Categories
Body Contouring

Addressing Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Innovative Solutions for Better Sleep

As a physician with years of experience treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact this condition can have on patients’ lives. Millions of people suffer from snoring and its implications, yet few seek testing and treatment. This article aims to shed light on the causes of snoring and sleep apnea, explore innovative non-invasive treatments, and emphasize the importance of addressing these conditions for overall health and well-being. 

Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Definition of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a common condition caused by the vibration of respiratory structures due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. While snoring itself can be harmless, it often indicates a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA involves repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and decreased oxygen levels.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 25 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. However, despite its prevalence, many individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated, contributing to significant health risks and decreased quality of life.

Causes of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Redundant or Floppy Soft Palate

One of the primary anatomical causes of snoring and OSA is a redundant or floppy soft palate. When the soft palate becomes excessively flexible, it can collapse and obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to vibrations that cause snoring.

Other Anatomical Causes

Enlarged tonsils, nasal obstructions, and a large tongue can also contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. These anatomical features can narrow the airway, making it more likely to become blocked during sleep.

Lifestyle Factors

Obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are significant contributors to snoring and sleep apnea. Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can put pressure on the airway, while alcohol and smoking relax the muscles of the throat, increasing the likelihood of obstruction.

Genetic Predispositions

Family history can play a role in the likelihood of developing these conditions. Individuals with a family history of snoring or sleep apnea are more likely to experience these issues themselves.

The Reluctance to Seek Testing and Treatment

Common Fears and Misconceptions

Despite the serious health implications of snoring and sleep apnea, many individuals are reluctant to seek testing and treatment. This reluctance is often driven by common fears and misconceptions.

Fear of Discomfort and Inconvenience

Many patients fear the discomfort and inconvenience associated with traditional sleep studies. Spending a night in a sleep lab, connected to various monitors, can be an intimidating prospect.

Misconceptions About Invasiveness

There are widespread misconceptions about the invasiveness and necessity of treatments. Many people believe that the only solutions available are invasive surgeries or uncomfortable continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

Anxiety About Lifestyle Changes

The idea of making significant lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or giving up alcohol, can be daunting. This anxiety prevents many individuals from seeking help, even when they know it could improve their health.

Consequences of Untreated Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Failing to address snoring and sleep apnea can have serious consequences for physical and mental health.

Impact on Physical Health

Untreated snoring and sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Additionally, sleep apnea is associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, individuals with severe sleep apnea are more than three times as likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those without the condition.

Mental Health Implications

Chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety are common among individuals with untreated sleep apnea. The constant interruption of sleep can lead to a decreased quality of life and impaired cognitive function.

Quality of Life

The impact on daily functioning, productivity, and mood cannot be overstated. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability, which can affect their personal and professional lives.

Non-Invasive, No-Downtime Treatments

The Search for Alternatives

Given the reluctance to undergo traditional evaluations and treatments, there is a growing demand for non-invasive, no-downtime solutions. Technological advancements have made innovative treatments more accessible, offering hope to those seeking alternatives to conventional methods.

Innovative Treatment Options

Heat Treatments

Controlled heat can reduce snoring by tightening tissues in the airway. This method is minimally invasive and can be performed in a clinical setting without the need for recovery time.

Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency treatments use targeted energy to shrink and stiffen soft palate tissues. This approach is effective in reducing snoring and mild sleep apnea, offering a comfortable and convenient solution for patients.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are another innovative option, using focused light energy to reduce the redundancy of the soft palate. Lasers are precise and safe, providing significant improvements with minimal discomfort.

Impact on Sleeping Partners

Morbidity to Sleeping Partners

The effects of snoring and sleep apnea extend beyond the individual suffering from the condition. Sleeping partners are often significantly impacted, experiencing both emotional and physical strain.

Emotional and Physical Strain

Partners of snorers often suffer from disrupted sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and increased stress. The constant noise can make it difficult to achieve restful sleep, resulting in similar health issues as those experienced by the snorer.

Effects on Relationships

The strain on relationships can be considerable. Partners may feel frustrated and helpless, leading to increased tension and conflict within the household.

Importance of Addressing the Problem

Addressing snoring and sleep apnea is crucial for the well-being of both individuals in the relationship. Improving sleep quality can enhance overall health, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships.

Categories
Body Contouring

What does Morpheus8 treatment do?

Morpheus8 is a skin-resurfacing procedure that remodels the deep layers of your skin using microneedling and radiofrequency therapy. The treatment is commonly used to treat wrinkles and scarring, but it can also be used on other parts of the body such as arms and legs.

Resurfacing The Skin

Morpheus8 is a skin-resurfacing procedure that remodels the deep layers of the skin. It’s delivered through microneedling and radiofrequency therapy, which is commonly used to treat wrinkles and scarring.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is also used in this treatment, as it contains growth factors that help heal damaged tissue.

Firmer and Smoother

The Morpheus8 treatment uses a small needle to create tiny punctures in your skin. These wounds will naturally heal themselves by growing new collagen and elastin fibers that help to make your skin look firmer and smoother. The heat of the radiofrequency also works to stimulate cell regeneration.

Many Layers of Skin at Once

Because Morpheus8 targets many layers of your skin at once, it can effectively treat more severe wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars and other types of skin imperfections than typical microneedling or chemical peeling treatments. It also yields better results than laser resurfacing treatments because it’s less invasive and doesn’t damage your outermost skin layers.

When you have Morpheus8 done by a qualified medical professional (such as those listed on the [link to website] page), the treatment creates microscopic channels in the skin that stimulate new collagen production in the dermis—the layer just below your surface epidermis—to fill in lines and creases from aging or sun damage. The treatment also stimulates production of elastin fibers to firm up sagging tissue.

Painless Procedure

RF energy is used to stimulate cell regeneration, a process that’s not painful. The built-in cooling mechanism minimizes pain during the treatment and improves the healing process after it’s done.

Morpheus8 uses RF energy to target many layers of your skin at once. It also provides long-term results; after just one session, you’ll see an improvement in your skin’s appearance that lasts up to six months!

The procedure itself doesn’t hurt—you may experience some slight discomfort while it’s happening, but nothing too bad. If you’re interested in having Morpheus8 done on yourself or someone close to you, visit our website for more information about this amazing new treatment!

Morpheus8 is commonly used on the face, but can also be used on scarring and uneven texture on other parts of the body such as arms and legs.

Conclusion

Overall, Morpheus8 is a great procedure for anyone who wants smoother skin and clearer pores. It’s a safe and effective way to get rid of wrinkles, acne scars and other types of imperfections. The best part about this treatment is that you don’t have to worry about any side effects because it’s not invasive or painful like traditional laser resurfacing treatments. Plus, the results are permanent! If you want more information on how Morpheus8 can help improve your appearance then visit our website today

Categories
Body Contouring

What is the downtime for Laser Hair Removal?

If you’re thinking about getting laser hair removal, you might be wondering what the downtime is like. The good news is that it’s pretty easy and can be done in just one visit!

The treatment lasts for about 20 minutes to 45 minutes.

The duration of a laser hair removal session varies depending on the size of the area. The larger or more intricate areas, such as your back, will take longer to treat than smaller ones like your arms. Your technician will also ask you to lie down so that they can cover all areas evenly and thoroughly.

The first treatment takes longer than subsequent treatments because it is an initial consultation with your technician and they need time to assess which laser settings would be suitable for you. They also want ensure that they are treating each area correctly so that no harm comes to your skin if there are any side effects from the procedure (which is rare).

Lastly, we advise continuing with at least four sessions before seeing noticeable results; however, this does vary between individuals based on their hair growth rate and skin type!

Self tanning products, tanning beds and sun exposure should all be avoided before the treatment

Because laser hair removal is a treatment that uses light to target and destroy hair follicles, avoiding direct sunlight for at least one week before your session is recommended. The reason for this is because the melanin in your skin can cause complications during laser treatment if it is exposed to intense heat from the laser.

It’s important not to use self-tanning products on your skin prior to your appointment because these products can create buildup of melanin on cells, which could increase risk of burns or scarring during treatment. If you have been using self tanner in the past year or plan on using one before your next session, let us know so we can make sure we don’t perform a procedure that could result in scarring!

You will need to avoid sun exposure after the treatment

You will need to avoid sun exposure after the treatment.

Sun exposure can cause the skin to burn and may lead to irritation, redness and blistering of your skin. You will need to avoid tanning beds, and sun exposure for a week after your treatment. Heat can also cause irritation and burns after the treatment. Vigorous exercise, hot water, steam etc should all be avoided for at least 48 hours after the treatment

The treatment lasts for about 20 minutes to 45 minutes.

The duration of the treatment varies depending on the size of the area being treated. Smaller areas generally take less time to treat than larger ones, but this can also depend on how many sessions you have scheduled. For example, during a first session, the operator may wish to spend more time ensuring that your skin does not react negatively to the laser. Subsequent sessions will likely be shorter since there won’t be any new growth for them to target and therefore no need for new treatments or fine-tuning.

There could be occasional redness and swelling.

You can expect some redness and swelling after your treatment. You should take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce any inflammation that occurs. Sun exposure is also a no-no for at least two weeks after your treatment, because it can cause more damage to the skin.

You will be able to resume your regular routine within 48 hours of the procedure and should see an improvement in hair growth in about 3-4 treatments.

Any medication that you are taking for acne needs to be stopped few days before the procedure.

You can resume taking medications for acne after the procedure. However, you must stop taking any medication that you are currently using for acne for at least 7 days before your treatment. This includes topical creams, oral medications and topical gels. It is important to speak with your doctor about this because some medications may increase the risk of complications during laser hair removal. If you are taking Accutane (isotretinoin), it should be stopped at least 1 year before undergoing laser hair removal treatment because it increases the risk of scarring or inflammation if applied to recently treated skin.

You will have to shave the area that is going to be targeted before the procedure.

Shave the area that is going to be targeted with a razor in the direction of hair growth. You should shave your skin within 24 hours of your procedure and never before your treatment.

You should avoid waxing or plucking a few weeks before the treatment.

You should avoid waxing or plucking a few weeks before the treatment. If you go to get your brows done and the technician notices that your skin is very red, she may recommend that you do not get laser hair removal until a certain period of time has passed. This is because it’s not safe to have any new growth on top of old, thickened hair and skin.

There are different kinds of lasers for laser hair removal; some are more effective than others depending on what kind of pigment your hair has. Your doctor will choose which type will work best for you based on whether or not it would be able to remove all the hairs without damaging surrounding tissue in an area where they don’t want any damage at all (like around eyebrows).

Results are not immediate.

The results of laser hair removal are not immediate. After each session, you can expect to see small decreases in the amount of hair at your chosen treatment area. However, it may take several sessions over the course of several weeks or months for you to see noticeable progress.

Treatments should be spaced out about 4-8 weeks apart so that your skin has time to heal in between treatments. This is especially important if you have darker skin tones because they tend to be more susceptible to pigment changes (darkening) or scarring than people with lighter complexions are; therefore it’s better not to apply heat sources too frequently on these areas as this could cause damage and discoloration over time.

Laser hair removal is an easy and safe procedure with little downtime.

  • Laser hair removal is a safe and effective procedure with little downtime.
  • You’ll need to shave the area before your appointment, but it’s not necessary to remove all of the hair. The laser will only target dark hairs, so if you don’t want to shave an entire area, just trim down any light colored or blonde hairs so they’re short enough for the laser to reach them.
  • It’s also important that you stay out of direct sunlight for two weeks after your treatment (you should wear sunscreen). This step is especially important when receiving treatments on both legs at once because exposure to sunlight could cause sunburns on multiple areas simultaneously—and no one wants that!

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the downtime for laser hair removal and how to prepare for it. If you have any further questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help!

Categories
Body Contouring

The benefits and methods of vaginal rejuvenation

The significant benefits

A vaginal rejuvenation has many positive qualities that go far beyond improved sexual satisfaction, although that is an incredible benefit too. It treats a wide range of issues and medical conditions caused by weakened vaginal tissues.

It restores tightness and functionality of the vaginal area and patients can resume regular activities extremely quickly.

The particular treatment method chosen can be customized to the individual patient and their needs, increasing its effectiveness.

And probably worth mentioning- It increases your partner’s sexual experience as well as your own, improving your self esteem and quality of (sex)life significantly.

How the treatment works

Typically, MonaLisa vaginal rejuvenation treatments consist of 3 total procedures over the course of 18 weeks. All of these treatments are conducted within the doctor’s office in a matter of 5-10 minutes, and do not even require an anesthetic as they are virtually painless.

So, if you’ve experienced changes in your vaginal health since menopause or loss of vaginal muscle tone, it’s OK to talk about it – because now there is a new therapy that really works.

Essentially, MonaLisa Touch Vaginal Rejuvenation can relieve painful intercourse, reduce urinary urgency, restore your satisfaction, and revive your relationship.

Given the immense benefits and stress-free treatment, there’s no reason not to book a consultation. you can reach us here.

Sources:

Categories
Body Contouring

Menopause: what’s changing down under?

As you age and as your estrogen levels go down after menopause, your vaginal tissue can atrophy. Great, right? After a lifetime of monthly cycles, hormones raging, and for many, childbirth(s), now this?

Luckily, menopause and post-menopausal effects need not be as dreadful, thanks to some nifty solutions like vaginal rejuvination.

But first, let’s take a look at what actually happens down there…

So, my vaginal tissue might atrophy. What does that mean?

It means your vaginal tissue becomes drier and thinner than it was when you were younger. It may also become inflamed, causing burning, itching, discomfort, and even bleeding. 

It can be good to know that because of vaginal atrophy, and as a result of aging you may experience frequent urinary tract infections, stress urinary incontinence, vaginal discomfort or bleeding, chronic urinary tract infections and painful penetration and intercourse. 

Goodness, after all that we think it’s time to move on over to that nifty solution, don’t you?

Enter the MonaLisa Touch vaginal rejuvenation treatment. It can help reverse conditions related to menopause-related vaginal atrophy. And for younger women, it can help tighten up stretched vaginal tissue (known as vaginal laxity) that can result after childbirth.  

MonaLisa Touch is an innovative, nonsurgical treatment that regenerates vaginal tissues and helps relieve a variety of vaginal health issues.

It is defined as a medical procedure that delivers a type of therapy known as fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser energy to soft tissues, such as the tissue in your vagina.

This gentle laser treatment regenerates vaginal tissue safely and effectively, providing you with a hormone-free, medication-free solution to a range of pelvic health conditions. 

Your treatment with MonaLisa Touch occurs comfortably in our offices and requiring no anesthesia. During your treatment, a small probe is inserted into your vagina delivering gentle laser energy to your vaginal tissues. The treatment lasts only about five minutes, and the laser energy delivered by MonaLisa Touch stimulates your vagina to form new blood vessels and increase the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that contribute strength and elasticity to your vaginal tissues.

Best of all, most candidates can return to their normal routine soon after having MonaLisa Touch treatment, although it may be recommended that you refrain from sexual intercourse for two or three days.

At Gentle Revive we have a team of compassionate, experienced women’s care experts that can help you decide whether treatment with MonaLisa Touch is right for you.  So if there are any questions regarding the treatment, and the intricacies thereof, please approach the authorities and Revive Gently. 

Sources:

Categories
Skin Treatments

The real dangers of sun damage and why you need to take it seriously

‘Sun damage’ is a catchall phrase that refers to any harm done to your skin by the sun and for many reasons prevention is better than cure.

Daily protection is critical for avoiding sun damage from both UVA and UVB rays. This is because much of the sun damage that accumulates in our skin is the result of daily incidental sun exposure.

Various studies have shown that regardless of the weather or daily activities, the skin of the people who used sunscreen everyday aged significantly better.

Start taking care of your skin now

Don’t wait until you see signs of sun damage to start taking care of your skin. Daily SPF is essential, wear sunscreen on any skin exposed to direct sunlight, and not just when you go to the beach.

Wear hats and sunglasses to protect your eyes and face and seek shade as soon as you feel the sun is too harsh.

Try avoiding direct sunlight at peak hours which varies depending on where you live, but usually occurs in the afternoon.

Wear light, breathable, long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible, especially if you’re particularly susceptible to sunburns. These may seem obvious, but current data suggest they are not always observed, to the detriment of our skin.

DNA damage to your skin

You can treat the aesthetic effects of sun damage. But you unfortunately can’t reduce or reverse DNA damage caused by the sun. Once DNA mutation has occurred due to UV irradiation, there is no way to undo that.

What sun damage actually looks like

Sun damaged skin can show up as actinic keratosis, wrinkles, spots, spider veins, a blotchy or ruddy complexion, and can even progress to skin cancer. It often looks different across skin tones.

In lighter skin types, thinning of the skin, fine lines and discolorations will be apparent. In darker skin types, discolorations may be the most prominent feature of sun damage.

UVA rays are generally linked to the aging of skin cells and tend to be the cause of wrinkles, sunspots and other signs of sun damage.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are the principal cause of sunburns, directly damage DNA in skin cells and are linked to most skin cancers.

How some damage can be reversed

While the negatives seem overwhelming, it is possible to reverse (sun damage) to some extent. This can be done by utilizing lasers, chemical peels and certain topical medications to destroy dark spots and vessels. You can encourage collagen deposition and remove the damaged layers of skin if you have discoloration, wrinkles, or fine lines.

At Gentle Revive we understand you dermatological and personal requirements better than anybody else. If you’ve been burned one too many times and regret the outcome, let us discuss what options you might have.

Sources:

  1. https://www.skincancer.org/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/
  3. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/
  4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Categories
Skin Treatments

Why do I get sunburn, but not a tan?

Have you ever wondered why you only need five minutes in direct sunlight to turn a bright shade of pink, while your friend Anna can spend hours outside and end up at worst with a revitalizing glow?

Note, however, that both are signs of cellular damage to the skin.

However, we can answer this by looking at what sunburn is.

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers. At the heart of it all is melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color and defends it against the sun’s rays.

How does melanin work?

Melanin works by darkening your unprotected sun-exposed skin. The amount of melanin you produce is determined by genetics, which is why some people get sunburned while others tan. Both are signs of cellular damage to the skin, and for people with less melanin, prolonged unprotected sun exposure can cause skin cells to become red, swollen and painful, also known as sunburn. Sunburns can range from mild to blistering.

Some people are more prone to sunburn

Skin type determines your susceptibility; people with fair skin run the greatest risk. But anyone can get burned. Even without a burn, sun exposure raises skin cancer risk. Even if you are tan or your skin type is dark and your skin does not redden, the sun can cause cellular damage that can lead to cancer.

How sunburn damages your skin

Sunburn hurts you in more ways than one. The danger goes far beyond any short-term pain, redness and discomfort, because after the sunburn fades, lasting damage remains. Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinomasquamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

As you get older and have accumulated a lot of time in the sun, those freckles are only some of the damage you are able to see. Sun damaged skin can show up as actinic keratosis, wrinkles, spots, spider veins, a blotchy or ruddy complexion, and can even progress to skin cancer.

The UV index factor

The UV index is a factor: The sun varies in intensity by season, time of day and geographic location. A high UV index means that unprotected skin will burn faster or more severely. Be careful, especially when the sun is strongest. But even when the index is low, the risk remains.

Repeat sunburns put you at a substantial risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging, so you need to protect yourself every day of the year. Everybody must ‘learn from their burn’, your skin will heal, but the real damage has been done.

At Gentle Revive we understand you dermatological and personal requirements better than anybody else, if you’ve been burned one too many time and regret the outcome, let us discuss what options you might have, and which solution is best for you.

Sources:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/
  2. https://www.popsci.com/
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
Categories
Hair Restoration

How we help you with Hair Restoration

Here’s some food for thought. Worldwide, about 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women experience some form of hair loss, with age listed as the most common cause. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden, while others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, or other garments.

Indeed, this affliction is a lifelong struggle. Once hair thins, the additional stress related to this condition may cause even further loss, and further stress. It becomes a vicious cycle and for the person suffering, if not properly diagnosed and treated, becomes a crutch for the remainder of their lives.

This, we definitely do not want. And thankfully there’s a way to deal with hair loss, not allowing it to be the root of your unhappiness.

The term “hair restoration” can be used to refer to many different procedures that include both surgical and non-surgical options. It describes any procedure in which a patient is able to improve their overall appearance through the restoration of a natural-looking hairline and thicker head of hair. The all-encompassing nature of this definition may be somewhat confusing to those who are unaware of the wealth of procedures available to patients looking for the best method for addressing thinning hair or hair loss.

Put simply, hair restoration seeks to promote increased blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. By revitalizing these hair follicles, it helps with hair cell proliferation. It then helps the best treatments stimulate growth and prevent hair loss in the long term.

But how does one seek to understand the wealth of procedures available to patients looking for the best method for treating thinning hair or hair loss?

At Gentle Revive Medical Spa, we have a great interest in helping people change. There can be many ways that people want that change. Age and sometimes nature can be cruel to us concerning our hair. Here at Gentle Revive, we are working with a method of hair restoration that uses the healing factors of the patient’s own blood to restore their hair.

By drawing blood and spinning it to get the platelet-rich plasma. The plasma then gets injected into the scalp in the areas where new growth is needed.

Three treatments are required within six months. Although our experience is that changes begin happening soon. It is also helpful to use some supplements and other natural growth factors to help with hair growth. We help with prescribing a full treatment protocol to get the best hair growth possible.

Sources:

  1. https://abhrs.org/
  2. https://www.webmd.com/
  3. https://www.bosley.com/
  4. https://robbreport.com/
Categories
Laser Technology

All The Latest Laser Technologies

Here at Gentle Revive, in Lindon Utah, we recognize that understanding laser terminology can be just as daunting as deciding which is your favorite laser treatment. We have the most lasers in Utah County, and the latest in each technology. With so many lasers, we have a lot of terms to know, and we are here to help you in every way.

Chromophore, IPL, and Lesions

Let’s start with a term that describes everything we will be lasing. A chromophore is what we call the molecule we are affecting with the laser energy. For one treatment we may be targeting hemoglobin (blood), another may be melanin (gives tissue brown colors), and another target may be water. For instance, if we are targeting age spots through the chromophore melanin, it would target the color and leave the rest of your skin alone. The same idea goes for any of the issues we treat with laser.

One method of targeting chromophores is called IPL. You may have heard it before, and it stands for Intense Pulsed Light. These are only wavelengths of light that are useful for the treatment. Any non-useful wavelengths are filtered out, such as the infamously damaging, ultraviolet light. There are many uses for IPL, such as hair removal, signs of sun damage and aging, acne, and redness. So then, what are those brown or red blotches of chromophores called? They have lots of names, but in the world of lasers, we sometimes refer to them as lesions. Not a wound, tumor, or an abscess, but simply a tissue that has suffered damage. Brown spots are called pigmented lesions, and redness is referred to as a vascular lesion. It’s not as scary as it sounds, and it doesn’t mean you’re terminal.

Photofacial and Radiofrequency

As for treatment names, most of them of them are pretty self explanatory, and others seem to be named by putting random words together. The photofacial is one of those. It doesn’t mean ‘facial that gets you ready for photos’ though it really could be. A photofacial is an IPL treatment that completely gets rid of age spots (sometimes called liver spots), redness, freckles, tiny veins, rosecea, and even birthmarks.

When you have this treatment, you’ll get crystal clear, gorgeous skin. It is one of many treatments we have to get you looking perfect for every photo. Another treatment that has a name that comes out of nowhere is our Radiofrequency treatments for wrinkles, cellulite, skin tightening, and real life air-brushing effects. It gets its name because of the way the energy goes back and forth during the treatments, This method gives very effective, efficient, and immediate results. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want the younger, smoother, brighter skin this treatment gives. 

Ablative and Non-ablative

This seems like an easy one, as soon as we discover what ablative means. It’s not quite as cut and dry as ‘elephant or not elephant’ though. Ablation means ‘removal of tissue’ and both ablative and non-ablative laser treatments do that, in different ways. So what differentiates them? What you can see. Ablative treatments remove the top layer of skin, and non-ablative treatments heat the tissue without breaking the skin. Both treatments are very effective for rejuvenating the skin, and going with one over the other is very individualized.

Ablative is the way to go for someone who:

  • Has deep wrinkles and more sever signs of aging
  • Has deep or pitted scars on the face
  • Wants to see huge results quickly
  • Is able to take time off socially while healing

Non-ablative is a better choice for those who:

  • Have mild to moderate signs of aging
  • Need improvement in texture, tone, and collagen production
  • Between ages 25 and 65
  • Is willing to have multiple treatments before seeing results
  • Needs to have no downtime

CO2 

You’ve probably heard of CO2, and you’ve definitely heard it called carbon dioxide. It’s the same thing. It is one of the first gas lasers to be developed, and is one of the highest powered lasers available. This ablative treatment works miracles on wrinkles, scars, sagging skin, age spots, sun damage, warts, and moles. It will clear your skin and give youthful skin. 

Fractional

Last but not least is the math one, that isn’t really about math. When a laser beam is fractional, it means that every time there is a stamp from the laser, thousands of tiny columns go into the skin to attack aged and damaged tissue. It works within both the dermis and epidermis, greatly stimulating collagen production and reformation. In this intensive treatment, the old damaged cells are expelled, and the healthy tissue is left unaffected, resulting in a faster healing process. Several treatments use a fractional laser, and we see excellent results with them.

Now you can walk into your treatment or consult and ask all the questions you can think of, having more knowledge of what you want to have done! We’ll see you then!

Categories
Body Contouring

How much weight can you lose with Orbera?

With any weight loss method, there can be some variables. The main variable is always the mindset of the individual. There are many tools out there that can help achieve the goal of weight loss. Finding the right one can be difficult. In this article we’ll talk about how much weight you can lose with Orbera.

Diet and exercise seem like a good place to start. We all have heard that diet and exercise are key to weight loss. This is true. We can’t go out and eat whatever we want and sit on a couch all day and expect to see results. We have to have some action. That’s where some of the weight loss tools can help. The tools help push us in the right direction. For instance, a health coach can help provide us with tips and tricks for eating healthier. Although, sometimes this isn’t enough either.

Weight Loss with Orbera

Orbera is one of these tools and it’s one that we offer at Orbera. Orbera is unlike traditional weight loss methods that involve surgery like gastric bypass, lap band, or gastric sleeve. It is completely non-surgical and has little to no downtime.

Orbera is a good option for individuals that are looking to lose 20-30+ pounds and have failed with other weight loss methods besides surgery. Orbera is usually for those with a BMI between 30-40. Things that would disqualify an individual from receiving the Orbera are previous surgeries to the stomach and bowel diseases.

Lindsey talks about how Orbera helped her listen to her body.

How Orbera Works

Orbera balloon shown inside the stomach.

Orbera is a grapefruit sized balloon that is placed into the stomach using an endoscope under mild sedation. Then the balloon is inflated once inside the stomach. The procedure usually takes only 30 minutes and is done in a surgical suite located in our same building. Once we place the balloon, it stays in the stomach for 6 months. During those 6 months and for 6 months after, you meet with Dr. Cherrington and our dietitian every month as part of one of the Orbera program options we offer. After the 6 months, we remove the balloon in the same way we placed it. Orbera deemed safer than weight loss surgeries like the lap band or gastric sleeve because it’s completely reversible, meaning that no part of the anatomy of the body was altered.

How the Orbera gastric balloon works.

As an added bonus, at Gentle Revive we offer a few extra perks that we’ve included into our Orbera program options. Things like a year of our silver or platinum memberships and free Morpheus8 radio frequency microneedling treatments are just a few of these bonuses.

In conclusion, Orbera is a safe tool for weight loss. Many people have lost the stubborn weight with Orbera, but determination to lose weight is the key. For most people it’s the last thing they try, but the first thing that works. To find out if Orbera is right for you, reach out to us and we can answer any questions you may have.

The Intensity Bundle Includes

$3030

Fire & Ice Facial Includes

The 4love Bundle Includes

MonaLisa Touch is a vaginal rejuvenation treatment.

Shockwave therapy to enhance the penis.

PRP injections for sexual enhancement for men and women.

$4000

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