What exactly is CoolSculpting?

September 13, 2016

What exactly is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a body contouring procedure, that rids the body of unwanted fat.  It basically works by freezing the targeted fat cells, while keeping the skin cool and unaffected.  Over 3-4 months, the dead fat cells are eliminated from the body, leaving the body more sculpted.  Unlike surgical procedures, such as liposuction, there is no downtime with this noninvasive procedure.  You can literally go on about your normal daily routine before and after CoolSculpting.  The FDA has cleared this procedure as safe and effective, and to have long term results.

CoolSculpting really does work!  The procedure has an overall 95% patient satisfaction rating!   We will create a personalized treatment plan, to meet your specific goals.  The most common areas to treat are abdomen, flanks, back and bra line fat, and under the chin; however, we can treat many other areas.  Our certified CoolSculpting technicians, can evaluate and assess you to determine what would give you the best results.

At Awaken Med Spa, consults are always complimentary.  We have CoolSculpting suites set up, to make your treatment comfortable and relaxing.  Give us a call for more information and to see if CoolSculpting is right for you!  

Kati Howard, MSN, FNP-C  
#skincarechic

 *treatments performed by Awaken Med Spa 

Benefits of using PRP with Microneedling

August 23, 2016

Benefits of using PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) with Microneedling

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a new innovation in the skincare industry.  It is used for the treatment of fines lines, acne scars, stretch marks, and to overall  improve the appearance of the skin texture, tone, and tightness.  At Awaken Med Spa, we use the Eclipse Micropen Elite, which causes small channels in the skin, to allow topical products to be absorbed more effectively.  Providers use different types of topicals on the skin, but using a client’s own Platelet-Rich Protein (PRP), increases collagen production by up to 1000%!

What is PRP, and why would we use it???

PRP is a high concentration of platelets, surrounded in its own plasma.  We draw approximately 10cc of blood and use a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma.  Since this is processed from the client, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection.

When the client’s PRP is applied to the skin, then followed with the procedure of Microneedling, the PRP is absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin; therefore, improving the fine lines, texture, and tightness of the skin.  There are several known growth factors that are released into the skin, to not only stimulate collagen by 1000%, but also to heal the skin quickly.  With that being said, there is virtually no downtime with this procedure.  Some redness can be noticed to the skin, for a day or two, depending on the area treated and the number of passes that are performed to the area.  The procedure takes approx. 20-30 minutes depending on the area treated.  Microneedling can be performed on all parts of the body.  Face, neck and decollete, are the most popular areas to treat, but also hands, back, and abdomen have shown great results.  Results are noticed within a few weeks, and can continue to improve for 6 months.  Some clients only require one treatment yearly, while others will need a series.  PRP can also be injected into the skin for even more results in localized areas and is paired with other treatment modalities when needed.

Awaken Med Spa offers complimentary consultations and we will assess your skin and your goals, to see if Microneedling with PRP would be a beneficial treatment option. 

Kati Howard, MSN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner/Administrator

Changes in the Cosmetic Industry

    Today's clients are more time-sensitive than any other in history.  Facial services must seamlessly melt into her day, at the office, or evening plans.  The cosmetic industry has evolved around this request of instant gratification, with no downtime for re-cooperation. This new trend is called, Non-Surgical Facelifts.  Services that will allow our client to see instant visible change and be back to her normal routine the same day.

   

    The combination of injectables, will smooth out lines and restore volume and lift to improve overall facial contour and texture. Additional tightening can be achieved with the use of infra-red, or ultrasound technology. Many cosmetic offices and medical spas have reported skyrocketing numbers for these desired services. At, Awaken Medical Spa, we have Rejuvenation Packages that cost significantly lower than traditional facelift surgery. Imagine being back to the office the same day, pain free. I've seen miraculous results, it's amazing!
   

  Until next time.......

 

Live life more beautifully!

 

Katie Williams

-Licensed Esthetician & Make Up Artist

The Power of Retinol

   Retinol is the number one anti-aging ingredient in the world.  It is an alcohol derivative of vitamin A. Vitamin A is responsible for creating dead skin cells, this action chemically forces exfoliation. The action doesn't stop at the surface, it also exfoliates down through the follicle. This is why dermatologists will prescribe a retinoid, ( Differin, Retin-A, Tazorac, etc.) to their acne patients. Retinoids are an acid derivative of vitamin A, much more aggressive.

    Retinol tends to be less irritating, and when using a product for the long term, my feeling is progression without aggression. I like to slowly acclimate my clients, starting use every other night for a couple of weeks, then proceed to an every night application.
More is not better when it comes to retinol, just a pea size amount will do the trick. Application is done at night only, not twice a day. When absorbing product into the skin, please stay a pinky's width away from the corners of the mouth, and not too close to the delicate tissue around the eye.

So are you still asking yourself, "Why should I use retinol?"

    

    For adolescents, or anyone dealing with acne, topically applied retinol will erase the dry skin barrier from the surface allowing the backed up oil and dead skin cells to rise up to the surface and be washed away. This action is called purging and that is why the condition may temporarily worsen, before it improves.
For anti-aging purposes the reason is, chronological aging. As we age the period of time when a skin cell actually divides and moves towards the surface, to exfoliate, slowly grows from a 28 day cycle to a longer and longer span of time. This process is nature's way of exercising the skin. I always compare this to our body and exercise. When exercising your muscles they stay strong and tight, stop, and we all know what happens. The same applies to our skin, without chemically forcing this action to continue at a rapid pace the integrity of our collagen and elastin will diminish. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant, which helps to neutralize free radical damage looking to create unhealthy cells.
   

   There are two things that I must warn you about Retinol...

• Number 1 - This product will make you more sun sensitive, therefore, use of a daily sunscreen is a must.
• Number 2 - Retinol and waxing do not mix. If waxing is your choice of facial hair removal, you need to stop Retinol one week prior to your waxing appointment. I'm sure a lot of you wish you knew that before your skin was pulled off, along with the hair and wax. So please pass the word, people really don't know.

 

Until next time, live your life more Beautifully!!!

 

<3 Pennie DeVore

Never Forget The Neck!

    The neck is one of those forgotten areas, until it starts to sag.  The delicate skin on the neck needs just as much attention as the skin on your face.  When people ask me how old I think they are, I don't necessarily look at their face.  Obviously these individuals have been very attentive to the skin on their face.  I look at their neck, decolletage (chest), and hands.

                                 Are you looking at yours right now?

    When applying product to the face, always feather down into the neck.  If your chest area is now a concern, apply more product to this area.  Any product that is used on the face can be used on the neck and chest. If using a Retinol or Tretinoin, it may be wise to dilute this ingredient with your moisturizer to avoid irritation.

The best system that I have encountered is the Elastiderm Decolletage by Obagi Medical. These products will address wrinkles, as well as pigment issues in a short amount of time.  To strengthen the area between the chin and collar bone, there is an exercise that can be done. The first exercise can be done at any time during the day as many times as you want. Tilt your head back, and jut your bottom jaw back and forth 10 times.  Repeat.  The second requires you to lay down on the floor, with your knees bent. Grab your inner thighs, and pull up rounding your head and neck into your chest. Let go of your thighs, and place hands about 4 inches above the ground. Pulse hands up and down until you count to 100. This exercise is not as easy as the first, but do whatever you are comfortable with.

As always, Live Life Beautifully!

 

Pennie DeVore

-Licensed Medical Esthetician