Assure Medispa Blog

Jess' story - final instalment

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:07:00 GMT

These are Jess's comments, written after she had fully recovered from her final treatment.

Same numbing cream was used as previous treatment. The treated areas were completely numb and I didn't feel any pain at all.

After treatment to my sides, stomach and navel piercing scar, the areas were quite red and bleeding similar to a graze. The areas were also quite swollen and sore for a couple of days but after that there was no pain; just slight discomfort. The swelling and redness lasted about a week and took about 3 - 4 weeks to heal completely. I have noticed a massive difference and all my friends have noticed the difference as well. Also, my navel piercing scar has softened dramatically and the pigmentation has evened out. My overall opinion on skin needling for stretch marks and scars is that it is a very effective treatment with very little pain and discomfort although you have to be patient. I recommend 3 - 5 treatments for maximum results.

Anyone who has this treatment done, I'm confident will be happy with the results.


Jess's hip area - before her treatments	Jess's hip area - after her treatments

Jess's tummy - before her treatments	Jess's tummy - after her treatments

Sally's Medical Skin Needling - Part III

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:01:00 GMT

My final Medical Skin Needling treatment was done on Thursday 15th March in the morning. That afternoon and night my face was red and burning and felt hot, much as it had after my previous treatments.

Day 1
My face had a burning feeling, and was red and rather uncomfortable especially at night - a bit like sunburn or windburn.

Day 3
My face started to peel around my nose and cheeks and felth itchy. The burning feeling was still there but a lot more comfortable.

Day 4
The peeling on my cheeks and around my nose is quite minimal now and the burning feeling is only very slight. I could easily cover up with makeup and no-one would know I had just had a treatment. A slight rash developed near the corner of my mouth but it is nothing much.

Day 5
The peeling has completely resolved and the burning has completely stopped.

Summary:
My face looks a lot fresher and I think my acne scars are a lot less visible. My firends also comment that I'm looking great! All in all, I'd say it's been a very worthwhile experience and the outcome has been worth the discomfort and down time.

Medical Skin Needling for stretch marks - Jess' story

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:39:00 GMT

I have stretch marks from pregnancy which are about 2 years old. They were quite bad on my sides, wide and deep. The ones on my stomach weren’t as bad but still quite noticeable.

1st treatment:

We used a numbing cream which I had on for about 40 minutes. They started using the roller on one of my sides. The numbing cream didn’t seem to work at all I felt every bit of it and it was so painful almost unbearable. Nonetheless I kept going with it to the other side as two of the ladies had to hold me down it was that painful! They tried on my stomach but I could not take the pain anymore.

Following the treatment, I was quite red with tiny dots of bleeding similar to a graze on the treated areas. It was a bit sore and tender for a few days but the redness went away after about 3 days. After only a week I could see change already. My skin texture was smoother and stretch marks were lightening and not as deep. They kept improving over about 3 weeks.

2nd treatment:

As the first treatment wasn’t very successful I consider this the first treatment.

They used a different, stronger, numbing cream this time which I had on for about 2 hours before they started treatment. Again they started on my sides and I could not feel a thing only the pressure put on the area. They were then able to do my stomach as well.

The areas were very red and a lot more bleeding than the first time and were sorer and more tender as well but not much discomfort sleeping or wearing clothes. On day 2, I was very bruised and red which lasted about a week and a half. The soreness lasted about 4 days. After about 3 weeks all the bruising and redness was gone. My stretch marks had improved quite a fair bit from the last treatment and after week 4 some were even only visible close up and the rest a lot less noticeable. My skin texture was also improved.

Very pleased with the results! Overall the 2nd treatment was a great success and am very excited to see what my stretch marks will look like after the last treatment. My stretch marks were dramatically improved with little to no discomfort during treatment and the pain afterwards wasn’t that bad either; very similar to a graze and didn’t interfere with my lifestyle at all.

Sally's Medical Skin Needling Diary - Part II

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:21:00 GMT

I had my second treatment on Monday 15th November, late in the afternoon.

That night my face was very red and burning, stinging and feeling rather hot and painful but after taking 2 panadol the pain eased completely.

Day 1 - Tuesday: My face was stinging and red but the burning had eased a little. Washed in warm water only. My face still felt hot so I took 2 panadol again to go to bed as it was quite itchy.

Day 2 - Wednesday: Face red but not feeling nearly as hot and the burning feeling has eased. I have started to peel around my nose which is feeling quite itchy now. Still washing in warm water with gentle cleanser only - applying some light moisturizer as instructed. Using daily sunscreen.

Day 3 - Thursday: Today my face is peeling all over and some spots are a little sore and itchy. I have a couple of breakouts and the redness is still there.

Day 4 - Friday: Still peeling and itchy but the burning and pain are less intense and the redness is starting to fade

Day 5 - Saturday: Very little peeling today with minimal burning. The redness has faded a lot.

Day 6 - Sunday: Minimal peeling only. Burning feeling has disappeared and the redness is almost completely gone.

Day 7 - Monday: A week after the treatment and the peeling has completely stopped and the redness disappeared. My face looks fresher and the scarring is much less visible. Now I can go back to my full skincare regime!

Overall, the second treatment was less painful than the first and the healing process - and fading of the redness - was much quicker. My skin looks and feels great and my friends are commenting. Looking forward to my third and final treatment!

Sally's Medical Skin Needling diary - Part I

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:50:00 GMT

Blog posted for Sally, who had booked a series of Medical Skin Needling (collagen induction therapy) treatments to address her pitted acne scarring which is particularly noticeable over her cheeks.

Treatment Day, Friday Oct 1

Friday night - had my treatment today. it wasn't really painful as I was numbed with a topical anaesthetic but there was a lot of pressure and some pain in some of the more sensitive areas of my face. Tonight my face is very red, burning, itchy and sore and very hot

Sat Oct 2

My face still feels the same as yesterday - still very hot!

Sun Oct 3

My face is red (like sunburn) & peeling, but not burning any more - thank heavens - its more like tingling and not as sore

Tues Oct 5

Face not so red, slight tingling and peeling. I'm now back to my normal routine of cleansing and moisturizine and - of course being a good girl with applying my sunscreen!

Wed Oct 6

Redness faded and only slight peeling

Thurs Oct 7

Redness completely gone and peeling stopped

Frid Oct 8

It's now one week since I had my treatment and all signs are totally gone. I think my general skin texture is improved but I know I have to have three treatments and wait up to six months to get maximum benefit. I'm booked in for my second treatment in a few weeks time - I'll keep you posted!

ELSPETH'S SPARKLE! DIARY

Tue, 18 May 2010 05:49:00 GMT

ELSPETH'S SPARKLE! DIARY...

Sunday 10/1

My Sparkle treatment plan starts today – yeah!

First step for me is the home care products. I’ve got bottles galore in the bathroom. Must say, it’s more than a little daunting as I’ve never had a proper skin care regime. But Maryann and Anna have labelled everything and given me step-by-step instructions on what to put on, when – so I’m ready to go. It’s exciting!

I’m starting with my first Retinol application. Really easy to apply and my skin feels particularly "silky" after the first application.

Monday 11/1

Skin feels good after the Retinol. I’ve got some slight skin flaking so I’m going to ask if this is the AHA at work. I’m guessing it’s almost "retexturing" the skin and clearing away the dead skin cells.

Skin feels so much better already. Not sure if I’m imagining in it, but I can already feel the difference. Looking in the mirror, I don't have that tired, worn-out look. V happy.

Tuesday 12/1

Noticing a big difference in the dry patches under my eyes. I’m applying eye cream every day in the morning and at night, and I think it’s working!

Wednesday 13/1

Noticing a marked reduction in the oiliness of my skin. Feels really good and definitely softer.

Thursday 14/1

I’m feeling so "sparkly" today I don't want to wear foundation anymore!

Friday 15/1

Second application of Retinol - use every three days. Feels much tighter immediately after I put it on. It’s a really nice feeling ending the day with this product.

Saturday 16/1

Definitely noticing the "flaky" bits clearing from my face. Good feeling. I’ve changed to the water proof sun defence so I can keep up my running. Normally my skin would feel "clogged" with sunscreen. Not now! I feel so deeply and "properly" cleansed.

Monday 18/1

First positive comment from a work colleague today. She said "your skin is looking so good already". I’m loving it! I’m not wearing foundation anymore as I don’t want to "spoil" my skin. Feels too fresh to clog my face up.

PM

Had my first IPL session on my décolletage and neck today. We decided my face didn’t really need it as the products were working well. I’ve got heaps of skin damage on my chest so we’re concentrating on this area. It was sore whilst it was being done – bit like a bad waxing session! Felt the after-burn for about an hour after it was finished and it looked a bit red and angry, but the ice packs worked and I went straight back to work afterwards. They told me it wouldn’t blister but, still, I was surprised (and happy!) that it didn’t.

Tuesday 19/1

I put two applications of Red Alert on last night to ease the redness of the IPL. Great relief – you can feel it cooling almost immediately. This morning my chest is still a little red, but it’s not sore.

Wednesday 20/1

Two days after my first IPL and the breakdown of pigmentation is already happening. Maryann said this was a fantastic result – we’re on our way!

Today was injectables. Lips, frown, forehead, crows feet and around my nose. My face is pretty swollen, but it’s not really sore. I went straight back to work afterwards, so couldn’t have been too bad!

Thursday 21/1

You can really see the breakdown from the IPL today. The pigment just sort of flakes off. Looks to me like spots of black ash on my chest. Interesting!

The injectables have left me a little swollen and bruised around the nose and lips and I’ve got a couple of large blood blisters on my lips so I used the Lip Pout for the first time. The cream is a fantastic relief and gives a really firm feeling.

Saturday 23/1

Looking in the mirror, I can really see the difference in myself. It feels so good not to wear make up and have my skin feeling good. I’ve never been make-up free with confidence.

Monday 25/1

I’m feeling a lot of benefit from the cleanser. I have very oily skin normally and the Medik8 Red Alert feels smooth, without the oily feeling.

Tuesday 26/1

Comment from a work colleague again today on how my skin has improved so much. V V happy!

Saturday 30/1

Friend who I haven’t seen in a while said to me today, ‘Elspeth – your skin is looking great’. Can’t tell you how good that felt!

Monday 1/2

Early morning start today. No make-up and straight into Assure for a timeless peel. It felt tingly, but not painful at all. And my skin felt wonderful afterwards. I had a tidy-up of the injectables on my lips to even them out a little and a top-up on some of the areas around my cheeks and nose.

Tuesday 2/2

I had my first session with the LED light early this morning. No effects (ie no pain!) from this whatsoever. It just feels like a warm, relaxing light that doesn’t leave any immediate visible after-affect the skin on the outside (but I’m told it works wonders under the skin!)

Thursday 4/2

LED light again today – then straight back to work. But not before Anna did my make-up. She does such a good job and gave me quite a few tips along the way. Amazing how easy the experts make it look!

Sunday 7/2

Went to lunch with my children today and son informed me "Mum your skin looks airbrushed!" Happy Mum!

Monday 8/2

LED treatment again today. Not much to report – just a nice relaxing time thinking about the world!

Thursday 11/2

as above!

Monday 15/2

My second session of IPL on the dec today. I was a bit more nervous going into it the second time round – but it wasn’t nearly as painful (thankfully!) The after-burn wasn’t as bad this time – obviously because there’s less to burn off (makes sense really!) Used the Red Alert and ice packs and it was fine. Maryann reminded me ‘no sun’! She’s very strict on that point, that’s for sure. But especially after IPL because the skin is raw and exposed. I’m not leaving the house without sunscreen these days anyway. It’s my new rule!

Thursday 18/2

Another session under the LED. Maryann said the IPL session worked perfectly, with the second lot of breakdown looking good. Going to be a great result I’m told with the amount of pigmentation that has broken down.

Wednesday 24/2

LED session again today and my last bit of injectables on my upper cheeks and near my eyes to ease a wrinkle on my cheek. Bit of bruising afterwards – but make-up covered it well and I went straight back to work.

Friday 26/2

My very last LED session! My 30-day Sparkle program is now finished. WOW!

Having never had a beauty/cleansing regime before, I’m now converted! My skin has never felt better and never looked better. Have to admit, I was a bit of a cynic, but I now realise the value of good cleansing and good products. In my opinion, the products are fantastic. And you can really see the IPL working to remove the skin. My chest is so much better than it was and the dark patches under my eyes are virtually gone. I feel so sparkly, it’s fantastic!

PS… I’ve just got back from a photo session with Robert at Squint. He showed me the photos on the computer of the ‘before’ and ‘afters’. Oh my gosh – I had forgotten what I looked like before. So tired and weathered! When you look at the shots you can really see the difference. If I hadn’t done it for myself I’d probably think they weren’t real! I’m so happy – it’s the best investment I’ve ever made!

SPARKLE! A NEW YOU IN 30 DAYS

Mon, 17 May 2010 08:48:00 GMT

A NEW YOU!

Have you ever wanted to be a New You but aren't ready to commit to the expense and down time that comes with surgery?

Now there is a real alternative - Assure Medispa's Sparkle: a 30 day programme of rejuvenating facial treatments and products which will transform your skin, give you a new look and help you Sparkle with confidence!

Who is a candidate?
Everyone is a candidate - whatever your concerns and whatever your desired outcome, we can work with you to dramatically improve your appearance: reduce your wrinkles; fill your hollowed cheeks or those nasty lines around your lips; get rid of age spots, minimise your acne scarring or reduce your breakouts. Whatever your concern, we can help. And - for the ladies - we can help with make-up tips and tricks.

Why would I have a Sparkle package?
If you have a special occasion coming - a wedding (whether you're the bride or the groom or a relative or just attending); a school reunion; a school ball; celebrating a "big" birthday (often one with a zero attached!) - any special occasion at all, then our Sparkle package can help you look your absolute best when you want to shine! We can make a beautiful (or handsome) you in just 30 days!

How long will it last?
Results are long lasting - depending on which treatment you choose, it can last virtually forever! Dermal fillers last between 9 months and 2 years depending on the filler chosen; wrinkle relaxants last 3 to 4 months; your supply of home care products normally lasts at least 3 months; reduction in age spots can last virtually forever if you're careful with your sunscreen!

What will it cost?
Costs vary depending on your desired outcome, and the areas of concern you identify. Elspeth, our Sparkle model, had a Sparkle package which cost $4,400 - see the difference Sparkle made to Elspeth!

We will work out what your Sparkle package will cost at your first appointment so you can decide whether or not you want to proceed. Your first appointment is free and will take about an hour - so, if you decide not to go ahead, you pay nothing.

How do the appointments work?
At the first appointment, we work with you to devise a home care program and set a 30 day schedule of treatments. The benefits and advantages of your home care are explained, and you will be given easy and detailed instructions to follow. We aim to schedule your treatments at a time convenient to you. Your 30-day program is entirely scheduled in advance so you will know your commitment right from the start. You will receive an sms reminder prior to each of your appointments.

Ring us on 9380 0380 or email now to schedule your appointment.

MEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:10:00 GMT

MICRONEEDLING - OR MEDICAL SKIN NEEDLING

What is it?

Medical Skin Needling is a relatively new treatment which is gaining in popularity as people realise what great results can be achieved. it is the latest skin renewal technique to restore the healthy youthful appearance of your skin at a fraction of the cost of laser treatments, and with minimal or zero downtime.

Medical Skin Needling produces similar results to dermabrasion (which is a more aggressive treatment than microdermabrasion), lasers and deep chemical peels, but is much less invasive and doesn’t require the removal of the epidermis. As a result, the healing time is significantly shorter and there is no post-treatment sensitivity to UV light.

Medical Skin Needling is also one of the few skin therapies suitable for treating all skin types, including ethnic skin, and can be used to treat the fragile skin around the eyes, mouth and on the neck.

Who is the treatment for?

Treatment is recommended for:

Wrinkles and lines
Lack of skin firmness and elasticity
Scarring
Acne and chicken pox scars
Enlarged pores
Sun damage
Under-eye bags
Stretch marks
Cellulite

How does it work?

Medical Skin Needling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, works by causing “micro-injuries” to the skin to trigger the healing and repair process. Part of the body’s natural healing process is collagen synthesis (the making of collagen). Triggering the healing process means triggering the production of collagen. It is this production of collagen which acts to repair the damage to your skin: the result is a smoother, firmer and younger looking skin.

What is the dermaroller made of?

At Assure Medispa, we use the Medik8 Dermaroller which is made of gold coated titanium.

Most dermatological rollers designed for use on facial skin are made from stainless steel, which can blunt easily with daily use. The Medik8 Titanium Dermaroller needles are engineered in Sweden from pure titanium giving a finer and much more durable edge, eliminating excess irritation caused by ordinary steel needles.

Furthermore, each individual Medik8 Titanium Dermaroller microneedle is gold plated to maintain sterility. This technology produces extremely accurate and pinpoint punctures in the skin, with the aim of improving the treatment results, while ensuring user health and safety. No other dermaroller is made with titanium needles, so only the Medik8 Titanium Dermaroller can be reused intensively for 3-6 months.

What happens during my treatment?

Medical Skin Needling is performed using a sterile Medik8 titanium Dermaroller. It generally takes about 30 – 45 minutes

What will I look like immediately after treatment?

After the procedure, your skin will be red and flushed I appearance, looking similar to a moderate sunburn. You will also experience skin tightness and mild sensitivity to touch. This will diminish significantly within a few hours of treatment, and within 48 hours will be completely healed.

How quickly will I see results?

Visible signs of skin rejuvenation are seen just 6 – 8 weeks after the procedure and continue for up to a year.

A course of three Medical Skin Needling treatments, at 6 – 8 weeks intervals, is usually recommended to achieve optimum results, however, great improvement can be noticed after just one treatment.

How should I care for my skin after a treatment?

You can enhance the results of your treatment with the Personal Titanium Dermaroller, which can be used on a daily basis between your sessions at Assure Medispa and afterwards. You will receive a sterilizing solution and instructions for using your Personal Titanium Dermaroller.

Additionally, you can apply Medik8 home care products to help address your concerns – products are different for example, if you are concerned about acne scarring or anti-aging. Your Medical Aesthetician will work with you to determine the best products for you.

What are the risks?

The risks are much lower than other treatments designed to achieve similar outcome like dermabrasion, lasers and deep chemical peels, which require the removal of the epidermis.

With Medical Skin Needling, there is a risk of potential scarring if the treatment is over-aggressively needled. And, if you don’t apply adequate sun protection during the healing period, you may be hyperpigmentation (pigmented markings) which normally resolves after about one month.

For further information, visit the Medik8 website at www.medik8.com/en

Call Assure Medispa on 08 9380 0380 to book your initial free appointment.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

TITAN SKIN TIGHTENING

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT

TITAN SKIN TIGHTENING
The Cutera® Titan provides a non-surgical solution to tighten loose or redundant skin.

The Cutera® Titan Procedure™ is the world's first light-based system to treat wrinkles through tightening skin. The virtually painless procedure is the most advanced technology of its kind available today.

It safely delivers a more youthful appearance by tightening lax skin on the face, neck, thighs, upper arms and abdomen (including post-pregnancy stomach), without surgery, aneasthesia or recover time.

The breakthrough technology is widely used through Europe, Canada and the US with great success in the treatment of sagging skin, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Assure Medispa chose to invest in the Cutera® Titan based on its ability to deliver dramatic skin-tightening results, while providing clients with a safe, cost-effective alternative to surgery.

How it works
The Titan Procedure™ utilises an infrared light source to safely apply heat to the dermis, deep beneath the skin's surface, This heating causes immediate collagen contractions, which generate tighter skin.

During the procedure, the skin's surface (epidermis) is protected through continuous cooling, making it safe and comfortable.

Following the procedure, new collagen growth and long-term collagen rebuilding results in further tightening and improvement of lax skin, folds and lines.

Some clients experience immediate results right after the treatment. Others see results within a few months, as new collagen forms, leaving them with firmer, younger-looking skin.

Between one and three treatments are usually recommended, with the effect lasting up to two or more years.

The Titan Procedure™ delivers remarkable improvements in skin appearance without injections or the downtime, scars or costs associated with surgical procedures.

The Titan Procedure™ is ideal for someone who feels their face and neck are not as taut as they once were, a new mum whose tummy isn't as tight or smooth as it used to be, or a patient who has experienced significant weight loss and needs to tighten loose skin. It performs equally well on all skin types and colourings and, being non-invasive, there is little or no pain involved and no recovery time needed.

Bookings & Pricing
The Cutera® Titan Procedure™ ranges in price from $800 for the neck (jowls and jawline) or underarms, to $1,000 for full face or abdomen, with discounted prices available for a treatment series (10% discount for two or more treatments booked and paid for as a series) .

To celebrate its first birthday and the arrival of Cutera® Titan, Assure Medispa is offering a 25% discount on Titan treatments (for two or more, booked and paid for as a series) from February 15th to March 31st, 2010.

Call Assure Medispa on 08 9380 0380 to book your initial free appointment.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

CHEMICAL PEELS HAVE NO DOWNTIME

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:48:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW... THAT THERE IS LITTLE OR NO DOWNTIME ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL PEELS?

The word “chemical peel” refers to a range of treatments from low level glycolic peels to deep chemical peels, including phenol peels, which cause the top of the skin to be completely removed. The basic principle of a chemical peel is the deeper the peel, the better the result. The deeper the peel is, however, the longer the downtime. Phenol peels, which are only performed by a doctor, take all the pigment from the skin and involve wound care and several weeks of downtime. This reason, together with the potential side effects of infection and scarring, means they are rarely used today.

At Assure Medispa, we offer a variety of chemical peels ranging from superficial to medium depth dermal peels. We believe results similar to those of a deep peel can be achieved through a course of less invasive, safer treatments which have little or no downtime and minimal side effects.

Your personal Medi-Plan

All clients receive a complimentary consultation to discuss their needs and expectations, during which a skin analysis is conducted using a state-of-the-art skin imaging system: Beau Visage™. A customised “Medi-Plan” is then designed, recommending a treatment regime matched precisely to your individual needs. This may include a course of peels, however, it may also include a combination of treatments and homecare products which will provide better results.

We believe that preparation of the skin is crucial to achieving maximum results. This is done by using specific products at home prior to undergoing the treatments. We can then more precisely predict the outcome and limit the possibility of adverse reactions. The skin is healthier, more hydrated and acclimatised to the ingredients we will use, allowing a better result from the treatment.

Chemical peels are extremely popular, non-invasive cosmetic treatments which can have a dramatic effect on your appearance. There are many types of chemical peels, however, they all basically work by applying an acid to your skin to cause the superficial layers to shed and more youthful, radiant skin to grow in its place.

Peels can be also used to bring about change within the skin by infusing active pharmaceutical grade ingredients into the dermis, thereby changing the skin’s structure and improving the appearance. Examples include medium depth Vitamin A peels.

Vitamin A or retinoic acid has been proven to change the DNA of a cell. A cell has a memory and each time it regenerates, the cell remains the same. As we age, our cells are damaged by chronological and environmental factors such as sun exposure, alcohol consumption, smoking etc. All these factors can cause the dermis (the second layer of the skin) to become thinner. Thinner skin sags due to loss of elasticity, has an increased appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and open pores, and gives the more “gaunt” appearance we all hate! Vitamin A can aid in thickening the dermis, making the skin plumper and more rejuvenated, and it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also aid in breaking down pigmentation and sunspots, giving your skin a more even tone, leaving it looking fresher and more radiant.

Other types of peels include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, jessner’s peels, lactic acid, Deep Sea peels, trichloracetic acid, and a combination of these ingredients. Depending on your skin condition or concern, the appropriate peel or a combination of peels may be recommended.

Your chemical peel treatment will most likely take between 30 and 45 minutes. The peel will be applied to the skin for between 1 and 15 minutes, depending on the peel and the number of treatments you have already had. If your skin is prepared properly at home prior to the treatment you should feel only a mild tingling during the treatment. No pain relief is required pre- or post-treatment and generally there is little to no redness afterwards. Any redness which may occur will be short-lived and can be covered with mineral based makeup such as Glo Minerals™. Your Medical Aesthetician can apply this for you and no one need know what you have just had done!

Generally, there is a small amount of skin shedding about day 4-5 after the treatment which is a bit like dandruff on the face. It can be removed by using an enzyme mask which will be recommended for you at the time of your treatment. Some peels may require you to use a few different products for a week after the treatment. This is so the skin can heal and become normalised before applying the active ingredients again - commencing the preparation of the skin for the next treatment. All this will be explained to you, and written down as part of your Medi-Plan.

Gone are the days where it took weeks for the skin to heal after a chemical peel. At Assure Medispa, we work with only the most superior products; clinically backed by science. There has never been a better time to improve the appearance of your skin.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information or to book your free initial assessment.

IPL FACIAL REJUVENATION CAN GET RID OF FRECKLES, VEINS AND MORE

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:48:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW... THAT IPL FACIAL REJUVENATION CAN GET RID OF FRECKLES AND AGE SPOTS AS WELL AS UNWANTED FACIAL VEINS AND BROKEN CAPILLIARIES?

As we get older, damage to our skin from environmental factors becomes more evident; factors such as sun exposure, smoking and alcohol consumption. Freckles, age spots and facial veins all appear more prominent.
Something can be done about this – you are not destined to forever be spotty or veined!

Environmental damage is extremely common in aging skin, even more so in Australia where our environment is harsh and we spend a large amount of time outdoors. IPL skin rejuvenation can reduce the amount of damage visible on your skin. Cutera LimeLight Facial can reduce the number of freckles, age spots and facial veins in as little as 3 sessions.

Cutera LimeLight Facial™ is a non-invasive approach to IPL skin rejuvenation using Cutera’s LimeLight technology. The procedure improves skin tone and reduces surface imperfections associated with aging and photodamage.

Where is it used?
Cutera LimeLight Facial™ is ideal for any part of your face, neck and décolletage with skin redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. Light (low contrast) brown spots, which were previously difficult to treat, respond very well to treatment with little or no down time associated. In fact, it can also be used to treat the back of your hands and your arms or shoulders – anywhere you have brown or red spots.

Your Cutera LimeLight Facial™ will be customized to your skin type so that the brown and/or red pigmented areas on your skin are selectively treated.

What does it feel like?
When the pulse of light is delivered to your skin, you will experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation, similar to being flicked by a rubber band. Gel is applied to cool the skin before vascular treatments. Anaesthesia or other pain medicine is not required. Treatment time depends on the area of the body being treated, however, most treatments take less than an hour.
Generally, a series of three treatments is sufficient to see results. Additional treatments may be recommended, especially for excessively sun-damaged skin.

After treatment…
Immediately following treatment, treated brown spots will start to darken like coffee granules and your skin may appear slightly red. The treated area may also be mildly swollen, similar to sun-burn. This typically lasts a few hours and possibly a day or longer. Mineral make-up such as Glo Minerals™ can be applied to cover the redness.
In one to three weeks, the darkened spots will flake off and fade. Diffuse redness or facial veins and broken capillaries will decrease and your mottled complexion will improve. Rosacea is chronic and cannot be “cured” with any laser or light source, however, its appearance can be improved.

How do I arrange my appointment?
At Assure Medispa, before any IPL Skin Rejuvenation, you will meet with a trained Medical Aesthetician to discuss your concerns. You will also have a complimentary skin analysis using Beau Visage Skin Imaging so that your skin is thoroughly analysed before treatment begins. At this time, appropriate homecare products will be recommended so that the skin is prepared and healthier prior to treatment.

As we age, the dermis or second layer of the skin becomes thinner. An appropriate home care regime prior to your Cutera LimeLight Facial™ will thicken the dermis and hydrate the skin prior to treatment, giving better results and fewer complications.

All clients will also undergo a test patch to the area being treated 48-72 hours prior to treatment so that the appropriate settings can be ascertained. It is crucial that a setting be used that is high enough to achieve the desired results but not high enough to adversely affect the surface of the skin. By doing this, the team at Assure Medispa consistently achieves excellent results and ensures your safety at all times.

Do you hate your brown spots and facial redness? Do you want to improve the appearance of your skin and improve the texture and colour? Call the team at Assure Medispa on 08 9380 0380 to schedule your free appointment during which you can discuss your concerns.

You can make age spots a thing of the past!

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

NO SIDE EFFECTS WITH WRINKLE RELAXANTS

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:58:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE LITTLE OR NO SIDE EFFECTS CAUSED BY INJECTIONS OF WRINKLE RELAXANTS?

AND YOU WON’T LOOK FROZEN OR STARTLED!

Men and women from all walks of life are having treatment to reduce their wrinkles. Injectable products which achieve this were previously associated with Hollywood celebrities and A-listers but are now widely used by all sorts of people.

Injection of wrinkle relaxants still attracts a degree of controversy, bringing with it much debate and extensive media coverage. Questions of safety have been widely published and many people believe that use of wrinkle relaxants may result in loss all facial expression and, with that, a large part of your identity. This, quite simply, is not true.

What is a wrinkle relaxant?
Wrinkle relaxants are neurotoxic proteins produced by a bacteria and developed in a laboratory. There are many forms of the toxin available for cosmetic use as a wrinkle relaxant.

At Assure Medispa, the wrinkle relaxant we choose has been used in medicine for 20 years. Originally used as an aid in treatment of conditions such as cerebral palsy, it has gone through extensive medical research and testing, and is now widely used as a cosmetic aid.

It was first used aesthetically to treat unwanted wrinkles more than 15 years ago. It can treat “crowsfeet” around the eyes, frown lines and the furrow between your brows. The result is not a surprised or frozen look; rather, you will notice that you look more youthful and radiant. Some people describe it as looking “fresher”.

Any wrinkle relaxant is a prescription drug and, as such, is prescribed for you by a doctor.

How does a wrinkle relaxant work?
A wrinkle relaxant works by temporarily reducing the contractions of the muscles that cause persistent wrinkles. One area commonly treated is between your eyebrows - the vertical frown lines that develop over the years. Development of these wrinkles is like folding a piece of paper: the more the skin is folded from continued frowning, the deeper the wrinkles will appear over time.

Within days of being treated with a wrinkle relaxant, you will start to see an improvement which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary and it usually takes a week to a month for the full effect of the treatment to look its best. If you choose to discontinue treatments, the frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment. If you have regular, continued treatments, muscle atrophy may occur in the area being treated and, over time, you may need less wrinkle relaxant to achieve the same result.

Side effects….
Side effects are rare and temporary. One side effect is temporary and minor bruising, however, you can use mineral makeup such as Glo Minerals TM to camouflage this for a few days. Drooping eyelid is another rare side effect – the incidence is less than 1% and subsides within 4 weeks. Other side effects can include slight, temporary headache, and sometimes nausea. These usually subside within 48 hours.

How does my appointment work?
At Assure Medispa, we offer a complimentary consultation to discuss any concerns you may have about your appearance and what you would like to achieve. You may also have some questions, such as: How long will it take? How long will the results last? Will it hurt? We can answer these questions during this consultation. You may also choose to schedule a complimentary appointment for your skin to be analysed using Beau Visage Skin ImagingTM. A range of home care may be recommended to support your skin and the injections you will have. Then, if you choose to proceed, we will make an appointment for you to see the Registered Nurse for your injections.

If you’re a first-timer, you should arrive about 10 minutes early for your appointment to fill out your forms. You will meet with one of our Registered Nurses and also a Plastic Surgeon who will review the treatment recommended by your Nurse and confirm the prescription. The Registered Nurse will then administer the injections. The costs are inclusive of the consultation with the Nurse, the Surgeon and the purchase and administering of the wrinkle relaxant. There is no need for a referral as there is no medicare rebate for cosmetic treatments.

Before your treatment, you will again be asked about your expectations and if you have any allergies or any condition that wouldn't make you a good candidate for a wrinkle relaxant.

What happens when I get my injections?
During the procedure, you will be seated on a reclining bed. No anaesthesia is required, although your Registered Nurse may choose to numb the area with an ice pack. The entire injection procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can even schedule it during your lunch hour and have one of our Medical Aestheticians apply makeup to the area before going back to work (this too is complementary). There is no recovery time needed.

We also offer a follow up consultation 2 weeks after you have been treated to ensure that you achieve the look that you want. Our Registered Nurses are highly trained and are supervised by our team of Plastic Surgeons.

Its beautiful…
The beauty of a wrinkle relaxant treatment is that it's a simple, safe, 10-minute, non-surgical process. A few tiny injections, and within days there can be noticeable improvements. Results may vary, however, our team at Assure Medispa is dedicated to ensuring you achieve the results that you want. There has never been a better time to get rid of those unwanted wrinkles and improve your appearance.

Call our team at Assure Medispa on 08 9380 0380 to schedule your appointment.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

COMBINATION TREATMENTS

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:49:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE BETTER RESULTS FROM A COMBINATION OF TREATMENTS?

As we age, our skin begins to show the wear and tear of time. Age spots, fine lines and wrinkles seem to appear overnight, the texture of our skin changes and the colour appears more uneven. These changes are all caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, lack of sleep, smoking and alcohol consumption. Many of us don’t think about caring for or protecting our skin in our youth and thus we don’t know what to do once ageing sets in. There is something you can do and studies have shown that a combination of treatments can achieve better results in your anti-ageing war!

At Assure Medispa, we a full range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments including:

Beau Visage TM skin imaging
Wrinkle Relaxers and Dermal Fillers
Skin Tightening
Pulsed Light Treatment (IPL) for skin rejuvenation and permanent hair reduction
Chemical Peel and Medi-facials
Medical Skin Needling
Microdermabrasion
Photonlite Therapy (LED)
Medical-grade skincare products
Pharmaceutical grade Glo Minerals TM Makeup

We believe every person is different and has unique needs. Everyone is bothered by one aspect or another of their appearance, and we all have different skin. That is why we approach each client differently and devise a skincare prescription and combination treatment Medi-Plan specific to individual needs.

As a client at Assure Medispa, your initial appointment will be with a trained Medical Aesthetician, your skin will be analysed and photos taken. We will then discuss the different treatments or combination of treatments most likely to achieve the results you want.

What do we mean by combination treatment plan?
Studies have shown that a combination of treatments is more effective than having one treatment alone. Because our treatments are designed to treat specific concerns, with a combination plan, we can not only address your concerns but also work with you towards maintenance and protection from further damage.

For example, mature skin has lines and wrinkles as well as age spots and broken capillaries: we can address all of these concerns. Lines and wrinkles occur due to dehydration, sun damage and the fact that the skin loses collagen and elastin as it ages. Age spots are predominantly caused by sun damage, but may also occur as a result of hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy and menopause. By addressing the symptoms alone with only one form of treatment, you limit the results and the longevity of the results. Instead, we can combine treatments to address both the symptoms and the cause.

What treatments would we suggest?
After analysing your skin, we would suggest a homecare regime using medical grade skincare to prepare the skin for treatments. This will make the skin, healthier, thicker and acclimatise it to the different products to be used in the treatments. This limits the risk of adverse reactions or complications during the treatment and prolongs the treatment results. We would also suggest a physical sunblock to be used daily to protect your skin from any further damage.

To address fine lines and wrinkles, we might suggest a course of chemical peels or Medical Skin Needling specific to your skin type. By exfoliating the epidermis and allowing penetration of active ingredients into the dermis, we can thicken the skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. This will improve the health of your skin, increase the production of collagen and elastin, and also improve the texture and overall colour. We could also suggest wrinkle relaxants and dermal fillers. Our Registered Nurses are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these.

To get rid of age spots, we might suggest a course of IPL Photorejuvenation. The LimeLight Facial is a new, non-invasive approach to IPL skin rejuvenation using Cutera’s LimeLight technology. The procedure offers the advantage of improving skin tone and the surface imperfections associated with aging and photodamage. Generally, you would need about 3 treatments but your age spots and broken capillaries will begin to fade after each treatment until they are a thing of the past!

If you have looseness of skin around the jowls and neck, we might recommend a course of Titan Skin Tightening treatments.

By combining treatments, we can address the cause of your skin concerns and also aid in improving your skin’s overall health so it is protected from further damage. Your Medical Aesthetician will also talk to you about maintaining your new look – all part of creating a Medi-Plan that works for you. This would include products to use at home.
You can win the anti-ageing war and create a new look for yourself which is more youthful and radiant.

Call Assure Medispa on 08 9380 0380 to book your initial free appointment.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

LED PHOTONLITE

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:50:00 GMT

LED PHOTONLITE THERAPY

is a safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to gently activate the cells of the skin. LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a scientific process that uses wavelengths in a visible light spectrum to send light into the layers of the skin resulting in a reaction of cellular activity. This is called photo-modulation. The technology was originally developed by NASA and has been used in the aesthetic field for over 30 years.

How does it work?
All cells within the body contain photon receptors that absorb light of specific colours and wavelengths. There are many colours in the visible light spectrum. They all have their own frequency and vibration which will trigger different types of cellular activity. When applied to the skin, the light energy is converted into cell energy. The light is absorbed by the cell and is dispersed evenly to stimulate the different activities.

The LED Photonlite is equipped with 3000 powerful LEDs of precisely calibrated wavelengths. It uses four medically proven primary wavelengths of red, blue, violet and green to deliver the energy at the right depth and the right target. Secondary colours are used to complement and enhance the delivery of the energy for better results.

How is LED Photonlite different from other machines?
LED Photonlite has the ability to use monochromatic (one colour) functions as well as polychromatic (combined colour) functions. Other machines on the market have the ability to use only monochromatic functions. Recent studies have shown that better results are achieved using several colours.

For example, acne treatments are better performed with a combination of blue and red light rather than blue light alone. The blue light kills the bacteria associated with acne and the red light reduces the overactivity of the sebaceous glands which also contributes to acne.

What can LED light therapy do for my skin?
LED can treat all skin types and conditions with no side effects or downtime. Examples of treatments include:

Attacks acne causing bacteria (FDA approved)
Reduction of open Pores
Improvement of skin texture
Reduction of fine wrinkles
Skin rejuvenation
Stimulates collagen and elastin
Dermatitis
Calming and inflammatory for the treatment of Diffused Redness
Rosacea
Assists in wound healing for the treatment of post surgical scarring
Successfully minimises stretch marks that are still red and fresh

How many treatments are recommended?
LED Photonlite therapy is generally recommended in a course of 12 treatments twice a week. Each treatment is 20 minutes in duration; treatments need to be at least two days apart to allow the skin to rejuvenate. A maintenance program is recommended thereafter of once a month.

LED can also be used in combination with other treatments. It can enhance the efficiency of treatments such as microdermabrasion, IPL, chemical peels, wrinkle relaxants and dermal fillers.

What does LED feel like and are there any side effects?
There is no heat associated with LED light as it uses wavelengths of the visible light spectrum. It works naturally with your body to promote a healing response. A Medical Aesthetician will prepare your skin by cleansing your face and she will then position the light above you. Protective goggles are placed over your eyes. You may feel the skin tingling during the treatment.
There are no side effects associated with the procedure and you will not be red afterwards. In fact, often your skin looks better after the treatment. LED Photonlite does not use the harmful rays such as UVA, UVB or Infrared.

How do I know whether LED light therapy is suitable for me?
All clients receive a free consultation to discuss their needs and expectations, during which a skin analysis is conducted using a state-of-the-art skin imaging system: Beau Visage™. A customised “Medi-Plan” is then designed, recommending a treatment regime matched precisely to your individual needs. This may include a course of LED Photonlite Therapy, however, it may also include a combination of treatments and homecare products which will provide better results.

So, whatever your concern or skin condition, LED Photonlite therapy can help you achieve the skin you have always wanted. Call Assure Medispa on 9380 0380 for your initial free appointment.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information

BEAU VISAGE™

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:29:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW THAT BEAU VISAGE™ CAN SEE 2MM BELOW THE SKIN?

Beau VisageTM is a medically proven skin imaging and consultation system. Beau VisageTM is the only technology which can actually see up to 2mm below the surface of your skin to generate images of the blood supply, melanin (pigmentation) and sun damage to your face. This is called chromophore mapping.

What is chromophore mapping?
A youthful appearance is influenced by the amount and distribution of chromophores in the skin. Everyone’s skin is made up of chromophores, which are light absorbing molecules. Beau Visage™ is unique in that it enables you to look at three of the skin’s chromophores: blood, melanin and collagen. Blood is the chromophore that directly influences redness in your skin. When your skin is irritated it gets red. Weather, the sun and alcohol consumption can also affect blood distribution in your face, and of course the genetic makeup of your skin will have impact on how you look.

The second chromophore to affect the way you look is melanin or pigment. Melanin is produced to help your skin protect itself from photo-damage caused by sunlight. That’s why you tan after a spell in the sun. As you age, and depending on your lifestyle, you may get freckles and age spots resulting from exposure to the sun. Uneven distribution of blood and melanin means you have uneven distribution of chromophores, which in turn makes your skin tone uneven or blotchy.

The third chromophore that affects the way you look is collagen. Collagen is the scaffolding in your skin. It also gives the elasticity — like a rubber band. When you are young, your collagen is strong and dense which also means that light reflects from the surface of your skin giving skin the luminous quality associated with a youthful appearance. As we age, the scaffolding breaks down meaning light is not so well reflected and our skin takes on a dull appearance.

For a long time, the beauty industry has focussed on wrinkles as the indicator of age and, therefore, on procedures to remove them to bring back a youthful appearance. Scientists have shown that facial skin colour distribution, or tone, can affect estimates of a person’s age by as much as 20 years. Tone variances can be caused by several factors including cumulative UV damage (freckles, moles, age spots) natural aging (yellowing, dullness) and skin vascularisation (redness). Not surprisingly, the study hinted at a positive correlation between the amount of accumulated photo-damage and the amount of uneven skin tone. So one way to make yourself look younger is to even out your complexion. Beau Visage™ can help you plan to do that

Beau Visage™ really does let you see more of your skin.
A Beau Visage™ consultation means you can benefit from an accurate analysis of the true health of your skin, understand why your skin appears the way it does, and allow your Medical Aesthetician to target treatments even more effectively. In addition, Beau VisageTM allows you to compare and monitor your progress over time, giving you confidence that your treatment is working. At Assure Medispa, we design a customized Medi-Plan unique to you which could include a course of treatments or a combination of treatments. It also includes a skincare regime for you to use at home to maintain your results.

Why does the depth matter?
Beau Visage™ is based on the science of SIAscopy, the only medically proven technology able to see up to 2mm beneath the surface of your skin. At 2mm beneath the surface, you are able to see the important components of the skin that affect skin tone-blood and melanin. By looking at the depth with Beau VisageTM, your Medical Aesthetician can identify underlying problems in your facial skin health that may not be visible to the naked eye. Early treatment may then prevent these from appearing on the skin’s surface resulting in a fresher more youthful skin.

What will actually happen when I have my Beau Visage™ consultation?
Your Medical Aesthetician will simply take 3 images of your face – left profile, full face, right profile – using a specifically configured camera system linked to the unique Beau Visage™ software. The patented intelligent software analyses the images to produce your blood, melanin and sun damage views.

What can the Medical Aesthetician see?
Beau Visage is the only system which lets you see separate images of blood and melanin. This means you can confidently and accurately identify any imbalances in either of these. In addition, your Medical Aesthetician will be able to see a view of overall sun damage to your face. Based on these images and any other analysis your Medical Aesthetician does using Beau VisageTM , a customized Medi-Plan can then be recommended.

How does this help?
When analyzing the blood supply to your face, your Medical Aesthetician can easily target problems like broken veins, rosacea and acne scars. By being able to see the melanin separately from this, they can also identify and treat problem areas such as excessive pigmentation, age spots etc. This means your treatment can be targeted to your specific requirements so that you can achieve the results you want.

Can my Medical Aesthetician show this to me?
Absolutely! You are able to see your own face on the screen, which really helps you to understand the reasons for treatment and skincare product recommendations.

What is my skin age score?
Once your initial sub-surface images have been captured, your Medical Aesthetician may perform a Skin Age score. The Skin Age score has been developed to show how healthy your skin is compared to your chronological age. It is particularly important in illustrating how areas of your face age due to environmental and lifestyle factors.

Will my Medical Aesthetician show me the changes to my face after the treatments?
Of course. Using the Beau Visage™ Beauty Timeline, your Medical Aesthetician can provide you with objective proof that your treatment is working. By capturing new images at stages during your treatment program, the Beauty Timeline stores these in your personal record and they can then be compared in a “before and after” format on screen.

What if I forget what my Medical Aesthetician recommends?
With such a detailed and customised analysis of your facial skin health, it is difficult to remember everything! At the end of your consultation, your Medical Aesthetician will give you your own report to take home – it will detail everything you have discussed, including your unique Medi-Plan

Is Beau Visage™ safe for everyone to use?
Beau Visage™ is a completely painless and harmless procedure. SIAscopy is not harmful and has been used by skin experts and GPs for a number of years for the detection and analysis of skin cancer, or malignant melanoma. You may have come across SIAscopy before if you have had your moles scanned by a doctor using a SIAscope.

The light used by SIAscopy is normal light produced by the flash of the non-contact camera plus infrared light which is less intense than that of a TV remote control; it is therefore completely safe. No other aesthetic device uses SIAscopy. SIAscopy is the only technology that can measure blood, melanin and collagen “in-situ”, which means NOT taking a biopsy.

Contact Assure Medispa today for more information or to book your free Beau Visage™ consultation.