BroadBand Light (BBL) Laser Treatment For Sun Damage and Brown Spots in Minnesota

Posted on March 20, 2013 by shucosmetic

BBL is an innovative laser technology that sets standards for skin conditions associated with aging, active life-styles, and sun damage. The treatment is tailored to match your skin type and your desired results. The light energy delivered by BBL will gently heat the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate new collagen. This process will restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending its natural colors and making it smoother, vibrant and younger. In addition, the photothermal energy will eliminate unwanted melanin that produces pigmented lesions.

Any area of the body for Minnesotans can be treated. The most common areas are those most exposed to damaging effects of sunlight. The most popular treatments are on the face, neck, back of hands, chest and shoulders for those living in Minneapolis. The number of treatments one will need varies from patient to patient and your laser professional will personalize a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire.
The treatment is noninvasive and safe with virtually no downtime. You should be able to return to work, apply makeup if needed, and resume most of your activities immediately. Generally, there is no need for a topical anesthetic because it is very fast and feels similar to a small rubber band hitting the skin. Your eyes will be protected with safety shields and you may briefly feel a warm sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. The whole procedure may take a few minutes to a half an hour depending on the size of the area that will be treated.

After the treatment, you may experience some redness that should resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions, you will see a darkening of the treated areas following by fading and flaking off at a later stage. Your treated skin will feel smoother, fine lines and pores will be less noticeable, and sunspots or uneven pigmentation will fade. You will be sensitive to ultraviolent light and must avoid direct sun exposure for a few days following the treatment and it is always a good idea to wear sunscreen in MN whenever you go outdoors.

Skin Rejuvenation with Jessners Chemical Peel in Minneapolis

Posted on March 19, 2013 by shucosmetic

Jessners chemical peel is one of the most common chemical peels for skin rejuvenation in Minneapolis. A Jessners chemical peel is very effective in treating many different kinds of skin conditions. It is made up of 14% Salicylic acid and 14% Lactic acid with Resorcinol solvent. It delivers outstanding results and is able to treat acne, acne scars, hyper pigmentation, photo damage and aging skin. It is a good peel to be used on all skin types.

Your esthetician or clinician in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas will apply a solution to the skin with a consistency like water. It goes on very light and takes a few coats to fully cover the skin. It will have a mild stinging or burning sensation. This is temporary and will go away. The skin will start to turn white like frost. After the peel it will have a slight to moderate redness to the skin depending on the individual’s skin type. Shortly after the peel, the skin will start to feel tight. 24 hours later it will start to flake or peel off which can take 5-7 days. After the skin has peeled off, the skin will appear clearer and smoother.

While a Jessners peel gives great results, skin conditions are not corrected with one chemical peel. It is a progressive treatment which takes a series of peels. Usually a series of 6 treatments is required which can be done every 4 weeks. How many you need depends on the condition of your skin. It is suggested to get a Jessners peel every 3 months to maintain healthy and radiant looking skin. Using a medical skin care product line is also helpful to maintain beautiful skin in between treatments.

Sonya Stelmachuk – Esthetician in Shu Cosmetic Surgery, Edina, MN

Microdermabrasion-A Non-Surgical Skin Rejuvenation in Minnesota

Posted on March 16, 2013 by shucosmetic

Many people in Minnesota wonder what a microdermabrasion is and some are even a little apprehensive of the treatment. They fear that it will be painful and leave them with red irritated skin. In reality this treatment is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate the skin without Chemical peels , laser resurfacing or surgery. It is a minimally abrasive treatment that feels like a light scratching. The tip, made from diamond chips, will take off the outer most layers of dead skin cells, the stratum corneum, revealing the fresher skin below. It’s great for someone in the Minneapolis and St. Paul just beginning to take care of their skin.

The tip also has a vacuum attached which helps to take away the dead skin cells and will also stimulate circulation of blood to the cells which gives it a nice healthy glow. It also helps to stimulate the protein called collagen. We need collagen to keep our skin firm. As we age and our collagen decreases, we notice that our skin is losing elasticity and is starting to appear a little loose or saggy. Not only is the face treated but other parts of the body can be treated such as, the neck, décolletage and hands.

Microdermabrasion is great for treating mild skin conditions such as; light scarring, brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It is recommended to get a treatment at least every 1-2 weeks when treating mild skin conditions and every month to maintain healthy skin. A pharmaceutical skin care line, which works on the cellular level, is recommended to work with the treatments and to help maintain results in between treatments. There is no downtime with microdermabrasion . There may be some slight redness or pinkness to the skin due to the circulation being stimulated but that usually goes away within 30 to 60 minutes. After the treatment the skin will feel smoother and tighter and have a youthful glow.

Sonya Stelmachuk-Shu Cosmetic Surgery, Edina, MN

Why Is Liposonix Better than Any Other Non-Surgical Fat Reduction In Minnesota

Posted on March 14, 2013 by shucosmetic

The big buzz in the cosmetic field in Minnesota is non-surgical fat reduction. The latest innovation in the non-surgical body sculpting is Liposonix , which uses highly focused ultrasound to destroy fat cells. The fat cells are then gradually eliminated from the body over the course of 2-3months.

In the past, the people in the Minnesota had to either have liposuction to removed fat cells or have a series of treatments with machines using radio frequency or laser to temporarily shrink the fat cells. With Liposuction you do have the great result after permanent removal but all the common risks of surgical procedure, down time and the possibility of unevenness and lumpiness.

Radio frequency or laser has little risk and no downtime, but its effect is temporary and results are not very impressive and vary widely and require a series of treatments. These devices cause more skin tightening than true fat reduction.

Another device Cool Sculpting uses cryolipolysis in which fat is cooled to the point that the fat cells die through the programmed cell death mechanism. Each area of fat has to be placed in a cooling paddle and left on for an hour. If you have many areas to treat you could easily be in treatment for several hours. The areas that can be treated are very limited because you have to be able to put the skin into the paddles. If you have the tighten skin, it is hard to apply the paddles and more painful.

Liposonix uses focused ultrasound energy to heat up and destroy fat cells. A hand piece delivers the ultrasound energy to the area treated. Liposonix is more versatile in which areas you can treat than Coolsculpting, and treatment times are much shorter. You can treat an abdomen and “love handles” in about an hour. Most patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas lose an inch or a full pants size in one treatment. Also, due to the fact that Liposonix uses heat there are skin tightening effects as well. Coolsculpting has more chance to cause lumpiness in the areas close to frozen zones, but Liposonix doesn’t cause the bumpiness or unevenness at all. Results are usually quicker to see with Liposonix than Coolsculpting.

Liposonix can be a little more painful during the treatment. We usually give the limited amount of local numbing medicine before the procedure to make our patient comfortable. Liposonix also tends to cause mild bruising in the lower part of treated area, so it’s a good idea to stop taking aspirin and other blood thinner a week before having it done.

Chemical Peels in Minneapolis

Posted on March 12, 2013 by shucosmetic

Chemical peel is one of the most common skin care procedures in Minnesota. It reduces fine wrinkles and improves many other skin conditions. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing the top layers of skin to peel off in a few days. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled.

Chemical peels can be used to:

• Reduce wrinkles
• Improve mild acne scars
• Treat certain types of acne
• Reduce age spots, freckles, and melasma
• Treat the areas of sun damage
• Improve the overall skin texture

A series of 4-6 peels is recommended as results are seen over a period of time. During a chemical peel treatment, the skin is first cleansed then a prepping solution is applied to prepare the skin for the chemical peel solution. Next, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is applied to the face. The exfoliating agent is generally thin, almost water-like in its consistency, and is applied with a small brush, cotton pad or large cotton swab.

You will feel a warming sensation soon after the exfoliating agent is applied. Some people say they feel just a slight stinging; others describe it as more of a burning. It depends on the person’s skin. Everyone is different. Up to two passes of solution will be applied. Many estheticians in Minnesota use small, hand-held fans to gently cool the skin during the peel.

After your peel, your skin can look like it’s sunburned. This redness can fade in just a few hours time or last up to five days, depending on the strength of the peeling agent used. Using make-up to cover any redness after a peel is fine.

After a chemical peel , skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It is important that you use the skin care recommended to you to prepare for your peel ahead of time and to maintain your results after. Following the instructions that your esthetician gives you will help you to get the best results.

Facial Rejuvenation with Protein Rich Plasma (PRP) in Minnesota

Posted on March 11, 2013 by shucosmetic

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be defined as a portion of the plasma fraction of autologous blood having a platelet concentration above baseline. The higher concentration results in the presence of higher concentrations of numerous growth factors including platelet derived growth factors, growth factor, epithelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor. By concentrating platelets at a particular site, such as in the face, practitioners in MN have the potential to enhance the body’s natural capacity for healing. Platelet-rich plasma injections are used in the same way, and are particularly good for improving texture, tone, and color of the skin for those living in Minneapolis, MN. These injections are crucial as a rejuvenating agent because they can greatly improve skin color, elasticity, and smoothness due to newly formed blood vessels and collagen.

Results have shown an increase in radiance, improved texture, improved tone, and reduction of fine lines after 3 weeks following a PRP treatment. Some minor side effects from the procedure include possible swelling or bruising after PRP which typically resolves within 72 hours. The numbers of treatments required are based on one’s specific needs. Most people need 1 to 3 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart for maximum benefit.

Diagnosis of Gynecomastia in Minnesota

Posted on March 3, 2013 by shucosmetic

Gynecomastia usually occurs in newborns, adolescents, and men older than 50 years of age in Minnesota, but most cases of newborn and adolescent gynecomastia are self-limiting and resolve on their own. The prevalence of male breast enlargement in Minnesota men has increased in recent years; it is probably related to obesity, side effects of medication, the use of recreational drugs, an underlying medical condition, and/or exposure to xenoestrogens, which is present in many products. Pseudogynecomastia looks much like real gynecomastia but has no medical reason for being there except for the patient being overweight.

The differential diagnosis of male breast enlargement includes breast cancer, pseudogynecomastia, lipoma, sebaceous cyst, dermoid cyst, hematoma, mastitis, metastasis, ductal ectasia, fat necrosis, or a hamartoma . Diagnosis of gynecomastia is usually clear and straight without any tests. Your surgeon may occasionally also recommend ultrasound and/or a mammogram to rule out the very small possibility of breast cancer. The breast gland specimen is routinely sent to a pathological lab to confirm the presence of gynecomastia and rule out tumors under a microscope. Gynecomastia should also be distinguished from muscle hypertrophy of the pectoralis muscles in muscular male patients.

If a medical problem of gynecomastia is the suspected cause after reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam during the initial visit, you’ll be referred to an appropriate medical specialist for further evaluation. Laboratory investigations are recommended to find the underlying cause of gynecomastia, including liver and kidney function tests, sexual hormone, and thyroid tests. Additional labs that may be considered are to test the markers of testicular, adrenal, or other tumors.

Most gynecomastia patients in Minneapolis and St. Paul areas need a male breast reduction surgery to correct the enlarged breasts. Male breast reduction surgery is a highly effective surgical procedure in the combination of liposuction and surgical excision, giving excellent esthetic results. Shu Cosmetic Surgery uses minimal invasive surgical approach with local tumescent anesthesia and cutting-edge liposuction technology to achieve a great cosmetic result.

Microdermabrasion vs Chemical Peel in Minnesota

Posted on March 1, 2013 by shucosmetic

The women in Minnesota may be wondering which treatment is best for you, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion . What is the difference? A microdermabrasion procedure offers the skin a ‘rosy glow’ by removing the first few layer of Stratum corneum in the epidermis, but will not significantly change the appearance of the skin surface. This procedure may gently improve fine wrinkles or mild skin discoloration. Chemical peels will improve the skin’s appearance from slightly to significantly, depending on which peel you select. Chemical peels remove the damaged uppermost layers of skin. This procedure usually has more noticeable results. We often tell the women in Minneapolis and St. Paul areas that mild chemical peel is comparable to microdermabrasion, but chemical peels that are a medium level and above have a slightly more traumatic effect on the skin surface and more effective than microdermabrasion. However, chemical peel is a little more expensive than microdermabrasion.

Both procedures take about 30 minutes to complete and are effective on the face, neck, chest, back and hands. Chemical peels are available in different strengths: mild, medium and deep. Side effects of chemical peels include burning, swelling, and permanent changes to the color of the skin.

microdermabrasion does not vary in strength. A mild tingling and warm sensation are likely to be felt during microdermabrasion. There is really no downtime from a microdermabrasion.

A microdermabrasion is great for maintaining healthy skin and is suggested once a month. A chemical peel is best in a series of every 2-4 weeks and will help especially with sun damage or brown spots on the skin. Ideally, you should consider have both procedures and alternating them. A consultation with your skin therapist will be able to help you determine the best treatment plan for your skin type.

Vaser Lipo – Revolutionary Body Contouring in Minnesota

Posted on February 27, 2013 by shucosmetic

Everyone in Minnesota wants to look and feel their best. Are you bothered by specific areas of your body that seem out of proportion? You’re not alone.

Vaser is one of among the best liposuction in the world. This revolutionary fat removal procedure offers a safe alternative to traditional liposuction. Vaser lipo provides smooth, predictable results with fast recovery and minimal downtime.

From minor touch-ups to major transformations, Vaser lipo is proved to be efficient, effective and flexible. Whether you’d like to lose a few pounds in traditional areas — your waist, thighs and bottom — or finely sculpt your arms, neck or chest, Vaser lipo gives you the results you want.

Using a technique called LipoSelection®, VASER Lipo targets specific areas of the body. Ultrasonic waves break up and separate fat cells for removal, while leaving vital tissues unharmed.

With Vaser lipo, we can expect:
• Realistic curves and definition, even for hard-to-fix spots
• Easy removal of large quantities of fat
• Precise sculpting of delicate areas of the body
• Minimally invasive procedures that can be delivered in a comfortable, clinical setting
• Fast recovery times
• Smooth, tight results

Shu Cosmetic Surgery in Edina, MN started the Vaser lipo in the late of 2009 and has done more than 600 cases in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. It became Dr. Shu’s most favorite lipo technology for its effectiveness, efficiency, flexibility, and minimal invasion.

Gynecomastia in Minnesota

Posted on February 25, 2013 by shucosmetic

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of breast tissue in males due to either increased glandular breast tissue and/or excess local fat deposition. The term comes from the Greek gyné meaning “female” and mastós meaning “breast.” Gynecomastia can happen at any age and can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease, or certain drug use.

Temporary gynecomastia may occur physiologically in newborns and adolescence due to an altered estrogen-androgen balance. More than a quarter of adolescent boys may live with enlarged breasts for the rest of their lives, but majority cases resolve within a few years of onset without intervention.

“Puffy nipples”, one of the most common forms of gynecomastia in Minnesota, is characterized by a glandular tissue accumulation forming a dome shaped appearance to the areola. Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) induced gynecomastia is glandular gynecomastia that is common in bodybuilders after using anabolic steroids. Older men develop gynecomastia as a result of the natural decrease of testosterone production. These patients tend to have a greater abundance of excess skin around the areola due to age-related skin sagging.

Gynecomastia can occur unilaterally and asymmetrically. Unilateral type occurs when only one breast is deformed, the other breast is typically normal in both size and shape. Asymmetrical gynecomastia occurs when both breasts have gynecomastia, but each to a different degree.

Pseudogynecomastia is characterized by local fat deposition in breasts without glandular proliferation. It requires different treatment. The weight reduction with exercise and diet may improve pseudogynecomastia, but the treatment of choice in pseudogynecomastia is liposuction to the area.

Most gynecomastia patients in Minneapolis and St. Paul areas need a male breast reduction surgery to correct the enlarged breasts. Shu Cosmetic Surgery uses minimal invasive surgical approach with local tumescent anesthesia and cutting-edge liposuction technology to achieve a great cosmetic result.