Los Angeles, California has got to be the one city in the world leading the search for the fountain of youth. Between the Hollywood elite and the hundreds of thousands of Hollywood hopefuls, it is a land where appearances really are everything. So it would only make sense that when it comes to the conversation about the most progressive, effective spa treatments that will keep you looking fresh and trim, we must look to what is being performed at the high end spas in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The latest and greatest happenings in the Med Spa arena are easily found in the City of Angels, and they are not only for women. More and more men are quietly having these treatments done and enjoying looking and feeling like their younger selves.
This is a newer type of facial that gives great results without the use of any type of needle. A small tool applies light suction to the skin, pulling out impurities, eliminating dead skin and leaving the skin looking fresh and renewed. Some patients experience some redness immediately following the facial but that subsides within a couple of hours. There is no downtime, like with a harsher chemical peel, while still providing noticeable results. It is advised to have a HydraFacial done once every 2-3 months.
A process of using a tool with several tiny needles (think almost microscopic) to jumpstart collagen production. The process also induces a wide range of other benefits. There are many versions of the microneedling tool, including versions that are suitable for home use. It is recommended that you ask your dermatologist before trying to do it on your own, as it can exacerbate certain skin conditions. Microneedling is also an excellent primer for the skin to more effectively accept and use serums and other topicals.
Made famous by Kim Kardashian’s post a couple of years ago, with blood all over her face, the Vampire Facial is one of the best ways to reactivate your body’s natural rejuvenation process. The first step is drawing the patient’s own blood and then essentially spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Prior to applying the PRP to the skin, microneedling or microdermabrasion is done to prime the skin to accept the PRP. The PRP can also be mixed into creams or serums to create a perfectly tailored skin care regime to use between treatments.
One of the oldest tricks in the book, but still one of the most effective and widely used. A tiny needle is used to inject the substance into the forehead, and around the eye area to help eliminate crow’s feet, laugh lines and frown lines, leaving the skin smooth and still. It has become more popular with younger patients as a preventative measure, because if it used before wrinkles set in, and in an ongoing manner, the skin doesn’t have time to incur the deeper, harder to get rid of lines and wrinkles. Botox is best done on an every 2-3 month cycle depending on age and severity of wrinkles.
Synthetic substance designed to increase collagen production and fill deep lines, creases and folds. It is an FDA approved dermal filler and can also help plump up sunken in areas of the face due to aging, illness or rapid weight loss. The synthetic compound is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). Results from Sculptra can be dramatic, so it is recommended you use a trusted practitioner who has a lot of experience with fillers. Pain level reported is higher than with other treatments like microneedling or Botox, due in part to the volume of product being injected.
COOLSCULPTING – A non-invasive method that uses cold temperatures to eliminate fat cells in a certain area. This is often used to target the abdomen area and people love it as an alternative to liposuction because there is absolutely no down time. CoolSculpting is most successful on patients who are not extremely overweight, but are looking to contour problem areas, like a pooch or love handles, that are sometimes extremely difficult to exercise away. Treatments last about 30 minutes and most patients do a series of 3 treatments to receive maximum results.
This treatment involves injecting deoxycholic acid. The substance essentially dissolves fat cells. It is most widely used to target fat in the chin, neck area to reduce the appearance or existence of a double chin. Some practitioners will use it in the abdomen area and waistline to help flatten the stomach and diminish love handles, but it is not commonly used this way. Results are often reported to be seen within 12 weeks and most patients require at least two treatments. The results are generally long lasting.
The best thing about all these treatment options is that none of them involve anesthesia or going “under the knife.” Face lifts and other types of plastic surgery involve major risk and lots of downtime to recover. When all is said and done, the results of the surgery are not guaranteed and facial plastic surgery, especially, is an art form. If you end up with a botched face lift, it can have lasting, devastating effects. All these LA style med spa treatments are minimally invasive, not needing more than a simple small needle or tool. There is little to no pain, little to no downtime, and amazing results. Any of these treatments on their own, or in combination with others, can have you looking years younger, and many pounds lighter, in the matter of just a couple sessions. One thing to remember is that with many of the treatments listed, the results are not immediate. But a little bit of time, money and patience can go a long way in helping you look and feel like your younger self.