Reflections on Beauty

Reflections Spa for smart lipo

When people think about liposuction, their first thought is probably removing fat from the stomach area. Of course, this isn't the only part of the body where excess fat shows up, which is why more individuals are turning to laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, to get rid of unwanted fat wherever it pops up.

Recently, WWL TV, a Louisana news source, reported on safe and effective solutions for loose, wrinkled skin under the arms caused by fat and aging. While diet and exercise may be able to make a dent in this problem, for many women it's not enough to get their arms looking the way they used to. According to the news source, this is where smart lipo and other laser procedures come in.

It's not just a problem for older people

The information provider spoke to Megan Zander, a 25-year-old doctor's assistant and Iraq veteran who, despite her young age and history of exercise, can't seem to get rid of pesky arm fat.

"It's the frustration behind being a very active person, being heavily into the gym, knowing how to workout right, eating properly and still not being able to get this area to go anywhere," said Zander of her arms, quoted by the news source.

Dermatologist Patricia Farris told the information provider that she sees many young women with the same problem as Zander, even if they exercise and eat right.

Laser lipo can help

The news source spoke to dermatologists who recommended laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, as a simple solution to the problem of under arm fat. A recently released report by Global Industry Analysis on the the cosmetic procedure market in the U.S. and Europe projects that the market will grow tremendously by 2017, due in part to the overwhelming popularity of laser procedures, such as laser lipo.

Plastic surgeon Cynthia Mizgala told WWL that laser lipo leaves almost no scar, and the patient can return to work the next day. Also, the procedure can be done with the patient is awake, eliminating the need for anesthesia, which can have unpleasant side effects.

After undergoing smart lipo, individuals may want to get laser skin tightening to perfect their look. According to DocShop.com, this minimally invasive procedure can help people achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without surgery.
 

Inner beauty is just as important as outer, but it's often physical appearance that makes a first impression on other people. Americans spend time and money on their hair, makeup and clothes, but these embellishments may be secondary to the most crucial accessory of all: flawless skin. After all, fine lines, wrinkles and redness are often the first indicator of age, since our skin tends to loose its supple elasticity as we grow older.

"The front of the neck is one of the primary features we use to guess a person's age. It often catches our eye first," plastic surgeon Rod Rohrich explained. "Sagging neck skin is the telltale sign of true aging, so restoration of the neck is an important part of facial rejuvenation."

No matter how much you spend on beautiful clothes and expensive cosmetics, having smooth, youthful skin is the key to looking vibrant and refreshed. The good news is that sagging neck skin doesn't necessarily require a full-blown surgical operation. Minimally invasive therapies like Ulthera are available to help tighten and rejuvenate areas that have loosened with age.

This innovative technique relies on the application of ultrasound to allow physicians to see beneath the skin and directly target layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. This produces a firming effect that results in younger, fresher skin over time.

"With Ulthera, we can reach some of the deeper facial structures and some of the connective tissue that we could only get with surgery before," said surgeon Haresh Yalamanchili, quoted by American Health and Beauty. "We can tighten up some of the deeper muscles and connective tissue without having to use a knife or sutures by going deeper under the skin with the ultrasound. Therefore patients don't have the downtime or the expense associated with traditional surgery."

He added that patients in their late 30s to early 50s are ideal candidates for this procedure, since these individuals generally see the most dramatic improvements. Their skin still has good elasticity and may respond better to the ultrasound, although older people have also experienced satisfactory results.

Those who are interested in Ulthera have nothing to lose by speaking to a skin care professional at their local medical spa. Learning more about the technique can help get them on their way to firmer, younger looking skin.

This year, members of the baby boomer generation are approaching traditional retirement age. But just because they are growing older chronologically doesn't mean that they want to look like they are. In fact, maintaining their physical appearance becomes more important than ever in terms of keeping up self-confidence and staying competitive in a youth-driven job market.

Luckily, advancements in laser skin rejuvenation are such that these individuals can address wrinkles, fine lines and sagging in a manner that is both safe and effective. Going under the knife is not necessary for everyone, particularly in the case of people who want subtle, natural enhancement.

According to physicians, minimally invasive skin tightening procedures like ePRIME are the way to go when it comes to fighting gravity without undergoing surgery.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Grant Stevens told American Health and Beauty that there are many different types of patients who seek non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments.

"I often suggest that it's a better use of their time and their money to have non-surgical lifting procedures," he said, quoted by the news source. "These patients are starting to see some early sagging of the neck and in the jowls."

Minimally invasive treatments like ePRIME are also considerably less painful in comparison to full-on surgery. They are typically associated with little or no recovery time, allowing individuals to get back to their daily duties without interruption.

The technology delivers radiofrequency micro-needles into the skin, stimulating the deepest layers to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Increasing these components will help make the skin more youthful and elastic, as well as smooth and radiant.

Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area and the procedure is usually complete within an hour. Patients generally need to come into the doctor's office for just one session, which sets ePRIME apart from other skin rejuvenation techniques.

"ePRIME is the only energy-based dermal remodeling system that precisely targets and delivers measured radiofrequency directly into the deep dermis," said Loui Scafuri, CEO of Syneron, quoted by Seeking Alpha. "The resulting volumetric improvement after a single treatment is impressive and has led to high levels of patient satisfaction since product introduction."

Selecting a skin tightening procedure like ePRIME can help people save time and improve their appearance in a subtle, natural way that does not require excessive downtime.

Sagging skin can be a drag, whether it's a result of having lost a lot of weight or simply growing older. A loosening of areas such as the neck, belly and thighs is usually attributed to a combination of aging and genetics. Those who are entering their 50s and 60s, for example, have less elasticity in their skin compared to younger people, and so they have a higher risk for the condition.

For those who exercise on a regular basis, gradually shedding the pounds is a good way to prevent drastic skin changes. Meanwhile, consuming a nutrient-rich diet that has plenty of vitamin E can promote elasticity and prevent damage. Those who consume plenty of vegetable oils, nuts, olives and seeds, as well as greens like spinach or asparagus, can decrease their chances of having saggy skin.

People who already have the condition in noticeable areas such as the neck may want to look into a cosmetic procedure like Thermage, which can help tighten up skin for a younger, fresher appearance.

"I have a lot of people in their 30s, 40s and 50s who don't need a facelift but have a little excess fat and maybe even some excess skin in the neck area," said plastic surgeon W. Jason Martin, quoted by American Health and Beauty. "We can clean up the whole jaw line, tighten up the neck area and have a fairly transformative effect on the patient."

Such cosmetic therapies are becoming increasingly common. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate that more than 11.5 million minimally invasive techniques were performed last year in the U.S.

The Thermage treatment is particularly recommended for loose skin because it only requires one treatment. During the one-hour procedure, radio-frequency waves target the collagen beneath the surface of the skin. This encourages greater production of the protein, which results in tighter, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

Many patients have expressed satisfaction with the technique, which can be done on a number of places, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hands and underarms. The process is particularly convenient in that most people go right back to their daily routine afterward and do not require any type of special care to ensure effective results.

Take a look at your legs. Are you happy with them? If you're a woman, chances are the answer is "not really" and it may be because of an evil little thing called cellulite. There's a reason why this condition is often compared to cottage cheese, since it tends to have a dimpled, bumpy appearance that is not as bathing suit-friendly as most ladies would like. Caused by an irregular distribution of fat, it is most often found on the thighs, but can also affect the buttocks and abdomen.

Nearly 90 percent of women have cellulite, which has little to do with eating healthy and exercising, although it may be more noticeable in those who are overweight. The condition arises from the decreasing elasticity of collagen and connective tissue that occurs with age. When we grow older, fat cells tend to swell, grow larger and move up into the lower dermis, where our oil and sweat glands originate.

Not even celebrities can avoid cellulite. Recently, The Stir featured photographs of R&B singer Alicia Keys, actress Cameron Diaz, Jersey Shore star Deena Nicole and teen "it girl" Selena Gomez, all displaying less-than-perfect thighs.

Recently, actress Jenna Fischer mentioned to Entertainment Online that the major downfall of her otherwise easy pregnancy is severe cellulite.

So what can be done about this annoying condition? Some people believe that changing their diets will get rid of it. Consequently, they reduce their sodium intake, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water and consume lots of protein in the form of eggs, fish and tofu.

Although these are healthy behaviors to adopt, unfortunately there is no magic menu that can tighten the skin on the legs.

Most women who want better-looking thighs turn to treatments like Thermage. This technique relies on radiofrequency energy to heat affected areas, enhancing collagen synthesis and improving blood flow to smooth the surface of the legs.

The procedure is safe, effective and only takes an hour or two to complete. No anesthesia is required for this comfortable process, and patients are free to return to their everyday activities after leaving the medical spa.

Few people's legs are perfect, but smoothing out the skin and improving its appearance can go a long way toward boosting women's confidence this summer. 

Most people accept the fact that growing old is a part of life. What they don't like is looking old. After all, just because someone is chronologically in their 50s or 60s doesn't necessarily mean that they feel that old, which is one reason why so many Americans are choosing to stay in the workforce longer and delay retirement.

But even those who are energetic and young at heart can feel discouraged when the fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and sagging skin begin to show up. These are perfectly natural signs of aging that develop after a lifetime of exposing one's face to harsh weather, sunlight and toxins in the environment, such as cigarette smoke.

"Free radicals, like the kind formed from sun exposure, [affect] the membrane of skin cells, potentially allowing damage to the DNA of that cell," New York-based dermatologist Ariel Ostad told Health News Digest. "When you help protect the cells from damage and disintegration, you also guard against premature aging."

This may be the reason why many experts recommend a healthy diet as the first line of defense against aging skin. Eating foods that are packed with antioxidants, nutrients that help fight the damage caused by free radicals, could be a good way to look and feel good. Fruits such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries pack a powerful punch with regard to these protective compounds.

Fighting nature with nature is nothing new. A recent paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that researchers have been looking into the use of poplar trees as a source for these beautifying antioxidants. The scientists created an extract from the leaf buds, called propolis, which appeared to have anti-aging effects on skin cells grown in the laboratory.

"The collective antioxidant properties of this extract suggest potential anti-aging properties which could be utilized in cosmetic and nutraceutical formulations," the research team explained.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, doctors frequently recommend that people drink plenty of water to keep skin looking young.

These preventive measures can go a long way in terms of reducing the signs of aging, but what if one wants more immediate results?

Looking into laser skin rejuvenation at a facility such as Reflections Medical Spa may be the way to go. A wide variety of safe, effective, minimally-invasive procedures are available to treat everything from wrinkles and sun spots to creases and hollowing. Opting for such a treatment to supplement a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle may help people look as young as they feel for many years to come. 

Cellulite is a common problem for women of all ages, but just because it appears in 80 percent of ladies doesn't mean that they like it. The condition can make the skin on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen look loose and bumpy, which could be bad news for some, considering that summer is just around the corner.

It may be somewhat comforting to know that celebrities are not immune to cellulite, which is the result of lost elasticity in the connective tissue due to aging or genetics. Whether you are a Hollywood star or just a regular person, growing older can impact metabolism, leading to the enlargement of fat cells and loosening of the fibrous bands that maintain skin tension. This contributes to the "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" appearance of cellulite.

Christina Aguilera is one such celebrity for whom considerable fame and fortune have not prevented the development of the condition. The singer and actress recently taped a segment for the TV show Extra in Los Angeles, where she was photographed in pricey Louboutin heels and a tiny skirt, according to the Daily Mail. However, when she sat down and crossed her legs in front of thousands of adoring fans, the cameras caught a glimpse of considerable cellulite on both thighs.

US Magazine reports that Khloe Kardashian is no stranger to dimpled legs, either. The 26-year-old reality TV star is teaming up with cosmetic company NIVEA to help American women fight cellulite.

Experts recommend eating a healthy, low-sodium diet and drinking plenty of water, which can help strengthen muscles, increase blood flow and loosen fat deposits. Exercise can also reduce body fat while toning the legs and abdomen, leading to less dimpling.

But what if diet and exercise are not enough? Women who are looking for quick results may want to talk to their local medical spa about undergoing Thermage treatment, a minimally invasive technique that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and improve the look of dimpled skin, or the velashape procedure, which utilizes heat to contour and shape the body.

These remedies can help ladies get smooth, shapely legs that they can be proud of when swimsuit season comes along.

Most people are happy when the days get longer and the weather gets nicer, but summertime might make others nervous. After all, you can't hide the problem areas of your body when it gets too hot to wear anything but tank tops and shorts. If you have sagging skin or cellulite, you could consider surgery, but going under the knife is usually painful – not to mention time-consuming, since you could spend weeks recovering.

Fortunately, the skincare gods are sympathetic. Advanced 21st-century technology has made it possible for people to address their concerns through safe, minimally-invasive techniques such as the Thermage body treatment. This procedure is offered at leading facilities such as Reflections Medical Spa in New Jersey, where laser specialists help patients look great without having to undergo surgery.

Thermage could be an excellent option for people who want to lift, tighten and shape their bodies. The technique sends radio-frequency energy into the skin, where it reaches the collagen that is stored beneath the surface.

This protein is the main component of your cartilage, liagments, tendons and bone, and it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity. When we grow old, collagen degrades, leading to skin sagging and wrinkle formation.

Thermage works to encourage the body's natural renewal of this protein and since the energy is delivered in a precise, grid-like fashion, this ensures even, controlled stimulation. Most patients see satisfying results within six months – not bad for a one-time procedure that lasts only about an hour and requires no recovery time whatsoever.

"Men and women battling the appearance of fat deposits or sagging skin no longer have to endure a long and uncomfortable recovery," said skincare expert Bruce Katz. "With this latest advancement in radio-frequency technology, patients [can see] outstanding results without a large time or financial commitment."

The procedure can be performed on virtually any part of the body a patient wants to work on. This includes common problem areas like the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, or even the underarms and hands.

Thermage can also be administered to complement another rejuvenating technique such as laser liposuction. This powerful combination works to tighten the skin while shaping and contouring the body.

With such effective treatments at your disposal, there's no reason not to be excited for summer. Showing off fresh, young-looking skin and sculpted body can be as easy as speaking to a laser skincare specialist about the options available. 

If you are female, chances are you're familiar with cellulite. The condition appears in an estimated 80 percent of women and can generally be attributed to aging, genetics and stress, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Recently, Fox News reported that ladies who frequently wear leggings may be more likely to gain weight, a common contributor to cellulite.

These comfortable, stretchy pants are favored by women all over the U.S., whether they are worn to the gym or on a date. However, despite the pants' versatility and convenience, they could be contributing to flabby legs.

"They hold in and support the quadriceps, buttocks and core muscles in your tummy, and do the job the muscles are supposed to do," physical therapist Sammy Margo told the news source. "When we reveal our bodies as summer approaches, they are not as svelte or firm as they otherwise would be."

Although eating a healthy diet and exercising can help lessen the appearance of cellulite, many ladies may consider a skin tightening procedure called Thermage, which delivers radio frequency to smooth and contour affected areas.

Speaking to a qualified skin care professional at a clinic such as Reflections Medical Spa can help women get the legs they want just in time for summer. 

If you are female, chances are that you're no stranger to cellulite. Almost every woman is familiar with the often unpleasant, cottage cheese-like appearance that fat can have on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen. The condition often appears early on in life, and is caused by an irregular distribution of fat cells and age-related loss of elasticity in the skin.

According to the International Business Times, exercise trainer Raphael Calzadilla once explained this concept to his wide-eyed wife.

"Who cares?" she responded, quoted by the news source. "Women don't care what it is. All we want to know is how to get rid of it!"

If you are on Mrs. Calzadilla's side, there is some good news for you. A nutritious diet and plenty of exercise have long been the old standbys when it comes to trimming fat, and some have suggested that these healthy lifestyle choices could also reduce the appearance of cellulite.

But if you prefer a quicker method, talking to a specialist at Reflections Medical Spa in New Jersey can provide some safe, effective options.

Whether it's through the use of radio frequency energy or the application of pharmaceutical agents directly into the skin, there are a number of procedures available that can help you look your best for bikini season.