Velashape Cellulite Reduction and Body Contouring

“Lumpy Bumpy Blues”

If you are female you are probably blessed with cellulite, since over 90% of cellulite occurs in women of all races.  Cellulite is rarely seen in men, but 80% of women over the age of 20 have some evidence of cellulite due to a combination of hormonal and genetic factors.

To more fully understand what cellulite is, and why men do not typically suffer from it, lets begin this discussion with a review of the skin’s anatomy and the differences between men and women’s skin and fat layers.  The outer most layer of the skin is the epidermis and just underneath it lays the dermis, which is filled with hair follicles, sweat glands, blood vessels, nerve receptors and connective tissue.  Next comes the first subcutaneous (beneath the skin) layer of fat.  In women this uppermost layer of fat is organized into large upright chambers supported by vertical bands of connective tissue.  From these fat cell chambers, small projections of fat cells protrude into the dermis, creating that uneven appearance to the skin known as cellulite.

Cellulite is rarely seen in men because the epidermis, and dermis, especially in the thigh and buttocks are thicker and the uppermost layer of fat is organized into small slanting units, with a crisscrossing pattern of connective tissue rather then vertical bands. Believe it or not the differences in the upper layer of fat cell structure in men and women occurs during the third trimester of a baby’s development and are present at birth.  In fact, you are born with the total number of fat cells that you will have your entire life.  We become larger and smaller by a change in the size of the fat cells, not the number.  Research has shown that men who are born deficient in male hormones will often develop a fat layer similar in appearance to that of women, further emphasizing the role of hormones in cellulite development.

There are two types of cellulite.  The first type of cellulite is that which you can see from any pinch or compression of tissue in the thighs or buttocks.  An example of this is when you see the mattress look in our thighs when crossing your legs.  This is typical to almost all women of various ages, and is caused by compression of the fat cell chambers underlying the skin. The second type of cellulite is the mattress or orange peel appearance that a woman may have when standing or lying down, and is what many of us dread when we put on a pair of shorts, skirt, or a bathing suit.

Since the appearance of cellulite is due to the anatomy of the fat cells, it can be seen in very slender women as well as heavier women.  However, being overweight may cause a more pronounced cellulite development, while individuals with less fat and more muscle definition tend to have less visible cellulite, such as female athletes. In women, the dermis reaches its maximal thickness at age thirty.  As we age our skin becomes looser due to the loss or damage of collagen and elastic fibers.  This allows for more fat cells to protrude into the dermis, and explains why cellulite can become more obvious after the age of thirty.

Cellulite is not a disease, but rather the end result of genetics, hormonal influence, age, and the condition of the skin and underlying muscles.  The treatment of cellulite has been an enormous challenge for woman of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, and until recently there has been little to offer aside from good advice on exercise and healthy diet.

So what does work? Let us start by first reviewing what doesn’t work. Topical creams have little more than a brief temporary benefit to the skin since they are unable to penetrate the epidermis and dermis to have sufficient concentration in the subcutaneous fat, which explains their lack of efficacy. Surprisingly to some, liposuction is also not successful in treating cellulite and may actually worsen the dimpled skin appearance because it only removes deeper layers of fat cells and does not remove the upper subcutaneous layer of fat, which gives cellulite its distinct appearance.

With exciting new technological advances, we can now offer you a program to help diminish your cellulite, improve skin laxity and promote circumferential reduction of the thighs, buttocks and abdomen.   This is accomplished with the VelaShape from Syneron.  The VelaShape utilizes infrared light, bipolar radio frequency and mechanical manipulation with vacuum suction and massage rollers.  There are two applicators, the VSmooth and the VContour, which are used separately or in combination depending on the area being treated.

The combination of infrared and radio frequency energies, precisely and safely heats the dermal tissue and superficial fat layer.  This creates a higher diffusion of oxygen into the tissues and increases the metabolic breakdown of stored fat by the fat cells.  This in turn, reduces the fat cell size and bumpy appearance of the skin.  The mechanical action of the vacuum suction and mechanical massage rollers gently knead the skin to facilitate deeper penetration of heat and also helps in draining the excess intercellular fluids from the treatment area into the lymphatic system.  By reducing the fat cell size, draining excess fluid to the lymphatic system, increasing blood circulation, and stimulating collagen in the epidermis and dermis, the result is a measurable reduction in fat layers, circumference, and the appearance of cellulite with smoother and tighter skin.

Although individual responses vary, most people will see results after each treatment; however, some may not see results until a month after the 4th treatment.  It is recommended that each area receive 4 to 6 treatment sessions, and for cellulite, a maintenance schedule of one treatment every 1 to 3 months is recommended, along with weight maintenance, to maintain results.  Of course a healthy diet and regular exercise will not only contribute to your results, but also to your longevity.

For more information or to book your treatment, please contact us at www.emergemedispa.com or call 408-445-SKIN (7546).  We are excited to offer you the very latest treatments in cellulite reduction and body contouring, and we look forward to helping you look and feel your best.

The Emerge Team

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SUN EXPOSURE, SUNSCREEN, SUNBLOCK, AND SPF (Downlaod PDF File)

WHAT ARE THE FACTS

Using a sunscreen or sunblock on a daily basis is the best method for preventing the formation of pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions as well as preventing  premature aging of the skin which is characterized by dark spots, skin laxity and wrinkles.

When Should I Use a Sunscreen or Sunblock??

Sun protection should be used every day if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.  Most of us will receive this amount of sun exposure while doing routine activities.  Even on a cloudy day, 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds putting you at risk for exposure to the damaging rays of the sun.

What is the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?

Sunlight consists of three types of harmful ultraviolet rays, UVA, UVB and UVC rays.  The Ozone layer totally blocks the UVC portion of the sun’s radiation as well as some of the UVA and UVB rays. 

UVB rays are the shorter rays, also termed the sun’s “burning rays” and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.  UVB rays can be extremely harmful since they have the ability to alter the normal DNA of skin cells.  Ordinarily the body is able to repair itself from this type of damage, but with recurrent damage and injury from the UVB rays, the repair process cannot keep up and the stage is set for the development of skin cancer. 

UVA rays, on the other hand, are the sun’s longer rays, and thus penetrate further into the body where they are able to break down elastin and collagen fibers in the deep layer of the skin.  These UVA rays cause tissue damage that leads to wrinkling and loss of elasticity in the skin, also known as premature skin aging or photodamage.

UVA rays make up about 90% and UVB rays about 10% of the total ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth.  UVB rays can be blocked by glass.

The most dangerous time of day to be exposed to the sun’s radiation is between 10 am and 3 pm because of the angle and intensity of the sun.  Before and after this time the strength and radiation decrease by about 25% of the amount received during that 5 hour peak period.  Ultraviolet damage is cumulative, so over time there is an increased risk for skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

The Bad News

It is estimated that 25% of an individual’s lifetime exposure to the sun occurs during childhood and adolescence, 50% by age 40 and 75% by age 60.  Artificial tanning beds and sunlamps are associated with the same risks as exposure to sunlight.  Historically, tans have been associated with feeling and looking healthy.  However, statistics over the last 10 years have shown that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is associated with immunosuppression, cataract formation, photoaging, and skin cancer such as melanoma, squamous cell, and basal cell carcinoma.  Blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase an individual’s risk for development of melanoma. Skin cancer is more common in men then women, but it is the number one cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29.

The Ozone layer helps to filter out ultraviolet radiation.  The thickness of the Ozone layer varies with the seasons.  The layer over North America is thickest in late winter and thinnest in the late summer and fall.  Science has shown that the Ozone layer is decreasing which means less of the sun’s harmful rays will be filtered out.  A 1% decrease in ozone results in a 1 – 2% increase in UVB rays reaching the earth and a consequent 2% increase in skin cancers.  Clouds and pollution have little effect on UVA and UVB rays because as much as 80% of the rays penetrates the clouds.   Ultraviolet rays also penetrate to a depth of one meter of water.

Ultraviolet ray exposure increases by 4% for each 300 meter rise in altitude.  Reflection from sand, snow and water also increase ultraviolet exposure.   Humidity increases susceptibility to sunburn.

What Does SPF Mean

SPF, means Sun Protection Factor and will only tell you the product’s ability to block UVB rays.  No standard measurement exists for measuring how well a product blocks UVA rays. A product’s SPF can range from 2 to 50 or higher in some countries.  For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer then you can without sunscreen before burning.  It is important to also remember that SPF protection does not increase proportionally with an increased SPF number.  An SPF of 2 will absorb 50% of the ultraviolet radiation, an SPF of 15 absorbs 93% and an SPF of 30 absorbs 97%. 

What is the Difference Between a Sunblock and a Sunscreen

Sunscreens have traditionally been divided into two types:  chemical and physical.  Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that act as filters and reduce ultraviolet radiation penetration into the skin.  Most contain both UVB and UVA absorbing chemicals, but not all.   When purchasing a chemical sunscreen, it is imperative to make sure it is a broad spectrum product that will block both UVB and UVA radiation.  It is also important to look at the ingredient list because some products may contain PABA which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Physical sunscreens, most often referred to as sunblocks, are products containing ingredients such as a titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide which physically block ultraviolet radiation.  Sunblocks provide protection against both UVB and UVA radiation.  The amount of protection provided, although high, cannot be quantified in the same manner as sunscreen SPF.   Unlike sunscreens, sunblocks can be applied immediately before going out into the sun and are less likely to cause skin irritation.

What is the Difference Between “Waterproof” and “Water-resistant?”

How well the sunscreen or sunblock stays on the skin after swimming, bathing or perspiring is just as important as the SPF level.  The FDA considers a product “water-resistant” if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure.  A product is considered “waterproof” it is maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water.  However if you are in the water for any significant amount of time, it is always best to reapply the product frequently to prevent sun damage.

How do You Select A Sunscreen?

Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.  PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, was one of the original ultraviolet B protecting ingredients in sunscreens.  However, some people’s skin is sensitive to PABA, and it can also stain clothing.  Today, PABA has been refined and newer ingredients called PABA esters (such as glycerol, PABA, padimate A and padimate O) can be found in sunscreens.  PABA and PABA esters only protect against UVB radiation.  For UVA protection look for oxybensone, sulisobenzone, and Parsol.  Sunblock with zinc oxide and or titanium will block both UVA and UVB rays.  The newer micronized or ultrafine grades do not feel as heavy on the skin and are less likely to leave a white residue.

How Should a Sunblock or Sunscreen be Applied?

Sunscreens should be applied 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow sufficient time for a protective film to develop.  Sunscreen should be reapplied after prolonged swimming or vigorous activity.  Sunscreen needs to be applied liberally.  As much as 1 ounce (30 mL) may be needed to cover the entire body. Particular attention needs to be paid to the back of the neck, the ears, and the areas of the scalp with thin hair.  Sunblocks can be applied just before going outdoors as they are affective immediately.  They should be reapplied after swimming or vigorous activity.

What Sun Protection Products are available at Emerge Medi Spa

At Emerge Medi Spa we are dedicated to finding products that will work for all skin types, be effective and reduce the overall number of products that you need to put on your skin.  This will save money and time.  We currently carry 4 products for sun protection:

Rhonda Alison

Our Rhonda Allison line uses natural earth-harvested ingredients and pure standardized botanicals.  Rhonda Allison uses alternative preservatives to parabens unless there is a specific requirement by FDA for the over the counter product.  Therefore, individuals that are sensitive to or prefer to not use products with parabens will enjoy this product line.

Our Rhonda Allison sun protection products contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides, so falls under the category of a physical sunblock.  The two sunblocks are as follows:

Zinc Protection Cream contains 20% zinc oxide as well as aloe vera and green         tea extract.  This sunblock protects against UVA and UVB rays, is good for all skin types, is hydrating and contains antioxidants.   You will not need a moisturizer with this sunblock.  This block can be worn daily and under make-up.

SPF 30 Tinted block contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxides and is safe for all skin types.  It is non-irritating, no burning or stinging, and it is waterproof with an SPF of 30.  Can be worn daily under make-up or over a moisturizer.  The tinted formula may stain clothing.  Also blocks UVA and UVB rays.

Neocutis

Journee Bio-Restorative Sun Protection is the newest addition to our product lines.  Journee contains PSP, (Processed Sin Cell Proteins’), which were originally formulated to promote wound healing in burn victims.  In addition to the PSP, Journee also contains a unique blend of antioxidants including green tea extract, stabilized forms of vitamin C, vitamin E and melanin, micronized zinc oxide and a sun screen with SPF 30+.  Journee also contains a combination of sodium hyaluronate and glycerin which helps to hydrate the skin.

Journee is suitable for all skin types, is fragrance free and fast absorbing without residue.  It blocks both UVA and UVB rays while moisturizing and treating visible signs of chronological and photo-aging.  Truly the all in one day cream.

Vivier

Vivier Skin Moisturizer SPF 30 contains three sunscreens giving protection against UVA and UVB rays while moisturizing your skin.  Again, with this product you do not need the addition of a moisturizer.

Do You Already Have Sun Damage Skin??

At Emerge Medi spa we have many treatments to help reverse the effects of photoaging.

• IPL (Photofacial)
• IPL with Levulonic Acid
• Laser Genesis
• Vitalize Peel
• Vivier, Rhonda Allison, and NeoCutis products
• Sapphire

Please feel free to call for information on any of these treatments or schedule a complimentary consultation.

Remember there is no safe way to tan.  A suntan is the skin’s response to an injury.  Tanning occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin’s inner layer, which causes the skin to produce more melanin as a response to the injury.   As already stated, chronic exposure to the sun  will result in wrinkling, age spots, laxity and worse case scenario, skin cancer.

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