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).

This offer runs between May 1–June 30, 2011, so please call our office today at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville) or  865.868.4683 (Sevierville) to schedule an appointment.

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).

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!

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!

Adding facial fullness while curtailing the onset of wrinkles, injectable fillers are a great alternative to surgery. Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group encourages you to learn more about this cosmetic procedure, including all the different types of fillers currently on the market.  If you feel like you may be an ideal candidate for injectable fillers, visit Medi-Spa for a consultation.

About Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles. The appearance of recessed scars can also be improved with the aid of injectable fillers.

Areas that can be injected include: temples, tear troughs, forehead, jaw line, cheek area, around the eyes, around the mouth, and lower nasolabial folds. At these areas, injections are made under the muscle to lift and add volume. Areas in the face will appear full, making facial features look softer and more defined. Furthermore, injections made around the eyes such as between the brows, diminish horizontal lines before they develop.
How Long Results Last
According to NewBeauty, injecting fillers deep into the muscle, as opposed to superficially gives a longer-lasting result.  Most of these results last about six to 12 months. Moreover, since injections are made under the muscle, the body does not metabolize the product as quickly.
Results are not permanent and the continued aging of your face and variables in the absorption of fillers will affect how long your results last.

Types of Fillers

• Collagen- A natural protein that supports the skin, this popular filler may last 2 to 4 months.
  Cosmetic Injectable: Radiesse® reduces appearance of any wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It also fills in existing scars and stimulates the body to produce more collagen.
• Hyaluronic Acid-Naturally found in our bodies, this is best for plumping thin lips and filling facial creases. Also recommended to treat surface wrinkles and concave scars. Results may last 6 months or more.
  Cosmetic Injectable:JUVÉDERM® XC; JUVÉDERM Ultra®, JUVÉDERM Ultra® Plus; Perlane®; Sculptra™;Restylane® is best for lip augmentation, face contouring and wrinkle correction. It can also be used in conjunction with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Proper Skin Care
The key to diminishing the signs of aging is maintaining healthy skin. Dermatologists recommend glycolic acid, vitamin C, Retin-A and hydroquinone to incorporate in an existing skin care regimen if you are considering the procedure.

CND Shellac polish blends the strength and high-shine finish of a gel treatment with the color selection and easy application of a nail polish, according to StyleList.com.  During a typical gel nail treatment, thin layers of gel are applied to the nails and upon “drying” under an ultraviolet light, nails are glossy and durable for a few weeks. It is odorless and non-yellowing. The process using CND’s Shellac is the same except the formula is easily removed in ten minutes with acetone-soaked wraps that expose only the nail bed to the remover, with no drilling or filing.

The Shellac manicure simply consists of a UV base coat, two coats of color, and a UV top coat. Cuticles are pushed back and nails are prepped for color with an acetone swipe. Between each coat, nails dry under a UV lamp. Hand massages and lotion are applied after polish, so not to interfere with its application.

Many applaud the manicure because its fast-curing time relieves them from the stress of smudges. Gone is the anguish over searching your purse for keys after a fresh manicure!

After the half hour treatment, the claim is that nails will stay chip-free close to two weeks.  Since its introduction earlier this year, the claim has been widely supported by the beauty industry. Many believe CND Shellac will bring women back into the salon for nail services. In addition, this makes a great option for weddings and other special occasions. This is also recommended for those on-the-goes, but don’t have the time to visit the salon for nail “touch-ups.” And with an array of colors to choose from, it is pretty obvious why CND Shellac is becoming a favorite in salons all over the world.

The proof is in the polish! Make an appointment with one of our licensed nail technician; now through January 31, 2011 receive a Shellac Manicure for $30! ($35 regular price)