Spider Vein and Varicose Vein Treatment at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Posted on April 15, 2013 by shucosmetic

Sclerotherapy is the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Spider veins are those tiny purple and red blood vessels found most often on the thighs and lower legs of women. They are hereditary and may be found anywhere on the leg or face. Varicose veins are larger and can appear raised with a bluish color, they may be quiet painful. Though these veins carry blood they are not part of the venous valve system so they are able to be reduced significantly through a simple office procedure with Shu Cosmetic Surgery at our luxurious Edina, Minnesota clinic.

Sclerotherapy has been around since the 1920’s. At our clinic we will use a tiny syringe fitted with a micro-needle to inject a small amount of sclerosing agent into the vein. This solution will displace the blood within the vein. It then causes irritation to the lining of the vein, making it swell shut. The vein will turn white then gradually disappear. Laser treatments may be used for small purple spider veins. The treatment is very tolerable with only mild bruising occurring afterwards.

Most of our patients here at Shu Cosmetic Surgery report little if any discomfort. A few may feel a mild burning sensation when the sclerosing solution is injected, but it stops in a few seconds.

Usually more than one treatment is required. In most cases, about 50 – 70% of the treated vessels will be gone for good. Some new veins may appear during the healing process so appointments are usually 4 – 6 weeks apart. During the healing process you will be asked to wear a special heavy-duty stocking to help keep pressure on the veins. This will reduce bruising, and help keep the treated veins closed. Any bruising will usually be gone after the first week. Your final results will be fully apparent after several months.

If you are ready to eliminate your spider veins or varicose veins call Shu Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation today.

Liposonix Non-surgical Fat Reduction Treatment in Minnesota

Posted on April 14, 2013 by shucosmetic

Shu Cosmetic Surgery is a pioneer cosmetic clinic in Minnesota that offers Liposonix, the latest non-surgical body contouring treatment. Liposonix system uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, which penetrates through the skin layers and into the targeted fat without harming skin or surrounding tissues.

The Liposonix non-surgical fat reduction treatment is unique because it permanently destroys the fat cells in the target areas without surgery or downtime. The body naturally processes and removes the destroyed fat tissue over a period of 8 to 12 weeks, leaving behind a slimmer, more contoured waistline. Clinical studies show that patients can reduce their waistline by one dress or pant size after a one-hour treatment.

The second generation of Liposonix is a versatile tool that targets unwanted body fat in specific areas like the abdomen and waistline. However, proper patient screening is critical in achieving good results. As Liposonix works best for patients of normal weight with at least one inch of fat thickness, it is also a great option for someone in Minnesota with a moderate amount of fat who does not want to undergo liposuction surgery or the downtime of it. With one or two Liposonix treatments, it may equal liposuction results.

Our clinic has developed a set of treatment protocols that has increased both our experience with the device and our positive results. Patients in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas should keep in mind that Liposonix is NOT a weight loss method or obesity solution and is intended for individuals who maintain healthy diet and exercise habits.

Benefits of Chemical Peels in Minnesota

Posted on April 11, 2013 by shucosmetic

Non-surgical skin resurfacing options for aging skin continues to expand in Minnesota. These skin rejuvenation methods including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, non-invasive laser treatment and skin care products may be used alone or in combination, which provide satisfactory improvement.

A chemical peel is an exfoliation technique used to rejuvenate aging skin. In a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. Over the next few days, depending on how deeply the chemical penetrated the skin, the skin peels off. The new, regenerated skin is healthier and more youthful than the old skin.

Chemical peels are divided according to the depth of penetration into three groups:
• Light peels (superficial): Glycolic, salicylic etc…
• Medium depth: TCA
• Deep peels: Phenol.

Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
• Soften fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin texture
• Reduce scarring
• Decrease age spots and sun spots
• Remove pre-cancerous actinic keratoses
• Help skin care products to penetrate
• Build collagen
• Give skin a youthful appearance

People in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas often combine chemical peels with other injection procedures such as wrinkle reduction medication and fillers to create global rejuvenation effect. A chemical peel is also commonly used after facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid lifts.

Treat Yourself to a Mommy Makeover Package at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Minnesota

Posted on April 8, 2013 by shucosmetic

The Mommy Makeover has become one of the most popular rejuvenation treatments for young women in Minnesota today. We are proud to offer this at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina.
While having a child brings so much happiness to you and those around you, you may not be as excited about the changes in your body. Now with the help of Shu Cosmetic Surgery you can reclaim your pre-baby figure with a combination of procedures known as the Mommy Makeover.

Many women of all ages in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas are self-conscious about their new body image after childbirth and would like to look and feel their best when returning to careers and hectic lives. It is important to realize that these procedures can be done on anyone wanting to feel better about themselves, even if your children are older.

There are several areas that we focus on with the Mommy Makeover at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Minnesota. These are commonly the stomach, breasts, and thighs.
Which procedures are generally included in the Mommy Makeover?

Liposuction: This is excellent for removing pockets of pregnancy fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Cosmetically speaking successful liposuction is measured in inches rather than pounds. Dr. Shu prides himself on being able to offer the most diverse types of liposuction in the state of Minnesota.

Tummy Tuck or Mini Tuck: This is a surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdomen wall and/or removing excess skin and fatty tissue.

Breast Surgery: We offer many types of breast surgery at Shu Cosmetic Surgery. We will help you choose your best option, whether it is implants, breast lifts, or a breast reduction.

Cellulite Treatment: This is a non-surgical procedure that provides a marked reduction in skin dimpling from cellulite and an increased appearance of skin smoothness.

Scar and Stretch Mark Treatment: At Shu Cosmetic Surgery we are proud to offer the latest in laser technology to improve or eliminate red or raised scars or stimulate collagen production to improve and eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.

Call Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, Minnesota today to book your Mommy Makeover consultation today!

Microdermabrasion in Minneapolis

Posted on April 7, 2013 by shucosmetic

Microdermabrasion is one of the easiest non-surgical cosmetic procedures you can get in Minnesota. It is essentially powerful mechanical exfoliation by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face and neck with diamond-tips. By using the diamond tip with fine surface, even people with sensitive skin can get a treatment from a skilled esthetician in Minneapolis. It takes about 30 minutes and there’s no down-time after treatment. For the best results, it is generally recommended get a series of 6 treatments about 10 to 14 days apart. You should avoid vigorous exercise and the sun after the microdermabrasion treatment. It is important to use a sunscreen, even in a cloudy day.

Microdermabrasion is an effective anti-aging treatment with multiple benefits.

• Softens fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin texture
• Reduces scarring and pore size
• Decreases age spots and sun spots.
• Help skin care products to penetrate
• Build collagen
• Improve local circulation
• Gives skin its youthful appearance

Do not get Microdermabrasion if you have:

• Extremely sensitive skin
• Diabetes
• Rosacea
• Active acne
• Skin infections or trauma
• Keloid scarring
• Skin Sunburn
• Taking blood thinners
• Had face injection within 3 days

Laser Hair Removal in Edina, Minnesota with Shu Cosmetic Surgery

Posted on April 3, 2013 by shucosmetic

For many men and women in Minnesota unwanted hair can be a nightmare. With our short Minnesota summers the last thing you want is to spend time shaving instead of enjoying the outdoors.

Getting rid of unwanted hair can be painful and time consuming. Until now the only options were hair removal creams, razors, or waxing. At Shu Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, our advanced approach to smooth sexy skin provides the ultimate solution. Now, men and women alike will have excellent results with our laser hair removal at Shu Cosmetic Surgery.

Laser hair removal uses a low energy laser to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to your shaving and waxing routine. Our technology at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, Minnesota transcends the older, painful hair removal treatments to deliver long-lasting results. Our laser treats more than one hair at a time which makes it possible to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, legs, and arms. Laser hair removal treatments will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft, but best of all it is safe, fast, and gentle method of hair removal.

With Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, Minnesota our laser can be used on almost any part of the body! The number of treatments you will require will depend on your hairs growth cycle as well as your age, ethnicity, diet, medications, and metabolism. Our laser slows the growing capacity of hair follicles in that growth cycle at the time of treatment. Since hair follicles grow in cycles you will need multiple treatments to deliver optimal results.

Laser Treatments at Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, Minnesota will not cause hair to grow back thicker, darker or quicker. In fact many times the opposite is true. Our laser will cause hair to grow back slower and thinner!

Contact Shu Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.

‘Top Doc’ For Liposuction in Minneapolis

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

If you’re searching for a cosmetic doctor in Minneapolis or St. Paul who can provide expert care and services for liposuction, you owe it to yourself to consider Dr. Steven Shu of Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, Minnesota.

Dr. Shu is a board certified laser surgeon and recognized as one of Minnesota’s pioneers in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. He was one of the first cosmetic doctors in Minneapolis to offer laser liposuction and is the only area doctor to offer all three of the latest body sculpting techniques: Laser Liposuction, Vaser Lipo and Body-Jet Lipo.

Helping you look and feel your best is what is most important to Dr. Shu. He doesn’t just focus on the cosmetic outcome of your procedure. He is equally focused on your overall health and well being. That is why he offers three different options for liposuction and will help you choose the treatment that is right for you.

Which Liposuction Technique Is Right For You?

• Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is the most popular form of advanced liposculture available. When it was first introduced, laser lipo revolutionized cosmetic surgery, appealing to a wide audience who wanted to improve their shape and tone without expensive surgery and lengthy recovery.

Today, newer techniques have emerged, offering better results for fat removal. Laser lipo is still highly effective and Dr. Shu uses this technique for patients who do not need significant fat reduction and/or would most benefit from skin tightening effects.

• Vaser Liposuction

Vaser lipo is the most used liposuction technique at Shu Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Shu recommends Vaser Lipo for men and women who want to get rid of unwanted fat and sculpt the body with greater definition compared to other techniques. Vaser Lipo can also be combined with laser lipo to harness the advantage of fat removal plus skin tightening.

• Body-Jet Lipo

Body-Jet lipo is a water assisted lipo technique that is most effective when used with fat transfer procedures such as Natural Breast Augmentation or fat transfer to the face, hands or buttocks. Body-Jet Lipo is very gentle and does not disrupt fat cells, keeping them healthy and intact for the highest rate of survival in fat transfer procedures.

• Liposonix

Liposonix isn’t liposuction. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical fat reduction treatment for those who are close to their ideal shape, but have areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Liposonix uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to “melt” fat tissue below the surface of the skin. The treated fat is passed through the body’s lymphatic system. Most patients drop a pant size within 8-12 weeks after a single treatment.

If you’re in the Minneapolis St. Paul area and considering liposuction, contact Shu Cosmetic Surgery for a free consultation. We will evaluate your condition and help you choose the liposuction procedure that is right for you.

Breast Reduction for Men under Local Tumescent Anesthesia in Minnesota

Posted on April 1, 2013 by shucosmetic

Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia) is due to either increased glandular breast tissue and/or excess local fat deposition. It can be treated with male breast reduction procedure with either liposuction only or liposuction with male mastectomy in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.

You are a good candidate if you are generally healthy and do not smoke or use drugs. Although adolescents in Minnesota may benefit from these procedures, it is good idea to wait until your breast development has stabilized. If your breast enlargement is mainly due to fat deposition and weight, a weight loss program with diet and exercise should be your first choice.

Surgical correction is very effective to improve the appearance of breasts in patients with gynecomastia. However, you should still have a realistic expectation. Patients who have significant skin laxity should have their skin tightened with new laser or Vaser technologies, or male breast lift. The deformity related to skin sagging after male breast reduction is one of the most common reasons that patients are not happy with the results.

Traditionally, male breast reduction procedure in Minnesota are performed in the hospital under general anesthesia. With the invention of tumescent anesthesia and the development of liposuction technology, male breast reduction procedures can be performed in the ambulatory setting under local tumescent anesthesia and mild sedation. New approaches of anesthesia can avoid the risks from general anesthesia and shorten the recovery time.

Shu Cosmetic Surgery offers male breast reduction procedure with cutting edge technology and new surgical techniques in the Edina, MN. People in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas appreciate our minimal invasive approach, high-quality care, and affordable price. Please call our office if you have any questions on male breast reduction.

Mechanism of Liposonix | Minnesota

Posted on March 31, 2013 by shucosmetic

In 2013, people in Minnesota are very excited in the new non-surgical fat reduction alternatives to liposuction. Liposonix is an amazing technology for non-surgical fat reduction available in Minnesota now, and it can reduce fat entirely without surgery and without down time.

Liposonix is a great addition for body contouring in Minnesota that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to disrupt adipocytes percutaneously. It delivers energy across the skin surface at a relatively low intensity, but brings this energy to a sharp focus in the subcutaneous fat. At the skin surface, the intensity of the ultrasound energy is low enough so that no damage occurs. The focusing of the ultrasound beam at specific depths beneath the epidermis, combined with proprietary application techniques, results in adipose tissue disruption. Once adipocytes have been disrupted, chemotactic signals activate the body’s inflammatory response mechanisms. Macrophage cells are attracted to the area to engulf and transport the lipids and cell debris. This results in an overall reduction in local adipose tissue volume. Some fat acids released from the damaged fat cells are probably cleared through lymphatic system. The clinical and histologic studies show exactly what happens under the skin. The histologies show clearly that adipocytes are disrupted by HIFU. The pathologies show the melting lesions in the fat tissue, but they are always at a safe distance from dermis or the epidermis. The correlation between focal depth, energy levels, and clinical results is evident. The average circumference reduction after treatment of the abdomen and waist is 1 inch or more. Liposonix also helps to tighten skin by its ultrasound thermal effect, which adds the benefit in body contouring.

Liposonix is a safe and effective technology for nonsurgical body sculpting by reduction of fat deposits. Shu Cosmetic Surgery encourages people in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas to try it by offering 50% discount for the 2nd area from April to June.

Fat Transfer: A Great Option of Breast or Butt Augmentation in Minnesota

Posted on March 30, 2013 by shucosmetic

fat transfer, also called fat grafting or autologous fat transplantation or lipoinjection, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat from one area of the body and places it into another area of the body, usually to improve the appearance of the new area. The concept behind fat transfer to the breast or buttock is simple: transfer fat to naturally enhance their shape and size.

Since German surgeon, Dr. Gustav Neuber reported for the first time on fat transfer on human in the surgery literature in 1893, it took a century for the medical community to accept the concept of fat transfer. Now it is widely accepted that fat is the natural filler for the cosmetic augmentation, and it is commonly used today for the hand and facial rejuvenation and breast or buttock augmentation. Clinical research on liposuction and fat grafting techniques continues, and progress is being made to better understand the benefits and risks of the procedures.

Autologous fat transfer involves gently removing fat from body regions with localized fat deposits. Under local anesthesia, fat tissue cells are liquefied with liposuction technologies. Once the fat has been dissolved, it is harvested through a gentle suction process. The harvested fat is then injected into the areas that need to be augmented.

fat transfer augmentation is getting popular worldwide. As a pioneer in the natural augmentation with fat transfer in Minnesota and the surround states, Shu Cosmetic Surgery has offered these procedures in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas over the past 3 years; it was featured in the TV Channel, Twin Cities Live program last year. Please contact us if you are interested in the natural augmentation or if you have any questions.