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There are three main families of injectable dermal filler products – the Restylane product family, the Juvederm product family, and Sculptra Aesthetic. 

Restylane and Juvederm products are based on hyaluronic acid, and combined with proprietary additives, will modify the consistency and resiliency of the injected areas. They’re primarily intended to help combat the lines and wrinkles that form as part of the aging process.

Sculptra Aesthetic, often referred to simply as “Sculptra,” uses a different synthetic base that is better adapted to filling in larger areas of missing volume, for example, caused by loss of fat beneath the skin. However, it’s also used to help fill-in deeper lines and creases.

Primary Differences Between Sculptra and Other Dermal Fillers

Sculptra not only helps compensate for the loss of volume that can result in a shallow, gaunt look often viewed as premature aging, it also helps to stimulate further production of collagen by the body. This has several benefits, both in improving the texture and resilience of your skin, but also helping to maintain the structure on which the skin rests, delaying any further loss of volume.

Sculptra is injected deeper into the skin than superficial dermal filler products, allowing it to directly address the loss of volume that can affect relatively large areas of the face. When used around the hairline, Sculptra can contribute to maintaining the overall look of the face, creating, in effect, a liquid facelift.

Naturalness of Results

Sculptra is typically applied in several sessions, spaced apart by a month or so. Results become apparent gradually in the months following treatment, and the subtle nature of these changes create natural-looking improvements over time. 

The improvements that take place will not look to be the direct result of a cosmetic procedure, and won’t result in drastic, unnatural changes to your appearance. You’ll instead benefit from seeing an overall improvement that others may find hard to assign to any specific change. Increases in collagen production also occur over relatively long time-scales, delivering ongoing benefits long after the actual cosmetic procedures.

Duration of Results

Sculptra is a very long-lasting filler which is absorbed by the body at a slower rate than hyaluronic acid-based products. It provides results that can last in excess of two years, significantly longer than other dermal fillers. 

After this time, in most cases, results can be maintained with perhaps only one annual Sculptra treatment, providing a truly cost-effective way to maintain your healthy look over the long-term.

Interested in Trying Sculptra? Contact Us

We are highly experienced in applying all available dermal fillers and can advise on the best product (or products) to address your particular concerns. 

We are happy to answer any questions you have about this or other procedures – call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation. 

The CoolSculpting procedure is an effective way to remove unwanted fat deposits by cooling them down to the point where fat cells are permanently killed off. Fat cells are more temperature-sensitive than other body cells and can be eliminated by cold temperatures without damaging your skin. 

There are two technical problems that CoolSculpting addresses – firstly, to limit the parts of the body being cooled to just the areas that contain excess fat, and secondly to cool the fat cells being targeted to the very precise cold temperature required during treatment. 

CoolSculpting achieves this by squeezing excess fat between two pads maintained at the desired temperature, and by using suction to pull fat cells into closer contact with the pads, to maximize the effectiveness of the process. 

Due to the need to effectively thermally isolate the treatment area from the rest of the body, CoolSculpting is limited to use on certain parts of the body. 

So, which parts of the body can be treated using CoolSculpting?  

If you can pinch the area with your fingers, then it’s likely CoolSculpting can be used effectively on that area. Fortunately, most people’s unwanted body fat is generally located in the same areas and can be particularly effective when used on the body parts listed below.

Double Chins

It’s relatively easy to isolate fat located within the loose skin under the chin, an area that is famously difficult to target through diet or exercise. CoolSculpting cooling pads are actually available in several sizes and shapes, to aid in treating smaller areas effectively, and a special “mini” applicator is specially designed for use under the chin.

Flanks 

“Love Handles” on the sides of the waist respond extremely well to CoolSculpting and are one of the most popular treatment areas. Plus, you can take care of both sides of the body at the same time to maintain a symmetrical profile.

Upper Arms

CoolSculpting can effectively address excess fat underneath the arms. It is particularly effective when used to reduce accumulations of excess fat around the upper arms. It can also help address situations where the fat is unevenly distributed, or “lumpy.” A specialized CoolSculpting applicator is available for this area too.

Abdomen

This is perhaps the most common usage for CoolSculpting, especially because most of us accumulate fat here, and because it’s also not easy to target through diet or exercise. It’s common to require multiple sessions to take care of excess fat in the stomach region.

Thighs

CoolSculpting can be used effectively on both inner and outer thighs, even though fat deposits in both areas are not typically the same type. It’s relatively simple to isolate excess fat on the outer thighs, but fat on the inner thighs can also generally be treated effectively with the use of a specialized CoolSculpting applicator.

Buttocks

Any fat pouches beneath the buttocks can be targeted using CoolSculpting to smooth out the area and improve the overall contours of the upper legs.

Breasts

CoolSculpting has found use for men who wish to reduce or eliminate unwanted fat deposits in the chest area. It’s also for women who have developed unwanted fat beneath their breasts.

Learn More About CoolSculpting at Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care is a top-rated aesthetic center in Los Angeles. We have provided over 5,000 CoolSculpting treatments and have earned high-satisfaction rates among our clients. 

Learn more about how CoolSculpting can be used to target specific body- areas by contacting us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation today!

CoolSculpting can be a very attractive procedure for those looking for a simple and effective way to remove localized excess subcutaneous fat. It’s both safe and noninvasive and is rapidly growing in popularity as more people become aware of how easy it is to eliminate excess fat deposits in many parts of the body. 

Is CoolSculpting Painful?

However, as the procedure involves pinching the unwanted fat between refrigerated pads, potential patients are often concerned with just what the procedure feels like, and whether it’s uncomfortable or even painful.

The first thing to know is that individual CoolSculpting sessions can take up to several hours, and as each session can remove up to 25% of the fat cells in the treatment area, more than one treatment may sometimes be needed. 

During the CoolSculpting Procedure 

The pads used to squeeze the treatment area are cooled to an exact temperature, and suction is also applied to ensure the fat cells are cooled as effectively as possible. The suction mostly feels like a gentle pinch to the skin. Generally, this is easily tolerated and doesn’t cause significant discomfort. Once the cooling pads start to chill down the skin and fat, you’ll notice the temperature drop, and some people are certainly more sensitive to this process than others. 

Generally, however, this part of the process is only mildly uncomfortable, you’ll probably tolerate the cold fairly easily, and even in cases where the cold temperature causes more pronounced discomfort, it’s mitigated by the numbness that comes with the exposure to low temperatures. Generally, the process feels quite similar to that of holding an ice pack to your body for several minutes – something that we can nearly all tolerate quite easily.

Once the cooling session is over, and the pads removed, the practitioner will massage the treated area, to stimulate and even out the removal of fat cells, and restore any feeling that may have been numbed by the cold. This part of the process may also be perceived differently – some patients find being manipulated somewhat uncomfortable, while others are not bothered by it.

If you’re particularly sensitive, or just worried about how you’ll react to the procedure, we encourage you to make your concerns known to your practitioner. They may be able to modify the process to minimize discomfort, or to avoid areas that you find particularly sensitive. 

After the Procedure

Results are not seen immediately after a CoolSculpting session but become apparent in the weeks after treatment. Some discomfort can accompany the actual loss of fat cells – around 10 percent of patients experience some minimal pain or soreness during this period, which can include unusually sensitive skin. These symptoms will soon dissipate, although it may be wise to avoid wearing tight clothing around the treated area until any tenderness has subsided.

Interested in CoolSculpting? Contact Your Laser Skin Care

We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about CoolSculpting treatments and can show you how best to make use of CoolSculpting to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation. We have extensive experience with this and many other types of cosmetic procedures.

Most healthy adults require anywhere from seven to 9 hours of sleep each night. While the benefits of getting this much rest are plenty and varied, it appears many people don’t recognize the importance of getting high-quality sleep. 

Indeed, recent reports have shown that nearly 30% of US adults get by with an average of six hours or less of sleep per night. While some, trainee doctors especially, may choose to regard their ability to get by on minimal sleep as a badge of honor, it’s a fact that any significant shortfall in your sleep can carry significant negative health effects.

Insufficient sleep not only carries the risk of some fairly evident problems – tiredness, inability to concentrate, poor memory, but is also linked to many other mental or physical problems, including;

• Depression
• Obesity
• Greater risk of accidents
• Compromised cardiovascular health
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• Impaired ability to fight infection

The Science Behind Sleep

There are some obvious physical signs of poor sleep, such as puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles. 

But chronic sleep problems can manifest themselves in a surprising variety of different skin-related problems. 

The body depends on healthy sleep patterns to regulate the release of many different chemicals and hormones. 

Sleep disruption can result in increased levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Excess cortisol increases the rate that skin collagen degrades, and collagen is absolutely crucial to maintaining healthy-looking, resilient skin. 

Poor sleep also reduces the normal production of human growth hormone – which is also important for maintaining healthy skin texture, as well as the muscles and bones that support our skin layers. Growth hormone is vital to repairing the day-to-day damage to skin cells that is a normal part of our lives.

Last and certainly not least, insufficient sleep increases many people’s tendency to gain weight – possibly by disrupting the production of chemicals that serve both to stimulate and regulate one’s appetite for food. 

The resulting increased amounts of subcutaneous fat accumulated over the long term is another major reason for skin damage, resulting in stretch marks, cellulite, and other cosmetic skin problems.

Improving Sleep Quality

“Sleep quality” is the result of three factors – how long it takes you to fall asleep, how long you sleep, and how well (or deeply) you sleep.

Your first objective should be to try to increase the time you spend in bed, and minimize your use of electronic gadgets before going to bed, and especially once you’re in bed. 

Sleep deprivation is not only a question of how many hours you spend in bed, but also the quality of the sleep you achieve once you sleep. 

Sleep apnea is a well-known cause of low-quality sleep, but several other behaviors can contribute to reduced quality sleep, such as sleeping in an environment that has excessive light leakage. Anything that distracts from solid uninterrupted sleep can have cumulative negative effects, and these effects can be significant.

Your doctor may be able to recommend some supplements to help improve sleep, such as taking melatonin supplements before bedtime, but these unfortunately are not always effective.

Laser Skin Treatments from Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care is medically qualified to investigate and diagnose the causes behind sleep-related problems and perform a wide variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures to mitigate many types of skin damage. Learn more about laser skin treatment options or call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is the term used to describe the overwhelming need to regularly move one’s legs to relieve uncomfortable or painful sensations in the legs. 

It’s often caused by a combination of insufficient blood flow in the veins, and by pressure on specific nerves in the legs. The resulting tingling or pricking sensation is often referred to as “pins and needles.” 

It generally resolves itself once the pressure is removed, although it may also require that the limb be massaged for several minutes before fully subsiding. RLS may also be caused by neurological problems or an iron deficiency and can be exacerbated by various prescription medications.

RLS is more likely to occur while sitting or sleeping, is more likely to occur late in the day or at night, and is twice as common among women. You’re more likely to develop RLS as you age, and also if you have family members who also suffer from RLS.

Similarities with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when poor blood circulation results in damage both to the valves that normally regulate blood flow and the walls of the veins themselves. Varicose veins become a cosmetic problem when the walls of the veins become twisted, discolored and enlarged. They are often also painful and have the potential to cause moderate or significant health problems if blood starts to pool inside twisted sections of the veins. 

Varicose veins can also cause a range of other symptoms, including swollen, inflamed, or itchy skin, dull pain that gets progressively worse during the day, muscle cramps at night, and the urge to move one’s legs when trying to sleep. 

Several of these symptoms are quite similar to those associated with RLS, and in fact, many varicose vein sufferers also experience the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. It transpires that the causes of both conditions are closely related. Although not all RLS sufferers also have varicose veins, in many cases, RLS may actually be caused by varicose veins.

Varicose Vein Treatment Options for RLS?

Although the fact that varicose veins and RLS often occur together does not automatically imply that treating varicose veins will resolve RLS symptoms, recent research has demonstrated that this is, in fact, often the case. 

You should first consult a qualified doctor to establish if your RLS is related to blood flow problems – this may require a comprehensive medical checkup to establish the real cause.  

In cases where RLS is related to varicose veins, we recommend seriously looking at available non-invasive or minimally-invasive varicose vein treatment options, including Sclerotherapy and laser vein therapy. These will allow you to relieve the underlying cause of your RLS, while also treating your varicose vein symptoms, and preventing them from worsening and creating more serious problems in the future.

In cases where RLS is not related to blood circulation, there are other treatment options, ranging from increasing iron consumption, applying hot or cold compresses, and the use of various medications.

Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, we strongly recommend investigating the cause, especially as you may be able to avoid more painful or serious problems in the future by treating the underlying causes today.

 Los Angeles Vein Treatment from Your Laser Skin Care

 

Your Laser Skin Care can provide you with a full range of services, including a complete diagnosis of the cause of your RLS and varicose veins. We can advise on the best ways to treat both conditions.

We have extensive experience providing both laser vein therapy and Sclerotherapy treatments. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation.

While neither Liposuction nor CoolSculpting is considered to be effective weight loss techniques, both provide the ability to selectively remove localized deposits of excess fat.

In both cases, fat cells will be permanently removed from treated areas, but neither procedure can prevent fat from subsequent accumulation or redistribution to other areas of the body.

Liposuction can be an effective technique for localized fat removal, but it comes with a lengthy list of negatives, including cost, pain and discomfort, lengthy recovery times, frequent substandard results, and some quite significant associated health risks and complications.

CoolSculpting is a more modern technique and offers far fewer risks and is a more cost-effective, non-invasive way to effect fat removal. It does not involve incisions or injections, in contrast to liposuction. Here are the key advantages of CoolSculpting over Liposuction. 

CoolSculpting Is More Effective

CoolSculpting is particularly effective on the belly, the side-area between the ribs and hips, the inner and outer thighs and beneath the chin. Liposuction, in comparison, can be used in more areas and may be more effective at removing larger accumulations of fat. 

The results from liposuction may take several months to become apparent, while CoolSculpting typically produces visible results in a matter of a few weeks.

Neither procedure is effective at removing the loose or lax skin that can result from extensive fat reduction.

CoolSculpting Is Much Safer 

Liposuction is an invasive surgical technique that typically requires the use of a general anesthetic. Side effects can include blood clots, swelling, bruising, infection, reactions to the anesthetic, persistent changes in skin sensitivity, and lengthy recovery times. Its use is strongly discouraged if you suffer from breathing or circulation problems.

In contrast, CoolSculpting is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that can be performed over the course of several sessions. It does not involve anesthetic, although local pain relief may be provided during the procedure. Side effects can include mild bruising or tenderness but are typically short-lived. 

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, CoolSculpting typically results in more natural symmetrical body contours. It is undoubtedly true that liposuction carries a far greater risk of serious side effects.

CoolSculpting Requires No Recovery Period

Due to its invasive nature, recovering from liposuction typically takes several days, during which you’ll be recommended to avoid work and other activities. CoolSculpting, in contrast, requires basically no recovery time – the non-invasive nature of the procedure can result in mild bruising, but avoids all risks associated with invasive surgery. 

CoolSculpting Is Way More Convenient 

CoolSculpting procedures normally take few hours, hence it’s far easier to incorporate them into your normal schedule. Accomplishing fat reduction over several sessions can also result in a more gradual and hence, natural-looking result.

The surgical nature of the liposuction procedure requires far more involved planning but is normally accomplished in a single visit. This does, however, remove the ability to gauge results and adjust the treatment after an initial session.

Choosing CoolSculpting with Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care is highly experienced in providing CoolSculpting, as well as a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic techniques. We’re happy to provide advice on the best way to tackle your cosmetic challenges, and can typically offer several options to allow you to choose the most suitable treatment, or combination of treatments, for your particular situation.

Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Collagen and elastin contribute significantly to the overall texture and resiliency of the skin. Collagen contributes to the firmness of the skin, while elastin helps the skin remain tight and recover from deformation. 

What Causes Loose Skin?

Anything that damages or degrades these two proteins can lead to wrinkles, lines and the eventual inability of the skin to recover its shape. Loose or sagging skin is generally caused by the gradual loss of elastin and collagen over time, but several other factors can also leave you with the same problem, including:

• Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays
• Smoking
• Chronic dehydration
• Significant weight loss, including after pregnancy
• The gradual loss of subcutaneous fat beneath the skin that comes with age

Tips for Preventing Loose Skin

Skincare and Supplements

It’s recommended to try to ward off normal skin aging by daily use of a moisturizer. There is some evidence that taking supplements containing collagen and hyaluronic acid can slow down the effects of aging on the skin.

Antioxidant supplements may also help improve general skin appearance. Staying hydrated also has many important benefits.

Exercise and Health

Regular exercise will help maintain your muscle tone and have positive effects on your skin’s appearance. Maintaining a healthy weight will also, in addition to many other benefits, help your skin age as gracefully as possible.

If you’re under or overweight, try to return to a more healthy weight through a healthy balanced diet and exercise.

How to Tighten Loose Skin

– Regular facial exercises can help reduce looseness around the neck and cheeks, although it’s doubtful this can help with anything more than minor looseness. This type of exercise mainly helps tone up muscles beneath the skin, not change the resiliency of the skin itself.

– Regular use of specialized creams may provide some benefits in improving skin appearance and tightness.

– Dermal fillers can compensate for looseness in some areas when caused by loss of fat beneath the skin (either age-related or caused by excessive exercise).

– Laser skin resurfacing treatments are used primarily to address skin imperfections such as cosmetic spots, blemishes, and acne scars, but they will also stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin beneath the skin’s surface, helping to tighten loose skin.

– Laser skin tightening lasers can also be used to address loose skin by heating the skin’s collagen fibers, which causes them to contract and tighten. It will also have the long-term effect of stimulating ongoing collagen production.

Interested in Skin Tightening Treatments?

Your Laser Skin Care is highly experienced in the application of dermal fillers, and in the use of both laser skin resurfacing and laser skin tightening techniques. We can provide you with advice on the most suitable treatment, or combination of treatments for your particular situation. 

Contact us to learn more about our skin tightening treatment options!