Monday, January 28, 2013

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS

What are chemical skin peels?
Chemical peels produce controlled peeling of the skin, which promotes growth of new skin and improved appearance. A variety of chemicals can be used as peeling agents and include lactic,glycolic, trichloroacetic (TCA), salicylic and resorcinol. The different chemical solutions produce different degrees of peeling.

What are chemical peels used for?

Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photo-aging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including melasma, freckles, and age spots).

How are chemical peels performed?

At Saugerties Wellness Center,chemical peels usually begin with microdermabrasion of the skin, followed by application of the appropriate peel.


How long do chemical peels take?

Most peels can be performed within a few minutes, depending on size of the area being treated.

What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?
The state of your skin after a peel depends on the type of chemical used and your skin type. Superficial peels have limited effects. Medium peels may cause some redness.

How many peels will I need?
Generally chemical peels are done once every 2-3 weeks, until the desired results are achieved. Maintenance peels can then be performed once a month.Most commonly, packages of 4-6 peels are recommended for best results.

How long do the results last?

With good sun protection and the use of proper cosmetics, results can last several months.

What are the risks of chemical peels?

Superficial peels are quite safe, although minor irritation of the skin can occur.

How long after a chemical peel before I can return to normal activities?

With the exception of sun exposure,normal activities can resume right away.

Chemical Peels are performed at Saugerties Wellness Center.Financing options and no-interest payment options available.

Please contact us at 845 246 2804 or by email: ravi@saugertieswellness.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

LIP AUGMENTATION

What is lip augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure using dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane to shape and increase the size of the lips to make them look fuller and more attractive. Lips are prone to aging and wrinkling, partly due to accumulated sun exposure, genetics, smoking and the natural aging process. Full lips are much sought after given they can soften your face and complement your appearance. Lip enhancement is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures.

Where does a lip augmentation procedure take place?

We perform this procedure right in our office at Saugerties Wellness Center

Is it a painful procedure?
No. At Saugerties Wellness Center we use a painless technique to instill local anesthesia that makes the lip enhancement procedure painless.

How long does it take to do a lip augmentation procedure?
The amount of time needed to complete a lip augmentation procedure is 30-45 minutes which includes time for the anesthesia to work.

Can I just do my upper lip?
The upper or lower lip may be treated singly, or both upper and lower lips may be augmented at the same time.

What are the side effects from the procedure?
Many people have no visible side effects but bruising and swelling are the commonest side effects seen. They usually subside within a day or two.

How much time will I need to take off from work after lip augmentation?

Patients can usually return to work after lip injection procedures. At Saugerties Wellness Center we recommend people rest after the procedure for a day or two. We like to perform them on a Thursday or Friday so that you can rest during the weekend and be ready to go back to work on Monday

Does insurance cover lip augmentation?

Unfortunately Lip augmentation procedures are not covered by insurance.

Is financing available for lip augmentation?

At Saugerties Wellness Center we offer financing options and also interest-free payment plans.

Please call us at 845 246 2804 if you have any questions or email us at: ravi@saugertieswellness.com

MICRODERMABRASION

Microdermabrasion(which is performed at Saugerties Wellness Center) is a skin resurfacing treatment that removes the rough superficial layer of the skin. Combined with a chemical peel,it is designed to make your face silky,smooth,soft and supple. Microdermabrasion can start to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin right from the first treatment ! Microdermabrasion uses a diamond studded instrument to gently and painlessly exfoliate your skin while vacuuming the dead skin cells. In addition to surface exfoliation, Microdermabrasion helps promote the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis, cleans the pores, increases circulation and stimulates the underlying collagen that can further improve skin texture.Most importantly,by removing the dead,rough superficial layer of skin it makes it conducive for oxygen,anti-oxidants and nutrients from the outside to penetrate the skin leading to skin wellness.

Frequently Asked Microdermabrasion Questions


What is a micro-peel?
A micro-peel is a combination of microdermabrasion and a chemical peel.The best results are obtained when these procedures are done together,though they can be done individually.


Who are good candidates for microdermabrasion?

Any healthy adult is a good candidate for microdermabrasion. Pregnant and nursing women as well as those on Accutane as well as those with infections or in frail health women as well as those on Accutane should avoid this procedure.

Does microdermabrasion require anesthesia?
Anesthesia is not used during the microdermabrasion procedure.

How long does the microdermabrasion procedure last?

The procedure takes about thirty minutes to complete.

Is there much pain with the microdermabrasion procedure?

There is generally little or no pain associated with microdermabrasion. At the most, patients may experience a feeling similar to slight windburn or stinging rain.

What can I expect of the recovery after microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion involves virtually no downtime and normal activities can usually be resumed right away. (It is even called a 'lunch time peel' -a reference to the fact that it can be done quickly and with no down time). The skin may feel a bit hot or flushed for the first day after the procedure. It is important, however, that patients avoid direct sun exposure and use a high grade sun block.

Is it necessary to take time off from work after the microdermabrasion procedure?

Because microdermabrasion involves virtually no downtime, patients can typically resume their normal activities right away.

What are the risks associated with microdermabrasion?

Risks or complications associated with microdermabrasion are typically rare and include bruising, infection, and hyperpigmentation.

Is microdermabrasion ever covered by insurance?

Unfortunately,microdermabrasion is not a covered service through insurance.

Is financing available for microdermabrasion?

Financing is available.We also have interest-free payment plans to suit your budget.Please contact us for details.



If you have any questions,
please email us: ravi@saugertieswellness.com
or call us at 845 247 WELL

HOW TO LIVE LONGER ?

Based on statistical studies, several factors have been shown to increase longevity :
* Sleep:Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a day. By giving parts of the body adequate rest, it helps regenerate and rejuvenate the cells to help it function better.
* Weight: The mortality rates in obese people are higher than those who are thinly built and who are in good shape.
* Exercise: This has been shown to not only increase the quality of life, but also prevent medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
* Alcohol: Alcohol taxes the liver as well as the brain cells. Even though it has been shown that 1-2 glasses of red wine increases the good cholesterol, that is the HDL, and has been shown to reduce heart disease, there is no reason to start drinking if one is an abstainer. Increased or excessive amounts of alcohol is certainly detrimental to health.
* Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this gives all the energy that is required for the start of the day. It is unclear how eating breakfast can make you live longer, but it supposedly does.
* Snacking: People who snack often end up gaining a lot of weight and fat, which can in turn lead to medical problems. One of the more popular snacks is potato chips, which also has a high salt content.
* Optimism: Optimists generally have been shown to lead less stressful lives and this may be the reason why they seem to live longer.
* Marriage in males: It is unclear how this increases life expectancy, but married men have been shown to live longer than their unmarried counterparts.
*Laughter:People who are jovial tend to be less affected by stress. Stress is one of the most under rated cause of medical problems and decreased longevity.

Of course, the above is based not on scientifically validated studies, but a combination of statistics, scientific research, and conjecture. However, some experts feel that the above mentioned factors increase life expectancy by seven years in males, and eleven years in females.

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a condition where calcium in the bone is absorbed resulting in the bones becoming weak and brittle. The most serious complications of osteoporosis are fractures, especially in the hip, wrist and back. In fact, approximately 33% of those who reach age 90 will have had a broken hip. 20% of individuals over age 65 who break their hips die as a result of the injury. Apart from falls, osteoporosis is a major contributor to hip fractures. The thinning of the bone makes it more breakable. An injury that would normally not break a bone, would do so in osteoporotic conditions.

People that are at higher risk for osteoporosis include thin individuals,smokers, alcohol abusers, people that do not exercise and those that have a poor calcium intake or have low Vitamin D levels. Women, especially, are more vulnerable to osteoporosis because of hormonal changes that occur at menopause. Osteoporosis begins quite early in life, perhaps, during the early 30's. Most people take calcium below the recommended dosage (1,000mg per day). It is not surprising, therefore, that the incidents of osteoporosis is quite high in the general population.

One way osteoporosis can be prevented is by increasing calcium/Vitamin D in the diet.In general,one glass of milk a day or an equivalent of another dairy product is useful. Those that cannot tolerate this should take approximately 1-2 grams of a calcium supplement daily. A calcium based antacid pill, such as Tums, is an inexpensive source of calcium. (However, too much calcium can cause kidney stones and other health problems). Weight bearing exercise, such as a daily 20 minute walk, or aerobic and weight lifting activities, have been shown to prevent bone loss. Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can prevent osteoporosis as well. Women going through menopause have another option: hormone replacement therapy. Many gynecologists used to routinely put many post menopausal women on estrogen supplements.That practice has stopped due to side effects and other serious risks of estrogen therapy.Conjugated estrogen creams are safer-though it has not been established if they help in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is preventable and if adequate steps are not taken to do so, it can lead to serious injury and disability. The simplest way to prevent osteoporosis would be to start early in life by adequate calcium intake.

There have been recent developments in the treatment/prevention of osteoporosis.Medications such as Actonel,Fosmax and Evista are used in preventing/treating osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels can now be measured by a lab test.Bone density measurements can give an idea how strong the hip and back bones are-since they are commonly affected in osteoporosis.Thus it is possible to get a head start to thwart this common disease.

Non medical preventive methods such as: exercise (especially resistance or weight training), avoiding smoking/alcohol and a balanced diet enriched with calcium are essential.

Osteoporosis is a preventable/treatable condition and can affect men as well as women.It is important to discuss prevention with your doctor.

Please call us with any questions at 845 247 WELL

Mesotherapy FAQs

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a medical specialty that involves injecting microscopic quantities of natural extracts, homeopathic agents, pharmaceuticals and vitamins into the skin to eliminate fat deposits.

Which cosmetic conditions can Mesotherapy treat?

Although Mesotherapy can be used to treat a broad spectrum of medical conditions, at Saugerties Wellness Center we use it primarily to treat localized fat deposits causing double chins, bra area bulges, love handles, abdominal flab, cellulite, and hair loss.

What is Cellulite and how does Mesotherapy help in Cellulite treatment?

Cellulite is caused by connective tissue bands that hold down the skin, trapping the fat and thereby causing the "dimpling" effect. The medications used in Mesotherapy destroy the connective tissue bands and melt the trapped fat, creating a smooth, dimple-free appearance.

How does Mesotherapy reduce or eliminate fat?

There are two types of receptors, known as alpha-receptors and beta-receptors. When alpha-receptors are stimulated, they produce fat, whereas beta-receptors break down fat when activated. Above the waist, the ratio of alpha to beta-receptors is 1:1. This is true for both men and women. However, below the waist, women have a ratio of alpha to beta-receptors as high as 8:1. Men retain the 1:1 ratio below the waist, which helps to explain why women have a tougher time losing weight in the buttock, hip, and thigh areas. The medications that are used in Mesotherapy stimulate beta-receptors, melt the fat beneath the skin and shrink the fat cells. The dissolved fat is then absorbed by the body and excreted.

Are the treatments painful?

You may feel a slight pinching or burning sensation when the injections are administered. However, we can provide a topical anesthetic that makes treatment virtually painless. Since only small amounts of homeopathic agents are used in Mesotherapy, many patients tolerate the treatment very well. This is due to the fact that the Mesotherapy medications are delivered directly to the body parts that need to be healed, rather than having to be processed by the digestive system.

Are the treatments painful?

You may feel a slight pinching or burning sensation when the injections are administered. However, we can provide a topical anesthetic that makes treatment virtually painless.

Will the results last?

The results do last, especially when combined with exercise and proper nutrition.

Mesotherapy is performed at Saugerties Wellness Center. Financing or no-interest payment plans are available.
Please contact us at 845 246 2804 or by email; ravi@saugertieswellness.com

Saugerties Welness Center's Anti-Aging Program

Saugerties Wellness Center is pleased to announce their newest offering to enhance your wellness :
The Saugerties Wellness Center's Anti Aging Program has many facets geared to keep you looking healthy and improve your health. We have begun offering a multitude of services:

- Botox injections to treat forehead wrinkles,frown lines and crow's feet around the eyes.

-Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane to fill in laugh lines,marionette lines and smoker's upper lip wrinkles.

- Microdermabrasion to make your skin smoother.

-Chemical Peels to make your face look and feel silky soft.

-Mesotherapy to dissolve fat (double chins,bra strap bulges,love handles and cellulite).

-Weight loss programs designed to shed excess weight. These include an unique web based program with meal replacement shakes and discount gym memberships. We also offer HCG injections/diet for weight loss.

-Smoking Cessation program using acupuncture and other methods.

-Nutritional and Vitamin supplements not available in stores.

-Medical grade cosmetics to keep your skin healthy and supple.

-Acne treatment geared toward teens and young adults.

-Hyperhidrosis(increased underarm sweating) treatment to reduce or eliminate perspiration.

-Lip augmentation to give you natural looking full lips.

-Anti-Aging Hormonal evaluation and replacement.

Our prices are affordable and we even have payment plans to suit your budget. All procedures are physician performed.
We also have frequent special discounts on all our procedures and products.
So keep watching this blog.

Feel free to contact Dr. Ramaswami or Marie at 845-247-WELL.
One of our staff members will also be glad to assist you.

Look well...feel well!

Have a great week.