better and looks more radiant,” Dr. Baumann says. Skip this step if you have severe acne or very sensitive skin because the friction from exfoliating can aggravate these conditions. Medical (machine-based) microdermabrasion is recommended at least twice a year to improve dullness, reduce pore size and skin texture.
We suggest using Obagi cleansers with glycolic acid for daily use with the Clarisonic Pro system for face and body. Most can benefit from chemical peels and medical microdermabrasion twice yearly.  

4) Hydration
Use a quality moisturizer to keep your skin looking supple and youthful. Anytime you increase hydration to the skin, you camouflage fine lines, protect skin against environmental assaults, and you can maximize the penetration of whatever else you’re putting on your skin. If your skin is dry, look for a moisturizer that contains cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides. It sounds counterintuitive, but “the more water there is in a moisturizer, the less moisturizing it is,” says Ellen Marmur, M.D, author of Simple Skin Beauty

5) Botox and Fillers
Our skin loses volume as we age and slows the rate at which is replaces itself. Repetitive folding of the skin from muscle movements lead to permanent wrinkles in already-thinned skin. These effects can be reversed with botulinum injections with either Dysport or Botox cosmetic. These drugs lessen muscle activity and therefore stop the repeated folding of the skin. The treated areas have a chance to heal, leading to a long-term wrinkle reduction benefit beyond the expected 4 month reprieve from dynamic wrinkles. Fillers like Radiesse, Restylane and Juvederm replace volume loss with an immediate improvement that lasts up to 2 years.

6) Beauty Sleep
Your mother was right: You do need your beauty rest, so try to get plenty of quality shut-eye every night. “It’s during sleep when your metabolic rate is decreased that the body initiates the repair process,” Dr. Lupo says. For your face’s sake, it’s best to sleep on your back. “If you sleep on your face, your facial skin will age more rapidly,” Dr. Lupo warns. “It’s like wrinkling a pair of pants—in this case, you’re mechanically wrinkling the skin by deforming the skin’s collagen and impeding circulation to the skin.” So roll over if you’re a belly- or side-sleeper.

7) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

To make your skin healthier and more youthful, consider having salmon for dinner tonight. “Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, walnuts, canola oil, flax and supplements, can decrease inflammation in the skin,” explains Lisa Donofrio, M.D., professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. This is significant because chronic, low-grade inflammation can lead to loss of collagen and elastin, which, in turn, causes wrinkles and sagging of the skin.

8) Sun Protection
It’s never too late—in the season, or in your life— to start protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Use sunscreen every day and wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat whenever possible. “The single thing that ages the skin more than anything else is ultraviolet light, which damages DNA and breaks down collagen [the fibers that keep skin firm],” explains Mary P. Lupo, M.D., a dermatology professor at Tulane University in New Orleans. “The way I see it is: You can’t reverse a freight train until you first stop it.” Once you start protecting your skin you can reverse the damage that’s occurred.