sonamedspa

BOTOX ® MYTHS

Myth no. 1: BOTOX ® is dangerous

BOTOX ® has been used since 1987…which means that its effects and side effects…and long term effects…are well known and documented. The use of BOTOX ® is still growing annually, with more than 2.8 million procedures currently being performed on a yearly basis. Studies over a 9 year period have shown no long-term negative effects through the repeated use of BOTOX ® among patients that received 30 injections over a nine year period.

Myth no.2: BOTOX ® will give me that “frozen face” look

Quite the opposite! BOTOX ® restores the balance in the facial muscles and creates that “relaxed” look. By injecting the right amount of BOTOX ®, you can reduce the fine lines and wrinkles and achieve that “soft” look.

Myth no. 3: BOTOX ® is poisonous!

The effects of BOTOX ® are temporary, as the body naturally eliminates the administered BOTOX ® over a 3 to 6 month period of time. Clearly, as with any medication, excessive amounts should be avoided.

Myth no.4: BOTOX ® treatments can cause my eye(s) to droop

Getting your BOTOX ® from an experienced medical professional is the key to minimizing this risk. Studies have shown the risk of this side effect to be less than 2%. As the effect of BOTOX ® is temporary, this effect will wear off in a few weeks, should it occur.

Myth no.5: “I am afraid the injections will be painful”

Here I tread carefully, as we all know that pain is a very personal experience! But to put this into perspective, your BOTOX ® treatment involves a few tiny injections that require no anesthesia. If this is your concern, talk to your clinician before the treatment. They can apply ice or a topical anesthetic, if this is required, although our experience has shown that this is rarely the case.

Noel Halgreen

Sōna MedSpa

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a progressive, non-invasive treatment popular in day spas, doctors' practices, and medical spas, in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. As with most procedures, the technology in this field has developed from its original inception. Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals, fine organic particles, or the latest technology provides for a diamond tipped roughened surface. Particles are removed through the wand/hand piece through which the abrasive particles come, or via the diamond chips on the end of the wand. In both crystals and diamond microdermabrasion systems the dead skin cells are sucked away from the face. The term dermabrasion itself refers to the more severe medical procedure carried out under general or light anesthesia. Removing the outer layer of the stratum corneum promotes the production of new cells in the deepest layer of the dermis. It also cleans pores and aids in balancing oil production. It further stimulates collagen networking to even out skin texture and tone.

The area (typically the face) is thoroughly cleansed to remove excess oils from the skin. A clinician then manually passes a wand over the skin on the face. It gently abrades the surface while a vacuum thoroughly cleanses the skin of impurities. The procedure lasts 15 to 25 minutes. Afterwards a soothing toner is typically applied to the face, followed by a hydrating cream and sunblock.

Microdermabrasion works in two ways. It works by gently exfoliating or removing the outside layers (stratum corneum) of the skin. The abrasive action of the wand gently removes the outer surface layers, allowing smoother, fresher skin to be apparent. The second way is that the vacuum action helps to stimulate microcirculation and lymphatic flow, increasing the blood supply that provides nutrients needed for skin regeneration. This helps accelerate the skin’s repair process and stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastin thereby improving skin texture and elasticity.

Noel Halgreen
Sõna MedSpa

What are Paraffin Wax Treatments?

Paraffin wax treatments are luxurious spa treatments for the skin. They are intended to moisturize and soften the skin. When one thinks of wax, one typically thinks of something solid – the paraffin wax is heated up, and therefore applies smoothly and evenly to the skin. Paraffin wax treatments are most often applied to the hands and feet. What sets paraffin wax apart from other types of waxes used typically for hair removal is that it is less viscous and does not bond to the skin.

Paraffin wax is a softer wax because of the paraffin oil component in the wax. As it is a soft wax, it melts at a lower temperature than a hard wax. This means that the skin of the hands and the feet can be submerged in the warm paraffin wax without causing burning or blistering. Spa technicians used to melt blocks of paraffin wax in special vats for these treatments. Technicians would then wrap the hands or feet in plastic and leave them to "soak" in the layer of wax for up to half an hour. With modern technology today, these wax treatments come prepackaged. With the prepackaged treatments, the wax is heated in the packaging, and the hands or feet then placed inside the “glove” or “boot”. The hands or feet are therefore immersed in the wax inside the “glove” or the “boot”.

As you can imagine, paraffin wax treatments are particularly popular in the winter. They are warming (have a really great aroma!) and because they provide a significant amount of moisture to dry and cracked skin. As heat is applied to the skin during paraffin wax treatments, it opens the pores and softens the skin. At this point the paraffin oil enters the skin to moisturize, nourish and replenish it. In order to have a soothing effect on the skin during the treatments, calming oils are often added to the wax in order to add a further aromatherapy dimension to the experience.

Once the skin has been soaked for 25 to 30 minutes, the wax layers harden. The wax can then be removed from the skin. Because the wax is soft and contains oil, it does not become very stiff and does not adhere to the skin. Because of this, after a paraffin wax treatment, the skin is left smooth and soft.

People who experience dry skin during the colder seasons often find paraffin wax treatments to be a helpful as well as relaxing preventative measure. Dry, cracked heels and knuckles can make cold weather unbearable. One or two moisturizing paraffin wax treatments can help a great deal during the colder months. If you are interested in purchasing paraffin wax treatments for yourself or as gifts, get in touch with Sōna MedSpa.

Noel Halgreen
Sõna MedSpa