Monroe Aesthetics

Products And Services

• Thermage®

  Thermage® therapy uses a unique form of radiofrequency energy to tighten loose or sagging skin. According to its manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., benefits of Thermage treatment “include the smoothing of wrinkly or uneven skin, better definition of facial features around the eyes, jaw and neckline, and even the smoothing and toning of unsightly bulges, dimples and wrinkles on the face and body.” Thermage radiofrequency therapy is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for eyelid treatments. Using the Thermage wand, radiofrequency energy penetrates and heats skin tissue. The heat causes collagen to contract, which tightens and “lifts” the skin. Over time, as the collagen rebuilds itself, the skin tightens even more, further smoothing the treated areas. THERMAGE RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY TREATMENT The Thermage wand‘s treatment tip is placed against the skin, first spraying it with a coolant (cryogen), then heating it, then spraying it with cryogen again. The cryogen protects the top layer of skin as the radiofrequency energy heats the collagen in the lower layers. A newer Thermage wand has a Comfort Pulse Technology%u2122 (CCT) feature, in which a gentle vibrating sensation has been added to make treatment more comfortable. No preparation is required before undergoing treatment. The length of treatment depends on the size of the treatment area and its condition. The face usually takes about 45 minutes; other parts of the body can take up to 90 minutes. The majority of patients require a single treatment, although that, too, depends upon the condition of the treatment area. THERMAGE RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY RESULTS Results appear gradually in the 2 to 6 months after treatment, although some patients see an earlier response. Depending upon the condition of a patient‘s skin and how it ages, results may last up to 2 years. THERMAGE RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY ADVANTAGES Unlike other ways of repairing loose and sagging skin, Thermage treatment has a number of advantages. They include: No significant recovery period or downtime Visible results after 1 to 2 treatments Continued improvement to skin over time No incisions are necessary Special care not required post-treatment Side effects of Thermage therapy are rare, but can include treatment-site redness, bumps or blisters.

  Link: Thermage®

• BOTOX® Cosmetic

  BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Manufactured by Allergan, Inc., it is used to treat permanent furrows and deep wrinkles in the skin that are formed by the continual contraction of facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a number of medical problems, including excessive sweating, overactive bladder, neck spasms, crossed eyes, chronic back and jaw pain, and migraines. APPLICATIONS FOR BOTOX COSMETIC Although originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eye and muscle spasms, BOTOX Cosmetic was quickly recognized for its cosmetic value. Properly placed injections of BOTOX Cosmetic block nerve impulses sent to muscles, weakening them to the point where they cannot contract, and temporarily eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines. BOTOX Cosmetic is used to treat the following: Forehead furrows Frown lines Crow‘s feet Skin bands on the neck According to Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic has been “extensively researched, with approximately 2500 studies.” BOTOX COSMETIC PROCEDURE AND RESULTS Using a very fine needle, BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to four months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals. SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX COSMETIC Injection-site side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are usually mild and temporary, and include the following: Pain Infection Inflammation Tenderness Swelling Redness Bleeding Bruising Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.

  Link: BOTOX® Cosmetic

• Intense pulse light (IPL)

  Intense pulse light or IPL is a laser treatment that is used to treat skin conditions and remove signs of photoaging like uneven texture, spots, and wrinkles. As one of the most popular non-invasive treatment options out there, it’s no wonder that more and more patients keep coming back for more. HOW MANY IPL TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? Depending on your skin type and your concerns, we usually recommend that patients undergo a series of five treatments that are spaced about four weeks apart. In some instances, we may recommend some additional sessions but we will go over all of that in detail during your initial consultation. HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION TAKE? On average, each session takes about 20-30 minutes but that can vary from patient to patient. IS IPL RIGHT FOR ME? The best way for you to determine whether or not IPL is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with our office. During your consultation we will go over your skin concerns and discuss the different treatment options that you have available to you including IPL. DOES IPL WORK ON ALL SKIN TYPES? Lighter skinned people who don’t use self-tanning products or who do not have a history of excessive tanning respond better to IPL than other patients. However, we will be able to give you a more definitive answer during your consultation. HOW DOES IPL WORK? IPL works in a similar way that laser works. But how? Like with laser, IPL uses energy that is absorbed into the targeted cells in the skin that have pigmentation. Specifically, when the light energy comes in contact with the skin, it turns into heat energy which causes damage to specific areas of the skin like sun spots or age spots. Once these areas are heated up, the skin responds by creating newer healthier skin in the process. WHAT CAN IPL TREAT? One of the many unique benefits of IPL is that it can be used to treat a variety of different skin concerns including: Rosacea Facial flushing Red chests and necks Brown spots Sun damage Enlarged pores Spider veins WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE? Typically, patients can go right back to their normal activities including wearing makeup and exercising. We do, however, encourage patients to avoid any sun exposure because it may cause unwanted pigmentation. ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OF IPL? Usually there are no side effects of IPL but some patients may appear to have a sunburn for a few hours after treatment. Other rare side effects of IPL include blistering, unwanted changes in pigmentation, scarring, swelling, and infection. IS IPL EXPENSIVE Depending on the provider that you end up going with, it will determine how expensive it is going to be. Overall, IPL is more affordable than other treatments. To learn more about IPL and whether or not it’s a good treatment for you, schedule a consultation appointment at our office today and we will get you taken care of.

  Link: Intense pulse light (IPL)

• CoolSculpting

  It used to be that liposuction was the only type of body contouring procedure that was available to patients. However, times have luckily changed and there’s a new non-invasive, FDA approved procedure that can help get rid of stubborn, unwanted fat: CoolSculpting HOW DOES COOLSCULPTING WORK? CoolSculpting technology works by freezing targeted fat cells and killing them. Once the fat cells have been frozen, your body will naturally eliminate them over the process of several months; leaving you with a slimmer looking physique. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR COOLSCULPTING? Typically, good candidates for CoolSculpting are of a healthy weight but just have a few extra pounds of fat that they want to get rid of. Additionally, patients who are good candidates for CoolSculpting also don’t smoke, aren’t pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, and are generally healthy. During your initial consultation, your physician will be able to determine whether or not CoolSculpting is right for you. WHAT DOES A COOLSCULPTING TREATMENT FEEL LIKE? Some patients experience a slight amount of pain or discomfort during the CoolSculpting procedure itself while other patients don’t. For the most part, patients experience a strong cooling sensation that’s followed by a vacuum feeling. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR TREATMENT? The good news about CoolSculpting is that there really isn’t much you have to do to prepare for treatment. On average, we encourage patients to quit smoking several weeks before treatment and to not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen for at least 24 hours before the procedure. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COOLSCULPTING? The biggest benefit of CoolSculpting is that it gives patients real results every time. And, because CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure you won’t have to worry about any sort of surgery or recovery time. Additionally, because CoolSculpting destroys the fat in the body, it permanently gets rid of it. HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION? HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED? Each session takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the area that’s being targeted. During the first treatment, only about 25-30% of the fat will be affected and so it may require multiple treatments. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GAIN WEIGHT DOWN THE ROAD? Just like with any sort of body contouring procedure, permanent results from CoolSculpting are not guaranteed. We encourage all of our patients to eat a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis to maintain their results. If, however, you have gained weight back after CoolSculpting, we may recommend that you do it again but we can discuss everything in detail during an appointment. As you can see, there are several unique benefits of CoolSculpting. If CoolSculpting sounds like something that you want to learn more about, schedule your consultation at our office today!

  Link: CoolSculpting

• HydraFacial

  It used to be that the only way to get all kinds of results for your skin was to undergo a variety of different procedures. However, the HydraFacial has changed the way that the cosmetic industry works by combining the ability to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, hydrate, and replenish the skin’s antioxidants with just one procedure. WHAT IS A HYDRAFACIAL GOOD FOR? HydraFacial’s aren’t just a nice way to schedule a day for yourself at the spa. In fact, HydraFacial’s are good at treating patients who want to have fresh glowing skin, get rid of acne, improve tone and texture, and just look good for either every day or right before a big event. WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A HYDRAFACIAL TREATMENT? One of the best things about the HydraFacial is that it’s designed for patients with all skin types. So, if you have dry skin, oily skin, or regular skin, then the HydraFacial is good for you. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE HYDRAFACIAL TREATMENT? Unlike chemical peels or laser treatments that come with a little bit of pain and discomfort, one of the unique benefits of HydraFacial’s is that they are pain free and actually quite relaxing. So, during your HydraFacial appointment, you can literally sit back and relax. The HydraFacial treatment goes as follows: Step 1. Cleansing and Exfoliation. Dead skin cells are removed to reveal healthy new skin. Step 2. The skin is infused with a glycolic solution to help purify the skin Step 3. Blackheads will be removed and pores will be cleaned with an automated extraction device that uses vortex suction. Step 4. Antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid are infused to nourish and protect the skin. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A HYDRAFACIAL? Until you start seeing consistent results, you should come in to our office and get a HydraFacial every two weeks. Then, afterward, you can come in around every month. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR DOWNTIME AFTER THE FACIAL? No! Unlike other treatments. there is no recovery or downtime after a HydraFacial which means that you don’t have to worry about any recovery. CAN I RECEIVE A HYDRAFACIAL IF I‘M PREGNANT? Unfortunately, because HydraFacial’s use antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin, they are not safe for women who are pregnant or nursing. CAN A HYDRAFACIAL BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS? It depends on the types of treatments that you want to combine with your HydraFacial. During your initial consultation, you and your skin care professional will create a customized skin care plan that’s designed for you and your skin type. Are you ready to learn more about the unique benefits of HydraFacial’s or are you just ready to sit back and relax while getting cleaner, healthier skin? If so, contact our office today and schedule your HydraFacial consultation at our office!

  Link: HydraFacial

• Body Scrub

  A body scrub is a treatment that is used to exfoliate and soften the skin. Abrasive materials such as salt or sugar are commonly mixed with aromatic oils and massaged into the skin. This treatment is used to remove dead skin cells and moisturize the skin. There are a wide array of body scrub ingredients available to exfoliate the skin and provide a relaxing experience that leaves you feeling soft and smooth all over. Body scrubs are made of enriching antioxidants, vitamins, moisturizing elements and pleasing scents that apply to all of the senses. A body scrub can give a healthy and vibrant glow to the skin as well as: Improve circulation Exfoliate the skin Even out skin tone A body scrub can help to soften and rejuvenate the skin by removing old and dead layers of skin cells. After the exfoliation process, moisturizers are applied to refresh the new skin. Many patients combine a body scrub with a full-body massage for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

  Link: Body Scrub

• Regenerative Medicine

  The inevitability of age is that cells and systems in the body degenerate. This degenerative process leads to a variety of ailments, most often causing persistent pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. By regenerating and in some cases replacing damaged cells, organs and tissues, pain and injury can be reversed to a degree. Regenerative medicine encompasses those efforts to rescue or replace damaged, diseased or dead tissue in the body. Aside from the changes that accompany aging, regenerative medicine can also be applied to the treatment of sports injuries, chronic pain, joint pain, hormonal imbalance and many other issues. An experienced regenerative medicine professional works with you to develop an effective plan to restore well-being using your body’s natural ability to stimulate healing. TYPES OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE Regenerative medicine is a broad term covering a range of treatments. Hallmark therapies include: Stem Cell Therapy Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) IV Therapy Tissue Engineering Prolotherapy Exosomes Anti-Aging Treatments These treatments meet a wide range of needs and alleviate various symptoms. You can live a pain-free, more active life in most cases. While the use of stem cells is what most people associate with this field, there are actually many areas of study and clinical application. Other aspects of regenerative medicine involve organ and tissue transplants, scaffolding, devices and biomaterials. REGENERATIVE MEDICINE QUESTIONS You deserve clear answers about your treatment options. Contact us to get the full details on our services. WHAT DOES REGENERATIVE MEDICINE MEAN? Regenerative medicine focuses on obtaining, developing and delivering cells in order to restore or repair the normal functioning of body systems. WHAT CAN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE BE USED FOR? HOW EFFECTIVE IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? ARE STEM CELLS USED IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE? WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE? SCHEDULE A REGENERATIVE MEDICINE CONSULTATION The next step in the process is scheduling your consultation with an experienced regenerative medicine provider. After listening to your concerns and reviewing your medical history, all therapeutic options will be reviewed with you.

  Link: Regenerative Medicine

• Anti-aging Treatments

  The aging process is one of those things in life that is truly inevitable. Although nothing can stop you from getting older, you can take certain steps to age gracefully and age well. Taking good care of your body is a great way to encourage youthful vitality from the inside, out. While treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic effectively soften the signs of aging at a skin-deep level, a healthy lifestyle combined with regenerative therapy address aging at a cellular level. THE BEST ANTI-AGING: EATING WELL AND EXERCISE! Sometimes the most basic measures are the ones we don’t want to take. Eating well, staying active, limiting the unhealthy habits in your life – all of these basics are a good way to age well. In advanced age, it’s also important to stay socially connected. All too often our senior citizens become isolated. Stay in touch with old friends and seek out new friendships. It’s an important part of overall wellness. MICRO-NEEDLING FACIAL WITH PRP Platelet-rich plasma injections are used to stimulate healing in deteriorating or injured joints, tendons and ligaments. And PRP can also be used for facial rejuvenation! Your blood is made up of red and white blood cells, and platelets and plasma. By isolating the platelets, we can introduce concentrated growth factors directly to tissue. When applied to the skin, these platelets work to refresh, revive and stimulate firm, youthful skin. First, micro-needling is performed to open up the skin. A handheld device containing tiny needles gently creates micro-punctures in the surface of the skin. In so doing, micro-needling makes the skin more receptive to the topical application of PRP. HORMONE THERAPY Hormones – particularly estrogen, progesterone and testosterone – naturally decline as we age. These hormonal imbalances are in part responsible for some of the less desirable effects of aging: weight gain, sleeplessness, loss of lean muscle, fatigue, impaired concentration. By introducing specific hormones into the body, we can level out some of these imbalances. First, blood work must be completed to get accurate levels and to see which hormones could use a boost. Hormones may be administered via implantable pellet, a pill or a topical cream. Over time, you should start feeling a reduction in the undesirable symptoms listed above as your hormones are replenished. ASSESSING YOUR GOALS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS Arrange a consultation if you are ready to learn more about anti-aging treatments using regenerative medicine techniques. PRP, hormonal therapy and other methods may be the right way to restore youthfulness from the inside out!

  Link: Anti-aging Treatments

• Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

  Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a non-surgical treatment for a wide range of injuries, ailments and chronic pain. This innovative approach uses growth factors and protein from your blood to speed healing and alleviate pain. It is a fast-growing area of orthopedics and sports medicine. These “autologous” injections are derived from your own blood, and are not synthetic or taken from a donor. WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA? Your body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. PRP therapy jumpstarts and nourishes that natural healing process using your own blood components. Your blood contains platelets and plasma, in addition to red and white blood cells. The platelets and plasma contain proteins and growth factors, which are the desired substances when it comes to therapy. Here is how the process works: Your blood is drawn from your arm The vials of blood are inserted into a centrifuge which spins them around at a high rate of speed The action of the centrifuge separates the various components of the blood, so that the plasma is isolated from the other components The isolated plasma contains many more platelets than a normal sample of blood The platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the treatment area The growth factors in the platelets kickstart the healing process, and kickstart the production of new cells, collagen and tissue. You should experience pain relief and injuries that heal faster as a result of your PRP treatment. It usually takes multiple sessions to get results, potentially stretching over several weeks or months. PRP therapy may make it possible to avoid surgery and the lengthy recovery that often accompanies surgery. PRP CANDIDATES Platelet-rich plasma injections are used for: Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc inflammation/deterioration/pain Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc injuries Spinal pain Tennis elbow Plantar fasciitis Osteoarthritis MCL injury Athletic injuries Gluteal tendinosis Chronic pain With PRP, it may be possible to avoid or reduce your use of pharmaceutical medications, in some instances. PRP FOR HAIR LOSS Platelet-rich plasma can be used to stimulate hair growth by injecting the blood directly into the scalp. The injections are a concentration of platelets from your own blood. While research is ongoing, the idea is that the blood and growth factors introduced to the hair follicles prompt the growth of hair. Find out if you are a candidate for this treatment if you are experiencing hair loss. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PRP WHICH SOFT TISSUE INJURIES CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP? Injuries and damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments are often treatable with PRP. Examples include: Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tendonitis Patellar tendinopathy and tendonitis Achilles tendinopathy and tendonitis Osteoarthritis of the knee Lateral epicondylitis Plantar fasciitis DOES PRP REALLY WORK? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP INJECTIONS? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PRP INJECTIONS TO START WORKING? DO PRP INJECTIONS HURT? ARE PRP RESULTS PERMANENT? HOW MUCH DO PRP INJECTIONS COST? ARRANGE YOUR CONSULTATION The only way to know if PRP injections may be right for you is to schedule a consultation. An assessment will be made of your current symptoms and health conditions, which help determine the appropriateness of platelet-rich plasma therapy.

  Link: Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

• IV Therapy

  Your body uses vitamins, minerals and amino acids to provide you with energy, health and wellness. IV therapy is a good way to get these nutrients into your body while bypassing the digestive system; IV therapy provides a direct route for nutrients to reach your bloodstream. This area of regenerative medicine is beneficial as a form of maintenance and rejuvenation, or as a way to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments for chronic illness. WHAT IS IV THERAPY? So what does IV therapy do, anyway? In short, it delivers vitamins and minerals into your body. While the food you eat and supplements you take must first be processed by the digestive system, intravenous delivery has an unfiltered route to your cells. IV therapy provides 100 percent absorption of the minerals and vitamins in the solution, whereas supplements taken by mouth can never be absorbed this completely. HYDRATION, VITAMINS AND MINERALS Depending on the specific ingredients you want to infuse in the solution, your IV therapy can deliver hydration as well as nutrition. The benefits are many: Replenishes nutrients Supports healthy immune system Boosts energy Promotes healthy aging Boosts physical stamina and performance Prevents dehydration Detoxes the system Soothes gut problems Eases chronic pain Reduces fatigue Prevents muscle aches The IV solution may help you sleep better and prevent mood swings. It may be the right way to sharpen your focus and concentration. IV solutions can help treat and prevent the common cold and the flu. WHAT’S INCLUDED? Common IV ingredients include: B vitamins Multi-vitamin Vitamin C Vitamin D Calcium Iron Potassium Folate Magnesium Zinc Folic Acid Selenium Glutathione Alpha Lipoic Acid The solution is customized and certain add-ins can be incorporated into an existing IV offering. You may also have the option of choosing the Myers’ Cocktail, named after Dr. John Myers, who developed the IV solution in the 60s. This IV cocktail contains vitamins B and C, magnesium and calcium. It is linked to an array of beneficial outcomes, including anti-aging. It has been used to address problematic digestion, fatigue, low energy and chronic disease symptoms. Whether you are an athlete wanting to boost recovery, a person wanting to cure a hangover, or someone who is dealing with the serious symptoms of chronic illness, a Myers’ Cocktail IV may be helpful to you. WHAT IS IV TREATMENT LIKE? The treatment itself is quite comfortable. You’ll be able to relax with an audio book, listen to a podcast or check your inbox while the solution is administered. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. You will get the appointment estimate ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. SCHEDULE AN IV TREATMENT Arrange an appointment today. First, you will choose the right IV solution for the symptoms or chronic illness you are experiencing. Afterward, you should feel more energetic and rejuvenated. Although scientific evidence is limited, IV therapy may boost your immune system functioning and help stave off colds, the flu, fatigue and other problems.

  Link: IV Therapy

• UltraShape®

  The UltraShape® System is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for reducing abdominal fat (abdominal-circumference reduction). It uses pulsed, focused ultrasound to target and and destroy fat cells. Because no heat is involved and the ultrasound waves are so precisely targeted, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue are not damaged. Undergoing UltraShape treatment to contour the abdominal area requires no downtime, and eliminates the complications that often result from surgical fat-removal procedures such as liposuction. A treatment takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and provides measurable results within only 2 to 4 weeks. The UltraShape System can also be used to reduce fat on the thighs and flanks (“love handle” areas). CANDIDATES FOR ULTRASHAPE BODY CONTOURING Almost anyone who wants to remove localized pockets of fat in the abdomen, thighs and/or flanks is a candidate for UltraShape body contouring. A typical candidate is only moderately overweight, but has areas of fat that cannot be dieted or exercised away. Anyone who wants a significant amount of fat removed would benefit more from a treatment such as liposuction. THE ULTRASHAPE SYSTEM PROCEDURE The UltraShape procedure is a simple one, with no anesthesia required. Before treatment begins, computer software is used to design an individualized treatment plan so that the the correct areas are targeted, and contouring is uniform. A handheld device (transducer) that converts electrical energy to ultrasound energy is run over the areas from which fat is to be removed. The pulsed energy, which contains no heat, destroys only fat cells; all other tissue is unaffected. The fat released by the destroyed cells is flushed naturally from the body via the liver. A typical treatment regimen consists of a total of 3 sessions, each performed 2 weeks apart. No recovery period is needed. RESULTS FROM ULTRASHAPE BODY CONTOURING Results from UltraShape treatment are visible within 2 to 4 weeks. Patients report seeing a decrease in fat and body circumference, and an improvement in body shape and skin tightness; overall patient satisfaction with the treatment is high. According to system manufacturers Syneron and Candela, in a randomized, controlled clinical study, “patients demonstrated an average reduction of 2.5 cm [per treatment session] in the treatment phase and 0.5 cm reduction in the control phase.” To maintain results, a patient must not gain a significant amount of weight, and should continue to exercise. RISKS OF ULTRASHAPE BODY CONTOURING Because it is noninvasive, there are few documented risks associated with UltraShape body contouring. In rare instances, it causes mild bruising, redness and swelling.

  Link: UltraShape®