For the Budget Conscious Consumer - Virginia Surgical Arts

If you’re a cost conscious consumer, but like to look your best, read these 5 low-cost ways to look better without breaking the bank.

1. Better Diet: Start With Your Grocery List

It shouldn’t cost you more money to eat healthier. It all starts with a good grocery list. Start editing your list today, and cross off all the junk food. Then replace those items with vegetables, fruits and lean meat. Be wary of anything that comes in a cardboard box; if it does, remember to read the nutrition information. To keep costs down, track prices on your grocery list; when you find a cheaper or healthier option, then it’s time to edit your list again.

2. Find A Tailor and Personal Shopper

Don’t underestimate the importance of clothing fit. A personal shopper can help you understand your body proportions and then show you how to buy clothes that flatter them. Finding a great fit off-the-rack can be difficult, so find a good local tailor who can make the right adjustments to your new (or old) clothes.

3. Find the Right Bra

For whatever reason, many women wear the wrong bra size. No matter what type of bra you wear, it’s a great idea to get it fitted to match your current size. A local store or boutique should be able to help you with this.

4. Consider Injectables for Wrinkle Reduction

Injectable products like Botox, Juvederm and Restylane can quickly  correct wrinkles and folds. With a simple injection, many people can lose their unsightly smile lines, frown lines and crow’s feet for months at a time. Today’s injectables come with lidocaine, so they’re more comfortable. If you’re concerned about the cost, keep an eye out for specials offered by your local plastic surgeon.

5. Use Medical Grade Skin Care Products

Start a daily routine that includes the best skin care products for you. Start by talking to an aesthetician or plastic surgeon, so they can guide you toward a good regimen. Choose a product line that is designed to meet your needs, whether that means anti-aging, skin lightening, sun protection or any of your other appearance goals.  Medical grade products penetrate deeper and contain a higher concetration of the ingredients you need most.

Three more free ways to look better: don’t smoke, avoid sun exposure, and get plenty of sleep!

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Understanding the Ingredients in Skin Care Products - Virginia Surgical Arts

Use this information to sort through various skin care products on the market. If you’re still unsure which skin care products are right for you, ask your dermatologist or consult with a skin esthetician at your local salon or beauty counter.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. In the U.S. alone, there are over 200 manufacturers of skin care products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids. Creams and lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of alpha-hydroxy acids include mild irritation and sun sensitivity. For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning. To help avoid skin irritation with alpha-hydroxy acids, it is advisable to start with a product with concentrations of AHA of 10 to 15 percent. Also, make sure you ease into it. You want to get your skin used to alpha-hydroxy acids, so you should only initially apply the skin care product every other day, gradually working up to daily application.

Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)

Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on skin that has aged prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. There are many skin care products available that contain salicylic acid. Some are available over-the-counter and others require a doctor’s prescription. Studies have shown that salicylic acid is less irritating than skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids, while providing similar improvement in skin texture and color.

Hydroquinone

Skin care products containing hydroquinone are popularly referred to as bleaching creams or lightening agents. These skin care products are used to lighten hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy (melasma or chloasma). Some over-the-counter skin care products contain hydroquinone, but your doctor can also prescribe a cream with a higher concentration of hydroquinone if your skin doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. If you are allergic to hydroquinones, you may benefit from use of products containing kojic acid instead.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Discovered in 1989, kojic acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic acid is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin (brown pigment).

Retinol

This is a derivative of vitamin A, and you will see that a lot of skin care products contain retinol. Retinol’s stronger counterpart is tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova. If your skin is too sensitive to use Retin-A, retinol is an excellent alternative. Here’s why skin responds to skin care products with retinol: vitamin A has a molecular structure that’s tiny enough to get into the lower layers of skin, where it finds collagen and elastin. Retinol is proven to improve mottled pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and color, and your skin’s hydration levels. You may also hear about retinyl palmitate. This falls into the same family as retinol, but if the skin care product you choose contains retinyl palmitate, you will need to use more of this product than one that contains retinol to get the same effect.

L-Ascorbic Acid

This is the only form of vitamin C that you should look for in your skin care products. There are many skin care products on the market today that boast vitamin C derivatives as an ingredient (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate, for example), but L-ascorbic acid is the only useful form of vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen as well, which is essential since your body’s natural collagen production decreases as you age. Sun exposure will also accelerate the decrease in collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic Acid

Skin care products containing this substance are often used in conjunction with vitamin C products to assist in effective penetration. Hyaluronic acid (also known as a glycosaminoglycan) is often touted for its ability to “reverse” or stop aging. In news reports, you might have heard of hyaluronic acid as the “key to the fountain of youth.” This is because the substance occurs naturally (and quite abundantly) in humans and animals, and is found in young skin, other tissues, and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid is a component of the body’s connective tissues, and is known to cushion and lubricate. As you age, however, the forces of nature destroy hyaluronic acid. Diet and smoking can also affect your body’s level of hyaluronic acid over time. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid are most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin.

Copper Peptide

Copper peptide is often referred to as the most effective skin regeneration product, even though it’s only been on the market since 1997. Here’s why: Studies have shown that copper peptide promotes collagen and elastin production, and also acts as an antioxidant. It also promotes production of glycosaminoglycans (think hyaluronic acid, as an example). Studies have also shown that copper-dependent enzymes increase the benefits of the body’s natural tissue building processes.The substance helps to firm, smooth, and soften skin, doing it in less time than most other anti-aging skin care products. Clinical studies have found that copper peptides also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin and scar tissue because they activate the skin’s system responsible for those functions.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

You may have heard of alpha-lipoic acid as “the miracle in a jar” for its anti-aging effects. It’s a newer, ultra-potent antioxidant that helps fight future skin damage and helps repair past damage. Alpha-lipoic acid has been referred to as a “universal antioxidant” because it’s soluble in both water and oil, which permits its entrance to all parts of the cell. Due to this quality, it is believed that alpha-lipoic acid can provide the greatest protection against damaging free radicals when compared with other antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid diminishes fine lines, gives skin a healthy glow, and boosts levels of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)

If you’ve heard of fish referred to as brain food, you can thank DMAE. This substance is naturally produced in the brain, but DMAE is also present in anchovies, salmon and sardines, boosting the production of acetylcholine, which is important for proper mental functions. DMAE in skin care products shows remarkable effects when applied topically to skin, resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

For More Information Click Here : Dermal Filler Virginia Beach.

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A Few Fun Facts Regarding Sun Exposure - Virginia Surgical Arts

Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.

Most kids rack up approximately 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. With the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your child’s chance of developing skin cancer.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime as a result of sun damage.

UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer, they make up the majority of our sun exposure.  Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays as well as UVB rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it merely produces color and a false sense of protection from the sun.

Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20.

Most sun damage occurs as a result of incidental exposure during day-to-day activities, not at the beach.

Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete. Clouds and pollution don’t filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection. This “invisible sun” can cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage.

Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age, so they absolutely must be kept out of the sun whenever possible. If your infant must be in the sun, dress him or her in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face. Use an umbrella to create shade.

Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as “broad-spectrum” sunscreen). In general, sunscreens provide better protections against UVB rays than UVA rays, making signs of skin aging a risk even with consistent use of sunscreen.

Ten minutes in a sunbed matches the cancer-causing effects of 10 minutes in the Mediterranean summer sun.

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Filler FAQ’s - Virginia Surgical Arts

What are injectable dermal fillers?

Cosmetic dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill in lines, wrinkles, scars, and restore facial volume. Dermal fillers produce remarkable results with minimal to no downtime. The treatments are comfortably performed in our office.

Where are dermal fillers used?

Dermal fillers can be used to improve the nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, cheek hollows, cheek creases, chin creases, frown lines, mid-face, and hollows under the eyes. Targeting specific areas of your face, dermal fillers can take years off of your appearance.

Can dermal fillers be used in the lips?

Yes, fillers can be used for lip augmentation, achieving remarkable results.

Can fillers be placed under the eyes?

Yes. Fillers can be used to correct the depressions that form beneath the eyes. The hollow area close to the nose is called the tear trough. Fillers can restore a more youthful appearance to the region underneath the eye, such as the tear trough, as well as the outer portion of the lower eyelid.

What is a liquid face lift?

A liquid face lift, sometimes referred to as a lunch-hour facelift, is performed by restoring missing volume to specific areas of your face. Facial re-contouring with injectable fillers can delay the need for more invasive surgery, and restore a youthful appearance.

How long will it last?

A cosmetic filler’s longevity depends upon the type of filler used and your body’s response to it. The majority of fillers last from 6 months, up to 2 years. Injectable fillers can be repeated as often as you like to improve or restore the correction.

Does it hurt?

Cosmetic filler treatments are performed by placing small injections into specific areas. A good physician utilizes a variety of special injection techniques to minimize discomfort. Topical and/or local anesthetic can also be used to provide greater comfort.

Are filler treatments safe?

There are many dermal fillers on the US and international markets.  All products used at Virginia Surgical Arts are purchased directly from the manufacturer, ensuring the highest grade and reliability.

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Considering Retin A?? - Virginia Surgical Arts

Retin-A was first introduced on the market to treat acne more than 30 years ago. While the medication produced remarkable results fighting acne, patients also noticed significant improvements in their overall facial appearance. As a result, Retin-A was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.  Today, the medication is considered an anti-aging solution for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions.

Retin-A is a topical medication that may be gel or cream based. Retin-A medications are offered at numerous concentration levels, each designed for a specific skin type. The primary purpose of Retin-A is to provide a light chemical peel that speeds the natural exfoliation process and enhances collagen production.

Retin-A is typically prescribed for the following reasons:

Acne: Retin-A brings acne plugs (blockages) to the surface causing blackheads to be dislocated. The blackheads are then discarded from the skin during cleansing. Retin-A can help control acne breakouts as well.

Hyperpigmentation: The ingredients in Retin-A can help sun-damaged skin, including age discoloration spots and light freckling.

Poor Skin Texture: The increased exfoliation process from Retin-A removes dead cells and stimulates new skin cells to improve the texture of the skin.

Preparation for Other Procedures: Retin-A is commonly used to prepare the skin for procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and facial surgeries. The medication may be continued after a procedure to assist in recovery as well.

After the repeated application of Retin-A, the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) thins. At the same time, the cells in the epidermis level are stimulated to produce a thickened epidermis layer. Through this stimulation, collagen production and cellular growth in the dermis layer also increase. Typically, benefits are fully evident after seven weeks of proper application. Treatment must be maintained in order to continue to reap the benefits of Retin-A. The doctor may recommend other therapies such as a specific daily skincare regimen to further improve and maintain the results.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons may have extensive knowledge and experience with skincare treatments. Consult a qualified doctor to discuss the best treatment options for your condition.  At Virginia Surgical Arts, we provide patients with free consultations.  If you would like to discuss whether you are a candidate for Retin A, call us today! (757) 430-7690.

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The Science of Laser Hair Removal - Virginia Surgical Arts

The Science of Laser Hair Removal

get smooth legs with laser hair removal    Laser hair removal or “photoepilation” is a proven form of hair removal based on many years of clinical experience, research into properties of laser light, follicle growth and phases, and millions of procedures in medical clinics, spas & office locations around the world.

Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to produce long-term hair reduction. The heat from the light of the laser is absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. That heat then triggers inflammation in the hair follicle, which causes the follicle to go into its resting (telogen) phase. While resting, the follicle produces no hair.

A Series of Treatments Needed?

Laser hair removal is accomplished in a series of sessions generally done monthly or every other month. The average number of sessions to achieve over 80 percent permanent hair reduction in 80-90 percent of good candidates is approximately 4 to 6 sessions.  Good rule of thumb to follow is on average, people need a minimum of 3 treatments for optimal results. Most people do not require more than six treatments, although people with hormonal imbalances or people who normally wax or pluck a lot may require more sessions.

In between these monthly sessions some of the hair will regrow. Hairs that may have been dormant during your previous laser hair removal session may now be in the growth phase. This is where the need for multiple treatment sessions arises. Multiple sessions ensures that all the hairs are subjected to the treatment. These hairs may be shaved by the patient between sessions if desired.
Comfort Varies Among Individuals

The discomfort associated with laser hair removal varies considerably among individuals. How much discomfort you’ll feel will depend not only on such factors as your skin type, the thickness and density of your hair, and the area of your body being treated, but also on your ability to tolerate or feel pain. Although it rarely occurs, a small number of patients find that they are unable to undergo laser hair removal treatments due to their low threshhold for pain.

Because laser light produces heat, you’ll feel some kind of sensation during your hair removal treatment. In addition, hair follicles are surrounded by nerve endings, which may react to the heat by creating a sensation of discomfort or even mild pain. Patients often compare the sensation to having a rubber band snapped against their skin. Certain areas of the body hurt more than others during laser hair removal. In addition, patients with very thick, dark hair may experience more discomfort than those with thin or light-colored hair. This is because thicker, darker hair absorbs more of the laser light during treatment. Generally, the hair becomes thinner and less dense after each subsequent treatment. That’s why the most discomfort is usually experienced during the first treatment.  In some situations, a numbing cream can be used to minimize the discomfort.

Risk is Rather Small

Any laser procedure can cause scarring, and this is included as a risk on most consent forms you will sign prior to laser treatment. However, the risk of scarring from laser hair removal is rather small and is a function of many things including:

• The experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator
• Your particular ability to heal
• The amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types
• Type of laser used

At Virginia Surgical Arts, we are commited to providing our partients with the safest and most effective lasers on the market. If you are considering laser hair removal, allow us the opportunity to provide you with a free consultation to address any questions or concerns you might have. At Virginia Surgical Arts, we are equipped with an on site Medical Director and a Licensed Master Aesthetician who has mastered and trained with over 10 different lasers.  Call today!  (757) 430-7690.

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IPL Acne Treatments - Virginia Surgical Arts

Topical creams and oral medications can be effective treatments for acne outbreaks, but they can be expensive and can dry and irritate sensitive skin. What’s more, acne that occurs on backs and chests can be difficult to treat topically because of the large surface area.

Treating acne with pulsed light can deliver better aesthetic results, especially on inflammatory acne, without the side effects associated with topical and oral acne medications. You can also treat scars resulting from acne outbreaks with fractional laser skin resurfacing.

Acne IPL treatments with Palomar® technology target and destroy the skin bacteria responsible for acne to help prevent future breakouts from occurring on faces, chests and backs. Our pulsed light technology delivers just the right amount of light in the right spot size for your treatment needs, while our Advanced Contact Cooling technology protects clients’ skin.

Acne Treatment Benefits for Clients:

• Clearer skin
• A comfortable, well-tolerated procedure
• No downtime
• Non-invasive procedure
• Eliminates or reduces the need for oral acne medication

If you or somebody you know is struggling with acne, don’t hesitate to call us for more information. Allow us the opportunity to meet your skin care goals and needs! Patient referrals are available upon request. (757) 430-7690.

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