| Pumpkin Peel |
|---|
| 10.01.11 |
It may not seem like it outside, but fall has arrived. It’s time to shed your summer skin and get ready for the Minnesota winter. The perfect way to do that is to have an incredible scrumptious-smelling Pumpkin Peel at the Carillon Clinic. Our Pumpkin Peel Treatment features two beneficial actions: it exfoliates and removes dry, dead cellular debris and pore-blocking collections from the surface of your skin while introducing vitamins, enzymes and nutrients into the living layers of your dermis. This treatment also gives your skin’s surface that baby-soft feel, as the naturally occurring salicylic acid and enzymes in pumpkin remove the dead surface cells which cause rough texture. Transform and rejuvenate your complexion, get a healthy glow from a Pumpkin Peel at Carillon Clinic.
| Intense Pulsed Light |
|---|
| 02.10.11 |
At some point in your life, those “freckles” or brown spots that were once cute as a child don’t seem to be so cute anymore. Instead, they can make you seem older, tired, or even dull. Additionally, with added sun exposure, those brown spots can even become intensified! Now you can fade and diminish brown spots and vascular lesions with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), with little to no downtime.
IPL treatments are usually painless and can deliver non-burning, non-laser broadband light technology that specifically targets pigmented and vascular lesions in the skin—without ultraviolet energy or a laser’s intensity for the patient’s safety. We may recommend 3-5 treatments depending on each individual’s skin type and condition. Another great advantage to IPL is that treatments can be performed on most parts of the body, the most common areas including the face, neck, and chest. Now you can feel confident wearing that fun V-neck party dress hiding in the back of your closet!
Even though IPL is most popular for reducing brown spots and vascular lesions, it can also help treat acne. Because IPL uses low level heat, it has been proven to help kill acne-forming skin bacteria and reduce inflammation. At the Carillon Clinic, we have found that combination IPL acne treatments with mild to moderate chemical peels gives results superior to either modality alone. The combination of both with our esthetician-directed acne prevention and treatment skin-care products gives our acne patients optimal results.
IPL treatments can be performed at any time of year, but many patients prefer their treatments during the winter months. Even though there is no down time required, treated skin may be sensitive to sunlight (especially the ultraviolet wavelengths), making November through April the best months for treatment. Additionally, although we don’t see as much of the sun’s strong UV rays in the winter, we still recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and SPF 30 to protect the results that we achieve during treatment.
IPL was first developed in the early 1990’s, and was brought to the Carillon Clinic as the best technology for certain skin conditions. Treatments are performed by our highly-trained medical aesthetician staff for your safety and comfort. If you feel as though you may be a candidate for IPL treatments, it is best to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians to talk about your expectations and desires for treatment. At that time we will set up an individualized plan that works best for you. For your convenience, we offer IPL treatments at both our Maple Grove and Golden Valley locations. Call today to set up your no-obligation consultation and see if IPL is for you! Call (763) 540-1837 (Golden Valley) or (763) 494-9939 (Maple Grove). There is never a better time to start improving your skin than today!
| What About Men? |
|---|
| 09.24.2010 |
Some may feel that mainly women focus on skin care. But what about men? A man’s skin care regimen has come a long way since our fathers washed their faces with bar soap, slathered on shaving cream, shaved, and then dried off with a towel. Maybe a splash of Aqua Velva or Old Spice and that was it!
There are now alternative solutions to enhancing the look of a man’s skin. Many men have similar skin issues as women: they have sun damage, aging skin, acne, scars and dull complexions. They can also have one extra thing that women don’t normally battle: razor rash, irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs on their face and neck. Most of the time, this is due to improper shaving techniques, especially in men with curly hair. To help eliminate these annoying irritations, it is important to take your time and prepare the skin before you shave with a proper cleanser and shaving cream. Then, follow with a soothing after shave product and moisturizer.
Because shaving is the easiest and most common form of hair removal, many men choose to shave every day, but some suffer troublesome side effects. Ingrown hairs can lead to minor infections over time, and even scarring, if not cared for correctly. Chemical exfoliates or facial peels will help reduce the possibility of ingrown hairs by opening the pores, releasing entrapped beard stubble, and fighting bacteria to prevent infection, all while helping diminish fine lines/wrinkles, lighten or eliminate pigmentation irregularities, and clearing up acne conditions as well.
An even more advanced way to prevent these pesky irritations and hair all together is with Laser Hair Removal. This treatment uses highly concentrated beams of laser energy that is absorbed by the hair follicle, killing the hairs that are in the proper growth phase. Since there are different phases of hair growth and many individual hair follicles in varying times within those phases, multiple laser treatments are required. With each easy treatment the hair continues to get lighter and finer, permanently reducing hair growth.
| Dermal Fillers or Botox? |
|---|
| 11.21.10 |
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is, “Which product should I use and when should I use it?” When patients come into our clinic for their first visit, they have already completed the first step to having this and all of their questions answered.
At Carillon Clinic, we want every patient to have a thorough understanding of the products and how to use them. We take the time to educate each individual on how best to achieve the most improvement, and to address specific, individual needs. Once your questions are answered and you are knowledgeable about the products and treatment options, the next step is deciding upon a plan of action. There may be more than one approach; adjustments can be made throughout the process as needed. Once the patient agrees upon a personal plan, the rejuvenation process can begin as that treatment plan is put into motion!
While every patient has specific skin issues and needs, a good basic starting point of facial rejuvenation can be thought of as “Beauty in a Box.” At the Carillon we call this our “Brilliant and Beautiful” package—one of the most popular treatment plans we have. Whether you are coming in for the first time or you are already familiar with the individual products, the “Brilliant and Beautiful” package works wonderfully for many. This can be your first step into the world of dermal fillers and Botox!
One generalization from the past was that Botox should only be used for upper facial areas and dermal fillers for lower facial areas. With all of the scientific advancements in filler chemistry, there are now several excellent dermal fillers on the market that can address virtually any facial area. Not that long ago, bovine-derived Collagen was the wrinkle filler of choice. Allergy testing was necessary, and Collagen didn’t last in human tissues for very long. With the popularity of liposuction, fat grafts were also used for some situations, and are still used today. However, fat grafting is a surgical procedure, and requires at least local anesthesia and a period of healing.
In today’s fast-paced world, patients want less down time when it comes to certain rejuvenation procedures. Today’s new products can make that happen. Two of the newest types of fillers include hyaluronic acids (Restylane™, Juvederm™, Perlane™, or Juvederm Ultra Plus™) or calcium hydroxyapatite products (Radiesse™), all of which are substances that are fully biocompatible with human tissues, and do not require allergy testing. These fillers can be used in combination with Botox for an even better result. This new world of products has opened up many exciting avenues for the rejuvenation process.
Radiesse™ is a filler that has been FDA-approved for severe wrinkles and deeper facial creases. This product provides excellent results in the nasolabial folds. It works splendidly for contouring cheekbones and refining jaw lines (in the fold between the jowls and chin). This product is not recommended for lip enlargement; better temporary and permanent options exist that can give natural fullness without firmness or lumps. Radiesse™ works great at restoring volume and helps reduce the signs of aging by smoothing out deeper contours. Its use can stimulate localized collagen production in patients, allowing Radiesse™ results that have lasted up to a year or more!
Hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm™ or Restylane™ are products commonly known as HA fillers. HA fillers are used to smooth out more superficial fine lines and wrinkles, like those around the lips and mouth. These fillers replicate naturally-occurring substances in our tissues, and can also be used to layer on top of a deeper dermal filler (like Radiesse™). Juvederm™ works great to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, while Juvederm Ultra Plus™ can improve more severe wrinkles and helps to plump up the lips and smooth out areas of concern for a longer period of time. Juvederm™ improvements can last 6-9 months or longer; the manufacturer utilizes proprietary Hylacross technology to produce a smooth gel filler with structural characteristics that helps it remain stable in tissues for up to an entire year!
Botox is a pure specialized protein that inactivates muscle contraction by blocking the neuromuscular signals used by the body to stimulate muscle contraction. It has been used for decades for treatment of eye muscle imbalance, facial tics (such as uncontrollable twitching), or in certain types of muscle spasm. When used in the face for one of these medical reasons, it was noted that the wrinkles or expression lines were diminished or eliminated; this stimulated research and recent FDA-approval for cosmetic treatment of frown lines. Botox Cosmetic™ is produced in a laboratory under strict standards set by the FDA. Botox is FDA-approved for treatment of frown lines or wrinkles in the area between your eyes, sometimes referred to as the 1’s, 11’s or 111’s, which describes how the wrinkles sometimes appear. Effectiveness requires not only freshly reconstituted Botox that has been stored and prepared properly, but accurate injection into the target muscles that cause the unwanted wrinkles. Technique and experience are critical to obtain the best results, not just the “cheapest” cost per unit. Carillon Clinic’s registered nurse injectors have over a decade of experience in facial rejuvenation with fillers and Botox!
Generally, Botox will take 3-5 days from treatment to start working in an area. It can take up to two weeks before you see the final degree of muscle relaxation and maximum improvement. The benefits of Botox can last 3-6 months, though most patients do best with repeat treatment at 4 months. The cost of Botox is dependent upon the amount used, measured in units. A typical patient will find the cost of Botox for the glabella (frown area between the brows) is comparable to having a mocha or latte per day.
Botox can be used in conjunction with dermal fillers. When frown lines are particularly deep or persist even when the muscular contraction that caused them has been eliminated with Botox, dermal fillers can plump up the residual furrow and smooth this area beautifully. Use of filler alone is not recommended, as continued muscular contraction can push the filler out of its beneficial position in the dermis, shortening its effective duration. Use of Botox along with filler in these cases gives a better and longer-lasting effect than with either used alone.
It is very common to have the Botox Cosmetic™, Juvederm™, and Radiesse™ products applied on the same day. Of course, an occasional patient may have some bruising and/or swelling after injection; this generally is minimal, and may be covered with cosmetics. Most patients return to their job or everyday activities the same day as their injections! Overall, patients have been very satisfied with the results they receive from their treatments as part of their Rejuvenation Process. We have found that patients are aware of what to expect because of the knowledge we help them obtain, resulting in optimal choices and a happier patient experience. Patients feel more confident in making decisions once they have all the facts and information that our experienced staff can provide.
Carillon Clinic can work out a tailor-made, cost-effective plan for each person, with their individual goals in mind. Call Carillon Clinic now for a rewarding experience that will make you feel great! Gift certificates are available for gift-giving occasions that will keep you remembered for your thoughtfulness and class every time the recipient gets a compliment on how refreshed and fabulous they look!
Cheryl Turner-Nelson RN
| What About Men? |
|---|
| 09.24.2010 |
Some may feel that mainly women focus on skin care. But what about men? A man’s skin care regimen has come a long way since our fathers washed their faces with bar soap, slathered on shaving cream, shaved, and then dried off with a towel. Maybe a splash of Aqua Velva or Old Spice and that was it!
There are now alternative solutions to enhancing the look of a man’s skin. Many men have similar skin issues as women: they have sun damage, aging skin, acne, scars and dull complexions. They can also have one extra thing that women don’t normally battle: razor rash, irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs on their face and neck. Most of the time, this is due to improper shaving techniques, especially in men with curly hair. To help eliminate these annoying irritations, it is important to take your time and prepare the skin before you shave with a proper cleanser and shaving cream. Then, follow with a soothing after shave product and moisturizer.
Because shaving is the easiest and most common form of hair removal, many men choose to shave every day, but some suffer troublesome side effects. Ingrown hairs can lead to minor infections over time, and even scarring, if not cared for correctly. Chemical exfoliates or facial peels will help reduce the possibility of ingrown hairs by opening the pores, releasing entrapped beard stubble, and fighting bacteria to prevent infection, all while helping diminish fine lines/wrinkles, lighten or eliminate pigmentation irregularities, and clearing up acne conditions as well.
An even more advanced way to prevent these pesky irritations and hair all together is with Laser Hair Removal. This treatment uses highly concentrated beams of laser energy that is absorbed by the hair follicle, killing the hairs that are in the proper growth phase. Since there are different phases of hair growth and many individual hair follicles in varying times within those phases, multiple laser treatments are required. With each easy treatment the hair continues to get lighter and finer, permanently reducing hair growth.
| Mineral Makeup |
|---|
| 08.13.2010 |
Over the past few years we have noticed an increase in demand for mineral makeup. We see it on television, in magazines, and in stores everywhere. So why are consumers rushing to try the latest in mineral makeup?
Mineral makeup was originally intended for women with sensitive skin types because most of the ingredients in mineral makeup are natural. The minerals are sterilized and pulverized into a very fine powder and then mixed with inorganic colorings to produce various colors. Since they are mainly natural, they offer many benefits over makeups that contain perfumes or chemical dyes.
First, the minerals are non-comedogenic, which means that they do not clog the pores. This allows the skin to breathe and heal from dryness, irritation, or sun damage. Also, the main ingredients in mineral makeup are inorganic so bacteria cannot grow and live in the makeup, giving it a long shelf life (if brushes are properly cleaned between uses). The minerals are micro-milled to have such a fine granular structure that they don’t leave a “mask” on the skin, and provide even continuous coverage that lasts. In many cases, women feel as though they aren’t wearing any makeup at all.
Just like skin care products, we believe there are certain mineral makeups that are superior to others. At the Carillon Clinic we are passionate about skin care, which is why we use and believe in Glominerals. When investing in healthy skin, why not use a mineral makeup that both looks beautiful and is also healthy for the skin? Did you know that makeup only requires 10% minerals to be considered “mineral” makeup? You can feel confident wearing Glominerals knowing that it is formulated with pharmaceutical grade ingredients, natural high-pigment minerals, and a powerful antioxidant blend of Vitamins A, C, and E, and green tea extract, giving you clinically advanced mineral makeup! Their formulation also provides broad spectrum UV-A and UV-B sun protection by utilizing micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, giving you healthy protection for your skin.
After doing clinical treatments including chemical peels, IPL and injectables, our patients leave Carillon Clinic feeling comfortable and protected with the anti-inflammatory properties and UV protection that are in Glominerals products. We prefer to use the concealer or camouflage with the application of the pressed powder on top. Patients can leave the clinic with even skin tone and feel confident going back to work or out to lunch after having a treatment, not to mention the “added bonus” of protection against harmful UV rays! Glominerals comes with a wide variety of products including both liquid and powder foundations, various blush and eye shadow colors, glosses and lip colors, and even a hydration mist to help your makeup stay fresh throughout the day!
Glominerals is embraced by the entire staff at the Carillon Clinic from our board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Douglas Gervais and Dr. Richard Tholen, to our RN’s and Medical Aestheticians. Whether helping patients hide resolving bruises after cosmetic surgery, or helping clients not yet ready for plastic surgery, we feel we can give you the radiant glow you desire, while giving you the protection and skin nurturing that you deserve.
Call today and take advantage of 25% off select Glominerals products!
Our experienced staff will match you with the most flattering colors for your skin type! Experience what the Carillon Clinic has to offer you!
(763) 494-9939 or (763)540-1837.
| The Summer Sun and Vitamin D Controversy... |
|---|
| 07.05.2010 |
Now that we have all been made aware of the dangers of too much ultraviolet exposure, many argue that you need to get your vitamin D from the sun and that wearing an SPF will not allow you to get the adequate daily amount.
So many are left confused and frustrated, feeling as though they need to weigh the options . . . do they sacrifice beautiful skin and go after the “forbidden” glow, or suffer the effects from a deficiency in vitamin D?
It is true that in the extreme, if you were to cover all exposed skin with a heavy sunblock before any sun exposure, your body would stop producing vitamin D (until the spf breaks down). But because foods are fortified with vitamin D, and it can also be taken as a supplement, in theory you do not need any sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D, so sun exposure is not pertinent in order to survive. But, really, who wants to live in the dark?
Here is Carillon’s recommendation:
A common solution to this dilemma is to use moderation and soak up some sun, but only for a few minutes a day. Approx. 15 minutes of sun exposure while exposing just 5 percent of a person's uncovered body surface to the sun twice a week will generate the equivalent of 400 IUs of vitamin D per day. The best times to go out in the sun to get vitamin D but avoid the harshest UV rays are between 9-10 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.
Research also shows that fat tissue stores vitamin D during sunny days so that enough is released on cloudy or rainy days. And studies have shown that more exposure in the fall can help boost your immune system through the winter months. Vitamin D production from sun is dependent on many factors, including age, air quality, body weight, skin color and latitude. The daily recommendation for vitamin D varies, and although some investigators insist that more vitamin D is better, most experts agree that you should have at least 400-1000 IU’s per day. Dr. Richard Tholen, Carillon’s medical director and co-owner with Dr. Douglas Gervais, says, “Just one cup of milk (regular fortified skim milk available at any supermarket) gives you 25% of the daily recommended vitamin D requirement per day, so it’s not necessary for your skin to suffer any undesirable damage from ultraviolet rays in order to produce your daily vitamin D. Remember that even though the color of a suntan looks great, ultraviolet is truly your skin’s enemy! Wrinkles, lines, and skin cancers are the legacy of too much sun. Drink your milk, or take a one-a-day multivitamin instead!”
We are also seeing increased interest in a number of topical and oral antioxidants, which are protective molecules that help the body repair or reduce UV damage and keep the skin from burning while still allowing your 15 minutes of vitamin D-producing sun exposure. Some of the best consumable ones on the market include the superfruits like Acai or Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice). Blueberries are another great source of antioxidants.
Topically you can also create a powerful protective barrier effect with our popular Obagi vitamin C serums and Vivite antioxidant creams. Carillon Clinic offers these fantastic bioactive products; these range in cost from $65-125 and are used after you cleanse your face each morning.
Click Here for a list of common foods with high IU’s of Vitamin D.
| Customer Appreciation Event, June 17th! |
|---|
| 06.01.2010 Please be our guest at our Customer Appreciation Event, Thursday, June 17th. Event Promotions and Refreshments available ALL DAY (9a.m.-8p.m.) |
At 6 p.m. there will be a short presentation:
- Day to Evening Make-Up
- Avoiding Make-Up Meltdown
- Accessorizing your wardrobe for Summer with styles from Francesca's Collections (Maple Grove Retailer & Boutique), offering tips for accessorizing your look and complimenting your face.
- Botox, Juvederm, and Latisse Overview
Drawings will take place throughout the day, you need not be present to win. You will receive 2 tickets at the door and earn additional tickets based on your purchases... Bring a friend and earn an extra ticket for the drawings!
Event Promotions
Botox Injections $11/unit = $27.50/Inj.
(PLUS a 1/2 price facial or peel voucher with any Botox purchase over $350)
Obagi Skincare 10% off PLUS $40 Gift Card for Purchases over $200
GloMinerals- FREE Gift with every $50 purchase
Just For You Package $699 (includes filler,Botox, Micropeel, Brow Wax)
Francesca's Collections Discount card
| May is National Skin Cancer Prevention Month! |
|
|---|---|
| 05.01.2010 Always look for this seal if you are purchasing OTC sunscreen products. As a general rule you will always hear my staff try and convince clients to use bronzers and self tanner's instead of soaking up the rays from the sun and from tanning beds. |
 |
Here is more on this topic:
Tanning beds emit 2 or 3 times the UV of the sun- but somehow presumed a safer alternative to a natural UV tan- a study showed that just 10 sessions in a tanning bed within your lifetime will increase your risk of skin cancer by 8 times. So multiply that by how many times you have used a tanning bed in your lifetime. Tanning beds also put off high amounts of radiation which also has carcinogenic effects.
We had a 26 year old girl in our office last week, who had just undergone her 6th skin cancer removal. A large scar remains on her nose. Her first was at age 22. She tanned indoors occasionally, but never considered herself a sun-worshiper and didn’t tan excessively.
Indoor tanning beds have now been added to the Governments List of Known Carcinogens! Ouch…..
Tanning Devices
In the end, all experts agree that all sunlight -- whether on the mountains or at the shore, on the equator or up north, at midday or mid-afternoon, in winter or summer -- has the potential to damage human skin. And that includes artificial sunlight beamed out of the popular tanning devices that people often use year round in the mistaken belief that these devices tan safely. Manufacturers claim that newer models are safe because they emit only UVA radiation. But UVA itself can be damaging, and many of the UVA devices do emit UVB, "and it doesn't take much to cause damage," says Bergstresser.
Children should also wear sunscreens. "Most skin cancers begin in childhood," says Sydney Hurwitz, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology and of pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine. "And the greatest exposure -- 50 to 80 percent of a person's lifetime exposure -- to the sun occurs during childhood, by the age of 18." Studies show that a history of painful or blistering sunburn during the first 10 to 20 years of life doubles the risk of skin cancer. "We've got to convince teachers, parents, doctors, coaches, counselors, and children that protection from overexposure to the sun is important. For children, putting on a sunscreen should be just like brushing their teeth everyday," he says. To turn the tide against sun damage, people must learn to think of pale skin as attractive, says Michael Pertschuk, M.D., clinical associate professor, University of Pennsylvania , and chief of psychological services at its Center for Human Appearance. As it has in the past, he believes the fashion industry can alter people's behavior. "It's just going to take some time and an awareness on the part of fashion editors that this is an issue," he says. Once convinced about sun damage, people can act in a reasonable way to protect themselves.
In the end, there really is nothing new under the sun, except that perhaps more people are staying out of it, heeding medical warnings such as Bergstresser's: "Less sun is better. No sun is best of all."
In the next blog posting, I will address how much and how to get the appropriate amount of vitamin D, while trying to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
