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San Diego Facials, Microdermabrasion, Waxing, Massage, Spa Treatments, Acupuncture, and Oriental Medicine at ASerenity Spa |
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FAQ's
The basic idea behind acupuncture is that the insertion of very fine needles into points along the meridians can rebalance bodily disharmony. The action of the needles affects the “Qi and Blood” in the substances and organs. The needles can reduce what is
excessive, increase what is deficient. Warm what is cold, cool what is hot, circulate what is stagnant, move what is congealed,
stabilize what is reckless, raise what is falling, and lower what is rising. Each acupuncture point has a defined therapeutic action. The physician chooses to work on those points that are most appropriate for treating a particular individual’s pattern of disharmony. A
typical treatment entails the insertion of five to fifteen needles, Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel, are hair like thinness,
and produce relatively little pain when inserted. Acupuncture treats to strengthen the physical condition, prevent or modify the
perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pan control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunction
of the body and includes the techniques of electro-acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion.
What are the Potential Benefits of Acupuncture?
Painless and drugless relief of the presenting symptoms and improved balance of bodily energies which may lead to
prevention or elimination of the presenting problem. Absence of serious side effects.
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects. Needles generally cause no bleeding on entry or removal, and are either the one time disposable kind or sterilized under meticulous conditions. There is minimal risk of organ or blood vessel penetration.
Two of the most popular skin care procedures today are microdermabrasion and chemical peel. In fact, many women schedule their skin care treatment with the same regularity as they do an appointment with a hair stylist. Both procedures are controlled exfoliation processes which means that they remove the outer layers of dead skin and stimulate new cell growth which results in a smoother, more glowing complexion.
Microdermabrasion is sometimes called the “lunch time peel” and uses a combination of tiny abrasive crystals and suction to slough off the old layers of skin. There is no 'downtime'. Your skin looks great after this treatment. Microdermabrasion freshens the skin, helps repair sun damage, treats fine lines, smoothes blotchy or rough-textured skin and minimizes the effects of aging. The procedure is done in a scheduled series and the results are seen gradually, increasing with each successive treatment. It is highly recommended to get a facial with this treatment. Your skin is receptive to all the products that are applied, so the results are even better.
Chemical peels use a chemically induced process to remove the damaged or old layers of skin and leave the skin with improvement in texture, tone and color. Peels are often done in a series and it takes approximately 3 to 7 days for the skin to heal. Even if you have sensitive skin there is a chemical peel that will work for you.
To achieve glowing skin and rejuvenate the complexion, both microdermabrasion and chemical peels are usually done in a series. Because there may be some temporary flaking or redness, schedule your microdermabrasion or peel one week before an important event.
Facials
What steps occur during
waxing?
The
area to be waxed is exposed, cleaned with an antiseptic, then dusted
with a light powder. A rapidly-hardening green wax is applied in
manageable sections to the area, using a wooden applicator, then briskly
removed by hand, not by a muslin strip, taking the wax and the hair with
it. It is a quick process.
What would
prevent me from waxing?
We
cannot wax clients that are taking Accutane, using Retin A, have just
tanned in the sun or tanning bed or are on any antibiotics that
contribute to increased skin sensitivity. Menstruation does NOT prevent
you from waxing, although your skin may feel a bit more sensitive.
How long should
my hair be?
Hair
growth should be at least 1/4" for most effective waxing. The longer you
can wait the better results you will get.
How rapidly will
the hair grow back?
Most
people's hair grows back within 3 to 4 weeks. Hair grows in 3 phases, so
you may see the next phase growing in just a little in the next week or
so. Hair growth becomes less and less the more you wax!
What's a woman's
Bikini wax?
The
removal of the hair outside the bikini area on the pelvis and inner
thigh.
What's a woman's
Brazilian Bikini wax?
The
complete removal of ALL hair, from front to back. The customer is free
to exclude any particular area. Women often prefer to leave a small
strip of hair above the pubic bone. This is commonly called a "Playboy".
Waxing
What can I expect after a Microdermabrasion?
Usually after a Microdermabrasion your skin looks and feels fresh. You might experience a slight tingling and redness may occur but usually goes away within a few hours. During the first 24 hours your skin might feel dry and tight. Some flaking may occur after the treatment. Be sure to use quality moisturizer and lots of Sunscreen.
What can I expect after a Vitalize Peel / Chemical Peel?
A reaction similar to a sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that
ends within 7-10 days. This procedure may be repeated at one to four week intervals until desired clinical effect is achieved.
What is the difference between Microdermabrasion done by a professional versus the home kits?
Microdermabrasion done by a professional is more intense than any at home kit. Because your actually blasting the dead skin away as opposed to rubbing it off. You also benefit from the vacuum of a machine which stimulates the collagen production.
It is good to use the home kit for in between sessions as an exfoliator.
What are the benefits of a Facial?
A facial is a great way to treat your skin. Some of the benefits:
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A facial is ideal for anyone...Women, Men and Teens
Acupuncture
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE can be considered an art, and it can claim to be a science. The important question to ask about a medical practice is : DOES IT WORK?
Is Chinese medicine just an interesting philosophical curiosity or is it a viable system of healing? Can it treat what the West defines as real diseases? And can Western science measure its results and appreciate its value?
Because of the unique history of modern China, traditional medicine has been the subject of comprehensive study and testing over the past thirty years. To answer that question, the Chinese performed thousands of experiments and clinical studies during the fifties. The result was that in 1958 the Central Committee decided to give traditional and modern medicine equal respect and place in China.
Can I get a reaction from a facial?
In most cases you should not have a reaction to a facial. It is possible that an allergic reaction may occur if a product is used that contains an ingredient that you make be allergic to. Sometimes you may develop an allergy to an ingredient that you have been using for a while. This happens very rarely. Please inform your esthetician of all possible allergies you may have so that we can make your experience the best possible.
What do I do if I have a reaction from a facial?
If you should experience a reaction after a facial, depending on how severe it is, you may want to take an OTC allergy medication to reduce the symptoms. It is important to notify your Esthetician as soon as possible if you experience any negative reactions. If necessary, she can take a look at your skin and give you further instruction as well as try to identify the possible allergen. It is extremely important that your Esthetician know about this, so that when you come in for your next facial, those products can be avoided.
Botox, Restylane & Perlane
Cupping is a method of treating disease by causing local congestion. A partial vacuum is created in jars, usually by means of heat, which are then applied to the skin, drawing up the underlying tissues and forming blood stasis. In ancient times, animal horns were used, principally in draining pustulated sores. Later this method was utilized in treating consumptive and rheumatic diseases. For example, in the Tang Dynasty work, Necessities of a Frontier Official , cupping was prescribed for the treatment of a condition similar to pulmonary tuberculosis. Bamboo, ceramic, iron and brass "cups" were developed. Today, cups made of glass or bamboo are by far the most common. They are available in many sizes, and selected according to the skin and method of treatment. Both the range of indications and the variety of instruments have grown since the beginning of the Culture Revolution.
What is Moxibustion?Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
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How does moxibustion work? Does it hurt? There are two types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. This type of moxibustion is further categorized into two types: scarring and non-scarring. With scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on a point, ignited, and allowed to remain onto the point until it burns out completely. This may lead to localized scarring, blisters and scarring after healing. With non-scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on the point and lit, but is extinguished or removed before it burns the skin. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for too long. Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed. |
What is the purpose of galvanic treatments?
Since the body "runs" on electricity, it should not surprise us to learn that galvanic current passes, as a wave, through the facial skin tissues, opens skin cells, nourishes them and, quite literally, tightens the face. As muscles are tensed, they shorten. The face is toned and becomes more youthful in appearance. Subsequent treatments result in longer lasting results. Following facial surgery, swelling is lessened and the healing process hastened.
How does this facial help the skin?
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. A decrease in the strength of the connective tissues between the epidermis and the dermis results in an acceleration of the aging process. Galvanic treatments strengthen skin tissue.
Does a galvanic treatment benefit acne skin?
Yes, an ingredient applied during the galvanic phase causes an acidic reaction in the skin, destroying bacteria on the skin as well as within the dermis.
How long do the results from a Galvanic facial last?
Most clients will note an immediate improvement in their skin which is cumulative with subsequent treatments. Just as a muscle increases its strength with use, the skin also improves with repeated treatments.
Described as a non-surgical facelift, 15 minutes of galvanic current is comparable to 2 hours of isometric toning exercise. Continued treatments result in improved facial toning.
re galvanic treatments safe?
Galvanic current is completely safe for most individuals. There are some contraindications for people with pacemakers or metal implants. The only sensation is that of a very slight tingling in the face and a metal taste in the mouth due to fillings.
Clients should refrain from smoking of applying makeup for up to 45 minutes following the treatment. This will allow ample time for hydration of the skin to occur. Immediate sun exposure is permitted, as many of the vitamins used throughout the treatment process serve to protect the skin and offer up to 45-60 minutes of UV protection. However, clients are reminded that the sun is the greatest enemy of our faces and are cautioned to use a high quality, oil free sun screen with a minimum of 30 SPF daily.
What can I expect after an Acupuncture treatment?
Your relief may be immediate, delayed for a few hours or even develop after 1 to 3 days. The relief may last for a few hours on the first visit and then last longer with each successive treatment. Relief may last from the first treatment until your next visit. It is important to recognize that we are all individuals. Individual response to treatment varies.
Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in patients 18 to 65 years of age. During treatment, very low doses of Botox Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines between the brows, also known as the 11 lines.
Botox Cosmetic is the only treatment of its type approved by the FDA for this use. The treatment is minimally invasive and nonsurgical. It requires no recovery time and causes little discomfort.
What causes frown lines between the brows?
The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time.
Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract, they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between your brows.
Botox Cosmetic works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, and the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows begin to fade.
Botox Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive treatment. Dr. Murphy makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines between your brows.
Dr. Murphy will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately ten minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief - most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You may resume normal activity immediately.
ASerenity Skin Care & Spa is now offering Botox and Restylane. Dr. Murphy is a California licensed physician and has nearly 30 years Botox injection experience. Being an Ophthalmologist by trade, he is one of the first doctors to specialize in Botox administration.
How soon will I see a difference?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week.
What kind of results can I expect?
By day 30 in a patient clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.
Visible results can last up to four months. After that, you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment.
Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increase risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.
Other side effects include pain and redness where the medicine is injected, pain in the face, and muscle weakness. These effects generally occur within the first week and usually go away on their own.
Your own results may vary - be sure to talk to Dr. Murphy about what you can expect.
How soon will I need a second treatment?
The effect of ach treatment can last up to four months - be sure to schedule your follow-up treatments in advance.
What happens if I decide not to continue?
If you decide not to continue with Botox Cosmetic, the area between our brows will eventually go back to its pretreatment appearance.
How does Botox Cosmetic compare to other options?
Compared to other aesthetic treatment options, Botox Cosmetic is relatively inexpensive. According to a survey by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it's one of the least costly facial aesthetic procedures. And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may find Botox Cosmetic to be a great way to invest in yourself.
How do I know if Botox is right for me?
If you are between 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for Botox cosmetic. If you feel that reducing the appearance of those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows might make you look more approachable, Botox may be right for you.
Come in for a consultation on the days Dr. Murphy is scheduled to be here.
How does my doctor know when to use Restylane and Perlane?
Dr. Murphy will decide which product is right for you based on an evaluation of facial wrinkles and folds.
How long do Restylane products last?
Restylane products are proven to deliver long-lasting results. Restylane lasts about six months. Perlane lasts at least six months, in a majority of patients. The products' patented stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect for those time periods.
Are Restylane and Perlane FDA approved?
Yes. They are approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth.
What is the history of Restylane?
Restylane has been used in over 1.4 million treatments in the U.S. and in available in more than 70 countries. It is the most-studied cosmetic dermal filler in the world with dozens of publications in medical literature. Clinical studies showed no significant differences in the safety of Restylane and Perlane.
What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane and Perlane require no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because they may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with your doctor, who may prescribe a medication to minimize recurrence.
Do Restylane and Perlane require an allergy test?
No. Restylane and Perlane do not require an allergy test and can be administered immediately - no waiting time is required.
How are Restylane products administered?
Restylane and Perlane are administered by injection to the treatment site. Before treatment talk to Dr. Murphy about pain management.
Is any of the material left in the skin after it has dissolved?
No. Over time Restylane and Perlane products are broken down and eliminated by the body - unlike permanent fillers.
Restylane products are injected directly into the skin in small amounts by an ultrafine needle. As with all injections, some patients may experience discomfort. To increase your comfort, Dr. Murphy will assess what technique is right for you.
A Restylane or Perlane procedure is customized to your specific needs, so the cost will vary. In general, the cost is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Ask Dr. Murphy to give you a cost estimate based on your particular needs.
How often should I schedule an appointment?
How long the aesthetic correction lasts is very individual. Ask Dr. Murphy about the benefits of scheduling a follow-p appointment in about six months.
What are Restylane and Perlane products made of?
Restylane was the first cosmetic dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid that has been modified slightly to last longer than the body's hyaluronic acid. In the human body natural hyaluronic acid provided volume and fullness to the skin.
How are Restylane products different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Restylane and Perlane contain no animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. You should not use Restylane or Perlane if you have allergies to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria.
Which dermal filler is the market leader?
Restylane is the number one selling dermal filler in the U.S. and worldwide.
How do Restylane and Perlane products differ from Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic and Restylane are used to correct wrinkles in different ways. Restylane products are natural cosmetic fillers injected into the skin, adding volume to smooth wrinkles such as lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). In contrast, Botox relaxes the muscles that cause frown lines between your eye brows.
What are Restylane and Perlane?
The Restylane family of products includes Restylane and Perlane. Both are cosmetic dermal fillers that replace lost volume and restore youthful contours to the skin to smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).
How do I choose between Restylane and Perlane?
You don't have to. In clinical trials, Restylane and Perlane were used in the same patients. The hyaluronic acid in both products is made by the same biotechnical process. The difference is in the gel particle size. Perlane gel particles are larger and designed for deeper injection than Restylane. Dr. Murphy will decide which product is right for you.
A.Serenity ~ 1370 Rosecrans St. Suite C ~ San Diego, CA 92106 ~ 858.531.4600
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