Understanding Laser Hair Removal

Shaving, waxing, and tweezing unwanted body hair takes a lot of time, not to mention the expense of purchasing countless razors, creams, and hot wax. Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., and is an ideal solution for anyone who wants to put an end to the year-round upkeep of hair removal. Here’s what you need to know about the treatment:

How does it work?

During a laser hair removal session, hair follicles are targeted with a concentrated beam of light. The light is absorbed by the pigment of the hair, which damages the follicle and prevents future growth.

Does it hurt?

Everyone’s threshold for pain is different, but many patients compare the lasers to a gentle pinch or the snap of a light rubber band on your skin. Sensitive spots, like the bikini area, may hurt more than others. Taking an Advil or Motrin 20 minutes prior to the session can help ease the discomfort.

How long does it take?

The length of a session depends on the size of the area you’re treating. While the upper lip could take minutes, a larger area like the legs or back could last more than an hour (American Academy of Dermatology).

How many sessions do I need for permanent hair removal?

A series of treatments are generally required to see long-term results. Most patients need between four to eight treatments, and after each one, you’ll notice that fewer and fewer hairs return. After several treatments, the unwanted hair is removed for several months. When the hair regrows, most patients notice that it is considerably less hair than before, as well as finer and lighter in color (AAD). Most patients can go four to six weeks between treatments, but your laser therapist or technician will determine the appropriate frequency for your skin.

What areas does it cover?

Laser hair removal is designed for use on most parts of the body, including:

• Back

• Legs

• Bikini area

• Chest

• Face (most often the upper lip and chin)

• Neck

• Shoulders

What is the recovery like?

Laser hair removal generally does not require any major downtime, so you can pretty much carry on with your normal activities. Immediately after the session, you may notice that the treated skin appears red and swollen. Post-session breakouts are also common because the treatment leaves hair follicles open for a few days. Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antibacterial lotion to help prevent blemishes from forming.

How long does it last?

The results of this process vary widely from person to person, but lasers can remove hair for anywhere from several months to years.

Everyone's skin is different, which is why it is imperative to discuss your skin treatment options with a professional. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, your initial consultation is always free, and we will walk you through the laser hair removal process to ensure you achieve the best results possible. If you are interested in laser hair removal, schedule a consultation today to meet with one of our experts.

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When Is the Right Time to Begin Botox?

With the rise of selfies, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media outlets, our faces have never been more exposed, and many women feel anxious as soon as they notice their first wrinkle. As a result, Botox has become so ubiquitous that it’s no longer surprising to hear it being referenced in movies, TV shows, and other media. There is even such a thing as “Botox parties.” We’ve begun seeing more patients in their twenties inquiring about this treatment, and while there is merit to the preventative potential of targeting wrinkles before skin starts to show advanced signs of aging, it’s not necessarily right for everyone.

If you’re interested in anti-aging procedures, such as Botox, how do you decide when it is the right time to begin? Here are some tips.

The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong age to start Botox. It depends on your skin type, skin color, sun exposure, muscle movement, and family history. There is also no particular age when wrinkles typically appear; it varies for everyone. However, women with lighter hair, eyes, and skin tones tend to develop more lines at an earlier age, so they may be good candidates for early treatment.

If you don’t yet see any lines when your face is relaxed, congratulations! You should hold off on Botox or other wrinkle injections for a while, because without knowing where the wrinkles are/will form, your doctor won't know where to inject the neuromodulator (like Botox Cosmetic).

Typically, Botox is less necessary for women in their twenties because their facial skin is sufficiently thick and supple, due to healthy production of collagen and elastin. As you age, skin begins to lose volume and becomes thinner. This, when combined with constant muscle movement, creates wrinkles. We see this most often in patients in their 30s and 40s.

The bottom line is that age isn’t always the best indicator for when you should begin Botox. If you look younger than your age, you can probably hold off on this treatment for another couple of years.

We do have some good news. No matter your age, the more frequently you get Botox injections, the more your facial muscles become “trained” not to move as much, even after the injection has worn off. This doesn’t mean that you can stop getting treatments altogether, but you can extend the time between each appointment. For example, you may begin by getting injections every three months, but eventually you may only need it twice a year.

Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS is proud to offer physician-administered wrinkle fillers and neurotoxins including Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Belotero, Botox, and Xeomin. If you’re considering Botox treatments, we’re pleased to offer you an initial consultation at no cost. We’ll work in partnership with you to fully understand your skin care goals and desires so that we can create a program that delivers you the best possible results. 

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Melasma: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

Unwanted spots on your face can make anyone feel self-conscious. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are particularly susceptible to a condition known as melasma, which results from an overproduction of pigment on the skin. An estimated 6 million women in the United States are coping with melasma, whose dark patches usually crop up on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and jaw. The most common causes of melasma are hormonal imbalances in women due to changes in progesterone and estrogen production (most frequently triggered by birth control, hormone replacement, and pregnancy), as well as sun exposure. Thyroid conditions, heat, and stress are also thought to play a role.

During pregnancy, fluctuating hormones can cause pigmentation levels to go into overdrive. In fact, because the condition is so much more prevalent when a woman is expecting, melasma is often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy.” According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to 70 percent of pregnant women develop the condition. Fortunately, however, it normally clears up on its own a few months after delivery.

For other indications that you might develop melasma, look to your family members. Those with a genetic predispo­sition and darker skin tone are more prone to the condition.

So, are you doomed to put up with these spots for the rest of your life? Clients ask this question often, and the answer is, not necessarily. While there is no permanent cure for melasma, it can be effectively treated using a variety of methods.

What You Can Do About It

Melasma can fade on its own, especially in cases when the root cause, such as pregnancy, ends. If you’d like to take matters into your own hands, though, we recommend the following treatment options:

Topical Procedures:

• Phytowhite Dark Spot Serum: This Hydroquinone-free botanical lightener performs as well as 4% Hydroquinone without irritating your skin. It contains potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, including licorice extract to reduce melanin production, vitamin C, and glycolic and azelaic acids to lighten the surface and stimulate collagen production. It will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to include a facial sunscreenof at least SPF 15 or higher in your daily skin care routine.

• Other topical options include products containing tretinoin and corticos­teroids, both of which enhance the skin lightening process.

In-Office Procedures:

• Chemical peels work to treat skin discoloration with naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), retinol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) that loosen dead cells from the skin’s surface, revealing new, healthy cells.

• Other facial treatments like microdermabrasion, which sloughs off the top layers of skin, can also effectively treat melasma.

The best form of melasma prevention involves both sun avoidance and sun protection, including wearing wide-brimmed hats and a daily dose of broad-spectrum, high-protection sunscreen (this one is a great pick).

Melasma can be stubborn, but don’t get discouraged. Our team of skin care experts is ready to help you choose the most effective treatment option. If you’re dealing with melasma, schedule a free consultation, and let Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS help you determine the best course of action for your individual skin care needs.

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Spider Vein Causes and Prevention

If you’ve noticed the telltale signs of spider veins, you are certainly not alone. These may include red, purple, or blue blood vessels twisting and turning beneath your skin, and it happens most commonly in the legs. Nearly 55 percent of women and 45 percent of men in the United States are dealing with some type of vein problem, whether it is spider veins or varicose veins, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. Here, we will explain what exactly spider veins are, and what you can do to prevent them.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, thin blood vessels that can be seen under the skin, and they are caused by increased pressure in the veins. They most often appear in the legs, particularly behind the knee, but can show up anywhere on the body. It is widely known that people who stand for long periods of time on a daily basis tend to have increased pressure in the veins of their legs, which makes them more likely to develop spider veins.

What Causes Them?

Many factors can increase your chance of developing spider veins, including:

• Smoking. Smoking can restrict circulation, which causes blood vessels to swell.

• Obesity. Like smoking, obesity can restrict circulation, which then causes vessels to swell, leading to spider veins. Being overweight or obese can also put extra pressure on your veins.

• Genetics. You can inherit a tendency toward spider veins from either parent, and it can even skip a generation.

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body produces much more blood, causing veins to enlarge.

• Sedentary lifestyle. Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time limits circulation, forcing your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart.

• Sun exposure. Spending too much time in the sun can cause spider veins to form on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person. It’s even more reason to slather on the sunscreen!

Can I Prevent Them?

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent these pesky veins from showing up, especially if spider veins run in your family. Aside from genetics, maintaining proper circulation is your best bet in preventing them from forming. Regular exercise helps keep the blood flowing—try activities that engage the whole body, like running and aerobics. Here are some other tips you can try:

• Keep your weight down. Lightening the load will lessen the pressure on your legs and veins.

• Move. Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Try to get up and/or take a walk every 30 minutes

• Try compression stockings. Lightweight compression stockings may help relieve some of the pressure felt by those who spend most of the day on their feet.

• Prop up your feet when watching TV or sleeping. Elevating your legs higher than your heart takes the pressure off your leg veins and encourages blood flow.

While spider veins rarely signify a serious health issue, they can sometimes cause legs to itch or burn. On occasion, spider veins can be a sign of something more serious, so if you’re noticing odd sensations in your legs, it’s best to get it checked out by a doctor.

If you’re faced with spider veins or any other skin condition, let our team at Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS help you determine the most appropriate course of action for your unique skin care needs. Schedule your free consultation today.

Feature photo via Pexels

Understanding the Differences Between Aestheticians and Medical Aestheticians

Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS specializes in both skin care (facials, chemical peels, microdermasion, etc.) and more intensive medical aesthetic procedures. We are proud to be medically directed by Dr. Cynthia Ruggero, a Board Certified MD and a member of the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine. As a facility with a medical director on-site, we are able to perform many treatments that aestheticians without medical directors cannot, including:

• Medical depth microneedling (up to 2 mm, providing better correction of wrinkles, scars, and imperfections)

• Photorejuvenation

• Laser hair removal

• Correction of vascular imperfections on the face and body

• Removal of skin tags and keratoses

• Medical-depth chemical peeling

• Laser peels

• Tattoo removal

• Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

Clients frequently ask about the differences between aestheticians who work in a medical setting under a medical director and those who do not We explain below.

Aestheticians

Aestheticians have completed training from a state-approved institution and are licensed to provide many of the skin care services and treatments offered at Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS. Examples include facials, chemical peels, LED light therapy, microdermabrasion, collagen treatments, facial waxing and tinting services, and more. Our aestheticians are skin care experts who are skilled at analyzing our clients’ skin and consulting on the best products and care regimen for the unique needs of the individual.

Aestheticians in a Medical Setting

Aestheticians who work under a Medical Director, on the other hand, work in a variety of settings, including medical offices and hospitals, dermatology clinics, cosmetic surgery clinics, medical spas, and specialty clinics and units (such as a burn unit). In addition to consulting with and advising clients about their skin care concerns and treatment techniques, medical aestheticians may also work with patients whose appearance may have been affected by illnesses, injuries, or surgery. Additional insurance and training are required for these aestheticians, who are able to perform more specialized procedures that smooth and diminish wrinkles, correct small facial imperfections, or give your skin a lift. As a facility with an on-site medical director, Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS is proud to provide these services to our clients.

We are pleased to offer you a free initial consultation, where we will assess your individual skin needs and answer questions you may have about our medical aesthetic services. During your consult, you’ll meet with Dr. Ruggero or Dr. Seaman, who will work in partnership with you to create a program that will deliver the best possible results for beautiful skin.

Feature photo via Pixabay

Everything You Need to Know About Pellevé Skin Tightening

If you want to refresh your complexion without surgery, look no further than our office! Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS is now the only medical skin care center in Boulder to offer the Pellevé Wrinkle Reduction System, a non-invasive procedure that is FDA approved to firm and tighten skin. Using radiofrequency technology, Pellevé heats the deepest layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, resulting in a revived appearance with no downtime. Sounds great, right? Here’s what you need to know about the procedure:

What It Is

Perfect for those who are averse to pain and unable to devote a lot of time to recovery from a procedure, Pellevé is a safe, effective, needle-free treatment for facial wrinkles with virtually no pain and zero downtime. The procedure targets the deeper layers of the skin, causing no damage to the outer layers, and therefore, requiring no downtime. Pellevé is most frequently used to tighten skin on the jawline, forehead area, eyelids and crow's feet, lines around the mouth, and the neck.

The Procedure

The Pellevé treatment is a relaxing procedure that feels a bit like a warm stone facial massage. Your aesthetician can perform the treatment in the same amount of time as a facial (about an hour and a half), and you’ll begin to notice a visible improvement in the texture and tone of your skin right away.

We advise three to four sessions spread out over the course of several months for the best results: firmer, tighter skin, and an overall reduction in lines. Results can last for 12 to 18 months. Yearly touch-ups will help keep your complexion looking smooth and fresh.

How It Works

Pellevé uses a unique form of radiofrequency technology to deliver constant energy in the form of electromagnetic waves deeply into the dermal tissue. Heat buildup under the skin causes collagen to contract and stimulate the growth of new collagen over time, which fills in wrinkles while also tightening the skin.

At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, a consultation is always free. To learn more about Pellevé, make an appointment, and one of our skin care experts will be happy to walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also learn more about Pellevé on the company’s website. 

Feature photo via Pixabay