A little more than 10 years ago, it was almost entirely unheard of for a medical doctor to carry a laser in his office capable of removing superfluous and unwanted hair. In a recent study conducted by the ASAPS, laser hair removal ranks among the top nonsurgical cosmetic enhancement procedures performed in the past year, trailing closely behind Botox and injectable fillers.
Unsightly body hair is a common inconvenience. Despite the shaving, plucking, tweezing, and waxing, it is common knowledge that the hair will simply grow back, making the process even more grueling and time consuming. On top of the annoyance of popular ways of removing hair, the irritation caused and rough scale-like feeling can be a serious blow to one’s confidence.
“The way it works is relatively simple. The wavelength of the laser attacks pigments. The laser is inherently attracted to dark pigment, and therefore works best with dark coarse hair. Light skin and dark hair are an ideal combination, but newer lasers are now able to target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin.”
The procedure is relatively quick, about the time it takes the shave, and yet is performed over the period of months rather than days. “Ideally, we attack the root just in just a few treatments and never see it again. However the size and thickness of the skin and hair definitely play a role, and therefore it can take longer to absolve the hair from the area.” It is still a major convenience; having a procedure done every few months is much easier than shaving twice a week. “Let me help you find your ultimate image.”
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.
American Beauty and Wellness is your information resource for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic medical procedures. Use this site to find out the latest cosmetic innovations, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Thermage, and where to find the doctor nearest you that can provide these treatments
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
There are some important things you should know about fillers.
Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area, Karl Swanson M.D. of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center not only seeks to satisfy his clientele, but educate them as well.
“More often than not, patients walk into an elective procedure with little or no valid medical information. It is my goal to change that”.
According to recent studies on non-invasive cosmetic procedures, the most popular filler injections administered are nonpermanent fillers, such Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. These three fillers are all made out of hyaluronic acid and are very similar chemically. These fillers are top choice for most lines and wrinkles and for injecting the lips. Dr. Swanson prefers Juvederm, “because it is smoother but we have all three types available for injection and patient preference. All three fillers last approximately 6 months to a year. A recent study by Juvederm demonstrated that some improvement is still visible one year after the injection in most people”.
The next most commonly used filler is Radiesse. “Radiesse is made out of calcium hydroxyapatite. This filler may last longer than the hyaluronic fillers, works a little better for very deep folds, but is not good for the shallow wrinkles because it is to firm and may form small little granules at the skins surface. Also Radiesse cannot be used in the lips.” Dr. Swanson can tell you which filler would be the best for you, so don't be too concerned about the small differences between the different hyaluronic fillers or Radiesse.
“We have priced all four of the above fillers exactly the same so that the filler is chosen strictly on what is best for your specific wrinkle or fold. If you have a preference for a particular filler, we can provide it”. Dr. Swanson will let you know at the time of a complimentary consultation if a different choice of filler might be better for your specific situation.
“Each syringe of filler costs $549. It usually takes one syringe of filler to do the lips. Once syringe of filler to do the nasal labial lines, and one syringe of filler to do the labial mental lines. Most patients therefore will need approximately 3 syringes of fillers to optimize their wrinkle reduction, costing $1642. The lips are not injected necessarily to enlarge them but to reduce the wrinkles above the lip, below the lip, and to help merge the areas around the lips smoothly into the nasal labial and labial mental folds.” Dr. Swanson feels it is important to clarify the cost of procedures to show that s patients are getting exactly what they pay for.
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.
American Beauty and Wellness is your information resource for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic medical procedures. Use this site to find out the latest cosmetic innovations, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Thermage, and where to find the doctor nearest you that can provide these treatments.
“More often than not, patients walk into an elective procedure with little or no valid medical information. It is my goal to change that”.
According to recent studies on non-invasive cosmetic procedures, the most popular filler injections administered are nonpermanent fillers, such Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. These three fillers are all made out of hyaluronic acid and are very similar chemically. These fillers are top choice for most lines and wrinkles and for injecting the lips. Dr. Swanson prefers Juvederm, “because it is smoother but we have all three types available for injection and patient preference. All three fillers last approximately 6 months to a year. A recent study by Juvederm demonstrated that some improvement is still visible one year after the injection in most people”.
The next most commonly used filler is Radiesse. “Radiesse is made out of calcium hydroxyapatite. This filler may last longer than the hyaluronic fillers, works a little better for very deep folds, but is not good for the shallow wrinkles because it is to firm and may form small little granules at the skins surface. Also Radiesse cannot be used in the lips.” Dr. Swanson can tell you which filler would be the best for you, so don't be too concerned about the small differences between the different hyaluronic fillers or Radiesse.
“We have priced all four of the above fillers exactly the same so that the filler is chosen strictly on what is best for your specific wrinkle or fold. If you have a preference for a particular filler, we can provide it”. Dr. Swanson will let you know at the time of a complimentary consultation if a different choice of filler might be better for your specific situation.
“Each syringe of filler costs $549. It usually takes one syringe of filler to do the lips. Once syringe of filler to do the nasal labial lines, and one syringe of filler to do the labial mental lines. Most patients therefore will need approximately 3 syringes of fillers to optimize their wrinkle reduction, costing $1642. The lips are not injected necessarily to enlarge them but to reduce the wrinkles above the lip, below the lip, and to help merge the areas around the lips smoothly into the nasal labial and labial mental folds.” Dr. Swanson feels it is important to clarify the cost of procedures to show that s patients are getting exactly what they pay for.
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.
American Beauty and Wellness is your information resource for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic medical procedures. Use this site to find out the latest cosmetic innovations, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Thermage, and where to find the doctor nearest you that can provide these treatments.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
“Repair” the signs that aging has left behind with Ultimate Image
Never before has such an effective ‘combination therapy’ been available to fight the aging process. The Tampa Bay area can relax and continue to age gracefully, just not as noticeably.
The FDA approval of Botox in April of 2002 for the treatment of ‘frown lines’ was a huge victory for anyone who desired to retain the vibrant appearance we all lose as we get older. The more recent acknowledgement by the FDA of Juvederm as an effective treatment for facial wrinkles and folds offered a way to reduce deep lines formed during one’s lifetime. Over the past two years, these treatments have satisfied the cosmetic needs of millions of patients nationwide, according to recent studies, and while these treatments offer astounding results in anti-aging, sometimes you need to push a little deeper.
The introduction of the revolutionary Fraxel Re:pair CO2 this year as the only FDA approved resurfacing laser with a fractional method makes it possible to look several years younger with essentially no risk and minimal downtime. A comfortable alternative to risky surgery, the Fraxel Re:pair not only compliments the effects produced by treatments such as Botox and Juvederm, it is an outstanding procedure on its own merit. Opposed to older resurfacing lasers, the Fraxel Re:pair utilizes a continuous scanning technique and pixilated pattern laid down by the laser which is conducive to the production of newer, tighter skin with rapid healing.
Ideally, this skin ‘rejuvenation’ would be used in addition to the wrinkle reducing enhancements of Botox and deep fold filling application of dermal fillers. Karl Swanson M.D. has been fine tuning this technique for years and is impressed with the results he sees. “Most patients choose only one or two of the types of treatments, but combining all three creates a greater overall effect”. The idea is to stop the movement of the muscles that create wrinkles with Botox, decrease the appearance of plainly visible facial folds with filler, and resurface and rejuvenate new skin over the entire face with the Fraxel Re:pair. “This technique is attacking the same problem from multiple fronts. Each procedure works fine for its own application, but when combined with other therapies, we see some outstanding results”.
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.
The FDA approval of Botox in April of 2002 for the treatment of ‘frown lines’ was a huge victory for anyone who desired to retain the vibrant appearance we all lose as we get older. The more recent acknowledgement by the FDA of Juvederm as an effective treatment for facial wrinkles and folds offered a way to reduce deep lines formed during one’s lifetime. Over the past two years, these treatments have satisfied the cosmetic needs of millions of patients nationwide, according to recent studies, and while these treatments offer astounding results in anti-aging, sometimes you need to push a little deeper.
The introduction of the revolutionary Fraxel Re:pair CO2 this year as the only FDA approved resurfacing laser with a fractional method makes it possible to look several years younger with essentially no risk and minimal downtime. A comfortable alternative to risky surgery, the Fraxel Re:pair not only compliments the effects produced by treatments such as Botox and Juvederm, it is an outstanding procedure on its own merit. Opposed to older resurfacing lasers, the Fraxel Re:pair utilizes a continuous scanning technique and pixilated pattern laid down by the laser which is conducive to the production of newer, tighter skin with rapid healing.
Ideally, this skin ‘rejuvenation’ would be used in addition to the wrinkle reducing enhancements of Botox and deep fold filling application of dermal fillers. Karl Swanson M.D. has been fine tuning this technique for years and is impressed with the results he sees. “Most patients choose only one or two of the types of treatments, but combining all three creates a greater overall effect”. The idea is to stop the movement of the muscles that create wrinkles with Botox, decrease the appearance of plainly visible facial folds with filler, and resurface and rejuvenate new skin over the entire face with the Fraxel Re:pair. “This technique is attacking the same problem from multiple fronts. Each procedure works fine for its own application, but when combined with other therapies, we see some outstanding results”.
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Swanson and his staff are dedicated to providing the latest and most effective treatments to their patients in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay area.
American Beauty and Wellness is your information resource for surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic medical procedures. Use this site to find out the latest cosmetic innovations, such as Botox, Juvederm, and Thermage, and where to find the doctor nearest you that can provide these treatments.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Botox Still Leads Among Cosmetic Enhancements
The idea of reinvigorating and brightening one’s appearance is appealing in many senses of the word. Cosmetic enhancements make it possible to obtain the essence of youth.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s “Top 5 Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures” lists Botox as the most popular nonsurgical enhancement. Over 2.7 million people were administered Botox in 2007, nearly twice as many injections as the next most popular procedure. The popularity of Botox is most likely due to a high return rate, with patient satisfaction around 97%.
With the popularity of Botox as high as it is and the number of people being administered this medicine, it is important to acquire as much information as possible regarding this procedure.
When having a cosmetic procedure, it is essential to remember that no individual is the same as another, and therefore results can vary slightly. However, typical ‘predictions’ are possible. How long Botox lasts is ‘dose dependent’. Dosing depends on how the medicine is reconstituted and administered in the injection site. Upon consultation, these are important things for your physician and you to go over.
Botox is a simple injection which reduces the appearance of “frown lines”, “furrows”, and “laugh lines” for 3 to 4 months. The medicine consists of protein which starts to take effect 2 to 3 days after the procedure, achieving optimal results in about 10 days. The results you receive in this time can be expected to last for at least 3 months, but in some clinical trials results were seen for upwards of 4 months.
Why so popular? The ‘relaxing’ quality of Botox restricts overly expressive muscular contractions in the treated area, allowing expression but with minimal wrinkles. It has also been demonstrated that relaxing muscular contraction in the forehead and eyebrows produces a slight lifting effect.
“A simple analogy is folding a piece of paper; over time, that fold becomes deeper and more noticeable. Botox essentially reduces the extent of ‘folding’ so a permanent wrinkle does not develope”.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s “Top 5 Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures” lists Botox as the most popular nonsurgical enhancement. Over 2.7 million people were administered Botox in 2007, nearly twice as many injections as the next most popular procedure. The popularity of Botox is most likely due to a high return rate, with patient satisfaction around 97%.
With the popularity of Botox as high as it is and the number of people being administered this medicine, it is important to acquire as much information as possible regarding this procedure.
When having a cosmetic procedure, it is essential to remember that no individual is the same as another, and therefore results can vary slightly. However, typical ‘predictions’ are possible. How long Botox lasts is ‘dose dependent’. Dosing depends on how the medicine is reconstituted and administered in the injection site. Upon consultation, these are important things for your physician and you to go over.
Botox is a simple injection which reduces the appearance of “frown lines”, “furrows”, and “laugh lines” for 3 to 4 months. The medicine consists of protein which starts to take effect 2 to 3 days after the procedure, achieving optimal results in about 10 days. The results you receive in this time can be expected to last for at least 3 months, but in some clinical trials results were seen for upwards of 4 months.
Why so popular? The ‘relaxing’ quality of Botox restricts overly expressive muscular contractions in the treated area, allowing expression but with minimal wrinkles. It has also been demonstrated that relaxing muscular contraction in the forehead and eyebrows produces a slight lifting effect.
“A simple analogy is folding a piece of paper; over time, that fold becomes deeper and more noticeable. Botox essentially reduces the extent of ‘folding’ so a permanent wrinkle does not develope”.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Juvederm is changing the face of injectable fillers
It is no secret that overtime sun damage and the aging process deteriorates the natural volume of what was once youthful skin and wrinkles begin to form. And as well all know, the idea of losing definition in your face is rather unpleasant. The prospect of diminishing visual lines is appealing, but can be confusing when trying to decide which on is right for you. Facial line fillers vary in their ingredients from collagen to hyaluronan to microspheres, each with their own benefits. But which one commonly falls into favor both among physician and patient?
Recently receiving FDA approval, Juvéderm injectable gel is considered a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency of Juvederm’s hyaluronic formula makes the injection look very natural, instantly restoring your skin's volume and smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds.
“Other fillers simply weren’t producing the results both my patients and myself wanted to see”. Karl Swanson, M.D., of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center performs more dermal fillers than any other practitioner in the Tampa Bay area. “There are a number of options available for any given number of facial fold problems, but Juvederm has become my ‘work horse’ of the fillers; it’s very versatile and generally a good choice for most applications.”
During clinical trials 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm injectable gel and another dermal filler preferred Juvéderm to competitors.
The whole process takes only about fifteen minutes and results are seen instantly. There is essentially no downtime; “you can step into your doctor's office for treatment and step right back into your life.”
Recently receiving FDA approval, Juvéderm injectable gel is considered a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency of Juvederm’s hyaluronic formula makes the injection look very natural, instantly restoring your skin's volume and smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds.
“Other fillers simply weren’t producing the results both my patients and myself wanted to see”. Karl Swanson, M.D., of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center performs more dermal fillers than any other practitioner in the Tampa Bay area. “There are a number of options available for any given number of facial fold problems, but Juvederm has become my ‘work horse’ of the fillers; it’s very versatile and generally a good choice for most applications.”
During clinical trials 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm injectable gel and another dermal filler preferred Juvéderm to competitors.
The whole process takes only about fifteen minutes and results are seen instantly. There is essentially no downtime; “you can step into your doctor's office for treatment and step right back into your life.”
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thermage Cellulite Product ‘ThermaTip CL’ arrives in Tampa Bay area
After years of vigorous research, Thermage, Inc. has received FDA clearance for a treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite with minimal side effects and no down time.
National studies conducted in 2007 estimate that over 90% of women suffer from unsightly cellulite. Ironically, the treatment options are limited and not always desirable.
The release of the Thermage ThermaTip ‘CL’ (Cellulite) offers a noninvasive treatment to reduce to noticeable signs of cellulite. ThermaTip CL offers a unique choice for those who suffer from cellulite but have been unable to find an option that produces a noticeable change in their appearance after just a single treatment, without the risks of surgery or painful injections.
Thermage utilizes a system in which the deeper layers of the skin where fat deposits and cellulite build are heated while the upper layer of the skin is kept cool. This capacitive radiofrequency system works by stimulating collagen tissues that tighten the skin in order to soften and smooth the surface of the treated area, which is not only safe and effective but offers optimal results without downtime.
Karl Swanson, M.D., the medical director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center in Clearwater, Florida , expressed confidence and excitement over this groundbreaking technique. “We have seen some fantastic results using Thermage’s DC (Deep Contour) system, so I am nothing but optimistic about the results in cellulite reduction my patients may see with the CL treatment.” Dr. Swanson adamantly believes that this treatment is helpful for fighting “bulging” skin, cellulite, or areas unwanted looseness and is ideal for someone who cannot afford the downtime other procedures require.
National studies conducted in 2007 estimate that over 90% of women suffer from unsightly cellulite. Ironically, the treatment options are limited and not always desirable.
The release of the Thermage ThermaTip ‘CL’ (Cellulite) offers a noninvasive treatment to reduce to noticeable signs of cellulite. ThermaTip CL offers a unique choice for those who suffer from cellulite but have been unable to find an option that produces a noticeable change in their appearance after just a single treatment, without the risks of surgery or painful injections.
Thermage utilizes a system in which the deeper layers of the skin where fat deposits and cellulite build are heated while the upper layer of the skin is kept cool. This capacitive radiofrequency system works by stimulating collagen tissues that tighten the skin in order to soften and smooth the surface of the treated area, which is not only safe and effective but offers optimal results without downtime.
Karl Swanson, M.D., the medical director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center in Clearwater, Florida , expressed confidence and excitement over this groundbreaking technique. “We have seen some fantastic results using Thermage’s DC (Deep Contour) system, so I am nothing but optimistic about the results in cellulite reduction my patients may see with the CL treatment.” Dr. Swanson adamantly believes that this treatment is helpful for fighting “bulging” skin, cellulite, or areas unwanted looseness and is ideal for someone who cannot afford the downtime other procedures require.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
First Fraxel Re:pair CO2 in Florida Performed Early This Year
Medical procedures in the pursuit of youth and beauty are nothing new. For years men and women alike have undergone various treatments to achieve a youthful and more radiant appearance, such as invasive surgery. These treatments prove to be effective, but with numerous risks and weeks of downtime.
For the state of Florida, the days of premature aging are over, with the introduction of Reliant Technologies Fraxel Re:pair CO2 Laser.
Just arrived in December 2007 in Tampa, Florida, this innovative laser offers the latest in skin resurfacing technology. The Fraxel Re:pair CO2 Laser tightens skin and removes wrinkles, acne scars, brown pigmentations, and can be performed in the office. The procedure does not require going under anesthesia, but instead uses a local numbing cream applied aptly before the procedure.
CO2 technology has been in use for over 40 years. Until recently, these ablative procedures were painful and required arduous aftercare with weeks of downtime. Reliant Technologies, the creator of fractional skin resurfacing, using their innovative Fraxel Re:store and Fraxel Re:pair lasers, has essentially removed the need for extensive post –operative care and the risks previously associated with skin resurfacing.
The Fraxel Re:pair provides deep, microscopic fractional resurfacing that produces significant results in only one treatment. With only three to five days of downtime this new, quick, and safe treatment option will dramatically improve the condition of your skin, resulting in smoother texture with a noticeable increase in skin tone and tightening, removing wrinkles, lines, brown spots, redness, and acne scars. These dramatic results are seen immediately after a single treatment.
Dr. Karl Swanson of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Centre had tested several fractional lasers before selecting the Fraxel Re:pair. “I had been using the Fraxel Erbium laser for years with fantastic results, and what Fraxel has done with CO2 technology is nothing short of extraordinary. There is no doubt in my mind that this procedure will change the way we treat aging skin”. With only 3 to 5 days of downtime, the procedure is almost completely risk free. Results are unparalleled and seen immediately following the quick healing process.
Fraxel Re:pair Fractionated CO2 Laser is groundbreaking technology that provides safe and clinically proven effective treatments with minimal downtime. Fraxel Re:pair has been clinically proven and FDA510(k) approved to improve wrinkles, sun damage, deep and fine lines, acne scarring, and pigmentation irregularities in a three year, multi-site study.
For the state of Florida, the days of premature aging are over, with the introduction of Reliant Technologies Fraxel Re:pair CO2 Laser.
Just arrived in December 2007 in Tampa, Florida, this innovative laser offers the latest in skin resurfacing technology. The Fraxel Re:pair CO2 Laser tightens skin and removes wrinkles, acne scars, brown pigmentations, and can be performed in the office. The procedure does not require going under anesthesia, but instead uses a local numbing cream applied aptly before the procedure.
CO2 technology has been in use for over 40 years. Until recently, these ablative procedures were painful and required arduous aftercare with weeks of downtime. Reliant Technologies, the creator of fractional skin resurfacing, using their innovative Fraxel Re:store and Fraxel Re:pair lasers, has essentially removed the need for extensive post –operative care and the risks previously associated with skin resurfacing.
The Fraxel Re:pair provides deep, microscopic fractional resurfacing that produces significant results in only one treatment. With only three to five days of downtime this new, quick, and safe treatment option will dramatically improve the condition of your skin, resulting in smoother texture with a noticeable increase in skin tone and tightening, removing wrinkles, lines, brown spots, redness, and acne scars. These dramatic results are seen immediately after a single treatment.
Dr. Karl Swanson of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Centre had tested several fractional lasers before selecting the Fraxel Re:pair. “I had been using the Fraxel Erbium laser for years with fantastic results, and what Fraxel has done with CO2 technology is nothing short of extraordinary. There is no doubt in my mind that this procedure will change the way we treat aging skin”. With only 3 to 5 days of downtime, the procedure is almost completely risk free. Results are unparalleled and seen immediately following the quick healing process.
Fraxel Re:pair Fractionated CO2 Laser is groundbreaking technology that provides safe and clinically proven effective treatments with minimal downtime. Fraxel Re:pair has been clinically proven and FDA510(k) approved to improve wrinkles, sun damage, deep and fine lines, acne scarring, and pigmentation irregularities in a three year, multi-site study.
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