Obagi System at Medi-Spa

The health and beauty industry is one of the largest and most frequently evolving, what with new cosmetic products being developed all the time. It can be overwhelming to try and choose a skincare line that leaves you feeling confident about seeing the desired results, but we think we have the solution for you here at Medi-Spa.

The Obagi System of skincare products are prescription strength formulations regulated by the FDA and work at the cellular level to improve the skin cell function. The difference between Obagi and other products, such as the ones commonly found at drugstores or a cosmetics counter, is that Obagi is a pharmaceutical grade product. Alternatively, the drugstore cosmetics are known as cosmeceutical, meaning they only mask skin issues.

Because Obagi works at the cellular level, it helps to promote skin renewal. Your skin is your largest living organ, with cells migrating to the surface once every month or so. If you don’t slough off the dead skin cells, they remain on the top of your skin, causing all sorts of issues.

Obagi products accelerate skin cell turnover to help your skin look and act younger and healthier. Obagi clients can expect to see visible results and improvements to their skin after using the product for about 4-6 weeks.

Obagi skincare products are right for all ages and all skin types, but because they work within differently formulated systems, it’s important to select the system that is best suited for you. Our team here at Medi-Spa can help you determine which one will give you the greatest results.

Give us a call here at Medi-Spa so we can help you explore Obagi’s extensive line of clinically-proven skin care systems and products designed to help you revitalize, enhance, and maintain beautiful skin for life.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Injectable Fillers 101

Halloween is over for the year and while it might be fun for a day, nobody likes to scare herself when looking in the mirror the rest of the time. Maybe you’ve been noticing subtle changes for a while now or perhaps you just woke up one day and the lines were blatantly staring you in the face. Whatever your situation, our team of skincare experts here at Medi-Spa Knoxville would love to help!

Medi-Spa offers a full menu of injectable fillers that are proven to offer results. Dermal fillers work by stimulating your body to create natural collagen. Whether you have problem areas you’ve always hated or new issues that have arisen in recent years, injectable fillers can correct or enhance your own features by adding volume and making those pesky little lines disappear.

Because we carry so many different products, our team is dedicated to helping you select the one perfectly tailored to meet your skincare needs. Our patients’ comfort and satisfaction is always our greatest concern and we will do everything in our power to make your experience a pleasant one. One way we try to do this is by providing prescription strength numbing cream and ice so that the discomfort is minimal.

Thinking about injectable fillers, but aren’t sure if they would work for you? Some areas in which our patients have achieved real results include lips, nasolabial folds, cheeks, hands, corners of mouth, jowls, and under eyes. Additionally, scars can be treated this way to lessen their appearance and injectables below the brow can give the appearance of a lift. Here are some of the products we provide:

• Juvéderm® Ultra Plus Juvéderm® XC
• Perlane®
• Radiesse®
• Restylane®
• Sculptra® Aesthetic
• Prescription Dysport®

Let us help you see real results. Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group has a team of skilled technicians and expert skincare specialists and we are waiting to hear from you! We will walk you through the entire process and make sure you feel comfortable and confident. Give us a call today! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Real Products for Real Results

How many times have you scanned the health and beauty aisle of your local drugstore looking for a product that will offer a quick, easy fix to your latest skin issue? It isn’t hard to find products promising all sorts of tempting things like the ability to provide visible results in a short period of time, but it can be easy to get lost in the claims being made by popular commercial drugstore and department store brands.

Did you know that very few, if any, of these skin care products are actually regulated by the FDA? This means that while cosmetic quality products can claim to do all sorts of miracles for your skin, without the FDA’s stringent regulations, the so-called benefits are likely to be exaggerated. If you are looking to see real results from your skincare regimen, doesn’t it make more sense to rely on skin care products that are backed by science? We think so!

Here at Medi-Spa, our team of specialized professionals provides pharmaceutical grade skin care products that are FDA regulated. This means these products are made of 99.9% pure ingredients. Because they are developed through rigorous lab tests with scientifically-derived formulas, the results are proven.

These are just a few of the pharmaceutical grade skin care products we offer here at Medi-Spa. If you are looking for real results from a trained staff of people who care about your skin, look no further than Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group. Give us a call today! For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Botox for Beginners

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a non-surgical procedure that is quick, easy, and practically painless. In fact, the recovery is virtually nonexistent, usually taking only minutes. However, there are some steps to follow if you want to achieve the best results that you can. Following these simple aftercare instructions is sure to make your recovery time trouble-free!

Four Hours After Treatment

• Avoid lying down and try to keep head elevated.
• Perform facial expressions (smiling, frowning, etc.) to help the medicine spread into the appropriate area.
• Avoid wearing makeup at the risk of aggravating the injection site.

Twenty Four Hours After Treatment

• Do not participate in any strenuous exercise or activity.
• Do not massage the treatment area as it might spread into other unwanted areas.

Bruising, Swelling, and Redness

• Applying an ice pack to the injection site will help to accelerate the healing process.
• Avoiding direct sunlight, alcohol consumption, and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs will help keep the bruising to a minimum.

Most side effects usually go away within a couple of hours. However, if you’re experiencing extreme discomfort or if the side effects are simply not going away, do not hesitate to contact one of our skin care specialists!

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Fall into Healthy Skin Care

Summer is officially over and now is the perfect time to devise a skin care regimen for the fall and winter months!  The summer staples – pool, tan, sun block and sweat – can have exhausting effects on the skin.  It takes a consistent routine using high-quality skin care products to replenish and protect skin against harsh winter conditions.

First and foremost, sun protection should not be limited to the summer months. The risk of developing skin cancer in addition to the appearance of aging skin should be motivation to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Make sure not to skip the “outfit” on cloudy days because clouds reflect the sun’s rays, increasing your risk. Although sun block is not necessary during fall and winter, using a moisturizer with SPF is highly recommended.

Speaking of moisturizers, skin care professionals suggest switching from lotion-based products to those that are cream based. If using a gel, try a lotion. The goal is to use a product that offers optimum hydration.

Another damaging effect of hours spent in the sun is hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, there are pigment control products available to exfoliate, lighten and inhibit skin discoloration. Safe for sensitive skin, these products are effective in reducing existing and preventing future hyperpigmentation.

If your skin is acne-prone and/or becomes oily during the summer, now is the best time to switch to season-appropriate items. Otherwise, your skin will become red, rough and irritated- just in time for the holidays!  Try to avoid benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid, prescription retinoids and topical gels.
As for the topical vitamin A (for acne or rejuvenation), reduce your usage because cold weather increases its drying effects.

Chapped lips are annoying and unsightly come mistletoe season. This fall, add protective lip balm or lip therapy to your regimen. Wax balms prevent dry lips, but lack the moisture to fix drying and cracking. Best to use twice a day-don’t forget to exfoliate lips too!
Another way to keep skin glowing and looking fresh is exfoliation; this should be the basis of your skin care routine.  Dead skin cells from sunburns, parched areas from chlorine, lots of UV exposure, and collections of oils and debris clogging the pores all contribute to a dull, unhealthy complexion.  Thus, combining exfoliation with a toner helps refine pores and remove superficial dead skin cells. Be careful not to exfoliate too harshly; it can cause flare-ups.

Last but certainly not least, reconsider the soaps you’re using. Cleansing agents often found in antibacterial soaps tend to strip essential oils from your skin. Look for “gentle” cleansers and soaps without color and/or fragrance.

With these basic guidelines and recommended products, developing a skin care routine for fall should be no sweat!

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Medi-Spa at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Introducing Laser Genesis Skin Therapy

Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group is proud to announce the addition of Laser Genesis Skin Therapy to their menu of rejuvenation services.  This facial firming laser treatment is gaining buzz in the beauty industry because its effective results can be seen following one or two 30-minute sessions.  Women and men can address conditions such as facial redness, blotchiness, acne scars and sun damage just to name a few. Upon treatment, skin will have overall healthy glow in addition to feeling softer and smoother. Visit Medi-Spa today to learn more about this procedure from our licensed skin care Aesthetician. Also, check out this month’s Medi-Money to see where you can save $50 on our new Laser Genesis Skin Therapy!
Laser Genesis is a safe and effective procedure that uses laser light technology to target the dermis, the deeper layer of skin where collagen is made. In half-hour sessions, thousands of warm laser energy pulses are administered to the skin. The laser heats the dermis causing new collagen production that continues over time. This controlled damage stimulates healing and increases skin elasticity. Unlike most laser methods, laser genesis is non-ablative, meaning it doesn’t destroy the upper layers of skin.

Individuals seeking a more even skin tone and smoother texture should look into this procedure. Furthermore, laser genesis safely and discretely treats scars, fine line wrinkles, large pores and other signs of aging skin.  The laser also targets the microvasculature (tiny vessels) beneath the skin’s surface, decreasing excessive facial redness and ruddy complexions.

Areas that can be treated include the face, neck and chest. Moreover, a variety of skin types and shades can be effectively treated using Laser Genesis skin therapy.

Immediately after the treatment, skin will experience minor irritation or redness for a few hours. According to patients, the results are subtle yet noticeable and many note the appearance of a smoother complexion. Since there are no unwanted side effects like bruising and/or redness, patients have the freedom to return to normal activities, including outdoor activities immediately following the procedure. It is crucial, however to protect skin with a quality sunscreen.

To get the best results, your dermatologist may recommend a couple sessions (4-6) spaced two weeks apart. Typically, patients notice improved skin texture and pore size after two or three sessions. Upon completion of sessions, patients can come back for maintenance treatments once or twice a year.

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy is a great alternative to invasive forms of rejuvenation. This treatment can be performed in a relaxed comfortable manner, leaving consistent results without the nuisance of side effects like redness or bruising.

DON’T FORGET for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can enjoy our New! Laser Genesis treatment for only $150! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 865.342.5823(Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Put Your Best Foot Forward

With Spring officially here, you may be searching for the right strappy sandal or funky flip-flops, but before you make your purchase, are your feet ready for their reveal?  After being cooped up in heavy socks and boots all through winter, your feet need some extra care so that they look good and feel great! Today’s blog provides you with information about pedicures and how to prepare feet for warm weather.
Also, check out this month’s Medi-Money to see where you can save $60 on a Glō Foot and Body Scrub!

In the last decade, there has been heightened awareness regarding exercise and fitness in America. This means we are on our feet a lot more. Furthermore, with more concrete in the country, there is considerable more wear and tear on feet. With that being said, feet need extra attention to treat problems such as bunions, corns and calluses.

Pedicures are a good way to keep your feet healthy and looking good. A pedicure consists of soaking the feet, clipping and filing the nails, pushing the cuticles back, getting off the dead skin, applying lotion, and a deep intense massage. Over time, feet can buildup dry, cracked skin, particularly on the heels. Exfoliation is very key during a pedicure because it gently removes these tough, dead skin cells to allow healthier skin to show through. Skin on the feet will be elastic, smoother and callous-free.

The Glō Foot Scrub offered at Medi-Spa includes GlōLactic 15%, a mild exfoliant with moisture retention properties that will promote softer and smoother skin. The medley of berry extracts strengthen and brighten the complexion in addition to treating dry, dehydrated or sun damaged skin.

As you get ready for Spring, treat yourself to a pedicure and start taking care of your feet today with a few simple tips:

• Short and Across- Keep nails trimmed straight across to avoid toenail edges from being ingrown and causing infection.
• Moisturize Regularly – Make sure feet are moisturized to avoid skin from becoming flaky and dry. When you wear sandals, you are more prone to getting heel fissures (cracks in the skin).
• Leave ‘Em High and Dry- Fungal toenails and athlete’s foot develop by not properly washing feet and by not keeping feet dry. Foot powders help soak up excessive moisture that can breed fungi and bacteria. There are a variety of foot powders on the market with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Corn starch is an alternative that will keep feet dry and moisture free. In addition, make sure you wipe lotion from between your toes as this can lead to fungal infections too!
• Good Shoes- Wear comfortable and well-fitted shoes to avoid blisters, calluses, corns and more. If you have any of these conditions, visit a podiatrist early on to get them removed.
• Keep the Flow- Get yourself a good foot massage (usually part of a pedicure service) regularly to improve blood circulation.
• Sunscreen Head to TOE! - Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 if you’re going to be barefoot outdoors or have your feet exposed through open sandals.
• Locker Room Rules- BEWARE: locker rooms are a common source of fungi and bacteria that can set up a foot infection. As you use locker rooms more frequently this season, make sure to wear sandals or some other foot covering.

Come to Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group and sit back while licensed nail technicians soothe and exfoliate rough callused feet to reveal a soft glow. Our pedicure treatment will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized while adding some pep in your step!

DON’T FORGET for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can enjoy a relaxing Glō Foot & Body Scrub (Glō Duo package) for only $100! For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 865.342.5823(Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal

With Spring right around the corner, now is the best time “spruce” yourself up with one of our many services offered at Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group. Although you have emerged from “hibernation,” your skin may say otherwise if it appears dull, dry and rough. From exfoliating body and foot scrubs to laser hair removal, our staff can help you regain your glow!  In this week’s blog, we will explore one of our most popular services, laser hair removal. So before you pick up a razor, waxing strip, or phone to schedule your laser hair removal appointment, read this for information about the procedure and what to expect. Also, now until the end of March, you can save 15% on a package of FIVE Laser Hair Removal sessions!
About Laser Hair Removal  

Do you have unsightly hair and want a quick and easy way to permanently remove it?  Laser Hair Removal is an effective method of permanent hair reduction. It works by destroying the hair follicles using a laser that combines pulsed, high-intensity light with carefully-modulated RF energy. An actively-cooled treatment head helps to soothe and the upper skin layer, while the pulsed light and RF energy gently work together to disable active hair follicles.

Due to the fact that large areas can be done at a time, it can be cost effective and faster than most other methods on the market. Furthermore, any pigmented hair can be removed from the bikini area, underarms, legs, chest, back, and even faces.

Typically, Laser Hair Removal is purchased in sessions, since it takes a couple of treatments to effectively treat an area. The number of sessions is also determined by the body area chosen, as well as the heredity of the individual.

Pre-Procedure Consultation

Patients interested in laser hair removal should consult a dermatologist or trained laser professional at a medical spa who will assess:

• Thickness and location of hair
• Skin type (i.e., ability to tan or to burn)
• Hair color
• Presence of tan
• Medical history including ovarian or thyroid disease, medications, history of abnormal scarring, history of cold sore (herpes simplex) outbreaks in the treatment area, or past isotretinoin use
• Previous hair removal methods
• Presence of tattoos or moles in the treatment area

What to Expect

Before your first laser hair removal treatment, consider these few steps as they can affect the safety and comfort during your appointment.  First, avoid sun exposure for at least three weeks as a recent suntan or sunburn can sensitize the area and affect the effectiveness of your treatment.

On the day of treatment, the area should be shaved, clean and free of cosmetics. This includes lotions, creams, makeup, sun block, perfume, and any other skincare products.  A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to treatment to protect the skin from excessive heating as well as the potential of skin darkening or lightening.

The laser itself feels like a snapping rubber band or warm pinpricks up against the skin, and is not considered painful by most.   The laser causes the immediate evaporation of the hair shaft, thus it is normal for treated skin to appear pink or slightly red for a day or so. After treatment patients can use ice packs, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers.

It is very important patients avoid sun-exposure and use broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF or 30 or higher after treatments; however, cosmetics are safe to apply to treated skin. Keep in mind, it is completely normal for hair to continue to grow after treatment. Some of these hairs are being expelled from the newly disabled treated follicles, and some are from dormant follicles entering their active phase after the treatment.

Laser Hair Removal should only be performed under the supervision of a dermatologist, physician, or certified laser technician who specializes in cosmetic treatment of hair and skin.

DON’T FORGET for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can save 15% on a package of FIVE Laser Hair Removal sessions! For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact us at 865.342.5823(Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).

Shades of Blue Reveal a Refreshed You

With Spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time for skin to emerge from hibernation and reveal its youthful radiance! However, factors such as environmental stresses, unhealthy diet and lack of sleep are tough to reverse, so skin needs extra help. Developed by OBAGI® Medical, the Blue Peel Radiance is a superior chemical peel that helps skin rebound from these factors and improve skin’s clarity and tightness.

Those with blemish prone skin, acne scars, wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, scars, large pores, and sun damage are the most ideal candidates.  Furthermore, this treatment fades hyper pigmentation (sun spots) very well for darker complexions. The Blue Peel Radiance by OBAGI is suitable for most skin types, except those with severe Rosacea.

The peel works by forcing dead skin cells up to the surface, then kick starting collagen production underneath. Moreover, ingredients such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids work to clean out pores and stimulate cell renewal. With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid, the Blue Peel is an improvement to traditional Trichloroacetic Acid Peels.

As the peel is administered in layers, the number of peeling layers is determined by the condition of your skin as assessed by the licensed aesthetician and/or dermatologist.

Skin will take five to seven days to fully peel; during that week it is crucial to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Over the next 30-40 days, skin condition will become firmer, clearer, smoother and healthier as fresh skin continues to replace old.

As the skin peels in a regulated manner, it will not cause any long term skin problems.

Known as the “new lunchtime peel,” this in-office service is gaining popularity because it can be fitted in to a normal work day, since it leaves minimal redness. In addition, the service is not limited to facial areas; the peel can be administered to the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs.

Medi-Spa of Knoxville Dermatology Group is proud to add this superior chemical peel to our menu of services. For more information, please schedule a complimentary consultation to find out what shade of blue is right for you!

Anti-Aging Skin Care and YOU!

With so many products on the market that claim to reverse the signs of aging, it can be daunting to find the best product for you. Just as overwhelming is choosing the right products to add to your skin care routine when you simply want to begin taking preventative measures.

Here are some general tips for skin care whether your skin is young or more mature.

* Shop with care- According to NewBeauty, most anti-aging products are formulated to treat thin, dry mature skin, which means these can be too heavy for younger women with active oil glands. Instead, look for oil-free moisturizers or lightweight gels and serums.
*Diligent use of sunscreen-   The best way to protect your skin from aging effects is wearing sunscreen every day. Without good sunscreen, there is little that anti-aging products can do for your skin. If you use a moisturizer in the morning, it’s important to choose one with built-in sun protection. Also, combine with an appropriate antioxidant.
*Nourish your skin- Lightweight antioxidant-rich gels or serums will give your skin a dose of much-needed nutrients and help protect it from stress and environmental factors.
*Protect your eyes- The skin around the eyes is the first area to show signs of aging. The skin particularly needs extra hydration.

Anti-Aging Products in Your 20s
If you are in your 20s, prevention should be key when selecting anti-aging products. There are two anti-aging products that you should use as often as possible to treat fine lines and wrinkles early: anti-aging products with sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and targeted anti-aging facial moisturizers.
Furthermore, it is important to cleanse skin with products containing natural ingredients in addition to anti-aging products.

Anti-Aging Products in Your 30s
Once you are in your 30s, it’s time to expand your anti-aging skin care routine. In addition to continuing to use anti-aging products like facial moisturizer and sunscreen, it’s important to add an anti-aging firming lotion.  Also consider adding a peel or face mask on a weekly basis as this will help keep skin thoroughly cleansed.

Anti-Aging Products in Your 40s & Beyond
Once you reach your 40s and beyond, it’s important to add a specialized anti-aging cream that targets specific problem areas, such as wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes.

Don’t forget it’s never too late to use anti-aging products and achieve healthy, youthful skin for life! For more information about our anti-aging skin care products and lines, or treatment options available, please visit us at Medi-Spa today!