Facials and Peels Archives | Elite Medical & Aesthetics

Red Flags in Aesthetics

July 10, 2024/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction

When it comes to your face and getting aesthetic treatments, expectations for the injector and medical office should be set high. This is your face we are talking about here!

At Elite Medical and Aesthetics we are grateful to have a highly trained staff of all RN & NP injectors, with real medical backgrounds, and we know we are in good hands when we get procedures done for ourselves. But, if we were looking to have a procedure done elsewhere, there are definitely red flags 🚩 we would look out for.

We’re not just talking about the crazy situations like counterfeit Botox or people contracting HIV in clinics either, yes these happened in 2024! But also some stealth things to look out for.

In this post we will go over the Top 10 Red Flags in Aesthetics to be aware of to keep you safe, provide natural results, and maintain a happy and healthy client relationship.

1. Prices are cheap:

If the price seems “too good to be true” it probably is. Quality aesthetic procedures are not cheap for many reasons such as: paying for authentic products, laser/IPL machinery, and for the licensed providers’ time. Not to mention the cost of additional supplies to do the procedure (syringes, gauze, alcohol, gloves, etc.), education to perform the procedure well, the actual office/office equipment, documentation software, support staff, licensing, insurance, high quality before and after care products provided, etc. Basically, it costs a lot of money to run a legit clinic and offer a legit service!

If the price of a treatment is super cheap or promoted on Groupon (talking injectables here and not a base treatment like a wax or facial), it should be an instant red flag! Typically if someone is offering a super cheap injectable service it is for one of these reasons:

They are brand new and have been given free product to practice, so YOU are who they are going to practice on.
They are using diluted products without telling you and just advertising a discount, i.e. charging you 1/2 price for a “syringe” of filler when half the syringe is actually mixed with saline (sadly we have seen “legit” clinics do this too 😢 )
They are using FAKE products or reusing products or supples, i.e. counterfeit or foreign (not FDA approved) products, sharing syringes or supplies between clients
They are treating their clients as just a numbers game, i.e. seeing as many clients as possible in the day rather than providing quality, individualized treatment. You can’t rush a great result 🙂 .

When it comes to aesthetic treatments and procedures you get what you pay for, and never settle to save money if it means risking your safety. Consider this equation for instance:

💰 Paid $300 for bad lip filler, had to pay $350 to have it dissolved then an additional $800 to be refilled= $1450 for lip filler rather than just paying the $575-800 the first time at Elite 💰

⭐️ Note- We’re not bashing clinicians that promote on Groupon with non-medical procedures or a base non-injectable treatment. It is when all prices are always bottom line, that you should be weary.

2. Places that over-fill or never say "no":

Medical spas and/or clinicians that never say “no” is an instant red flag for us. Dermal filler is lasting much longer than previously thought and it doesn’t always need to be touched up every X amount of months. We always assess our patient first in person before deciding if they could do more filler, especially in the lips where it’s a very delicate balance.

When clinicians keep filling no matter what it causes a “pillow face filler” look, where people just look puffy or distorted. Other trends such as “Russian lips” are also a red flag:

First off, this aesthetic trends can actually be unsafe for a client if their anatomy cannot handle the large amount of filler being injected.
Secondly, the filler looks great right after the injections, but when the client comes back in after a few months the filler is almost ALWAYS migrated and looks poor/over-filled. This then leads to having to get the filler completely dissolved or dissolved and corrected/re-filled.

Going to medical spa and/or an injector that is not afraid to say “no” is important, because they are the expert, and know what treatments will be best suited for you to keep you looking natural and like yourself.

💉 Also, just because an aesthetic treatment is “popular” or “trendy” does not mean it is going to provide lasting results, or is even safe for everyone. At Elite, our injectors have an artistic eye and ability to provide natural, balanced results for our clients.

3. Injector looks over-done:

Before getting aesthetic treatments done, research your injector and look at their photos and the work they have done from their before and after images. Oftentimes we see that injectors who look over-done provide over-done results.

💉 If you are seeking a natural, balanced, and harmonized look make sure your injector looks that way too, and their approach to aesthetic treatments align with yours. We always recommend scheduling a consultation with the provider(s) you are interested in going to, to ask questions and get more familiar with them and their work. Below you will see pictures of our injectors and how natural their Tox, filler, and skincare treatments are. 💜

Reminder: It is a true art to look at someone and provide natural, balanced results that enhance their appearance rather than just injecting everyone the same. We are unique in the fact that all of our injectors have an artistic eye and always focus on facial harmony.

4. Appointment times are short:

If your appointment time seems short or feels rushed in any way, this is often a red flag! Aesthetic treatments take time, and you should feel taken care of the minute you walk in, until you are checked out. Over-booking and cramming schedules full of clients can lead to mistakes, poor treatment outcomes, and unhappy clients.

⏰ For each appointment there should be an appropriate amount of time for the following:

Go over medical history & background
Go through informed consent and any questions or concerns
An explanation of the treatment and what to expect
The actual treatment, itself (if applicable)
Post care instruction explanation
Walking you up to the front desk for check out and follow-up scheduling

Additionally, through these appointment times, our providers like to get to know our clients on a more personal level and build a relationship.

5. The injector has no medical credentials:

Injectors should not only have appropriate medical credentials, but also proper training/ continued research in their specialty. It varies per state, but there are also certain medical requirements/credentials required for providers to perform different aesthetic treatments, ESPECIALLY injectables and IPL/lasers. You can search these requirements and a providers licensing with your state’s regulatory department (CO is DORA).

💉 Additionally, there are always potential side effects/risks with any aesthetic treatment, so going to a provider who knows how to avoid these risks and what protocol to follow if there is an incident is crucial for your safety. Most medical spas will have their providers’ medical credentials listed on business cards, websites, and even framed in their rooms, but if you are ever unsure what credentials a provider has, don’t be afraid to ask them!

Also remember, clinicians that have a license to protect not only have education and training to (hopefully) not do something stupid like buy fake products or share needles (they know the risks!), but they are also held accountable by a licensing board and worked very hard to get it=will work very hard to protect it.

Example of investment for Ali, NP:

5 years of undergrad for Sports Medicine and Nursing degrees
2 years for dual NP program: FNP, AGACNP
1 year aesthetics fellowship
Hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in education, licensing, and training to get to be a NP injector and business owner.

At Elite, you can find our providers’ medical degrees hung on the walls in their treatment rooms, listed on our website bio’s, and on their business cards

6. Constantly pushing procedures or acting "salesy":

If you ever feel pressured to buy products or procedures at a medical spa, this can be a red flag! The staff members at medical spas should have your best interest at heart and suggest the treatments and products that are beneficial for your individual needs. If you feel anyone is acting “salesy” or “pushy” they could potentially be trying to:

Meet commission goals
Push product that isn’t selling
Or have other ultimatums that do not benefit you, but benefits them

💰 At Elite, our providers and staff are non-commissioned. By doing this, it mitigates any pressure for our staff to “make sales” and lets them truly talk to clients and build a treatment plan that is going to help them achieve their goals.

*Note: This is not to say that automatically commission-based medical spas are a red flag, but to just be aware of this type of behavior in general.

7. Inability to answer basic medical questions or explain how they respond to emergencies:

If an injector/provider has a hard time answering basic medical questions that you have about a procedure or product, this should be a major red flag! If they are overly offended by what you read on Google this is a red flag as well. Providers that have appropriate schooling, licensing, training, and do continued research on each treatment that they offer, should be confident to answer any of your questions or concerns, no matter where they came from.

Informed consent is also a legal REQUIREMENT before any medical procedure in order to inform you on: risks, side effects, expectations, benefits, and any other medical questions that may arise. Additionally, each procedure/treatment should have a protocol for any emergency that may be possible for the treatment, and the provider should know exactly what steps to take if this occurs. So don’t be afraid to ask them!

💉 Remember, aesthetic treatments are elective, but they are still medical procedures and should always be treated as such.

8. Lack of communication & follow-up:

Communication is key for a successful and trusting relationship, and this goes for your relationship with a medical spa and/or injector. Most conflicts arise from lack of communication or follow up, and at Elite, we have set protocols to ensure our clients are taken care of, feel heard, and are valued.

Important forms of communication and follow up may include:

Friendly and helpful conversations with all staff members at the office
Reminder texts/emails/calls before your appointment
Easily getting ahold of the medical office during operating hours (and a way to get ahold of someone if there is ever an emergency during closed hours)
Feeling comfortable to share information, ask questions, and share any concerns with your injector
24 hour post filler injectable follow up/check in
1 week follow up with all treatments
Access to scheduling and booking a follow up appointment/any appointment desired (online booking, texting, or calling)

💜 Basically, you want to go somewhere where the relationship is continued, and valued, beyond when payment is taken.

9. They only offer products that they profit the most on, as opposed to the best product fit for the patient:

It is common to see medical spas bragging about “being the top account” for certain big pharma companies, and while this does show they do a lot of procedures, it also shows they have bias (in our humble opinion). This is because they typically either, a. work for that company, or b. order such high quantities of products from that company that they get a discount. This is a problem for us personally for 2 reasons:

It’s hard to stay objective when you work for the company that is providing you with all of the training and data. Ali, NP has gone down the rabbit hole on studies provided by pharma companies and has found big conflicts of interest, i.e. the company that provided the study also paid for the study and there are objective 3rd party studies with the exact opposite findings
When clinicians receive huge discounts to order just one brand of products, they are often pigeon holed into using that one brand of product, regardless if it is the best fit of safest for the client.

At Elite, we stay objective to “big pharma” companies and offer the safest products to our clients.

👇 Here’s 4 reasons why this is important to us, and why it should be important to you, too 👇

We only use the safest products based on research, NOT marketing or how the company can benefit from us and our product sales. Thus, we do not participate in the big pharma reward programs (that are collecting you data btw). See below for more info on our in-house loyalty programs and membership options.
We do not offer products/procedures based off of a brand name. A popular brand name does not mean it is the safest or best suited for individual clients.
We train on, research in depth, and try all products/treatments on ourselves before offering it to our clients. This ensures that products meet our high safety profile and cleaner, less-toxic standards.
Our providers believe that each client should be treated differently, and this does require different products! Ali, NP has declined being a trainer for any pharma companies to remain true to her morals and ethics.

Overall, this means that we can’t provide as big of discounts as some other companies that just use one brand, but at least you know what we are providing is ethical and safe.

Learn more about Elite Medical & Aesthetics’s values below:

10.injectors don't follow basic sanitary protocols:

We have seen on social media and, in many in person trainings unfortunately, many providers/injectors fail to follow basic sanitary protocols during procedures. This may include examples like:

The provider does not wash their hands or sanitize their hands before starting the procedure
The provider does not wear gloves or doesn’t change them if they touch something unsanitary (usually their face, phone or a door handle)
Hair is down and flowing into the area they are injecting filler (contaminates area)
Provider does not sanitize/prep the client’s skin before a treatment, i.e. injecting them through their make-up instead of cleaning first
Provider touches the needle when injecting or cleans it on gauze
Not sanitizing their chair/tray between clients
Bulky/hanging jewelry that is touching the client’s skin (contaminates area)

While some of these examples may seem to be “nit-picky”, they are really important, basic sanitary protocols that should be taken seriously during every procedure to prevent risk of infection.

Conclusion:

Overall, if you are going to do aesthetic treatments, make sure the medical spa and their providers align with your views, prioritize your safety, and make you feel comfortable and well taken care of. If any of these red flags 🚩 seem to be occurring and make you question your care, it is never too late to make a switch!

If you are interested in learning more about Elite’s values click the button below.

Elite Medical & Aesthetics is a premier med spa located in Lone Tree, CO that takes a holistic approach to natural results. We pride ourselves in having an all nursing staff of NP’s that put safety as #1 priority.

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Natural Aesthetic Treatments

June 17, 2024/in Facials and Peels, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction:

At Elite., we take a holistic approach to all procedures, and always provide a natural appearing result, but on top of that, we also offer several treatments that don’t involve traditional tox, fillers, or “pharmaceuticals” at all! So if you’re wanting to start treatments, but aren’t ready for tox and fillers, check out these more natural, and less invasive treatments first!

A few of these natural treatment options include:

Keep in mind these treatments cannot fully replace the effects/results that injectables (Tox, filler, bio-stimulators, Kybella, etc.) provide, but they are still effective at targeting specific concerns, focusing on anti-aging, and providing healthier skin.

🌱 Continue reading below, to learn more about our natural aesthetic treatments and their benefits.

Is Microneedling a natural treatment?

Yes, microneedling is a natural aesthetic treatment, because the micro-punctures from the device’s needles trigger the body’s natural healing process to build collagen and elastin.

At Elite we use FDA-approved SkinPen for our microneedling treatments to provide the best results possible for our clients. Not all regular microneedling devices are created equal.

Regular Microneedling treatments help with 👇

Softening acne scarring (or scarring in general)
Softening lines/wrinkles, and preventing them
Promoting collagen/elastin production
Providing a healthier skin complexion
Tightening pores
Routine anti-aging treatment

It is recommended to complete 3-6 treatments one month apart for the first series and then yearly maintenance after that!

Of note: for comfort, we use a non-toxic topical numbing cream on the skin beforehand but it is not required if you want a 100% natural treatment.

How is microneedling an all natural treatment?

Microneedling is an all-natural treatment because the micro punctures from the needles create a controlled “wound” in the skin, which signals the body to heal and repair itself, naturally. This treatment results in collagen and elastin production which is a natural process occurring within the body.

Is RF Microneedling an all-natural treatment?

Yes, RF Microneedling is a natural treatment! 👇

The microneedling portion works to increase collagen production by creating micro-punctures in the skin. These micro-punctures result in a controlled skin wound that then stimulates a healing cascade within the body to produce new collagen.
The radio frequency laser shrinks and tightens the skin by delivering radio frequency energy at selected depths for a youthful complexion.

All in all, the combination of heat from the laser and micro-punctures from the needling tighten the skin and produce collagen- making this a very effective all natural skin treatment!

Of note: for comfort, we use a non-toxic topical numbing ointment on the skin beforehand.

What are the benefits of RF Microneedling for the skin?

RF Microneedling benefits may include the following:

-Softening of lines and wrinkles

-Fading acne scarring/general scarring

-Anti-aging treatment

-Reducing large pores

-Healthier skin complexion

-Evens skin texture

RF microneedling is a popular treatment at Elite, because it not only improves the skin integrity, but it is very effective at reversing signs of aging. For best results, it is recommended to complete a series of 3 treatments spaced one month apart, and then complete quarterly treatments per year to maintain results.

Are chemical peels natural?

In general, yes *most* chemical peels are natural. There are several types of chemical peels on the market that range from mild to deep/resurfacing. To ensure the chemical peel you are wanting is all natural, it is important to know what chemicals are in the peel. More of the mild chemical peels include exfoliants derived from enzymes, botanicals, or fruit extracts.

Whereas some medium chemical peels may contain acids like:

Glycolic: derived from sugar cane
Lactic: derived from sour milk
Salicylic: derived from the bark/leaves of willow trees

If you are ever concerned about whether or not a chemical peel is natural, always consult with your provider to ensure the ingredients of the chemical peel aligns with your views.

Note: Vi Peel contains phenol to make it virtually painless. Some versions also contain other topical medications like: benzoyl peroxide, retinol, hydroquinone. Be sure to talk to your provider about any ingredients you want to avoid.

Click the button below to see an inside into MB’s VI Chemical Peel journey 👇

Are chemical peels non-toxic?

Yes, most chemical peels are consider “non-toxic”. Medical grade chemical peels are generally considered safe (unless there is a health contraindication and/or your provider does not consider you a candidate). While the word “chemical” can sound scary, these chemical ingredients are used regularly in aesthetic medicine to help people with the following concerns; melasma, acne, scarring, pigmentation, lines/wrinkles, and oiliness.

Oftentimes, low amounts of exfoliating chemicals such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic are found in skincare products too, to encourage skin-cell turnover for healthier skin.

🌱 Doing chemical peels and using medical-grade skincare with these common chemicals is a personal preference. Like mentioned earlier, most of these common chemicals are derived from natural ingredients, but there are other skincare and chemical peel options that are made up completely of botanicals (with no chemicals).

If this is important to you, we especially love Dr. Alkatis as an all organic, raw, skincare line! Always talk with your provider about what is important to you, and they will help guide you into a customized treatment plan.

What laser treatments are natural?

Laser and IPL treatments are considered all natural, because they manipulate the skin in controlled ways, to promote the body’s natural healing process and improve skin concerns.

At Elite, natural IPL/laser treatments that we offer include the following:

ResurFX– a fractional, non-ablative laser that targets lines/wrinkles and resurfaces the skin
IPL 3-in-1– a broad band light that targets discoloration on the skin (browns and reds)
Laser Hair Reduction– targets the melanin (color) in the hair to safely damage follicles and stop their growth
RF Microneedling– a combination of laser and microneedling to tighten the skin and promote collagen production

Of note: for comfort with certain lasers, we use a non-toxic topical numbing ointment on the skin beforehand

How are laser treatments non-toxic?

Laser treatments are considered to be safe and non-toxic, because the energy used in lasers, when administered by a licensed professional at appropriate settings, are not chemical in nature nor harmful to the body nor considered to be toxic or artificial in any way. Lasers treatments promote your skin’s natural healing process to improve skin concerns.

⭐️ Keep in mind that it may take a series of treatments to reach desired goals with laser treatments. We also recommend using medical-grade products in conjunction with laser treatments such as retinols, exfoliating pads, vitamin c, and mineral SPF to help maintain results in between treatments. The brands we offer have the most minimal ingredients as possible.

Is IPL an all-natural treatment?

Yes, IPL is an all-natural treatment that is very safe and effective at targeting discoloration concerns, freckles, redness, sun/age spots, and broken capillaries.

Also, IPL does not have any “downtime”, because it does not break or open the skin. Many clients apply makeup right after their treatment and go back to their daily activities. Check out a few of our clients’ results below 👇
Please note that spots will look darker and more dramatic for about a week though, so don’t plan any major events or professional photography or anything 🙂

IPL Results From Real Clients:

How is IPL an all natural treatment?

IPL is an all natural treatment, because the light energy is converted into heat energy that causes controlled destruction to unhealthy skin cells, which promotes regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. The natural healing process associated with IPL makes it a great, natural treatment option for those wanting to improve the following skin concerns:

Pigmentation
Freckles
Redness
Sun and age spots
Broken capillaries
Tightening of the skin

IPL is one of our most loved treatments at Elite because it tightens and brightens the skin.

What is an all-natural injectable option?

PRP/PRF , or EZ gel, are all natural injectable option, because they are derived from your own blood.

PRP/PRF injections are commonly used for aesthetic concerns like thinning hair, facial injections to help build collagen, and body injections to help overall skin integrity and/or cellulite concerns.

⭐️ Important note: While PRP/PRF injections are a great natural injectable option, these injections do not fully replace the effects and longevity of HA fillers or bio-stimulators. It may take several sessions to see improvement from PRP/PRF injections, as they gradually stimulate collagen production over time. They do not fill or plump an area.

Are PRP/PRF injections considered natural?

Yes, PRP/PRF injections are natural. As mentioned above, these injections are derived from your own blood. During this treatment, your provider will complete a simple blood draw at the beginning of your appointment, and place the tubes of drawn blood in a medical device that spins them at a specific speed to concentrate the platelets (many people refer this as “liquid gold”).

The concentrated PRP/PRF is then used in sterile syringes for the injectable portion of the appointment.

In the image above, the client’s blood was drawn, placed in the medical device to be spun, and the platelets are now concentrated/separated.

In the image above, the PRP/PRF has been transferred into sterile syringes, to then be injected into the desired area.

Is a "Vampire Facial" natural?

Yes, a “vampire facial” is considered to be all natural because it combines both 👇

1. Microneedling

2. PRP/PRF

A vampire facial is a trademarked brand name for a PRP/PRF facial. A PRP/PRF facial begins with a blood draw while topical numbing is applied to the face. Once the blood is drawn, it is then spun in a special machine to concentrate the plasma. After this, the microneedling treatment begins, and the PRP/PRF platelet concentrate (aka liquid gold) is put on the microneedled skin to help speed up healing, build new cells, promote collagen production, fade scarring, and provide healthier skin rejuvenation.

Is Neolifting an all-natural facial massage?

Absolutely! Neolifting is an all natural manual sculpting technique that provides the skin with many benefits. The only products used in this facial massage treatment include a cleanser to wash away any makeup/oil on the skin before the treatment, and an organic facial oil used for the massage portion, the rest of the treatment is the provider’s manual techniques.

Benefits of this treatment include:

Tones and relaxes facial muscles
Promotes lymphatic drainage
Restores facial posture
Eliminates spasms and blockages
Improves skin elasticity
Provides tissue nourishment
Regeneration of skin cells
Prevention of lines and wrinkles

All natural aesthetic treatment options

Overall, there are many all-natural aesthetic treatment options to choose from. If you are interested in starting a treatment plan, but want your treatments to be natural, consult with one of our NP providers to get a better idea of what’s best and most effective for you! Elite Medical & Aesthetics is proud to be a premier medical spa, that takes a “holistic approach to natural results” for our clients.

💉 If you are interested in alternative treatments that provide natural looking results with injectables read our recently published blog below.

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What Aesthetic Treatments are Pregnancy Safe?

December 4, 2023/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction

As you probably know, some things you are told you “cannot do” when pregnant, are not because they are known to cause serious harm but are simply because they have not been studied. Anything that has not been studied during pregnancy is generally considered an automatic “No”. However, there are many treatments that can be considered “theoretically safe” and others that have shown in retrospective studies to be “safe”.

Keep in mind though that every case is different and even if a treatment is considered “safe”, it may not be safe for everyone. Treatments are always considered on a case by case basis after consultation in the office.

This blog will help to cover our Providers’ insight into common aesthetic treatments such as:

Disclaimer!!

This Information is NOT medical advice. It is educational only and a very brief insight into how we approach procedures during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It is always recommended to get clearance from your OBGYN/midwife. Additionally, a consult is always required with us before any treatment, in order to throughly discuss procedures per your unique case.

Is botox pregnancy safe?

Botulinum Toxin injections (tox injections) like: Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau, Daxxify have become very common treatments and a lot of women are super bummed to have to stop for pregnancy. There are many people, however, that do continue to get these treatments during pregnancy for medical reasons (i.e. migraines or TMJ) and many people that had been getting them before realizing they were pregnant.

In those cases, we can look at outcomes over 20-30 years through retrospective studies (studies that look at data in hindsight) and these show there is not a noticeable difference in infant health with women who were pregnant and got botulinum toxin injections versus those who did not. Additionally, drug dictionaries such as Epocrates (2023) label medications like “Xeomin” and “Botox Cosmetic” to be safe during pregnancy.

However, since there are no placebo-controlled studies to show safety of botulinum toxin injections during pregnancy, we still recommend to NOT get this treatment while pregnant unless medically necessary. Come see us for all your Tox needs once your baby has arrived . In special circumstances, and with OBGYN/Midwife clearance, we will discuss the treatment with you but may still recommend against it.

Retrospective Study Link: HERE

Conclusion of a retrospective study. Link to full study above 👆

Drug dictionary definition for Botox Cosmetic and Xeomin.

Is botox safe while breast feeding?

Just like above, Botulinum Toxin injections are considered safe during breast-feeding in retrospective studies as well as in drug dictionaries like Epocrates (2023). However, it is still always a case by case basis.

Ultimately it is a personal choice and we typically leave this up to the woman to decide after she is given all of the pros and cons during informed consent. She will also be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that there are no double-blind placebo controlled studies and that she participates at her/her babies own risk.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get injections.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Is lip filler pregnancy safe?

The actual injecting of HA (hyaluronic acid) filler into the lips is theoretically safe during pregnancy, but the risks that can be associated with injecting lip filler make this treatment unsafe for pregnant women. Overall, lip filler is a “NO” for our EMA team and NP injectors

These lip filler risks and side effects can include:

Vascular Occlusions
Infection
Delayed/poor wound healing

Plus, anxiety with needles and general pain/discomfort with injections can cause unnecessary stress on mom and baby. Additionally, when you are pregnant, its common to retain more fluid than normal and can cause areas of the face (like the lips) to be more puffy and swollen than normal. Overall, you are not at your baseline for an appropriate filler assessment, and this aesthetic treatment is considered to be elective.

Is lip filler safe while breast feeding?

Lip filler is theoretically safe during breast-feeding but there are risks to every procedure. We require a 1:1 consult with one of our Nurse Practitioner (NP) injectors at Elite Medical & Aesthetics in order to do lip filler at any time, but especially if there are other factors such as breast-feeding.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get injections.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Is microneedling pregnancy safe?

Our Nurse Practitioner providers view microneedling (with a consultation beforehand) to be safe during pregnancy. Especially if you do not use the topical numbing agents, like lidocaine, and receive a lower-depth treatment (aka micro-channeling) to lower your risks.

Keep in mind though, that any time the skin is punctured or broken, there is a potential risk for the following:

Poor or impaired wound healing, especially if the treatment is done at higher depths
Unnecessary stress or anxiety triggered from needles

Although lidocaine is considered a safe drug during pregnancy, it is still a medication that was once used for cardiac reasons and it can effect blood pressure, making some pregnant women sensitive to it. It is best to avoid using any unnecessary medication (topical or internal) during pregnancy. A full drug dictionary definition is provided below

Overall, since microneedling is more of an elective treatment during pregnancy, it could be best to wait until baby is here to do a series of treatments at an appropriate depth for total results depending on what your aesthetic concerns are. Book a consultation with one of our providers if you have lingering questions about microneedling during pregnancy.

Is microneedling safe while breast feeding?

Microneedling is considered theoretically safe while breast-feeding so long as the client (the mom) is in good health. However, every treatment will require a 1:1 consult with one of our Nurse Practitioners for approval at Elite Medical & Aesthetics.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get the procedure if lidocaine is used.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Is IPL 3-in-1 pregnancy safe?

Technically IPL, or photofractional, is contradicted treatment during pregnancy, because there are no studies showing its safety during pregnancy. However, if the client is a candidate for IPL, is only spot treating certain areas, or is avoiding the use of topical lidocaine, this treatment could be considered safe (case by case scenario always). Overall, we recommend to consult with a medically trained professional, and to get clearance by your OBGYN/midwife, to see if IPL is a treatment that could be considered safe for you.

Note: Topical lidocaine, like mentioned earlier, is considered a safe drug to use during pregnancy. However, if it can be avoided, then that is best as some people can be sensitive to it and it can affect blood pressure in some. (See image above of lidocaine drug dictionary definition)

Is IPL 3-in-1 safe while breast feeding?

IPL is considered theoretically safe during breast-feeding so long as the client (mom) is in good health. However, every treatment will require a 1:1 consultation with one of our providers.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get the procedure if lidocaine is used.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Are chemical peels pregnancy safe?

Medium to deep chemical peels like our favorite, VI Peel, are not safe to do during pregnancy. Topical chemical peels contain certain chemicals that are not considered safe to put on the skin or inhale while pregnant.

Additional ingredients that are often found in chemical peels that are also NOT pregnancy safe include:

Retinoic acid
TCA
Benzoyl Peroxide
Phenol
High doses of Salicylic acid (products containing 2% or less of salicylic acid are pregnancy safe, as some women struggle with hormonal acne during pregnancy and this ingredient does help mitigate it).

Keep in mind that what we put topically onto our skin is absorbed through the skin into the blood stream. This aesthetic facial treatment is a definite “NO” for our EMA providers, to ensure pregnant mommas steer clear of potentially harmful chemicals.

Are chemical peels safe while breast feeding?

Some chemical peels are safe while breast-feeding but we do require a 1:1 consultation to discuss an appropriate treatment plan and various options during breast feeding.

Is facial filler pregnancy safe?

Facial filler during pregnancy is not recommended from our providers at Elite! It’s not that the ingredients of the filler itself is harmful for pregnancy, it’s the potential risks that come along with facial filler that could be harmful during pregnancy.

These risks and side effects may include the following:

Infection
Vascular Occlusion
Unnecessary stress from needles and pain
Poor or delayed wound healing

Important to note: your facial features change during pregnancy because it is not uncommon to retain more fluids and swell causing you to look a little more “puffy” than usual. Injecting filler into someone who is not at baseline is not smart anyways. Once baby has arrived, and you feel back to normal come see us for your facial filler concerns 💜

Is facial filler safe while breast feeding?

Just like with lip filler above, facial filler is theoretically safe during breast-feeding but requires a 1:1 consultation with a Nurse Practitioner.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get the procedure.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Is Sculptra pregnancy safe?

There could be arguments that Sculptra during pregnancy is safe, however at Elite, we still do not recommend getting this injectable treatment while pregnant, mainly because it is an elective treatment that could cause pain=stress during pregnancy.

Sculptra is made of PLLA (ploy-L-lactic acid) that is not itself unsafe during pregnancy, but instead it is the procedure and needle in the face that can lead to potential infection, poor wound healing, possible vascular occlusion, and unnecessary stress on the body. These risks and side effects are unsafe for pregnant women, so we steer clear of this and always put your safety as the number one priority.

Our general consensus is: maybe could be safe, but not recommend due to the risks of the actual treatment and that you are not at baseline for injectable treatments.

Is Sculptra safe while breast feeding?

Sculptra is considered theoretically safe while breast-feeding so long as the client (the mom) is in good health. However, every treatment will require a 1:1 consult with one of our Nurse Practitioners for approval at Elite Medical & Aesthetics.

When women do choose to proceed, many women will “pump and dump” the day they get the procedure.

Please be aware that for medical reasons we may at times still decline to treat if mom is not in great health postpartum.

Conclusion:

Again, none of this is medical advice, but more an insight into how we view aesthetic treatments and their individual safety during pregnancy being a women-owned and operated business. Oftentimes, medical spas won’t even consult with pregnant women, so we wanted to ensure we provide information that can provide a brief insight into what our NP providers believe and always offer consultations to talk through anyone’s questions or concerns in regards to this topic (as always, case by case scenario).

We take your safety seriously, and will always pride ourselves for being open and honest with our lovely clients

Elite Medical & Aesthetics is a premier med spa located in Lone Tree, CO. Our all nursing staff of Nurse Practitioners take a holistic approach to natural results with safety as #1 priority.

Talk with one of our providers.

Our Favorite “Glow up” Treatments

January 18, 2023/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Kybella, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction

The New Year is symbolic of new beginnings, and there’s often a theme within peoples’ New Years resolutions: Bettering Themselves. If bettering yourself includes skincare and aesthetics, you came to the right place!

Better skincare can also happen all year round. So, no matter when YOU decide is best for a “glow-up”, we are honored to be a part of the process!

In this article, we break down what a glow up even is as well as our favorite aesthetic treatments to get your glow on.

What is a "glow up"?

A “glow-up” is simply the process of making a major positive transformation in your life, whether that be emotionally, physically, or spiritually. And it is not just for teens and 20 somethings on social media by the way. You can have a glow-up at ANY age. What do you want to change in your life to look and feel better, for YOU?

So long as it’s for the right motivations (again, for you), aesthetics and skincare treatments can be a very helpful part of anyone’s glow-up journey. As the saying goes “when you look good, you feel good”. Apparently you can also make more money when you spend more time on your appearance, around 20% more according to this study.

We know that looks are not always the most important, but feeling your best is! That’s why we love what we do! Our goal is always for people to feel better when they leave our office than when they came in, even if they choose to have NO treatments.

What aesthetic treatments give you a glow up?

Depending on your skin goals, the aesthetics industry has something for everyone. From non-invasive facials, peels and skincare to more aggressive lasers, injectables, and skin tightening treatments.

For fast results check out services such as: dermal filler, botulinum toxin injections, and IPL.

If you’re willing to be a bit more patient, check out: Collagen stimulating injections, lasers, microneedling, and Kybella

Overall, we offer many services here at Elite but in this article we want to share some of our favorites from personal experience. Keep reading to see what we have had done!

MB's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Mini Lip Plump

Elite’s signature Mini Lip Plump is the perfect addition for adding volume and symmetry to the lips! This treatment provides a total confidence boost for anyone who has thinner lips, or just wants a better pout!

The Mini Lip Plump is Mary Beth’s favorite aesthetic treatment for a glow up, because a lot of people do not need a full syringe of filler in their lips to feel confident (a little plump, goes a long way 😉 ). This treatment also balances facial profiles and accentuates lip definition, all while looking and feeling incredibly natural when done by the right injector

Below you can see MB’s before and after images of one mini lip plump by Ali, NP.

Does lip filler give you a glow up?

When done by the right injector, lip filler can definitely be a glow up treatment. The smile and lips are often a focal point of one’s face, and lip filler can accentuate the shape, volume, and fullness of the lips all while still looking natural.

Lip filler can especially be a glow up for those with thinner lips or asymmetrical lips. At Elite, we pride ourselves on having injectors with artistic backgrounds that customize filler to each unique face, rather than just injecting filler the same into everyone.

Talk with one of our providers about your lip goals below 👇

Does lip filler make you prettier?

Lip filler making someone prettier is a relative question. Sure, some people are better candidates for lip filler than others, but this is where aesthetic treatments can fuel someone’s confidence without the judgement of others. If it makes YOU feel prettier, then YOU will attract more confident, beautiful, and powerful energy, thus making you even more beautiful!

Simone's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Kybella/Deoxycholic Acid

Kybella is hands-down 🙌 one of the most transformative treatments for anyone who is experiencing an unwanted “double chin” (submandibular fat) taking away chin/jawline definition.

Oftentimes a “double chin” concern can make someone look and feel heavier than they actually are, no matter their weight or health status. Simone has personally experienced a major difference in her confidence after just one Kybella/DA treatment. Kybella/DA by permanently decreasing the fat pad it creates contour to the chin and jawline area. Overall, Kybella/DA makes the facial profile even more beautiful and contoured than before…hello glow-up!

Below you can see Simone’s results from one Kybella/DA treatment.

Please note it usually takes 3-6 treatments for most people and not everyone is a candidate.

Does Kybella give you a glow up?

Ultimately, YES! Kybella/DA is a great treatments for a double chin for the right candidate, because it provides permanent slimming effects without having to undergo surgery or invasive procedures. Clients who might be good candidates for Kybella/DA are typically at a healthy body weight and have a “double chin” no matter what their weight is.

Does Kybella make you look younger?

Yes, Kybella/DA has the effect of making someone look younger because it permanently dissolves unwanted fat, resulting in a more contoured jawline and chin.

However, someone with already sagging neck skin may also need a surgical referral for a neck lift as removing the fat can increase loose skin in certain individuals.

Does Kybella slim the face?

Yes, Kybella/DA can have a slimming effect for the entire face. Especially if it is injected off-label for jowls or mild buccal fat pad slimming.

Talk with one of our providers about your Kybella/DA questions

Ali's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

IPL 3-in-1

Ali, NP’s favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate glow up (and one of her favorite treatments to recommend to clients) is an IPL 3-in-1 treatment.

Why? 👇

Evens out skin complexion from freckles, sun/age spots, redness, or acne
Reverses DNA damage from the sun, resulting in healthier skin
There’s no downtime or broken skin
Has a beneficial “tightening” effect to the skin’s tissue
Almost everyone is a candidate

An IPL (Intense Pulse Light) 3-in-1 treatment uses light energy that is converted to heat energy into targeted cells, which then causes destruction of the damaged cells to regenerate healthy cells, all with no downtime! Below are pictures of Ali’s skin right after an IPL treatment, and 7 days after. To learn more about what to expect after an IPL treatment, click the button below.

We call it a 3-in-1 IPL treatment because at Elite we do a full pass for age spots/freckles then targeted passes for small vessels and another for stubborn spots. Clients have described getting the results from 1 treatment that they got in 3 at other clinics.

Does IPL make your skin glow?

Yes, IPL 3-in-1 treatment results in healthy, glowing skin. IPL is one of Elite’s most loved aesthetic treatments, because it is effective in evening out the skin’s complexion, and requires no downtime! It is common for our providers to use this treatment to treat freckles, sun/age spots, redness, and acne, with a goal that our clients can feel confident in their skin (bye-bye makeup!). IPL addresses many concerns, and after a few short days post-treatment, glowing skin is revealed.

How long do IPL results last?

Essentially forever…if we never went outside again. However, as we continue to get sun exposure and age, sun/age spots and freckles will appear. It is best to do 3-6 IPL treatments, 4 weeks apart, and then complete maintenance sessions throughout the year, especially after summertime. This will ensure you are maintaining your results, and of course, keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Does IPL make your skin look younger?

IPL is a great treatment option for those who want to address several signs of aging. Wether the concern is uneven skin tone, redness, dull skin, or hyperpigmentation; IPL works wonders at achieving even, more youthful appearing skin.

Talk with one of our providers about your skin concerns and goals to get on a customized treatment plan!

Before and after images of Elite’s clients after just 1 IPL treatment to target hyperpigmentation and sun/age spots 👆

Our all-time favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Tox Injections

Tox injections (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) provide clients with a glow up by smoothing lines and wrinkles that start to form as we age. Common areas that cause static (at rest) and dynamic (in-motion) wrinkles are the 11’s, forehead, and crows feet, with a few other off label areas as well.

All three of us personally love Tox for many reasons 👇

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles and smooths the skin
With consistent injections, can help smooth static lines that are visible at rest
A quick, little-to-no-pain treatment that provides results within 2 weeks
Little downtime, usually just a day of restrictions
Perfect as a preventative treatment

Tox injections not only help to smooth lines and wrinkles, but they can also give a more youthful appearance. Many of our clients at Elite report higher self-esteem after they receive their Tox, making it an ultimate glow up aesthetic treatment.

Does botox give you a glow?

Yes, Botox or (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) gives you a glow by smoothing lines and wrinkles and making the skin appear more glowy. Tox can be applied topically to the skin through a micro-needling device, also known as our Elite Diamond Facial. This improves the texture of the skin, making it much more smooth and tight, also providing a glowing complexion.

Ps: we love Xeomin because it is a cleaner drug with fewer additives and provides lasting results! At Elite we specialize in a holistic approach to aesthetics, offering products that are more natural and just as effective 😘

Does botox make you prettier?

Potentially yes, and here’s why 👇

Tox injections help to smooth wrinkles and lines that can cause frowning or upset appearing faces, even at rest.

For example: someone constantly looks upset because the 11’s (glabella lines) are pronounced, even when they are happy or showing no emotion at all. The Tox injections smooth those lines and wrinkles, assisting in a happier appearance at rest and in motion.

But rest assured, when injected by the right provider, you will not be frozen or expressionless. Results provided will be natural and customized to your goals. Check out some before and after images of 11’s Tox below 👇

Conclusion

Aesthetic treatments can be a great stepping stone for a glow up this year! There are a wide range of services that we offer to fit individual concerns and goals, but we hope this article named a few that may be of interest to you.

Wether you are looking for subtle changes in a skincare routine or a total transformation, our providers at Elite take a holistic and artistic approach to treatments that give our clients natural, beautifully enhanced results.

If you are located in the Lone Tree, CO area, talk with one of our providers about your aesthetic goals. Elite is a premier med spa with an all RN and NP nursing staff. We prioritize safety and provide holistic, natural results.

Acne: Treatments, types, & causes

August 29, 2022/in Facials and Peels, Laser and IPL, Services /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans yearly. It is actually common in all Westernized nations, affecting 85% of adolescence according to MDedge, but no acne has been found in certain developing countries. Why is that?

Keep reading to gain a better understanding of acne, it’s types, causes, and best aesthetic treatments at Elite Medical and Aesthetics to help.

What is acne?

Before we get into all of the details of acne, let’s start with the basics, what is acne anyway? Acne is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands (oil and sweat producing glands) characterized by pimples. It is most common in teens and in developed countries (more on this below).

What are the different types of acne?

Although there are many different types of acne, to keep it simple, we will group them into 4 different categories: blackhead/whiteheads, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Below is a definition table to show the different types of acne.

Blackheads/whiteheads

Blackheads are tiny clogged pores that have oxidized turning them black. Whereas whiteheads are clogged pores that have not oxidized and are still covered by skin.

Pustules

Smaller, inflamed bumps that are filled with pus from an overproduction of oil and built-up bacteria. Can feel tender to the touch.

Nodules

Swollen and hard bumps or knots that the eye can see, but there is no whitehead or pus.

Cysts

Inflammatory, pus-filled boils or knots that are deep under the skin and never come to a head.

What type of acne is most common?

While each individual is different, the most common types of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. This type of acne can occur at any stage of life (male or female) due to the natural oil production of skin and it occasionally clogging pores.

What type of acne is most likely to scar?

If you pick at any of these acne lesions, chances of scarring is high. However, if you do not pick at the skin, cysts and nodules are more likely to scar because they lie deep within the skin for longer periods of time causing inflammation. If you do experience acne scarring, do not worry it is treatable! Read more about acne scarring below.

Why is acne more common in the United States?

According to MDedge, NO acne has been found in developing nations living under Paleolithic conditions, but around 85% of adolescence in 1st world countries have acne. The amount of acne found in developed countries cannot be explained by genetics either. Rather, our diets and lifestyle create an inflammatory condition that leads to a cascade within the body that is also showing up on the skin (as acne). Remember that our skin is often a reflection of our inner health.

What are Paleolithic conditions anyway? This is a diet without preservatives, refined or manufactured foods, processed dairy or artificial ingredients. It’s basically a hunter/gatherer diet. So if following this diet think that if you can’t hunt it, gather it, or make it up in your kitchen yourself, don’t eat it. People following this diet/lifestyle are also usually more active. If you have to hunt or gather your food that means you’re walking and moving quite a bit!

What age can you get acne?

You can get acne at any age! Although, the most common age range to get acne is 14-19 because that is when most people experience hormonal changes called puberty. During puberty, oil glands become more active and combined with inflammation = Acne. However, Acne can appear on infants and can continue into adulthood, too.

What is adult acne?

Simply, adult acne is any type of acne from mild to severe that appears after the age of 25 (post-adolescent). In some cases, people will continue to get acne well into their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s+. Women tend to get adult acne more often than men because of the hormonal stages they can experience: pregnancy, mensuration, & menopause. “Adult on-set acne” can also occur from stress, environmental factors, and genetics. More information on acne causes below!

At what age does acne go away?

Generally speaking, acne starts to go away in peoples mid-20’s, but every individual is different. Some people may experience acne later in life, and some may never get acne. Reminder that acne is a skin condition, and is different than getting a pimple every now-and-then which is part of being human 🙂 .

What causes acne?

While we wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it is completely individualized. Scientifically speaking, the way acne is formed is through an excess amount of oil (sebum) production and dead skin cells that clog the skin’s pores (thus gathers built-up bacteria). But, it is important to learn why the excess oil production is happening within the body.

However, there are several different factors that can trigger acne in people. Some of the main causes linked to acne may include: stress, diet, hormones, & environmental factors. Keep reading below for more in-depth information!
Reading above that acne doesn’t exist in developing countries following a Paleolithic lifestyle really makes you think though!

Does stress cause acne?

Yes, stress can be a cause/trigger of acne. When the body is stressed out, in flight-or-fight mode, it releases stress hormones like cortisol and androgens. These stress hormones increase production of the skin’s sebum and oil, and also increase inflammation in the body, thus leading to or worsening acne in some individuals.

What does stress acne look like?

While there is no specific way stress related acne looks, it can tend to appear more inflamed and the skin will also look more oily. This will look different for each person, but depending on the level of stress and duration of stress, it can be a mixture of pustules, nodules, and even cysts at times.

What are ways to help manage stress acne?

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but finding ways to help reduce stress is crucial not only for acne but also overall health. Here are some ways to help manage stress:

Meditating- even guided meditations are helpful
Journaling
Gratitude
Exercising
Talking with trusted family/friends
Therapy
Walking outside/grounding with nature
A calming hobby such as hiking, fishing, drawing etc.
Deep breathing exercises
Taking a bath or getting a soothing massage
An act of self-care, whatever fills your cup!
Living more in the now, rather than past or future

Does diet effect acne?

There are studies that show that following a balanced, low-glycemic (low-sugar) diet can lead to less acne and reduce total body inflammation (a culprit to acne). This isn’t necessarily a “diet”, but rather a healthy way of nourishing your body for optimal health and hormone regulation. Usually, this includes eating foods like the following:

Vegetables
Quality animal proteins
Fruit
Grains
Legumes or beans
Limiting sugar, alcohol, vegetable oils, dairy, and gluten
Eating organic produce or soaking in vinegar prior to consuming

What foods can trigger acne?

If you are struggling with acne it is best to avoid or limit:

Dairy– due to hormones and increasing inflammation in the body
Gluten– leads to conditions like leaky gut= increases inflammation
Sugar– affects hormones and increases inflammation
Caffeine– increases stress hormones and inflammation
Vegetable oils, and processed foods– fat is not the problem but the wrong kind of fat, such as super inflammatory PUFAs in vegetable/seed oils can contribute to acne

What foods can help acne?

Like mentioned earlier, eating a balanced, whole diet that includes: vegetables (especially dark leafy greens), fresh fruits, probiotic rich foods (kimchi, sour kraut, yogurts), fish/salmon, chicken, whole grains, beans, almonds, sweet potatoes, and seeds like flax, chia, pumpkin and sunflower. Also, ensuring that your body is well hydrated with water, herbal teas, and electrolytes is important.

There are also helpful herbal supplements and vitamins that may reduce acne, but it is best to consult with a provider for individual concerns.

Do hormones affect acne?

Yes, hormone fluctuations can be a major cause of acne, also known as “hormonal acne”. This can happen all throughout the different stages of human life. Even infants can experience hormonal acne as they start growing. Hormonal acne is especially seen at time of puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and even in cases of PCOS, endometriosis, and other hormonal medical condition.

Remember that just because something is common, does not mean that it is normal! If hormones are out of whack leading to acne this is a symptom of an underlying cause. Likely diet and lifestyle changes are needed to correct.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is linked to the body’s hormone fluctuations and imbalances. More specifically, hormonal acne is a result of your body producing more androgens, such as testosterone, than it actually needs. Which in turn causes the skin to produce more oil and acne. This type of acne tends to be more inflammatory and cystic formed along the chin and jawline, but can look different for everyone.

What are triggers of hormonal acne?

While triggers for each individual may vary, there are some main triggers and causes of hormonal acne, which include:

Stress
PCOS
Pregnancy
Puberty
Excessive sugar, dairy, or gluten consumption
Some birth control methods
Inconsistent menstrual cycles

Is hormonal acne preventable?

Hormonal acne is preventable, and treatable, but it can take a lot of work. Many people assume they are victims of circumstance if they get acne during their teen years. Especially if they are told that their parent and sibling had it too and it’s just “genetics”. However, the more we learn about holistic treatments, and getting to the underlying cause of conditions, the more we learn that we do have control over our health.

In the case of teen acne, consider that there are many factors leading up to acne that used to be considered genetic and now we think could be environmental that lead to acne such as:

Conditions in-utero: How did Mom eat during pregnancy? Was she super stressed? These conditions set the stage for our health in early life. Not within our control at that time but can be helped later in life.
Mom’s microbiome: we inherit mom’s microbiome when coming out of the vaginal canal during birth. Was this microbiome healthy? Was it more or less prone to acne?
Diet and lifestyle early on: did we eat a lot of fruits and veggies or did we eat a lot of birthday cake?
Weight and activity: were we an active kid with healthy body weight or did we mostly play video games and eat potato chips?

Everything above affects our Epigenetics: what genes are turned off and on based on our lifestyle. We could have a gene that predisposes us to acne that we “turn-off” from a healthy lifestyle or turn-on from a healthy lifestyle. If we were set up with a disadvantage because Mom was super stressed during pregnancy and ate a lot of fast food, or passed on an unhealthy microbiome, it will take more work to correct but it is doable! We have a lot more control than we think.

Consider working with a holistic nutritionist like Marisa Faye to get to the root cause! Especially if suffering from adult acne.

Is spironolactone good for hormonal acne?

Spironolactone is often prescribed to treat hormonal acne and is affective for people so long as they continue taking the drug. If they stop, the acne will come back because it doesn’t address the underlying cause. This drug works by decreasing hormones (androgens) in the body that contribute to acne.

Again, this drug does not cure acne and only treats the symptom of excess androgens without helping the underlying cause of why androgens are high in the first place (hormone imbalances).

What environmental factors trigger acne?

There can be several different environmental factors that can trigger acne. From the weather to cosmetic products, listed below are some of the main contributors to avoid if possible:

Extreme weather: hot, cold, dry, humid
Pore clogging cosmetic ingredients: mineral oil, talc etc
Cosmetics that contain hormone disruptors, see Chemtrust
Pollution
Bacteria on pillow cases, towels, makeup brushes
Touching your face with dirty hands
Not cleansing the skin
Excessive sweating (without proper cleansing after)
Over exfoliation or using harsh products

What are the best aesthetic acne treatments?

Luckily, there are several different acne treatments than can help with active acne, acne scarring, and prevent future acne. However, it is important to note that topical products and treatments can only work as well as taking care of your body as a whole. When combined together, acne can be beat! Read more for our treatment recommendations for acneic skin.

Do chemical peels help acne?

Chemical peels can help with active acne and acne scarring. Most chemical peels such as VI Chemical peel contain ingredients like salicylic acid to clean the pores of excess oil and sebum. The chemicals work deep within the epidermis, which causes the skin to tighten and flake or peel off after about 4-5 days which lessens acne.

Does IPL help with acne?

Yes! IPL, also known as intense pulse light, helps with killing the bacteria-causing-acne within the skin. Not only does this help with active acne, but it can also help with the PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that can be left after a pimple has healed.

What skincare ingredients help with acne?

This can be individualized, that is why we recommend seeing a professional to get a customized skincare plan. In general, Benzyol Peroxide or Salicylic Acid are the gold standard ingredients that fight acne causing bacteria. It is also important to use a foaming cleanser twice a day, oil-free moisturizer, and SPF everyday. A good skincare routine alongside treatments are very beneficial for acne prone skin and help prevent future acne.

Do facials help acne?

Monthly facials are a great way to reduce acne because of the proper exfoliation, LED light therapy, and radio frequency that is offered in an Elite Acne Facial. Professional facials also include extractions that clean the skin’s pores and speed up the healing of current acne/pimples.

How can I get rid of acne fast?

Even though there is no “cure acne fast” method, there are some helpful tips and tricks that can alleviate the blemishes and speed up their healing time:

Do not pick at the blemishes
Apply ice to help calm inflammation and redness
Apply a spot treatment that has Benzyol Peroxide
Use a pimple patch
Apply products with Salicylic Acid in them to dry out the blemish
Schedule an LED light therapy session. Blue LED light kills acne bacteria
Radio frequency
Consume a healthy diet and lots of water/herbal teas
Avoid/limit sugar until breakout has cleared up
Manage stress

Also consider working with a professional to help get to the underlying cause of your acne otherwise symptoms will just keep coming back!

What are the best acne treatments for teens?

Teen acne sometimes needs to be treated differently due to the age of the individual and what is safe for their skin. We highly recommend getting all teens on a simple skincare routine first. This should include products with ingredients like

Salicylic Acid
Benzyol Peroxide
SPF
Gentle cleanser

Next, with consent of a parent, getting monthly customized facials that have LED light therapy, professional extractions, appropriate exfoliation, and radio frequency can help alleviate the acne and prevent it. Occasionally, depending on the severity, mild chemical peels and spot treating with IPL may be necessary. It is best to consult with a provider for teen acne, to make sure safety is priority! It will also take a family effort to clean up diet, improve gut health, decrease stress, and decrease inflammation!

Learn more about skincare routines (by age) below.

How can I treat body acne?

Treating body acne is relatively the same as treating facial acne. In fact, you can even be a little more aggressive on the body because it is typically thicker skin than the face. At Elite, we recommend using our acne body wash 2x a day which has AHA/BHA exfoliants, a topical retinol, and using the medicated acne gel (with 5% benzyol peroxide) to spot treat. Going further than topicals, it can also be beneficial to get chemical peels, such as the VI Peel, on the body as well. Finding an appropriate way to shower or cleanse the skin after workouts is also important when dealing with body acne such as back-acne.

For a complete body-acne routine, scheduling a consultation with a medical provider is key!

When should I see a provider for acne?

We recommend seeing a provider if the acne is worsening, not progressing with topical products, or you simply aren’t sure how to treat your acne. It can be extremely overwhelming seeing the amount of product and information on the web and social media. Typically, mild acne will clear up with topical products and lifestyle changes, but persistent, severe acne will need a diagnosis and a treatment plan customized to you.

If you are located in the Denver, CO area, schedule a consultation below to talk with one of our providers today. You deserve to feel confident in your own skin! We are here to help.

Summer Skin Guide

May 17, 2022/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Introduction

There is no doubt that summer months are often busier and sunnier, but your skincare routine doesn’t need to drastically change. Often times the media scares people into never doing any skin treatments during the summer months, because you are exposed to the sun more. While you may be outdoors more often, do not let your skin care routine fall off path, or else all of your “hard work” may have to start at ground zero again, or close to it 😉.

This blog will cover the recommended treatments for summertime, from our licensed professionals, to maintain a youthful, healthy complexion.

Best sunscreen for summer

First things first, SPF!!! If there is one simple product that you could use every day, and age gracefully, is sunscreen. At Elite Medical & Aesthetics we emphasize and educate every patient about the importance of wearing mineral based sunscreen 30+ every sing day, and to reapply! We are not saying you cannot ever go out in the sun, just protect when you do!

Sunscreen protection is for everyone, wether you are receiving aesthetic treatments or not, because the UVA/UVB harmful rays can cause pre-mature aging and skin cancer. However, this is especially important if you are receiving any type of laser, chemical peel, or using clinical grade skincare products.

Some helpful tips:

Choose a sunscreen that you will actually wear every day. This may be different for everyone depending on their skin type, but there are many options.
Reapplying can be a hassle, so finding a loose powder like, Matte Green Tea SPF Powder, makes this step easy and gives a sheer coverage.
Pair your sunscreen with a cute hat when out in the sun for extended periods of time.

Below are two of our favorite sunscreen options that provide adequate protection without harmful chemicals or a “greasy” feeling.

Summer spray tans

Opting for a quality spray tan over laying out in the sun and tanning is always the better option. It is understandable that feeling tan and getting color gives a boost of confidence, especially in the summer months. Luckily, there are many great options for spray tans that provide a natural glow, without the risks of UVA/UVB damage to the skin. Just remember, tan skin may look sexy when you are younger, but not so much as you age! Tan skin does not equal healthy skin, and once the sun damage has been done, it takes commitment, money, and time to reverse even a fraction of it.

Botox and filler in the summer

Continuing your provider’s recommended injectable routine is safe and just as effective in the summer. There are no contraindications, or risks, in the summer versus any other time of the year to get Botox, Xeomin, or any filler. If you wait to get your Tox or filler treatment too far after your last treatment, just because it is summer time, you may end up having to pay more money to get the results you want because the neurotoxin and filler substance is completely metabolized.

Learn more about the differences between Botox and filler, and what they’re best for, by watching the video below.

Summer laser hair removal

Not having to constantly shave or letting your hair grow out to wax in the summertime is always a plus. Permanently reduce any unwanted hair with EMA’s Laser hair removal! We have newly advanced technology that makes this treatment safe for all skin types, all year around. Gain a boost of confidence, time, and money (in the long run) with laser hair removal. Treatments are quick, comfortable, and usually 4-6 weeks apart for 3-6 sessions depending on your goals and history.

To talk with a provider about this treatment, please book a consultation below.

Microneedling and laser in the summer

Microneedling treatments such as, normal microneedling and RF microneedling can be done on any skin-type year round. Some lasers such as ResurFX can also be done year round. Since these specific treatments don’t target pigment you can even be tan (though we don’t recommend ever being tan unless it’s a spray 🙂 ).

Each of these works to increase collagen, fade scarring, and reverse fine lines and wrinkles, year round. We still recommend being cautious in the sun after to maintain your results. Follow your provider’s after care instructions and continue your treatment plan as decided.

IPL in the summer

IPL, or intense pulsed light, should be done every 4 months to keep pigmentation and wrinkles at bay. In this study about the effectiveness of IPL/BBL treatments every 4 months for anti-aging, it is to be concluded that candidates looked 10 years younger than their actual age with no other treatments done.

IPL can be continued in the summer months for those who are diligent about not tanning and wearing SPF 30 or above with a wide brim hat. In most cases, people would rather be diligent with sun protection and staying out of the sun, rather than getting more sun damage and compromising the results from their treatment plans.

***Note: Do not neglect your neck and chest! Bringing your skincare and SPF down to your chest is important! Also, ask your provider to add your neck and chest at your next treatment appointment. Just remember, your face is everything from the boobs, up 😉

Monthly routine facials in the summer

In the summer, you may need facials more than any other time of the year, because of the extra sweat and oils we naturally accumulate from warmer temperatures. Facials like dermaplane, microdermabrasion, OxyGeneo, and enzyme signature facials are crucial in your skincare routines to properly exfoliate, hydrate, and keep your pores unclogged.

Summertime IV therapy

Summertime can be accompanied by dehydrating activities and hot, dry weather which can wreak havoc on your vitamin and mineral balance. IV therapy is a great option for optimal hydration, especially when it is added to any facial treatment. At Elite, we offer an array of “cocktails” that can be customized to your inner and outer beauty needs. For more information on our IV Therapy, click the pink button below.

What is a good skincare routine for the summer?

Like all skincare routines, summer routines should be kept simple yet effective. Using a foaming/exfoliating cleanser in the summer months are beneficial since we tend to get more sweaty from the heat. Including a balancing toner can be helpful after cleansing, too. Incorporating a lighter moisturizer can be smart for the skin, as heavier creams can sometimes be too much. Ensuring you are continuing to use a clinical grade vitamin c serum in the morning and a retinol in the evening is best. There is no need to stop using “active ingredients” such as acids, retinols, or vitamin c’s in the summer if you are committed to using a quality mineral based SPF (which should be worn every day of the year). Again, reapply your SPF and wear a wide brim hat when out in the sun for extended periods of time.

To shop clinical grade, private label skincare visit HERE.

Discover more about your skin by taking our skin quiz above!

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Skin Wedding Prep

February 21, 2022/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Kybella, Laser and IPL /by Mary Beth Martin

Photographer? Check. Photo ready? You tell us!

Wedding Prep Timeline

You might be surprised by how many beautiful, and naturally appearing brides, have had Botox, fillers, laser treatments, Kybella and more before the big day! That, on top of social media filters and edited photos, there can be a lot of pressure to look a certain way before your event

When it comes to aesthetics, most brides have a lot of questions regarding skincare, injectables, lasers, and additional services that help a bride look and feel picture perfect on her wedding day. We want to assure you that there is no correct way to look for your wedding and generally comparing is the quickest way to feel like s*** about yourself. So don’t do that!

However, if you are thinking of doing something to enhance your already beautiful appearance, (without the worry of being overdone or not looking like yourself), keep reading to learn about the different options.

Can I get Botox the day of my wedding?

Technically, yes you can get botox the day of your wedding, but we certainly don’t recommend it! You would be wasting your money, simply because it takes a full 7-14 days to kick in and best results are usually 4-6 weeks post injections. Also, while there isn’t any serious downtimes in regard to getting Botox, there are always potential risks for bruising and other unwanted side effects.

What is Botox?

Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeveau are all brand names of Botulinum Toxin A. This medication is a type of neuromodulator that when injected, works by blocking the communication between the nerve and the muscle. By blocking this movement, the skin does not crease as much which softens lines and wrinkles. Most common areas to treat are frown lines between the brows (glabella), crow’s feet, and the forehead.

Considering getting Botulinum Toxin injections? Learn more about how to prepare for this appointment Here!

When should you get botox before your wedding?

Again, Botox, or other neuromodulators, need about 7-14 days to fully kick in, and 4-6 weeks to reveal best results. We highly recommend getting your Botox injections 4-6 weeks before your wedding, because we want to ensure your treatment is at its best result on your wedding day. This time frame also allows for scheduling a follow-up appointment with your provider, because occasionally after the 14 day time frame a touch-up is needed. Getting Botox injections from a provider that encourages follow-ups, like our providers Ali , Molly, & Simone is very important!

Below are before and after images of Botox injections 2 weeks apart

When should you get filler before your wedding?

To put it simply, you want to get dermal fillers about 2 months before your wedding, but a minimum of 4 weeks at least! Initial filler injections can cause swelling and bruising. So before your final results are revealed, there is a 2 week healing period. Once the swelling has subsided, you and your provider can assess if any other alterations are needed with your filler injections.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that help restore volume, correct wrinkles, and contour the face. Common areas treated include cheeks, lips, chin, and jawline. They can also help smooth superficial lines. When done correctly, they create a beautiful, natural result that balances the face without being obvious that anything was done.

Should you get pre-wedding lip fillers?

Lip injections before your wedding day can be a wonderful glow-up if you are a good candidate and go to the right injector. In general, the goal is to enhance the lips without making it obvious one has lip filler. That is very much art!

Furthermore, if you do decide you are interested in getting filler before your wedding day, it is best to get lip injections 6-8 weeks prior to the date. This is because there is initial swelling and bruising from the injections for up to 2 weeks. for tips on reducing lip filler bruising and swelling read this.

Once swelling has subsided, we recommend you pop back in for a follow up appointment with your provider to ensure you’re happy with final results.

"Something I always tell clients is not to overly chase symmetry"

Ali Wagstaff

Np Injector

When should you get Kybella before your wedding?

We recommend getting Kybella done about 1 year prior to your wedding date. Before considering Kybella as a treatment for you, we want to be transparent that it is a commitment as it usually takes 3-6 sessions 1 month apart. Additionally, final results from a single treatment take anywhere from 1-3 months to be revealed with a 2 week healing time frame in between sessions.

What is Kybella?

Kybella is made from deoxycholic acid. This substance found in the human body that is responsible for breaking down fat. When injected directly into a fat pad, such as under the chin for a “double chin”, it causes the fat to break down in the area. The result is technically permanent (if weight remains stable) but it takes several treatments (3-6). It can also be used off-label for jowls and around the body for stubborn areas, too.

For further information regarding Kybella injections, be sure to read This

When should you get laser skin treatments before your wedding?

There are several different types of laser treatments on the market and it can be very confusing deciding which one is best suitable for you and your skin type. The best advice moving forward is that most treatments need to be done in a series of 3, 1 month apart for realistic skin improvements. You will want to complete your last treatment series 1 month before the wedding day for your skin to be at its best result and to allow for enough revoery time. Starting the series of treatments about 4-6 months before the wedding would be appropriate. Continue reading for an explanation of the benefits of IPL, ResurFX, and RF Microneedling, all offered at Elite Medical & Aesthetics.

How would an IPL benefit my skin before my wedding?

IPL, or intense pule light, targets skin discoloration such as age spots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, broken capillaries, and red spots.

Specifically, this procedure works by using light energy that is converted into heat energy to target red/brown pigment in the skin cells

This causes destruction of unhealthy cells, for new cell regeneration. These light beams also heat up water in the skin creating a tightening effect. Even out your skin tone & gain rejuvenation

Have more questions about IPL?

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How would ResurFX benefit my skin before my wedding?

ResurFX treats skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage, loose skin, and scarring. However, it will take multiple treatments to get the desired results. A non-ablative fractional laser such as ResurFX does not damage the top layer of skin, making it safe for all skin types with minimal downtimes. It shoots laser beams just below the top layer of skin, coagulating sections of the deeper tissue. A healing cascade is signaled and the old skin is removed by the body leaving room for new healthy tissue. This creates a tightening effect and more even complexion. To learn more specifically about this treatment…

How would RF Microneedling benefit my skin before my wedding?

RF Microneedling combines the power of microneedling and radiofrequency into a combined treatment. Microneedling is used to stimulate new collagen growth by puncturing controlled micro-channels into the skin to create a healing cascade. While radiofrequency heats the tissue up to tighten & shrink. This treatment works well to tighten loose, crepey skin, target fine lines and wrinkles, as well as reduce the appearance of scarring from acne or trauma.

For those interested in regular microneedling, we do offer SkinPen as an option. This does not include the radiofrequency, but does offer all the benefits of microneedling

Ali Wagstaff

When should you get a facial before your wedding?

It is best to get a facial 1-2 months prior to your wedding. Some facials require no downtime at all, and others are more invasive and require minimal social downtime. More invasive facials that have downtime include intense chemical peels, such as the VI Peel, and deep cleansing facials with extractions. Usually there is 5-7 days of healing involved with these facials, so it is best to get these treatments 4-6 weeks in advanced. Other options of facials that do not have downtime include; dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, OxyGeneo, enzyme exfoliation, and a signature facial. These more gentle facials incorporate customized exfoliation and hydration which allows the skin to look refreshed and vibrant before an event.

Should I be on a skincare routine before my wedding?

Yes, it is always best to consult with your aesthetician to ensure you are on an appropriate skincare treatment plan and routine, well ahead of your wedding (and every day). Skin preparation is important before jumping into new facial treatments, that way there is no shock to the skin from using clinical grade products.

Many times, using proper at-home skincare will enhance the results from facial treatments. It takes time for skincare ingredients to start working efficiently, so we recommend starting your skincare routine 6 months prior the your wedding.

Read About a Simple Skincare

Guide Here:

On another note, scheduling routine facials can also be a great way to incorporate self care and relaxation from stressful wedding planning.

What type of facial is best before my wedding?

We always recommend getting guidance from your aesthetician on what facial would be best for your skin type. However, more universal facials that are usually safe and effective for most skin types include, dermaplaning, Oxygeneo, and our signature facials. These treatments tend to focus on exfoliation and hydration to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin.

"It is also important to note that even though you may be wearing makeup on your wedding day, your skin is the canvas. With that being said, the healthier and more balanced your skin is, the prettier the makeup will lay and wear throughout the day"

Aesthetician, Mary Beth Martin

What skin treatment is best for brides?

Every bride is unique and beautiful in different ways, there is no one-size-fits-all. What is best for you is different for another bride, so it is crucial to schedule a consultation with and esthetic provider you trust. Sooner rather than later!

Personalized skin quiz!

Learn more about your skin concerns and which treatments would be best fit for you before your big day!

How to boost confidence before my wedding?

Being a bride can be nerve wracking, but feeling beautiful in your own skin shouldn’t be. What we can recommend is pursuing treatments and injectables that will enhance your confidence and make you glow from the inside out.

For when the time comes, getting married is a special and intimate occasion that should be cherished. We understand that planning a wedding is chaotic, but rest assured that we are here to help you in the aesthetic department. Leave your questions and concerns with skincare treatments and injectables in our hands, and watch your confidence flourish. You deserve to feel you best every day of the year, but we understand this one day is even more important.

Get wedding ready!

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The Best Treatments for Neck Tightening

November 19, 2020/in Botox, Facials and Peels, Fillers, Kybella /by Ali Wagstaff

Facials and Peels 101

October 24, 2020/in Facials and Peels /by Ali Wagstaff

Introduction

Table of Contents

1. Prices are cheap:

2. Places that over-fill or never say "no":

3. Injector looks over-done:

4. Appointment times are short:

5. The injector has no medical credentials:

6. Constantly pushing procedures or acting "salesy":

7. Inability to answer basic medical questions or explain how they respond to emergencies:

8. Lack of communication & follow-up:

9. They only offer products that they profit the most on, as opposed to the best product fit for the patient:

10.injectors don't follow basic sanitary protocols:

Conclusion:

Book a Consult

Introduction:

Table of Contents

Is Microneedling a natural treatment?

How is microneedling an all natural treatment?

Is RF Microneedling an all-natural treatment?

What are the benefits of RF Microneedling for the skin?

Are chemical peels natural?

Are chemical peels non-toxic?

What laser treatments are natural?

How are laser treatments non-toxic?

Is IPL an all-natural treatment?

IPL Results From Real Clients:

How is IPL an all natural treatment?

What is an all-natural injectable option?

Are PRP/PRF injections considered natural?

Is a "Vampire Facial" natural?

Is Neolifting an all-natural facial massage?

All natural aesthetic treatment options

Book a Consult

Introduction

Disclaimer!!

Table of Contents

Is botox pregnancy safe?

Is botox safe while breast feeding?

Is lip filler pregnancy safe?

Is lip filler safe while breast feeding?

Is microneedling pregnancy safe?

Is microneedling safe while breast feeding?

Is IPL 3-in-1 pregnancy safe?

Is IPL 3-in-1 safe while breast feeding?

Are chemical peels pregnancy safe?

Are chemical peels safe while breast feeding?

Is facial filler pregnancy safe?

Is facial filler safe while breast feeding?

Is Sculptra pregnancy safe?

Is Sculptra safe while breast feeding?

Conclusion:

Introduction

Table of Contents

What is a "glow up"?

What aesthetic treatments give you a glow up?

MB's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Mini Lip Plump

Does lip filler give you a glow up?

Does lip filler make you prettier?

Simone's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Kybella/Deoxycholic Acid

Does Kybella give you a glow up?

Does Kybella make you look younger?

Does Kybella slim the face?

Ali's favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

IPL 3-in-1

Does IPL make your skin glow?

How long do IPL results last?

Does IPL make your skin look younger?

Our all-time favorite aesthetic treatment for an ultimate "glow up"

Tox Injections

Does botox give you a glow?

Does botox make you prettier?

Conclusion

Introduction:

Table of Contents

What is acne?

What are the different types of acne?

Blackheads/whiteheads

Pustules