With CoolSculpting, Pittsburgh patients can precisely target stubborn fat without surgery. This is the first completely non-invasive fat-reduction treatment available—ever. As the LIVE demonstration patient for The Skin Center’s CoolSculpting launch, I will share my experience, as it unfolds, by giving you updates on my progress—here on our Beauty Blog.

Pre-Demo Jitters

I’m just six days away from giving my belly bulge the big freeze with CoolSculpting Body Sculpting at our Beauty Event and I’m really excited about it. I am, however, slightly nervous at the thought of baring my treatment area in public. I’d much prefer the comfort (and privacy) of one of The Skin Center’s treatment rooms—with my iPod to pass the time. Yet I am happy to give our guests a first-hand look at this exciting process!

Motherhood, changing hormones and a general aversion to gyms have all played roles in the demise of my former buffness. Oh, and then there’s the inevitable passage of time which unfortunately illuminates gravity’s evil toll in a most unflattering manner.

So, although I declared my bikini days “over” almost a decade ago (as I approached the other side of young) I wouldn’t mind bringing sexy back to my tankini!

What I’m wondering about my treatment:

•  How will CoolSculpting feel? Will I feel cold? Will there be any discomfort or burning sensation?

•  How long will it take to eliminate fat cells? Will I start to see results in 30 days or sooner? When will final results be visible?

•  What if I slip up and gain a few pounds? I understand that fat-reduction treatments are never meant to be a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, so I’ll try my best to keep my diet and exercise in check.

•  Where might any extra weight land? Wish I had a say in that matter since I certainly have a Victoria’s Secret preference.

I’ll be reporting back with the answers to these questions—and more. So check our Beauty Blog often to find out what’s happening. Feel free to comment or ask questions here or on our Facebook Page.

We are starting to book consultations for CoolSculpting now! Call us at 1-800-421-1151 for a complimentary appointment.

Learn more about CoolSculpting

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During a LIVE demonstration at our 30th Anniversary Beauty Event, we will literally “freeze” my muffin top with CoolSculpting®―a radically new fat-reduction technology.

CoolSculpting is our newest non-surgical body contouring treatment to eliminate stubborn fat. And I’ve been asked to be the LIVE DEMO patient at our Beauty Event at the Fairmont on May 17th. (What a blogger won’t do to make our event even more intriguing!)

How does it work?

CoolSculpting is the first completely non-invasive technique that freezes stubborn fat cells—in place! My body will simply flush them out of my system naturally, over the course of a few weeks. Since fat freezes at a much higher temperature than water (think butter), I will not be frostbitten. After a single one-hour treatment, my chosen frozen area will start to melt again.

I am eager to let the shrinking process begin. As I’ve grown older (now 51) I’ve gradually experienced the muffin-top effects of a slower metabolism. So, as The Skin Center’s first CoolSculpting patient, I’m totally excited to see the results. I’ll have to be patient as I wait for the elimination process to reveal smoother lines—at my waistline. And yes, as you might expect, I’m quite nervous to be on display during our event demonstration. I’m thankful that it’s a Ladies’ Night!

Don’t miss the LIVE demo!

If you are planning to attend our Beauty Event, this is a unique opportunity for you to meet the makers of CoolSculpting who will conduct this LIVE demonstration. You’ll get a chance to see the fat-freezing device in action and ask questions. So come visit me (Deb Warren a.k.a. “the patient”) at the CoolSculpting station during the event!

I’ll be reporting back with weekly updates on my progress. So check our Beauty Blog often to find out what’s happening.

Learn more about CoolSculpting

Schedule your free consultation today!

View our website

Check out our Internet Specials

Receive the latest news and special offers related to Skin Care & Anti-Aging strategies..

Choosing your sunscreen simply based on Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t cut it anymore. We now know that SPF products do not protect against cancer-causing UVA rays. Look for ”Broad Spectrum” sunscreen products—for maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

The Big SPF Myth

So you’re faithfully using a daily SPF 15+ sunscreen, under (or in) your foundation. Or, even by itself. Great, right? Well yes, that’s good. However, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), it’s not good enough. “A person wearing SPF 50 could spend considerable time in the sun without getting burned. ‘They think they’re getting protected but they’re getting the silent damage from UVA,’ says Steven Q. Wang, director of dermatological surgery and dermatology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.”

The truth is that SPF alone will not protect us from the deeper penetrating UVA rays thought to be the main cause of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. UVA rays also cause the skin to show premature signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss elasticity.

According to a recent study from the Mayo Clinic, the incidence of melanoma has “increased eightfold in women ages 18 to 30 from 1970 to 2009.” The Skin Cancer Foundation points to the use of tanning beds as a possible cause for the increase. Tanning beds use UVA rays, previously considered to be safe. We now know better.

Think of UVA and UVB Rays as Personality Types

•  B RAYS = TYPE B (The “Norm”)  

The “B” rays are the typical ultra violet rays known to be responsible for sunburns and most forms of skin cancers—the rays we guard against with SPF-labeled products.

•  A RAYS = TYPE A (Think “A” for “Aggressive”)

“A” Rays are the more deeply penetrating, damaging rays—the rays that can cause melanoma and premature aging of the skin. Products labeled with an SPF number alone will NOT protect you from most UVA rays.

“Broad Spectrum”—The Next Generation of Sunscreen Products

The FDA is changing the face of product packaging and labeling on products claiming sun protection. The new labels will give consumers a more accurate understanding of the level of protection they are buying. Clearer labeling will be required on all sun protection products, including cosmetics containing sunscreen.

Sunscreens will be labeled “Broad Spectrum” ONLY if they pass the FDA’s test for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF of less than 15 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging. These new rules take effect Jun 18, 2012.

What Ingredients Should You Look For?

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing a Broad Spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) with these UVA ray-blocking ingredients: avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789, Eusolex 9020, Escalon 517) and ecamsule (also known as Mexoryl), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Avobenzone is classified as a “chemical” sunscreen. It works by absorbing UV rays over a wide wavelength. Ecamsule is a photostable organic UVA absorber, meaning it doesn’t degrade significantly when exposed to light. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are “physical” sunscreens that actually block both UVA and UVB rays.

Should You Toss Your Cosmetics & Skin Care Products?

As mentioned in the WSJ article, cosmetic companies and makers of sun protection products are working to meet the new FDA guidelines by reformulating their products and complying with new labeling standards.

In the meantime, you do not need to throw away your favorite SPF makeup or skin care system. Simply augment it. Layer a new broad spectrum product under your foundation. When outside for prolonged periods of time follow the recommendations below.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

• WHO? Everyone, regardless of skin color, should use broad spectrum sunscreen.

• HOW MUCH? 1 oz. (a shot glass full) of broad spectrum sunscreen 15-30 SPF (or higher) per day to cover all exposed skin. Don’t forget a lip balm with SPF 30+.

• WHEN? Every single day, 15 minutes before going outside. 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass through clouds. The reflection caused by snow and sand increases the need for sunscreen. Re-apply every 2 hours after swimming or excessive sweating. When outside for long periods of time, add a physical block containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide (as your top layer) to vulnerable areas such as your nose, ears and shoulders.

• OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS? These are also our most popular sun protection products, available at your nearest Skin Center location:

- Revision® Skincare’s Intellishade® SPF 45

- Elta MD UV Shield 45

- Silc Sheer SPF 45 Photo Finish

While prevention is your best approach, your skin may already be showing signs of damage from previous sun exposure. See our tips to remedy sun damage if you are experiencing hyperpigmentation, textural skin changes, or fine lines and wrinkles.

Read the full Wall Street Journal Article here.

Schedule your free consultation today!

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Many of us know of someone who had the old-fashioned varicose vein treatments that often entailed painful stripping surgery―complete with general anesthesia, an overnight hospital stay and scarring after treatment. So… when the relatives of these patients find themselves with similar vein issues, the suggestion of treatment is often met with an emphatic, “NO THANK YOU!” If you’ve heard these horror stories and you are beset with your own problem leg veins, you’ll be happy to know that today’s treatments are NOT your mom’s or grandmother’s treatments. With Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and Sclerotherapy, today’s technology is radically different from the painful vein stripping of yesteryear. Here, we separate fact from fiction about vein disorders and today’s treatments:

MYTH #1: Vein disorders are hereditary, so they won’t be an issue for me.

While it’s true that vein disorders are predominantly hereditary in nature, just as many people with no family history end up needing vein treatments. Pregnancy, being overweight or sitting/standing for prolonged periods of time can also cause venous insufficiency. This means that your veins widen and stretch. Valves become unable to close properly, working harder than necessary to pump blood back to your heart. So, just because vein disorders don’t run in your family doesn’t mean you won’t be affected.

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If you watched ABC’s 20/20 on Friday, February 24^th, 2012, you’d notice at least two welcome changes relative to cosmetic surgery and the way we view it.  First, remarkable enhancements can be made to one’s appearance through new technologies such as Ultherapy®—without the need for cutting. And second, gone are the days of nips, tucks and injections in shhhh…secret.

Once rarely talked about in public, it seems that every time we turn on the television, browse the web or open a magazine we are privy to the latest revelations in cosmetic technologies—with plenty of patients openly sharing their stories.

And Friday night’s segment of 20/20 was no exception.

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The MicroDermal Roller is a hand-held device with over 200 very fine bristles or needles. This gadget is designed for home use. By gently rolling it over your face, the bristles creates microscopic channels in the skin, allowing for increased absorption of your favorite topical serums, lotions and prescription-grade Retin-A.

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Xeomin (pronounced ‘ZEE-oh-min’) is gaining the attention of beauty experts everywhere— for the treatment of crow’s feet, forehead creases, frown lines (or glabellar lines) between the eyebrows. Following the grand success of Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport®, Xeomin is the third muscular neurotoxin available in the United States to fight unwanted wrinkles. And with more and more women beginning preventative wrinkle treatment injections as early as their twenties, it naturally follows that there will be more “tox-type” treatment options available to consumers.

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LOOK LIKE A MOVIE STAR—without breaking your holiday budget! If you are looking for some quick holiday beauty fixes—look no further. The Skin Center Medical Spa has all your answers. Our top RNs and medical aestheticians are posting their HOLIDAY PROVIDER PICKS on our Facebook page now!  These are our providers’ last-minute favorites…one-time skin-care treatments and skin care products to give you that dazzling celebrity look in no time! See our Provider Picks at www.facebook.com/SkinCenterMedicalSpa.

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When left with excess skin after serious weight loss, cosmetic procedures—such as a tummy tuck after pregnancy, a breast lift, arm lift or a QuickLift® mini face lift—can offer you a final step in body and facial rejuvenation before your big “reveal.”

Extreme weight loss can be one of the most thrilling, rewarding and transformational experiences of a lifetime. Whether you are returning to your pre-baby self or you have overcome years of weight gain, it’s a time for celebration. It’s time to proudly show off the results of your hard efforts to become a healthier, happier you.

Yet often, as welcome as it is, weight loss can come with a frustrating and unwanted side-effect: excess skin.

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We winterize our homes, our cars and our wardrobes. What about our skin?

With temperatures dropping outside and humidity levels falling inside, your previously dewy skin can become dry, flaky, cracked and increasingly sensitive with each passing day. Now is the time to start switching up your skin treatment routines with appropriate skin care products and skin treatments for the blustery winter months.

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