In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, we face a barrage of advertisements, blogs, celebrity endorsements, and messages about what we should or should not do to achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. A professional consultation by a skincare specialist can not only help make sense of all the information out there but also customize a regimen and treatment plan that’s right for your skin. Read our blog as we discuss what to expect at your skincare consultation.

I’ve booked my consultation – now what?

Take some time to think about what problems or concerns you have regarding your skin and develop a list of questions to ask at your appointment. Your skincare professional will begin by reviewing any aesthetic issues affecting your face, décolletage, neck, and hands. This will help determine your goals and assist your provider with developing a plan according to your needs and expectations.

How does my skincare history factor in?

The consultation is also a good time to discuss your history and how prior issues like sunbathing, smoking, acne, eczema, or psoriasis affect how your skin looks as it ages. A thorough understanding of any previous lifestyle choices or skin problems is instrumental in determining the best cosmetic treatment moving forward.

When will we discuss my options?

Once you discuss your history and your provider assesses your skin, it’s a good time to discuss options. Whether your goal is to eliminate age spots, minimize fine lines, increase skin’s elasticity, or simply revitalize your skin after a harsh winter, there are countless state-of-the-art treatment options and products to help repair and restore your skin for a beautiful, youthful glow.

Am I eligible for any promotions?

Once you decide on a treatment plan, your provider will discuss costs as well as any current promotions for the specific service you’re interested in.

From injectables and chemical peels to facials and Coolsculpting, Belladerm MedSpa offers leading-edge skin rejuvenation procedures to clients throughout the Twin Cities. Call us to schedule your free consultation or visit us online.

Did you know that the visible signs of aging are linked to volume loss of our facial tissue? Over time, a decrease in volume and elasticity leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and etched lines on the face. Injectable dermal fillers can help smooth lines, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Read our blog to learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected directly under the skin. They’re composed of several compounds, including hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and volumized. Dermal fillers address a number of common age-related concerns by smoothing under eye circles, lifting cheekbones, smoothing lip lines, and replacing soft-tissue volume loss. This restores the skin to a more youthful appearance without expensive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Are you a good candidate?

You’re a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have fine lines and wrinkles and the desire to look younger. Dermal fillers work by “plumping” the skin, filling in the lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out the skin in the process. The number of injections required depends on your individual needs and the area you wish to treat. With so many filler products on the market, it’s difficult to know which option is best. Certain fillers work better for a particular area so we recommend consulting an injection specialist about which treatment is right for you.

What can you expect during treatment?

Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, treatment can usually be completed in an office visit. Depending on your provider, your initial treatment often begins with a consultation to determine your needs and desired outcomes. The injection specialist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have prior to treatment. Although the risk associated with injectable fillers is relatively low, it’s important to disclose any allergies, medications, or neurological conditions you have to your provider.

Before the actual treatment, the injection site is cleaned and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Your specialist will then carefully inject the filler under the skin. You may notice results immediately, depending on the area. It’s not uncommon to experience mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. This usually lasts for about three to five days after treatment; however, the side effects will vary from patient to patient.

Generally, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months but results depend on several variables, including the patient and the injection area. For example, the treatment for nasolabial folds (smile lines or folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth) usually last longer than lip injections.

Injectable dermal fillers offer a practical, cost-effective way to look younger. However, choosing the right injection specialist is key to receiving quality care and desireable outcomes. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a treatment plan according to your needs and beauty goals.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our spring special, Beauty in a Box – one syringe of Juvederm and 20 units of Botox!

Plucking, waxing, or shaving unwanted body hair can be frustrating and time-consuming. It can irritate your skin as well as cause bumps, redness, in-grown hairs, and even acne. Laser hair removal is a safe, effective alternative for removing unwanted hair, leaving your skin silky smooth and healthy looking for weeks on end. Read on to understand the basics and to find out if you’re a good candidate.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a relatively painless, non-invasive procedure that concentrates light on the hair follicle of the treated area. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment or color in the hair follicle and damages it at the root, preventing the hair from growing back. The results will vary by client depending on skin type, hair color, and the treatment area; however, most people notice a change in hair growth after the first few weeks.

Who is a good candidate?

Although the procedure can be performed on almost anyone, the ideal candidates for are clients with dark hair and fair skin. This enables the laser to concentrate light on the pigment within the follicle without having to compete for pigment in the skin. Clients who have darker skin tones or tans have more melanin on the upper layers of the skin, which can absorb light. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin with a less aggressive treatment that uses lower energy levels and spot tests to avoid adverse reactions. Clients with blond, white, or gray hair, unfortunately, aren’t good candidates as they lack the pigment necessary for the treatment. So, if you’re planning for gray hair in the future, don’t wait to have the procedure. Schedule an appointment today!

What can you expect?

Since laser is only effective at certain stages of active hair growth, laser hair removal usually requires 6 separate treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart depending on the body area, skin coloring, and hair type. The best areas are lower legs, underarms, and bikini lines. Areas of the face, including the chin and upper lip, are more challenging because the hair is much finer and not as easy to remove. It’s important to remember this is not a “one size fits all” solution. A consultation with a licensed laser technician at Belladerm MedSpa can determine if the procedure is right for you. We’ll customize a treatment plan based on your needs and desired results.

How long will it last?

Results will vary but typically laser hair removal results in the thinning of the hair and an 80 percent reduction in growth. For some clients, the results are permanent. However, most require yearly maintenance.

Let Belladerm MedSpa help you look and feel your best. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our certified laser technicians and ask about our BOGO laser hair removal packages – buy any hair removal package and get the second package of equal or lesser value free!