Are spider veins and broken capillaries getting you down? It is because of these types of veins that during the summer months we are often kept from putting on our favorite swimsuit, dress or skirt. These unsightly blemishes can also leave us to continually apply gobs of makeup to cover up the excess pigment that stands out amongst our skin tone. The great news is that the fall season is the perfect time to get rid of them, as lasers work wonders on spider veins and broken capillaries and only take just a few treatments to eliminate them!

In vascular skin lesions such as spider veins and broken capillaries, the laser energy targets hemoglobin (in red blood cells), which vaporizes the blood and instantly collapses and destroys the unwanted vein. Over the course of a few weeks, your body simply dissolves any remaining fragments of the destroyed veins resulting in beautiful vein-free skin. Distinct facial spider veins and broken capillaries which are easy to target, are usually completely eliminated by only 1-2 treatments, leaving your skin with no evidence that you ever had any visible veins or capillaries. In a few cases, facial veins may turn slightly purple for a few days before they completely resolve (disappear). Though rare, in the case of a larger facial vein, a tiny indentation may appear where the vein collapses. With time, your skin will usually fill this indentation with beautiful new tissue. Some more complex and multi-layered facial vascular conditions (such as rosacea, matted broken capillaries and leg veins) are also significantly improved with one spider vein treatment. However, the more complex broken capillaries and spider veins often require 2-4 follow up treatments in order to dramatically reduce or completely eliminate them.

With treatment leg veins often completely disappear after 2-4 sessions, but usually leave a residual “reddish shadow” that typically requires 8-12 weeks to completely resolve (disappear). In addition, a temporary “cat scratch” swelling may appear and persist for 2-3 days. In some cases, the “cat scratch” may become crusted and flake off. Much like the healing of any deeper scratch or cut, in the case of larger blue leg veins, some bruising may occur and occasionally, after a few days, scabs may appear at the surface. These scabs will simply crust off revealing beautiful new vein-free skin underneath. In the case of smaller spider veins and broken capillaries, the healing will be much less visible. All these conditions are normal inflammatory responses necessary for dissolving vein fragments and healing the tissue that surrounded the unwanted vein. Depending on the size and depth of the treated veins, as well as how responsive the patient’s skin is, the degree a patient experiences these conditions will vary from person to person. In all cases, experiencing these conditions is an indication of a successful spider vein treatment.

Collagen is the major structural component of the dermis and is the tissue that is most responsible for the youthful appearance of our skin. When we are young, Fibroblast cells in our dermis make abundant amounts of new collagen fibers, which are linked together by cross-bridging and organized into tightly bundled, dense “laminar” layers. Throughout our lives, our collagen becomes continuously damaged from a variety of factors such as oxidative stress internally (like cigarette smoking) and sun exposure externally. Fibers deteriorate, cross-bridges break, bundles become disorganized and loose, which results in enlarged pores, thinning, wrinkled and sagging skin. If you are looking to boost the volume and all around health of your skin, there are three different modalities that AMA provides to help you achieve younger and healthier looking skin……safely and effectively.

COLLAGEN FACIAL – PURIGENEX TRANS-DERMAL COLLAGEN FACIAL TREATMENT

One of the most premier anti-aging and collagen restoration treatments available. This collagen facial fills out and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles in the epidermis by promoting healthy, natural cell-regeneration beneath skin’s surface. Wrinkles around your mouth and eyes will be reduced as improvement in your skins overall health actually lifts and corrects creases in deeper layers of your skin. This treatment has been found effective by anyone seeking to repair and prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure, aging, discoloration, or acne scarring. Regular treatments will improve the integrity of your existing collagen, making it plumper, smoother, suppler, and more youthful. Additionally, skin nourished with PURIGENEX collagen functions more effectively as part of a healthy body’s natural defense system. This type of cutting-edge treatment has never before been offered as part of a facial treatment system, and it was once available in only the most exclusive medical offices. Now, our experienced Medical Aestheticians can offer you this dramatic, skin-improving treatment stand-alone, or as part of a fully customized Medical Facial.

COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY (CIT)

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) plays an important role in AMA’s collagen protocols as a stand-alone treatment, as well as in combination with our laser treatments. CIT is applied with tiny micro-needles that are used to create tiny micro-holes in the skin. The needles are exquisitely engineered to produce holes of a precise shape and that are so thin that they completely heal in a matter of minutes ensuring that the skin is not damaged at all. When expertly performed, micro-needling causes a change in micro-electrical-currents that flow between cells (demarcation currents) that trigger a cascade of growth factors production. These growth factors cause the formation of new blood vessels and critical new blood flow to the dermis followed by the migration of new Fibroblast cells. Consequently a harvest of new, strong and healthy collagen fibers fills the dermis. To accelerate and amplify this process, as we apply CIT we also infuse into the skin PRM formulations, which increases the overall efficacy of both the PRM and CIT treatments. (see PRM)

Thus, CIT is another example of how AMA’s unique multiple-modality protocols create a holistic partnership between your skin’s natural physiology and our advance medical science. You skin will look years younger, healthier and more beautiful on the outside, because on the inside it is physiologically years younger, stronger and healthier.

INTENSE COLLAGEN LIFT

AMA’s Intense Collagen Lift is designed to work on your skin’s collagen in three different ways in order to produce maximum stimulation of your collagen-producing cells. Therefore, this is the most effective, non-invasive wrinkle removal treatment available. Additionally, since we are working with your skins natural physiology, this protocol is completely holistic in nature. These unique collagen treatments incorporate three different procedures with three specialized laser modalities that work together to give you the lift you’re looking for… naturally!

1) DEEP COLLAGEN REMODELING AND DERMAL REGENERATION:
In this phase we will target old deteriorated collagen deep in the dermis (the cause of deep wrinkles, sagging and enlarged pores) in order to accelerate its removal by your body’s own natural processes. We will also target fibroblast cells throughout your dermis, stimulating them to produce amplified quantities of new young collagen… the kind that you had when you were a teenager…healthy, firm and toned. Simply put, this wrinkle removal occurs from the “inside out.” Wrinkles will actually lighten, lift and disappear, and your pores will shrink. Since the affect on your fibroblasts is cumulative, with each wrinkle treatment the production of collagen increases and lasts for longer and longer periods of time. Week by week, for nearly a year after the Intense Collagen Lift series, you will look progressively better as your skin becomes younger and smoother.

2) SPECTRAL, INFRARED TREATMENTS – TIGHTENING & LIFTING EXCESSIVE LAXITY:
The second phase of the collagen treatments utilizes a safe infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin’s surface. This light-based platform provides a more uniform distribution of energy for heating the deep dermis than other energy sources (such as Radio Frequency). During this phase, we focus on areas that have excessive laxity (sagging), such as the jaw line, under the chin, and the “marionette lines” at the corners of the mouth. The intense collagen treatments will tighten and lift the skin back into its natural more youthful profile for a dramatic, beautiful non-surgical facelift. The results of these procedures can be dramatic even after your first treatment, and successive collagen treatments will typically result in tremendous improvement towards the transformed youthful profile you are seeking.

3) SUB-CELLULAR LED PHOTO-MODULATION:
During the third and final phase of the collagen treatments we utilize an amber LED light-energy device which reduces the signs of aging by drenching the all the cells in your skin with specially modulated frequencies that stimulate rapid healing, reverse cell damage and dramatically accelerate the production of collagen. Because this is a gentle and safe wrinkle treatment that does not require eye protection, we are able to focus more on the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (typically a problem area for most people). Although the mechanism of action is very subtle and occurs on the sub-cellular level (within mitochondria), the results have been scientifically proven to be dramatic. Overall levels of cellular ATP (the fuel of your cells) are sharply increased which dramatically increases the cell’s energy.

Our hands are nearly just as important as our faces, and they are certainly a tell tale when it comes to age and sun damage. During the summer months our hands often acquire a lot of extra sun and age spots. The good news is that there is a simple, safe, effective and fast way to zap those spots away and take years off of your hands!

For pigmented lesions such as sunspots and age spots due to sun damaged skin and other factors, results from our specialized lasers that target this kind of pigmentation become apparent a few days after the first treatment. For darker and well-defined spots in which the melanin is close to the surface, 1-3 treatments are typically all that is needed. With treatment, these spots often turn slightly darker and “grayish”, after which they become “crusty” and simply flake off in 3-7 days leaving perfectly virgin skin underneath. For larger pigmented areas in which the melanin is deeper and irregular such as melasma or café-au-lait, progressive fading will accumulate over 3-6 successive treatments until you have achieved the improvement you desire. With just a couple treatments the skin on your hands will be looking and feeling younger instantly.

Summer has nearly left us, as our vacation days are numbered and we prepare for our kids to go back to school.

Tear….sniffle….

The great news is that if you have purchased a SpectraLift Non-Surgical Facelift package or are interested in experiencing the amazing results from this treatment first hand, this is the perfect time to come in for your treatment as we slowly make our way into fall. With a little bit more freedom while the kids are attending after school activities or if you are able to leave the office just a little bit early – you will be loving your time to get gorgeous for fall as our SpectraLift Laser Treatment whisks away any sun damage, fine lines and skin imperfections that may have plagued you this summer.

Each and every one of us has different skin and varying issues, that is why the SpectraLift Non-Surgical Facelift is perfectly customized to you and YOUR skin. No two people will ever receive the exact same treatment, and the results will be tailored specifically to you and the needs of your skin.

With nearly 9 lasers on the menu, the combination of each of these lasers treat the following skin conditions working to restore and revive the skin:

Broken capillaries
Spider veins
Micro vasculature (generalized redness)
Rosacea
Cherry-Angiomas and any vascular birthmarks
Sun damage
Age spots
Melasma
Deep wrinkes
Fine Lines
Crows feet
Sagging skin
Collagen Loss
Acne scarring or pitting

With hardly any downtime this treatment will have you looking younger and gorgeous in no time. Be sure to book your Complimentary Consultation and treatment today!

Is it true or even possible that one could have a facelift that provides real results without going under the knife?

The answer is YES!

American Medical Aesthetics is not only the leader in medical aesthetic laser procedures, they have Trademarked this very treatment. AMA’s Non-Surgical Facelift is more familiarly known as the infamous SpectraLift Non-Surgical Facelift, which has the ability to give you and your skin a noticeable lift and transformation – taking years off of your face, neck and chest.

American Medical Aesthetic’s SpectraLift is so specialized that it treats every aspect of the skin with multiple lasers that are target specific to each condition. Utilizing eight different lasers the SpectraLift Non-Surgical Facelift addresses vascular and pigmented lesions along with sun damage and wrinkles, providing collagen and dermal regeneration, color blending and balancing of skin tone, tightening and lifting of excess laxity, epidermal resurfacing and regeneration, reversal of cellular damage, and fractional deep collagen remodeling and regeneration.

Here is just one example of how incredibly effective these treatments truly are:

So give your skin the look and feel that you have always wanted with next to no downtime.
Have more questions about the SpectraLift Non Surgical Facelift? Don’t hesitate to give us a call to book a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors.

Beverly Hills: 310-460-2444

Irvine: 949-428-4500

Summer is the time when all of our layers from winter and spring come off and we are finally ready for some good solid fun in the sun. Not only is more of our skin exposed in bright colored tank tops, skirts and dresses, we are all looking to put our best face forward as we head out on vacation, to the beach or out to that incredible party you have been looking forward to since last year.

With summer being just a month away it is the perfect time to get your skin ready to go and looking its best. Feeling confident enough to show off your skin is what it’s all about, here at American Medical Aesthetics you will find the specialized doctors and customized treatment protocols that will help you do just that. Whether you are suffering from mild to sever acne, wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, melasma or just want to tighten up your pores and refresh the look of your skin with AMA’s signature SpectraLift, American Medical Aesthetics has many specialized treatments that are completely customized to provide lasting powerful results.

Here are just a few before and after images of what AMA specialist can do for your skin with just a handful of treatments:

So come get the youthful skin you have always wanted with next to no downtime. Your eyes won’t believe your skin.

It sounds like some kind of fairy tale – A laser that shrinks you down nearly 2-3 sizes just in time for you to jump into that bikini!!!!! I completely agree that this sounds like something a famous storyteller once wrote, but this time it’s for REAL. American Medical Aesthetics Doctors cannot wait to turn your bikini body dreams into reality!

So say HELLO to you new bikini body, as this FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring laser instantly eliminates unwanted fat, working its way to giving you a better body this Summer. Zerona® Laser Treatments are applied while you are comfortably relaxing, as this revolutionary method provides results with absolutely NO discomfort, NO surgical risks and NO downtime.

The Zerona® protocol utilizes patented and clinically proven state-of-the-art laser technology that targets unwanted fat under the skin (subcutaneous). The laser stimulates a bio-physiological process that emulsifies (liquefies) fat within adipose cells (fat cells). The fat then moves through a temporary pore formed in the cell membrane out of the cell and into the interstitial space (extracellular matrix) where it is removed by the lymphatic system.

In short, millions of your fat (adipose) cells shrink without being injured in any way, REDUCING INCHES OFF YOUR WAIST, BELLY, HIPS, THIGHS, BUTT and TORSO.

Coupled with a specialized detox regimen, the entire process only takes 4 weeks! Within these 4 weeks patients will experience a 1 week cleanse prior to treatment, 2 weeks of treatment for a total of 6 appointments, and 1 last week of detox to ensure the effective removal of toxins and fat from the lymph system within the body.

Curious to learn more about this fabulous treatment? Be sure to book a Complimentary Consultation with one of our doctors to discover how Zerona® Body Contouring Treatments can be specifically tailored to you.

There are many factors that can come into play as we age, that will in turn determine how our skin will function over time. Two of the most common factors or changes that take place within our skin as we age are 1) The rate in which our cellular turnover occurs, which is responsible for the removal of older damaged cells and 2) The exponential loss of water, collagen and elastin, which are in control of keeping our skin strong, thick and supple, making our skin smooth, firm and young looking. Unfortunately as we age our skin looses its control of how often our cells are turning over and how much collagen our bodies will produce.

What once gave our skin a constant radiant glow as a child and into our teenage years changes dramatically as our cellular turnover rate begins to slow. As children our skin cells are functioning and turning over at an alarmingly different rate compared to how much more sluggish this process becomes as we grow into our 30’s and 40’s. Healthy skin typically has a turnover rate of roughly 21 to 28 days, because this rate becomes slower and slower by the time we reach our 40’s our cellular turnover rate can be close to roughly 64 days! The more time it takes for our cells to turn over – the more likely we are to receive sun spots and other kinds of sun damage over time.

For pigmented lesions such as sunspots and age spots due to sun damaged skin and other factors, American Medical Aesthetics’ comprehensive laser treatment protocols are so effective in Sun and Age Spot Removal that results become apparent just a few days after the first treatment. For darker and well-defined spots in which the melanin is close to the surface, 1-3 treatments are typically all that is needed. With treatment, these spots often turn slightly darker and “grayish”, after which they become “crusty” and simply flake off in 3-7 days leaving perfectly virgin skin underneath. For larger pigmented areas in which the melanin is deeper and irregular such as melasma or café-au-lait, progressive fading will accumulate over 3-6 successive treatments until you have achieved the improvement you desire.

The losses of water, precious collagen and elastin all undergo the same kind of exponential depletion process over time. In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and skin retains moisture and elasticity making it resilient to the many facial expressions we contort daily. But, over time, this vital support structure weakens and wears down causing our skin to become less resilient. Every time we smile, frown or squint, we add stress on the collagen in your skin. The effects of these facial expressions become cumulative and facial lines begin to appear. At American Medical Aesthetics, the Intense Collagen Lift is designed to work on your skin’s collagen in three different ways in order to produce maximum stimulation of your collagen-producing cells. Therefore, this is the most effective, non-invasive wrinkle removal treatment available. Additionally, since AMA’s specialists are working with your skins natural physiology, this protocol is completely holistic in nature. These unique collagen treatments incorporate three different procedures with three specialized laser modalities that work together to give you the lift you’re looking for… naturally! To effectively treat and accelerate the natural production of collagen within the skin – the three phases that are utilized within this treatment incorporate the following:

1) DEEP COLLAGEN REMODELING AND DERMAL REGENERATION:
In this phase we will target old deteriorated collagen deep in the dermis (the cause of deep wrinkles, sagging and enlarged pores) in order to accelerate its removal by your body’s own natural processes. We will also target fibroblast cells throughout your dermis, stimulating them to produce amplified quantities of new young collagen…

2) SPECTRAL, INFRARED TREATMENT – TIGHTENING & LIFTING EXCESSIVE LAXITY:
The second phase of the collagen treatments utilizes a safe infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin’s surface. This light-based platform provides a more uniform distribution of energy for heating the deep dermis than other energy sources (such as Radio Frequency).

3) SUB-CELLULAR LED PHOTO-MODULATION:
During the third and final phase of the collagen treatments we utilize an amber LED light-energy device which reduces the signs of aging by drenching all the cells in your skin with specially modulated frequencies that stimulate rapid healing, reverse cell damage and dramatically accelerate the production of collagen.

For more information on how these treatments can work for you or someone you love, please give us a call to book a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors.

From our teens to our latter years in life, hyper-pigmentation of the skin affects us all. Over time our skin incurs exposure from the many natural elements that we encounter on a daily basis, most specifically the sun. But in the case of hyper-pigmentation, the sun is not the only trigger that can cause changes within the natural pigment of our skin.

The majority of the skin cells within the epidermis form a protective layer, but about every eighth cell is a melanocyte cell, that is responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is produced in the lower levels of the skin, and the pigmentation process resembles that of an assembly line.

First a trigger occurs—the sun, inflammation, injury or hormones—sends a signal to the melanin-stimulating hormones. After this message is sent, the enzyme tyrosinase is activated. Once tyrosinase is signaled, the melanocyte cell receives a message to produce pigment. The melanocytes make melanin and package them into little bundles known as melanosomes. The cells then disperse pigment upward through the dermis, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Because the body can’t constantly work to divide the pigment properly, it gets deposited in clumps that show up as spots and discoloration. As the skin ages, the cycle is less controlled (sun exposure and hormonal changes interrupt it), and the steady distribution of melanin becomes more dispersed. As excess melanin is produced, hyperpigmentation forms, creating deposits of color that stay indefinitely unless treated. Conditions such as Melasma, Sun and Age Spots can all be effectively treated by lasers and have proven to be successful in helping to relieve and eliminate these types of skin conditions.

Here are some before and after examples:

Sun & Age Spots

Melasma

Learn more about Melasma and Hyperpigmentation Here:

The inevitable Stretch Mark. Ah yes, I am speaking of the wide range of often discolored lines we find on our thighs, hips, buttocks, stomach, and arms. Everyday we look in the mirror, and we are all wondering the same thing – how did we received these unfortunate marks and lines upon on our skin, why on earth do we have them and how do we get rid of them???!!!!

Stretch marks are caused when the skin is stretched to the point of breaking down, similar to elastic losing its’ elasticity. The loss of collagen and elastin in the skin as we age causes stretch marks, loss of tone, fine lines and wrinkles. When there is a breakdown or loss of elastin and collagen fibers or excessive stretching in the skin, the mark actually shows through to the epidermis (top layer of skin). Stretch marks often occur in the normal course of development especially in women. They are frequently aggravated by rapid growth, pregnancy, hormones and some other natural causes. Stretch marks are weaknesses in the supporting structure of the skin causing layers of the skin to separate leaving the skin grooved and discolored.

Another point to understand is that scars and stretch marks are all very different and delicate to treat. At American Medical Aesthetics each individual scar and stretch mark removal treatment is customized for every patient. Scars and stretch marks are typically treated with three different lasers in each session and often deliver great results.

What makes American Medical Aesthetic’s approach to treating stretch marks different?

First, every scar or stretch mark is individually targeted. Next, an overall color blending of the scar area is applied, causing the “turn-over” of your base-line melanin (old melanin is replaced with new) which evens out your coloration. Thirdly, to fill in the scar from the inside out, the production of collagen is stimulated with an intense collagen treatment. This targets old deteriorated collagen deep in the dermis in order to accelerate its removal by your bodys own natural processes. Fibroblast cells are also targeted throughout your dermis, stimulating them to produce amplified quantities of new young collagen. The last portion of the scar and stretch mark removal treatment will smooth out the surface of your scar with an epidermal resurfacing (laser peel). This phase removes a few microns (30-50%) of the epidermis (the dead cells on the top layer of your skin), along with its imperfections, discolorations, fine wrinkles and roughness. Scar and stretch mark removal usually will take approximately 4-6 treatments in 3-4 week intervals.