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Subtly Sculpt Your Figure with Non-Surgical Fat Reduction

Millions of people have tried dieting and exercise to lose excess weight and have done a good job, but many of these same people never reach their desired goals. Some areas of fat accumulation, such as belly fat or love handles, are extremely difficult to reduce even with the strictest programs, and that is where CoolSculpting® may help you. CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, simple method of eliminating those stubborn pockets of fat with revolutionary, high-quality technology. This latest non-surgical fat reduction treatment was accepted by the FDA in 2017 and is performed right in our office in less than an hour. There is no hospital time or recovery time required; after the treatment, many people return to work as the CoolSculpting® begins to go to work as well.

How Does CoolSculpting® Work?

This non-surgical fat reduction process uses high-speed technology to freeze the fat cells directly under the machine. Multiple areas can be treated. These are all areas that are stubborn and difficult to reduce with dieting and exercise alone. During the treatment, the fat cells are frozen and begin to die. When the CoolSculpting® is completed, the dead fat cells are naturally washed out of the body. Within weeks, you will begin to see better curves appear, and in just months, the process will be finished, and your body has been subtly sculpted with no added effort on your part. You will most likely lose inches, not pounds, and the treated fat cells will be gone forever, never to return!

With CoolSculpting®, you are able to subtly sculpt away the extra fat that wants to hang on. Men and women alike have reported great results using this treatment. Freezing the fat cells and eliminating them naturally with the CoolSculpting® process allows you to create the sexy body you always dreamed of, and the results look completely natural!

Got Questions?

For more information on this revolutionary method of losing pockets of fat cells and creating the shape that you’ve always wanted, book an appointment at Lux: A Medical Spa. Our team is caring and efficient and always ready to help our clients achieve their personal goals. If you have been unsuccessful at eliminating stubborn fat cells in the past, this non-surgical fat reduction approach may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Whether you want to shape up for a special occasion or simply want to look and feel more shapely with renewed confidence and happiness, feel free to contact us today to set up a consultation at our office in Bluffton.

Learn More About HydraFacial

The HydraFacial® treatment has been getting a lot of attention lately, and there’s a good reason. More and more individuals are experiencing this one-of-a-kind facial skin rejuvenation treatment, one that’s a lot simpler to perform than you might think. Although it’s a multi-step procedure, it can be completed in less than an hour, and the results immediately become apparent. This is more than just a simple scrubbing and cleansing. It involves a peel treatment and a nutrient serum infusion plus exfoliation and extraction. The result is a glowing, radiant countenance, and the skin, now able to breathe freely, can work its own magic to replace damaged tissue with healthy new growth.

A single HydraFacial® treatment can produce dramatic results that last for up to a year. The treatment can also be customized to address specific concerns such as brittle, dull skin, dark circles under the eyes, and non-set wrinkles. An overview of the treatment follows.

Concerning Multiple Skin Problems

A buildup of oil mixed with pollutants can result in clogged pores, meaning that the skin cannot breathe properly. Exposure to the sun can accelerate the deterioration of damaged skin cells, and scarring, freckles, and age spots become more prominent. The HydraFacial® treatment can correct all of these problems.

Performing the Treatment

We’ll examine your facial features and suggest either the traditional treatment or a customized procedure that focuses on one or more skin health problems. Basically, we begin the treatment by exfoliating the surface using a specialized rotary brush tool. We then apply glycolic or similar acid to the epidermis. The dermis is now exposed and ready for treatment.

We use a vacuum suction tool to get at the grime and oil that clogs the pores. Lastly, we use an infusion tool to introduce antioxidants and peptides. These penetrate through the dermal layers and immediately begin to supply the skin cells with nutrition.

We have at our disposal several boosting serums that target specific problems such as brittle, dull-appearing skin, wrinkles, and subsurface blemishes. By the time you leave our office, you’ll notice that your skin is softer and smoother. This improvement in skin texture continues for several weeks afterward as the nutrients really begin to have an effect. Remember that your skin is constantly rebuilding itself, but now it has the fuel for producing healthier replacement cells.

Turn Back the Aging Clock

The HydraFacial® is unlike any other skin revitalizing treatment currently being performed. You may not be ready for skin repositioning surgery, and you might be wary of laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. Try this alternative instead, and get ready to enjoy the smooth skin you had as a teen. Visit Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton to learn more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

The Importance of Sunscreen

Why do we need sunscreen?

Ultraviolet rays are a form of radiation that our skin is exposed to on a daily basis. There are two types of UV rays. UVA rays are responsible for “aging” of the skin, including wrinkles. They are not blocked by glass in the car while driving, but they also will not burn you. Ever wondered why you don’t get burned on a long car trip? But over time, exposure to UVA rays leads to breakdown in collagen in the skin, increased laxity and wrinkles and discoloration, and it contributes to skin cancer risk. Check yourself in the mirror. You likely have more wrinkles and spots on the left side of your face due to driving in a car your whole life. Also, Dermatologists detect more skin cancers on the left side of the face from chronic UV damage on the left side.
UVB rays are the major form of solar radiation that causes burning of the skin. Over time, multiple burns leads to increased risk for skin cancers, including melanoma, the most dangerous type.
Most sunscreens block UVB rays to avoid sunburns. A great sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

How to pick a great sunscreen:

Buying sunscreen can be a daunting task. There is so much bad information out there regarding sunscreens. Controversy exists over the safety of sunscreens, but this fact is true: exposure to UV radiation without protection with sunscreen leads to increased risk of skin cancer, discoloration, wrinkles and skin laxity. To date, no scientific study has proven that it is safer to NOT use sunscreen.
That being said, it is easy enough to avoid some of the controversial chemical sunscreens that you have heard about in the news lately. To do this, I recommend sticking with physical blocker sunscreens. Physical blockers include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based sunscreen. These are mineral based sunscreens. Zinc is found in the white diaper rash cream we use on newborn babies, and titanium is an inert mineral found in many white foods that we eat (think white cake icing). I know, I know — you are thinking back to a lifeguard with a big white stripe of zinc on their nose in the 80s. Nowadays, the minerals are more finely processed, easier to spread and come in tinted forms that do not leave that pasty white look.
When choosing a sunscreen, turn the bottle to the back side, and look for the bold print that says, “Active ingredients.” In that list, we want to see Zinc or Titanium listed there. If your natural skin tone is more tan, you may want to go for a tinted version which rubs in easier. If you are more light-skinned, you can probably use the white. Keep in mind the more finely the minerals are processed, the less of a white streak they leave behind. Processing costs more, so you may have to pay a few dollars extra for something that feels nice. Sometimes, it is a process of trial and error. At LUX~A Medical Spa, we carry a line called Elta MD, which includes many varieties of physical blocker sunscreen, and we have testers available for you to try before you buy. Don’t forget your lips too! Skin cancer on the lips can be devastating and is one of the more aggressive types. We have a Lumen Renew and Restore Lip Kit to help keep your lips in great shape. Another great option is to top off your sunscreen with a sunscreen powder. This takes the shine away and makes for easy reapplication.
The best sunscreen is sometimes the one that you will actually use. If you hate how it feels, it makes you break out or it makes you sweat or feel greasy, try another. At LUX~A Medical Spa, we have experts who can help you find the exact sunscreen that will keep you safe and you will not mind using.

Information provided by: Carmen A. Traywick, M.D. (Co-owner of LUX~A Medical Spa)

Enjoy Discreet Fat Reduction with CoolSculpting

Looking for a way to discreetly shed those last stubborn pounds? CoolSculpting® is a way to gradually and naturally reduce the amount of fat in a targeted area. It is completely non-surgical, yet it is highly effective at eliminating those stubborn pockets of fat that have not responded to exercising or dieting. If you have been looking for a way to get your body swim-suit ready, below is more information about this fat reduction treatment and all it can do for you.

How Does Fat Reduction with CoolSculpting® Work?

Unlike other treatments, which simply reduce the size of fat cells or temporarily empty their contents, CoolSculpting® actually kills them off. This happens when the temperature of the cells is reduced to a point where they crystallize. Lucky for us, fat cells are more sensitive to the cold than other tissues and the skin. This means we can “freeze fat” without harming the surrounding area.

Once a fat cell is frozen, it dies off and releases the stubborn fat it has been holding on to. When this happens, your body will simply flush out the fat over time. Rather than dramatic, overnight results, CoolSculpting® gives you gradual, beautiful fat reduction that makes others think your efforts are finally paying off.

Why Is CoolSculpting® so Popular?

This treatment is widely popular with both men and women. There are many reasons to consider this option if you would like to sculpt your body, including:

Treatments are comfortable, so comfortable that people sometimes doze off!
There is no downtime afterward – you can immediately resume normal activities
Results develop in the weeks and months following treatment
It is well-researched, very safe, and FDA-approved
Results are permanent – destroyed fat cells do not come back!

How Long Does It Take to See Results with CoolSculpting®?

In most cases, you will begin to notice a reduction in fat two to three weeks after your treatment. Peak results are typically reached after three months, but your body may flush out fat for a full six months. In many cases, a single session of this treatment is enough. If you have multiple treatment areas, however, more than one session may be required. Once you have reached your results, they can be permanent with a healthy lifestyle. While your body will not make new fat cells, the remaining ones will be capable of expanding.

If you would like to learn more about fat reduction with CoolSculpting®, please feel free to visit Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton. The first step in the process is to sit down at a consultation to discuss your body goals and create a treatment plan to help you reach them. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Common Questions About BOTOX

A simple, effective skin smoothing treatment, BOTOX® is administered as an injection of fluid into the upper-level facial muscles. The results are dramatic and can last for months. Since this type of wrinkle reduction treatment doesn’t involve skin ablation or resurfacing, you may be wondering how it works. We get lots of questions from our clients who consider BOTOX® injections.

Below, we outline the procedure in detail and answer some of the most common questions about this type of treatment. Keep in mind that BOTOX® isn’t a permanent fix for facial wrinkles, but it’s the perfect alternative to more aggressive procedures, many of which are not suitable for all individuals.

Does It Treat the Skin?

No, it does not. This treatment won’t address such concerns as dull skin tone, blemishes, or scarring. Instead, it acts as a muscle relaxing agent. The wrinkles that form when we make facial expressions are caused by the upper-level muscles pinching or pulling the skin surface. These facial expressions result in dynamic wrinkles, and they become much more prominent as we age.

The injectable fluid settles into the muscle tissue and prevents nerve signal transmission to the muscles. This keeps the skin surface smoother and without the appearance of crow’s feet and other lines.

Is the Procedure Complicated?

No, but we do need to consult with the client first so that we can examine the facial features closely. We want to determine the size and strength of the muscles that lie just beneath the skin. This allows us to choose specific injection sites. We also determine the proper dosage based on our observations of the client making a series of facial expressions.

After this examination, we can administer the treatment. The procedure takes only minutes to complete. There’s no set downtime afterward. The client can resume most all normal activities at once.

Will My Face Go Numb?

This is a common concern we hear from potential clients, and the answer is no. You can still perform smiling, frowning, pouting, and other facial expressions because the lower-level muscles also aren’t affected by the fluid.

Can I Get This Treatment Done Anywhere?

No, it takes a trained professional to administer the treatment. We are specialists in skin care, and we have a lot of experience with BOTOX® and other injectables. We can assure you that our treatment procedure will produce the maximum results possible.

Get more information about BOTOX® treatments by reaching out to our team at Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton. You can eliminate those annoying age lines and dynamic wrinkles without the need for surgery. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started!

The Power of Fat Freezing

Even with a responsible diet and regular exercise, there are still areas that resist your efforts. While you could consider undergoing liposuction, there’s another option to consider. Fat freezing offers a number of benefits that make it an attractive solution for many people. Here are some things you should know about this approach and why it’s so powerful.

A Non-Invasive Solution for Those Problem Areas

The nice thing about fat freezing is that there are no incisions to make and no invasive processes to follow. The process uses directed cold that freezes the fat and causes it to break down. Once that takes place, the fat passes through the body and is eliminated with other waste. You don’t have to deal with any scarring, potential for infection, and other potential effects that can develop after an invasive procedure.

The Treatments Don’t Take Long

The average fat freezing treatment takes no longer than an hour. Depending on the amount of fat present and the area you want treated, the treatment may take just minutes. Keep in mind this is for each area that you want treated. For example, you may want to remove the fat on each side of the tummy. It all depends on the unique case.

You’re Comfortable During the Process

You’ll be awake for the fat freezing procedure, but don’t expect it to be all that uncomfortable. Patients are typically aware of the cold, but not to the point of finding it unpleasant. During the procedure, you’ll relax as the cold is applied and the area becomes numb.

The Recovery Period is Nonexistent

Some would say that there’s no recovery period at all with fat freezing. That’s because you don’t have to go home and rest. Many people undergo the treatments and then resume their usual daily routines immediately afterwards.

You’ll See the Full Results in the Months That Follow

Since fat freezing hastens a natural process, it will take time to see the full results. Within months of your last treatment, you’ll see the full effects. Along the way, you’ll notice that the treated area seems to be shrinking after just weeks.

Do you think fat freezing is the right approach to getting rid of your stubborn fat? If so, book an appointment at Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton, SC so that you can get all the facts about this popular treatment. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation!

Who Could Benefit from Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are one of the most powerful and versatile skin treatments available today. Whether you are dealing with signs of sun damage, wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and more, there is a peel available to help. No incisions are necessary, and no downtime is needed in many cases.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a medical-grade solution applied to the skin to peel away part of the outer skin layer to foster the development of new skin tissue. This new skin will mature and rise up to replace old, damaged skin affected by signs of aging, sun damage, and more.

Each peel contains different ingredients, depending upon what is needed for your individual situation. Chemical peels are categorized as light, medium, and deep, based upon their depth of penetration. Peels are also classified by their ingredients, strength of concentration, and what they are used for.

Dull Complexion and Enlarged Pores

Over time, dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, blocking its natural glow. A peel containing gentle acids like lactic or glycolic acid can help remove this skin buildup and reveal fresh skin underneath. It is also effective at enhancing product absorption and reducing superficial wrinkles. This type of peel does not normally require sedation or downtime.

Light Wrinkles

If you are dealing with signs of aging like light lines and wrinkles, a medium depth chemical peel containing an acid like TCA is usually your best bet. We apply the chemical solution to your skin for a prescribed amount of time, then we rinse it off and neutralize the solution. This type of treatment is best for light wrinkles, superficial acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Some downtime and sedation may be required.

Deep Scars and Wrinkles

Phenol or carbolic acid are the solutions of choice for deep scars and deeper wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation and stretch marks. This powerful type of peel is normally only used once. It will require sedation and quite a bit of downtime so that your skin has time to fully recover and remodel itself.

Chemical Peels Recovery

The type of recovery that you will undergo depends upon what type of chemical peel was performed. Light peels do not typically require much, if any, downtime. Medium and deep peels often require a good bit of downtime while your skin heals and remodels.

Contact Us

If you would like to explore how chemical peels can enhance the appearance of your skin, get in touch with our team at Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton, SC. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Kybella – Your Choice to Eliminate a Double Chin

If you are looking at the different options that are available for getting rid of a double chin, one of the things that you may consider is liposuction. This procedure can physically remove fat from under the chin and give you a more attractive profile. However, it is a surgical procedure, so there are risks. We would like to tell you about something that may be better for you. Kybella® can help you to eliminate a double chin without the need to go through surgery.

How the Treatment Works

This is not some type of exercise or diet to help you get rid of fat under your chin. We understand that there is almost nothing that a person can do on their own to get rid of a double chin after they have changed their lifestyle and have come down to a healthy weight. If you have fat under your chin that has not responded to diet and exercise, you need other options. This treatment works by injecting a synthetic form of an acid that exists in the digestive tract that the body uses to break down dietary fat. When the injection is given under the chin, it will harm the fat cells there. But this is a good thing because as the fat cells are damaged, the body will remove them. This leads to a more attractive profile.

You are likely going to need more than one treatment session in order to achieve the desired results. Because this is a treatment that does not require surgery, you do not need to worry about a lot of downtime afterward. In fact, you can get back to your normal routine.

Is This the Right Option for You?

If you are looking for a way to get rid of your double chin without the need to go through surgery and extensive downtime, Kybella® may be a good option for you. You are warmly invited to schedule a consultation at Lux: A Medical Spa. We want to help you look and feel your best. We will be able to examine the area under your chin and give you an idea about what this treatment can do for you. Kybella® is a good choice for individuals who are interested in eliminating their double chin. If you are interested in learning more, simply contact us today and book your appointment at our office in Bluffton!

Diminish Unwanted Fat For Good with CoolSculpting

It is not uncommon for both men and women to have stubborn pockets of fat on their bodies. This fat usually comes in the form of love handles or a little extra around the middle. This type of fat can be particularly difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise alone, which is why we offer you an edge at Lux: A Medical Spa. CoolSculpting® is a great way to diminish unwanted fat for good.

CoolSculpting® uses fat-freezing technology to permanently destroy fat cells in specific areas. That means if you are struggling with a double chin, CoolSculpting® can help. The same goes for your thighs, arms, back, stomach, and many other areas. This treatment has been cleared by the FDA to remove fat in certain areas. This can give you the edge you need to get rid of unwanted fat without having to resort to dangerous diets or injections.

This treatment was discovered when scientists observed children sucking on popsicles for a long time developed dimples. The frozen treats were freezing the fat cells in the children’s cheeks, which caused the dimples. Fat cells freeze at a much higher temperature than other cells, which means you can experience fat cell destruction long before your skin or organs are damaged. That’s what makes CoolSculpting® such a safe procedure.

The results from CoolSculpting® will appear gradually as the dead fat cells are flushed out of your system. Destroyed fat cells will never come back, which means your results can easily be permanent. If you lapse into an unhealthy lifestyle, however, you could experience fat cell growth in other areas that were not treated by CoolSculpting®. You can avoid this, however, simply by sticking to a healthy diet.

During the treatment you will be able to relax and listen to music, read a book, or take a nap. Once the treatment has started the area will go numb fairly quickly, which means CoolSculpting® is painless. Depending on the size of the area that is being treatment you could be in our office for up to an hour or more, although smaller areas may only take about 30 minutes.

Good candidate for this procedure are people who are already living a relatively active lifestyle, but who suffer from areas of unwanted fat that don’t seem to want to go away. This treatment was not designed as a weight loss tool, so you should not go into this procedure thinking your results will show up on the scale. You may see a slight decrease in weight, but the real goal of CoolSculpting® is to contour and tone areas of the body.

Our professionals can go over any other aftercare instructions you should be aware of when you visit Lux: A Medical Spa in Bluffton, SC for your consultation. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

What are the Benefits of Halo Treatment?

Looking for a way to target a wide variety of skin issues? Consider Sciton Halo treatment. This unique method of facial rejuvenation involves the first ever fractional laser that uses ablative and non-ablative wavelengths. The result? Your skin gets treated both at and underneath the surface. This revolutionary treatment can leave your skin smoother and younger-looking!

What are the Benefits?

There are several reasons you may want to consider this treatment for facial rejuvenation. Highlights include:

Healing is faster than with other laser treatments.
It is more comfortable than other forms of fractional laser resurfacing.
You could see a noticeable improvement within a matter of weeks.
There is very little downtime – most people can return to work within just days.
Remarkable results can usually be reached in just 1-2 treatments (instead of many more with non-hybrid technology).
It is both safe and effective.
Only a topical anesthetic is required.

What Can Halo Treatment Help to Treat?

One of the best things about Halo treatment is that it can help with almost every type of skin imperfection. Choose this treatment if you are concerned about:

Sun damage
Skin texture
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne scarring and other scars
Pigmented lesions
Enlarged pores
Age spots
Uneven skin tone

What to Expect with Halo Treatment

The first step is to see us for a consultation. This is where we will discuss your goals for the treatment and develop a plan that is completely customized for you. When it becomes time for your treatment, a numbing cream will be applied. Once your face is numb, the treatment can begin. Each layer of the skin will be treated, stimulating your body to begin creating new collagen. The device used has integrated cooling technology to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the treatment.

Visible improvements typically show up just days later. Results will continue to develop in the weeks and months following your treatment. It is not unusual for your improvements to still be visible years later. In order to keep your skin looking its best, be sure to always adequately protect it from the sun. Touch-up treatments can be performed as needed for ongoing improvements.

Ready to learn more about Halo treatment and all of its benefits? Reach out to our team at Lux: A Medical Spa to schedule a consultation! At this consultation in Bluffton, we will talk about your aesthetic desires and create a plan to help get you there. Contact us today to book your appointment and get started!

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