What is the difference between “laser” and “IPL” hair removal?  What are the pros and cons?  They are very similar and work on similar mechanisms.  A laser is a traditional light device that puts out high-energy light of a specific wavelength.  An Intense Pulsed Light device (IPL) puts out broad-band light at high energy also.  Various filters on that light “tune” it to the desirable range of wavelengths, such as more green or more red light.

IPL devices came into common use in the 90’s, a good deal later than when lasers became available.  They are so popular because a single device can have handpieces with different color filters to provide hair removal for a range of different skin types.  A laser typically puts out only 1 wavelength and is therefore more limited.  For instance, an Alexandrite laser has excellent hair removal properties but is not as useful for darker skin types.  YAG laser can be used in all skin colors but is not as effective.  However, an IPL can be filtered in virtually any way and provides hair removal for virtually any skin color at the desired effectiveness.  Additionally, IPL devices typically have large spot sizes, making them fast as well as versatile.

A fair-skinned person with darker hair is the ideal candidate for hair removal with any device.  They will get good results with all of them but better if they stay away from YAG laser.  A darker skinned person should stay with YAG, red-filtered IPL, or diode.  There is a well-known risk of burns when getting laser or IPL hair removal that rises in proportion to pigment or tanning of the skin.  It is therefore important to discuss those risks with your provider and avoid sun exposure after treatment.

Celebrity Laser Spa  is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of our new medically-supervised weight loss program on May 11, 2010.  CLS (aka Tattoo MD) specializes in cosmetic skin treatments, tattoo removal and laser rejuvenation.  The addition of medically supervised weight-loss is logical for a spa that already focuses on beauty and wellness.
Obesity is an epidemic problem in this country.  At least 1/3 of the population suffers from obesity and its complications, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and others.  Even a 5% long-term weight reduction confers great benefits in health and longevity.  Furthermore, summer is coming, and don’t you want to shed those pounds and look your best?
The components of the CLS weight loss program include medical monitoring, nutrition, meal replacement, optional appetite suppression, and counseling.  The focus is on long-term weight loss and creation of healthy eating and exercise habits through lifestyle change.  Lifestyle change is not easy and the assistance of our dedicated clinical staff will help guide you to success
Celebrity Laser Spa is hosting a Grand Opening Party to kick off our weight loss program on May 11.  There will be group presentations, the opportunity to meet the clinicians, special program discounts, and refreshments.  Please call 310-312-1231 to reserve your spot (space is limited)!

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening chemical that works gradually to decrease skin pigment.  It can work on anything from melasma to sunspots.  Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme that makes melanin.  It doesn’t “bleach” the skin but rather causes melanin to gradually be lost.

The benefit of hydroquinone is that it is mild and works gradually.  This is also a downside.  Another issue is that it is hard to be precise with it since it is applied as a cream. Still, if you are considering lightening an area of skin for the first time, it is a relatively inexpensive and safe method to try.  The changes that occur also gradually return to their original state once hydroquinone is discontinued.

Hydroquinone is a good first step for the treatment of various hyper-pigmented skin conditions, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  However, more aggressive methods, such as laser, may be utilized if one maximizes the benefits of hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone 4% from Vi Derm is available for purchase at CLS.

Celebrity Laser Spa will be starting a new medically-supervised weight-loss program in April.  The program will treat obesity and over-weight with a combination of diet, exercise, meal-replacement, appetite suppression, and counseling.  Stay tuned for announcements and specials in the coming days.

Both Restylane and Juvederm are dermal fillers for facial wrinkles and they’re both made from hyaluronic acid.  They’re both available at TMD/CLS.  Is one better than the other?

There are some differences between the two. According to Allergan, Juvederm is made of range of different size molecules, to make injection and texture smoother.  The smaller molecules smooth out the “rough edges” of the larger ones.  Studies by the manufacturer also claim that it lasts somewhat longer than Restylane.   On the other hand, Restylane is priced somewhat lower than Juvederm and has a long track record of use and popularity.

Ultimately, the two fillers are quite similar and your preference for one or the other will be based more on individual experience and preference than anything else.  We urge you to peruse the injectable fillers page to help decide and to check out the monthly specials.

This has been long in the making but TMD Medispa is becoming….Celebrity Laser Spa!  All our staff and services are staying the same.  We are re-branding ourselves to emphasize the celebrity-level skin treatments we offer.  When you come to Celebrity Laser Spa, YOU are the Celebrity and you will be treated like one.  Check out celebritylaserspa.com, which we just rolled out.  We will be gradually transitioning over to the new website.

Due to popular demand, TMD Medispa is expanding our hours.  Starting in January, we will be open from 10 am until 8 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Fridays and Saturdays will remain 10 to 6.  We hope that this schedule will accommodate more people that are free only in the evenings. We will be performing Fraxel and all our other services during these new hours.

We also now have Dysport, Restylane and Perlane in stock.  See the Botox and the Injectable Fillers page for more info.
TMD Medispa wishes everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dysport is a botulinum toxin A, recently FDA-approved for cosmetic treatment, and is similar to Botox.  Dysport is made by Medicis and Botox by Allergan.  Although they appear to be similar, starting in late December, we plan to offer both to give our patients more choices.

Restylane was the first hyaluronic acid that was FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the US.  In an effort to provider more choices to our patients, we will also be carrying Restylane.  Between Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse, we think that our patients will appreciate having more options.

Stay tuned until mid-December when we plan to roll out Dysport and Restylane!

TMD Medispa now carries .4 ml Juvederm syringes.  The standard size of Juvederm is .8 ml and is a sufficient amount to treat nasolabial folds.  Enough may be left over after treatment to allow for a little lip augmentation as well.   Or the whole syringe could be used for lips alone.  The advantage of the .4 ml syringe is the ability to use a smaller amount of filler for certain areas, such as subtle lip augmentation or treating marionette lines (next to the chin).  It’s also excellent for touch-ups when you don’t wish to purchase a full .8 ml syringe. 

Due to it’s smaller size, the .4 ml syringe is priced at $350 vs. the .8 ml syringe, priced at $550.  For those of you that have never tried injectable hyaluronic acid fillers before but have been thinking about it, the .4 ml syringe of Juvederm is an excellent way to give it a try.  If you are interested in a free consultation, please call TMD Medispa at 310-312-1231 or contact us by email!

One of the injectable treatments at TMD Medispa is spider vein sclerotherapy.  Sclerotherapy targets specific spider veins and causes them to shrivel away.  Laser works somewhat differently.  Laser light is absorbed by the red blood cells in a spider vein, causing the blood vessel to clot.  The advantage of injection sclerotherapy over laser, is that it is more targeted.  There is no risk of burning since no heat is involved.  Pain is actually lower with sclerotherapy because the heat of the laser is more uncomfortable than the tiny needle used for injection.  We use hypertonic saline rather than other materials due to the superior safety profile.  The major advantage of laser is that it is faster.  However, due to its ease and specificity, we prefer sclero to laser.