Take up to 10 years off with Radiesse dermal filler

Radiesse is a unique versatile product used to fill deeper folds and wrinkles in your skin. Because of its components and duration Radiesse is technically an implant as opposed to a “wrinkle filler”.

Tiny calcium based microspheres form a scaffold to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen. In time the microspheres break down and are naturally absorbed by your body. Radiesse is safe, FDA approved and clinically tested.

It is used internationally in areas such as:

• Nasolabial folds (Smile lines)
• Marionette lines
• Bridge augmentation (Nose)
• Malar/submalar enhancement (Cheeks)
• Jaw line enhancement
• Hands

It is typically injected into the skin through a simple safe in office procedure. A local anesthetic is used, with little to no downtime. Most people return to normal activities soon after.

Side effects include mild irritation, swelling, itching, bruising and tenderness. These effects typically resolve on there own.









DeAnna Maher (RN.)
Clinical Manager. Sona MedSpa - Galleria

*Source: www.radiesse.com

Accutane is being discontinued

Accutane was first introduced in 1982 and has for many years been the final resort in the case of severe acne.

Hoffman-La Roche, Inc, the manufacturers of Accutane, notified the FDA that they were going to discontinue manufacturing Accutane (Isotretinoin).

Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Accutane, revolutionized the treatment of acne. Accutane alters the DNA transcription which decreases the size and output of sebaceous glands. It also reduces the number of bacteria in the sebaceous gland and on the skin surface.

The decision to discontinue Accutane was taken for business reasons, as the introduction of generic versions of Accutane since 2002 has eroded Accutane's market share to less than 5%.

But no need to panic!! The generic versions will still be available.

Sunbeds cause cancer , says International Agency for Research on Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously classified sunbeds as being a "probable" cause of cancer. That same agency is now recommending that tanning machines should be moved to "the highest cancer risk category" and be labeled as "carcinogenic to humans".

According to their report, sunbeds pose a similar cancer risk as and cigarettesasbestos - this is a strong view, and as can be imagined, have already drawn opposition from interest groups.

The proposal to reclassify sunbeds followed a review of research that concluded that the risk of skin cancer (melanoma) -- was increased by 75 percent in people who started using sunbeds regularly before the age of 30. Surely this must be a large percentage of the "sunbed demographic"?

Some more in depth coverage on this can be found at:

• CNN
• BBC
  

We have done several blog updates in the pass on the risk of cancer associated with tanning:

• Do you think indoor tanning is safe?
• Is skin cancer curable?
• Does it really matter if I tan?
  

Learn how the Alma Accent XL reduces cellulite and tightens skin

The video below shows Beth Storey, Clinical Direct of Sona MedSpa in Houston, explaining the new ALMA Accent XL, a revolutionary skin tightening regimen that uses advanced radio frequency (RF) technology to treat wrinkles and cellulite non-invasively.

Every new development that comes along claims to be an earth-shattering breakthrough, but of course they're mostly just gimmicks with minimal results. Let us explain the real scientific evidence that makes the Accent XL truly different.

Why do I have cellulite?

There is a series of books by David Feldman about life's imponderables. I'm sure the question "Why do women have cellulite" falls in this category!

Cellulite affects a very large % of women. Yes, there are those that don't have (or get) cellulite, but they are rare, and if you have a friend like that you would know... she's the one that everyone hates! Cellulite is the uneven and dimpled skin that ruins the backsides and thighs of women everywhere, that turns a day at the beach or pool into that dreaded moment... Cellulite is also rather indiscriminate when it gets to age.... as the photo of Misha Barton shows.

Most women get cellulite after puberty. But men usually don’t... (sorry ladies!). The connective tissue bands under men’s skin are crisscrossed (like a net), keeping their fat more evenly restrained. On the other hand, women’s tissue bands are more loosely organized in vertical columns, resulting in the lumpy appearance. Thanks to estrogen, women have more fatty reserves. But it gets worse.... with age, the connective tissue strands between our skin and muscle become inflexible. These tissue strands used to stretch to accommodate weight fluctuations.... So, as our weight fluctuates, the appearance of cellulite becomes more pronounced.

The causes are poorly understood, but involve a combination of skin architecture, alteration of connective tissue structure, vascular changes, hormonal factors, genetic factors, diet and lifestyle. Believe it or not, but even fashion seems to play some role..... Within the last few decades women went from (very) loose underwear around the thighs to tight underwear going across the middle of the buttock. The tight elastic across the buttock limits blood flow and circulation, encouraging the formation of cellulite.

Fortunately, as technology develops, there is help on the horizon. To the best of our knowledge there is still no ultimate panacea available, but for many women, the technology is available to make a huge improvement in the appearance of cellulite. We will cover this technology in our next post.

How can I reduce my cellulite?

Cellulite is a condition that, while rare for men (yes, men do get it!), can affect over 90% of adult women. We all recognize the bumpy, lumpy "cottage cheese" skin, but most of us don’t know what to do about it. While a healthy diet and consistent exercise can help to an extent, sadly, these lifestyle choices are not enough to keep cellulite at bay

There are many treatments available for the reduction of unwanted cellulite, but few provide adequate results. From lotions and creams to high-tech devices and medical procedures, it seems like there are millions of so-called solutions to younger-looking skin.

Like with any aesthetic procedure, cellulite reduction and body contouring treatments become more effective as newer technologies are introduced. The latest and greatest in cellulite removal technology can be found at Sona MedSpa. The Accent was recently cleared by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles. The Alma Accent is our newest weapon to effectively combat unwanted cellulite, reduce loose and sagging skin and remove inches from the thighs, hips and buttocks. This is not a miracle weight loss device! It needs to be supported by a healthy lifestyle.

The Accent is a unique cellulite reduction device because it combines two types of radio frequency (RF) technology - unipolar and bipolar. This dual layer of radio frequency allows this laser device to reach and effectively treat multiple levels beneath the outer layers of skin.



Undergoing cellulite removal with the Alma Accent is a fantastic way to experience a reduction in cellulite, a reduction in inches, and a tighter, smoother appearance overall. Once you undergo a series of safe, effective, nearly painless, non-invasive treatments, your skin will look and feel years younger.

Did you know that you could get a Liquid Lift for your hands..?

Yes, indeed! Typically, when we think about a "liquid lift", we think about minimizing fine lines and wrinkles in the face.... but there is no reason you cannot do that for your hands!

As we grow older, we typically take care of our "looks"... but our hands.... well, they end up showing our age.

Liquid Lift Hands – This is a very fast way to improve the aged look of hands. As we get older we lose volume all over the body, but it is very apparent in the hands with the protrusion of the bones and veins. This procedure plumps the hands to give it a youthful look that lasts up to 18 months with no down time.

We use the product "Radiesse" which is also used as a filler in the face.