FAQ
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Painless Hair Removal
PPx Therapy is a breakthrough aesthetic treatment that uses a revolutionary combination of pneumatic energy and broadband light. PPx treatments are no pain treatments that are clinically proven effective and safe treatments for the removal of unwanted hair.
How is unwanted hair removed?
A hygienic treatment tip gently draws the area to be treated into the handpiece of the Aesthera PPx system. This "pulling" up motion brings all the unwanted hair closer to the surface of the skin.
Light energy, when gently applied to the hair, is converted to heat energy and absorbed by the hair, quickly, painlessly and effectively destroying it.
How are PPx treatments for hair removal different from other laser and light based hair removal treatments available?
PPx therapy is the first and only therapy to effectively combine pneumatic energy (pressure) with broadband light. PPx therapy differs from other laser and light based treatments in that it is 5x more efficient in the delivery of energy to unwanted hair. This highly efficient delivery of energy allows PPx therapy to use a fraction of the energy that other treatments require, making treatments very gentle. PPx therapy is painless because energy is concentrated in hair to be destroyed, protecting the surrounding normal tissue. This also makes PPx therapy safer than other treatment modalities.
Treatments are relaxing and not associated with side effects such as the redness or other usual post treatment discomforts. PPx therapy is 4 to 7 times faster than treatments with other laser or light based technologies. It does do not require pre-treatments with topical anesthetics or cooling gels, resulting in reducing treatment time by 35 - 45 minutes.
Tips provide you with personalized hygienic treatments while eliminating the risks of cross contamination and are uniquely customized to treat a wide range of body parts.
What do I need to do to prepare for treatment?
You must wear sunblock and avoid all sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to your treatment. We cannot treat anyone who has been in the sun, used sunless tanner or sat in a tanning bed within two weeks of treatment. Tanning increases your risk for burns and blistering with IPL treatment. You should arrive for treatment shaved and at your baseline skin tone. If the sun cannot be avoided, be sure to use a sun block with an SPF of 30 or higher to provide protection between treatments. Clothing alone will not protect you against the sun. Ideally you should arrive at each treatment shaved and at your natural skin tone to maximize your results.
Photopneumatic treatments are:
No Pain treatments: PPx therapy is a relaxing no pain treatment. In a recently published peer reviewed clinical study, an astounding 100% of treated patients noted that treatments with the Aesthera PPx system were painless and relaxing.
Safer: PPx therapy is upto 5 times more efficient in delivering energy to the target. As a result, the therapy uses significantly lower total energy. The effective and efficient use of lower energies allows the destruction of targets (unwanted hair, pigment and unsightly veins) while protecting surrounding normal tissue.
Require No Pre-Treatments with Topical Anesthetics: Photopneumatic therapy eliminates the need for 30-45 minute long numbing pre-treatments with topical anesthetics.
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BOTOX®
What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is a non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.
When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results may vary.
How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
Results from treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can last for up to 4 months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.
Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring (<3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.
Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.
What will happen to the frown lines between my brows if I choose not to continue treatments?
If you do not continue treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your doctor for further information.
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Restylane®
What is Restylane®?
Restylane®is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
What is Restylane® made of?
Restylane® is a cosmetic dermal filler composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
How is Restylane® different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane® is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.*
What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane® requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin or other NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-imflamatories), St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another recurrence.
Is Restylane® safe?
Yes. Restylane® has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. Restylane® has a highly favorable safety profile. It's composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane® is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.* The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days.
Can Restylane® be used anywhere on the face?
Restylane® has been used in more than 3 million treatments7 in over 70 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles. It is currently indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
How long does Restylane® last?
Restylane® is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane® effects generally last for about six months. The unique NASHA™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.
How often should I have Restylane® treatments done?
Treatments are typically scheduled at six-month intervals. Please be sure to consult your physician about recommendations for follow-up treatments.
How is Restylane® different from BOTOX®?
Restylane® is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.
How is Restylane® different from bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test. Restylane® can be administered without pre-testing so no waiting is required. With Restylane® there is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.*
Do the injections hurt?
Restylane® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.
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Sun Damage & Age Spots
What causes age spots?
Age spots, freckles, and various birthmarks are just a few of the commonly known marks generally referred to in the medical profession as pigmented lesions. Except for birthmarks, they are almost always caused by the cumulative exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays over the years. Once you have your age spots removed, you will want to purchase one of our Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to prevent further UV damage to your skin.
How many treatments will it take to remove them?
Most common pigmented lesions are removed within three to four treatments. Some deeper lesions will require more treatments.
Can the spots come back after treatment?
Common pigmented lesions do not return. However, you may develop more age spots over time. Even if you have stopped tanning, the sun damage of your youth may show up as you continue to age. It is important to wear sunscreen at all times to minimize sun induced melanocyte stimulation that will create more dark spots over time.
What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
Most clients experience a warm sensation and some redness similar to a light sunburn. The day following treatment you will develop some darkening of the treated brown spots. It is important that you not scrub off these dark areas. They need to heal from within and will fall off on their own. You can apply makeup over the area the next day. We recommend that you use a moisturizer and physical sunscreen the first week after treatment. Your nurse can recommend appropriate products during your treatment that you will be able to try and purchase while in the office.
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Spider Vein Treatment
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin that are usually red or blue in color. They commonly occur on the legs, but are also found on the face or other areas of the body. These dilated blood vessels may be short, unconnected lines, each about the size of a large hair, or connected in a "sunburst" pattern. They may look like a spider web or a tree with branches. Spider veins can occur in a small area where they are not very noticeable, or they can cover a large area of skin and be very unattractive.
What causes them?
The cause of spider veins is not completely known. Heredity seems to play a large part, but there are other possible factors such as sun exposure, hormone changes, pregnancy and weight gain. They may also appear in areas where tight clothing is worn repeatedly, especially if it is held in place by strong elastic material.
How is the treatment performed?
Brief but intense emissions of light from the laser will be used to remove the superficial blood vessels at precisely controlled levels of penetration. During the treatment, you may hear the laser zapping, and smell smoke. Afterward, the treated area will be covered with an antibiotic ointment to eliminate any surface bacteria.
How long does it take?
The amount of time varies from fifteen minutes to one hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated and the severity of the problem.
Is it painful?
You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. Anesthesia is not required.
What are the after effects?
You may experience some redness and swelling of the treated area that normally disappears within a few days. The veins usually will turn a purple color that resembles a small bruise, and then gradually fade within 5-10 days. Your doctor will advise you on ways to minimize after effects.
How long does it take for them to disappear?
Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Some redness or purple discoloration may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness will gradually lighten to a pink tone, and then to a lighter, more natural color. You may need follow-up treatments to completely eliminate spider veins in a particular area.
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Microdermabrasion
What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can improve or eliminate a number of various skin problems, including:
- Dull, oily or leathery skin texture
- Minimizing enlarged pores
- Suctioning clogged pores related to acne
- Polishing and reducing fine lines
- Mild acne scarring
- Mild pigment irregularities
- Enhancing penetration of therapeutic remedies
- Minimizing blemishes
- Elimination of white and black heads
Do I need more than one treatment?
Microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments. Cumulative results can be significant with as little as 6 treatments repeated one to three weeks apart. While noticeable results are achieved with a single treatment, it is an unrealistic to expect significant changes from only one treatment. Your West Linn MedSpa specialist will suggest a customized plan tailored to your overall goals.
What can I expect after my first treatment?
Though microdermabrasion requires a series of treatments, you can see a visible improvement in the treated skin after the first treatment. Some patients experience a tightness and redness of the skin, comparing it to the feeling of mild sunburn. To restore moisture that is lost during Microdermabrasion, your West Linn MedSpa specialist will recommend an after care program for your skin type that fits into your total skin care plan.
What parts of the body can be treated?
There are many areas of the body that benefit from microdermabrasion. The most common areas are the face, neck, chest and hands.
Why should I choose West Linn MedSpa?
One reason is because we use the equipment that is regarded as the ultimate in microdermabrasion therapy. The DiamondSkin™ Microdermabrasion System features a crystal-free technology. This innovative skin rejuvenation technology produces superior results:
- Exfoliation occurs only as the wand is drawn across the skin.
- No loose crystals or other abrasives.
- Even at its highest settings, DiamondSkin™ is regarded as a gentler resurfacing system yet provides more dramatic results than other skin care systems.
- Achieve skin rejuvenation without the adverse effects of loose particles, burning, irritation, and skin reactions.
- The precise diamond wand chip size and vacuum settings assure the appropriate amount of exfoliation that will produce uniform results.
In addition to the finest equipment, our technicians are experienced, highly trained and most of all are focused on making your experience pleasurable, fulfilling and uplifting. Call us and we’ll explain why the West Linn MedSpa Advantage sets us apart from other providers.
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Chemical Peel
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to remove the dead and damaged outer layers of skin. Chemical peels improve and smooth skin texture and help to reveal younger, clearer, more radiant skin. Chemical peels, also known as "Lunchtime Peels" are traditionally performed on the face, hands, and neck to treat fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration. Chemical peels are also effective in treating mild scarring and acne.
What type of peel is right for me?
Your meeting with your West Linn MedSpa consultant is an integral part of the process. The type of treatment which is right for you will be determined by you and your West Linn MedSpa consultant to provide you with the greatest benefits.
How long do treatments take?
Often referred to as "lunchtime peels," these treatments can be performed in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Is there any downtime?
The in-office treatments require little or no recovery time. Although there is typically no downtime; after a treatment, depending on the customization of the procedure, you may experience redness the day of the treatment and minor peeling in the days following the procedure. Depending on your skin you may or may not experience peeling. If peeling occurs, it usually begins 2 to 4 days following your treatment and lasts for approximately 3 days. In addition you may experience mild itching and irritation.
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"Thank you so much for my fabulous Botox treatment, Mark some gold stars on whatever he did this time because it is Most Fabulous! Not a single bruise on my face (which bruises if I look at it too hard) and the best result I have Ever had in 5 years of getting it! ..." read all
