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Malcolm Gladwell put it best when he published a book explaining the “tipping point” as the phenomenon of change that – for some undeniable reason – takes place all of a sudden and quite unexpectedly. The idea that noticeable change seems to happen almost at once thus taking us in a direction unplanned, unrealized, and for the most part, placing us in uncharted territory. Such is the case with our skin. As the largest organ in our body, it is indeed a life force all its own. In our 20s, skin is taut, supple, resilient and ready to bounce back. However, once in your 30s, there is less resilience, the subtle appearance of lines, and the beginning stages of sagging start to settle in.

Inevitably, certain factors can lead to faster aging of the skin such as smoking, sun tanning, and alcohol; however clinical studies are now showing that aside from environmental reasons, skin does reach a tipping point – the point where the skin shows a greater and more rapid deterioration of pigments, volume and elasticity. A recent study conducted by P&G Beauty and Grooming confirms a distinct difference in skin from those in their 20s versus the skin of those in their mid-30s. In fact, the mean age of regression was estimated at the age of 35.09 which indicates a clear “skin tipping point” at which point there is a precipitous drop in the skin’s elastic tolerance.  After confirming these studies, researchers conducted another trial to evaluate certain anti-aging ingredients which improve skin elasticity. Findings showed that specific topical agents, such as olive oil, can delay the unwanted signs of aging and prolong a youthful complexion.

According to Dr. Steven Weiner at the Aesthetic Clinique, one of the hot issues in skin science is oxygen free radicals.  It appears that the environmental oxidative stressors overwhelm the body’s ability to keep up at the tipping point.  We then start to lose the battle of collagen formation versus degradation, as well as lose elasticity.

“You don’t have to throw in the towel when you reach 35,” says Dr. Weiner “We have several treatments to directly fight the oxygen free radicals such as GliSODin Skin Nutrients, Retin A, and Revale Skin with Coffee Berry.  There are also treatments to replace the loss of collagen and elastin such as Fraxel re:pair, Fraxel re:store Dual, Thermage, and dermal fillers that stimulate collagen such as Radiesse and Sculptra, and to a lesser extent Restylane and Juvederm,” he added.

When it comes to genetics, there is definitely a role that inherent genes take in helping or hindering us to age gracefully, but external circumstances – our environment – plays just as important in the grand scheme of overall youth and long-lasting luminous skin. Contrary to popular belief, celebrities, models and fashionistas face the same problems. But today’s consumers can mimic these media idols through proper care and proactive techniques.

One such product offered at the Aesthetic Clinique is GliSODin® Skin Nutrients which is shown to maintain skin elasticity. Formulated by dermatologists and nutritionists to provide powerful antioxidants and bioactive nutraceuticals, GliSODin® promotes enhanced and longer lasting results from medical aesthetic treatments and beauty programs. GliSODin® is a unique melon extract naturally rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD), combined with wheat protein to protect its SOD activity within the intestinal cells. SOD, also known as the “Enzyme of Life”, catalyzes the natural antioxidant defense system, boosts immunity, and reduces the rapid signs of aging. The production of SOD decreases with age, causing an increase in susceptibility to free radical damage.

Thermage® is a completely non-invasive treatment that tightens the skin.  By heating up the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it promotes collagen formation to provide the improvement.  It takes roughly six months to fully form the collagen and appreciate the full results, which can last three to five years.  In addition, there is no downtime and the treatment can be performed on all skin types.  The newest version, Thermage® CPT, has proven to be even more effective and comfortable than prior models.

Fraxel® re:store Dual and the Fraxel® re:pair are fractional lasers which tighten wrinkles and loose skin by penetrating the skin microscopically to stimulate collagen.  The safety and rapid healing from these lasers is related to their “fractional” component, affecting only a fraction of the skin to which they are applied.  The Fraxel® re:store Dual is the newest of the two lasers, which offer several improvements:  more comfort, less treatments, and an additional laser wavelength for pigmentation.  Social downtime from the Dual is only up to a few days.  On the other hand, the Fraxel re:pair is an aggressive fractional CO2 laser for people desiring one treatment and more serious correction, but has approximately seven days of downtime.  Both lasers are effective in assisting those who have reached the “tipping point”.

No matter your age, your lifestyle, or your daily activities, there are innovative treatments available at the Aesthetic Clinique which can be individualized whether you have reached your skin’s “tipping point” or are approaching it. Going under the knife is not the only option anymore.  Non-invasive procedures are rapidly growing in popularity due to lifestyle demands but also refinements in devices and techniques which are leading to longer lasting and natural results. 

To find out which treatment works best for you, contact Dr. Steve Weiner at info@theclinique.net.

Aesthetic Clinique now offers Thermage® Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) and is one of the first ten in the country to have this innovative system. Thermage® is a completely non-invasive treatment that tightens the skin.  By heating up the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it promotes collagen formation to provide the improvement. Over time, sagging or wrinkled skin is replaced with smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger looking appearance. It takes roughly six months to fully form the collagen and appreciate the full results, which can last three to five years. 

In addition, there is no downtime and the treatment can be performed on all skin types.  The newest version, Thermage® CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology), has proven to be even more effective and more comfortable than prior models. During the procedure, a handheld device is pressed against your skin to safely deliver heat to the inner layers, at the same time cooling the surface of the skin. Each time the device touches your skin, you’ll feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, followed by another cooling sensation. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for tightening.

The Thermage CPT has added vibration to the head of the handpiece to assist in comfort measures.  It allows for higher energy levels and therefore, more effective treatments.  The heating aspect is more concentrated which also leads to better results.  Most people resume regular activities immediately after treatment. There’s no recovery time or special follow-up care.

Vi Peel is a ground-breaking facial treatment made up of the three most effective chemical peels that produces powerful results with little pain, no skin preparation and very little downtime. It’s also available at Aesthetic Clinique!

Where did it come from? Vi Peel was developed by A.F. Kalil, MD, of Kalil Medical Products, a key figure in medical aesthetic training organizations, and founder of the American Academy of Restorative and Aesthetic Medicine (AARAM).

What does it do? Vi Peel improves the tone, texture and clarity of skin; reduces or eliminate age spots, freckles and hyper-pigmentation; softens lines and wrinkles; clears acne conditions including acne scars; and stimulates the production of collagen to promote firmer skin.

What about darker skin tones? Darker skin tones are no longer left out of the benefits attained through chemical peels. The Vi Peel is the first chemical peel to address the needs of darker skin tones and can be safely used on all skin types.

What’s it made of? Vi Peel is made up of a unique blend of ingredients including:  Phenol, TCA, Retin A, and Salicylic Acid.

How fast does it work? The peeling process is much shorter than other chemical peels, typically lasts 2-4 days with complete results appearing within an average of 7-10 days. Appointment times to complete the treatment are shorter as well, and are estimated to be twenty minutes.  

Any claims to fame?  Vi Peel has appeared on the largest TV networks including Extra, CBS, NBC and a has a feature article in In Style magazine. Vi Peel also won the “New and Notable” product award at the Medical Aesthetic Industry Stars Awards in Los Angeles.

 GliSODin Skin Nutrients are all natural oral supplements containing high levels of antioxidants and omega 3’s that are formulated to maintain skin health from within and protect it from environmental stressors. These advanced formulas send out a collection of critical nutrients – including anti-aging agent superoxide dimutase – directly to the deepest layers of skin tissue, ensuring the replenishment and rejuvenation of skin as it grows. The nurtured deep tissue creates an optimal environment for new healthy skin to grow while wiping out oxidative stress or UV ray damage from the root.  

Though GliSODin Skin Nutrients are newly available in the United States, Hollywood has already pounced on these highly sought after products. Celebrities like Jessica Biel and Vanessa Minnillo are reported to be using the Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, which mobilizes an array of nutrients to reduce damage, irritation and inflammation caused by sun exposure. 

The product line is suitable for all skin types and includes Advanced Daily Formula, Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, Advanced Detoxification Formula, and Advanced Pre/Post Formula.  Learn more about GliSODin Skin Nutrients to find out how you can give your skin what it deserves and feel beautiful from the inside, out.

First off, we should all give a round of applause for the FDA approving the use of Dysport in April 2009. Though Dysport has been safely used in the United Kingdom and South America for some time now, it takes an average of 12 years before a drug in the United States becomes FDA approved, so this drug has come a long way! Dysport functions similarly to Botox and produces similar effects, but Dysport definitely opens a lot of doors for those who use non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Until now, Botox has been the only option for the use of FDA-approved botulinum toxin A. The drug works by inhibiting facial muscle contractions that over time lead to forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.

So, what makes Dysport different? Dysport brings good news for the spending conscious, costing approximately 20% less than Botox.  Dysport has also shown to take effect more rapidly than Botox. In one study, Dysport was found to take action in as little as 24 hours, whereas Botox can take 2-3 days to go into effect . Dysport is also a popular choice for those whose bodies have built up antibodies against Botox, leaving it no longer effective. This is because Dysport has fewer proteins surrounding the toxin, so your body shouldn’t produce as strong of an immune response to break it down. Dysport clinical studies and patient reports also indicate that Dysport may last up to eight months, which is great news for Botox patients who have become weary of returning for maintenance injections every four to six. Dysport presents a promising future for improving non-invasive cosmetic options, giving all of us more ways to look and feel more vibrant.  

The insecurities of excessive sweating of your underarms and hands can create several hindrances in your daily life. Frequently changing clothes,  only wearing certain types of fabrics, worrying if someone will notice your underarm sweat marks…it’s just downright annoying! 

Currently, over 1.3 millions Americans suffer from primary axillary hyperhidrosis, which is a medical condition that produces excessive underarm sweating due to overreactive sweat glands. But we have GREAT NEWS for you who avoid the social scene for fear of being completely embarrassed. Now, BOTOX is proven to be a highly effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and has been FDA approved just for this purpose!

Typically, about 50 units per side are sufficient for the underarm or hand to produce a six month lasting effect. The second set of treatment will last even longer at nine to twelve months. Even better, the discomfort for this procedure is minimal, and I (Dr. Weiner) have perfected his technique for hand injections which renders no nerve blocks and practically no pain.

Come on, it’s time for a new wardrobe, a new sense of confidence, and most importantly, it’s time to get your life back to normal! Call Sandy at The Aesthetic Clinique to set up a consultation, 850-622-1214.

We hate acne as much as you do! In fact, millions of Americans suffer from acne, and roughly 22% have residual scarring. All types of treatments are available ranging from subcision (trying to elevate the scar), excision (removing the scar), saline injection, dermabrasion, dermal fillers, lasers, and deep chemical peels. 

Luckily, a relatively new approach is now on the market and is quickly gaining interest among acne prone consumers. This procedure is called TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid). Used for over 50 years, this medium-deep chemical peel helps to treat acne scars with minimal downtime and discomfort. Used on ice pick, rolling, or boxcar types, the procedure is done in less than 15 minutes and requires no numbing creams or pain medication. The area treated develops a frosting (whiteness) over the scar which must be covered with antibiotic ointment for the next five days and may develop slight scabbing during that period. Usually 4-6 treatments are needed to see the full results, and studies show the results to be very satisfactory with no pigmentation issues.

So check out TCA Cross procedure and learn how to attack those hard to treat acne scars. It’s non-invasive and practically no downtime. What have you got to lose, but a few scars?

The popularity of aesthetic procedures has blossomed in recent years, attributable to its relatively low cost, minimal downtime, and marked cosmetic enhancements. In order for you, the consumer and patient, to get the best results, here are some questions you should always remember to ask yourself when determining where to go for your treatments:

1) Who can do these procedures?

• Can. In the state of Florida, any physician (M.D.), dentist (D.M.D.), osteopath (D.O.) can do any of these procedures. In addition, under specified medical supervision, a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant can perform these treatments as well.

• Cannot. A nurse, aesthetician, medical assistant, is NOT ALLOWED to perform any these procedures. The state of Florida is trying to ensure the safety of the general population and has stricter laws than neighboring states.

2) How do I pick which physician, dentist, or osteopath to go to?

• Experience: You have to look at experience and expertise. If you are getting work done on your face, it’s my humble opinion that a Facial Plastic Surgeon/Head and Neck Surgeon is the most qualified. These surgeons spend their entire residency operating on the face and neck area.

• Training: You also should look at where your doctor’s training was done. Large, prestigious institutions are the most desirable and most difficult residencies to get accept to. See if they are board certified. There are several boards that are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

3) What qualifies a physician’s experience as good?

• For example: When considering experience, let’s talk about BOTOX cosmetic, the most popular cosmetic procedure. There are several levels of recognition by Allergan (the makers of BOTOX) which are based on number of vials of BOTOX used. They are, in order of low to high – Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Diamond. For a physician to ask you to get “your friends together” to share a vial of BOTOX, or to give him time to “order the BOTOX for you”, you have got to worry that their BOTOX volume is very low.

• Trainer, not Trainee. If a physician is training other physicians and hired by companies to do this, he/she has shown superior results and expertise in these procedures. This is another qualification one should look for.

4) How should cost of the procedure factor into the decision-making process?
Don’t choose solely on price. With the boom in cosmetic procedures, every provider is jumping on the band wagon. Most times, the poorly qualified providers can only compete on price. When considering who to go to, remember it’s your face, and this is what people see every day. Although, I wouldn’t suggest going to anyone that is not competitive, it doesn’t make sense to strictly choose a physician based on price. Poor results or unsatisfactory outcomes can ultimately cost you more to correct, or give you prolonged grief.

5) Questions to ask your doctor:

• Who, What, Where?: If you are getting laser procedures done, ask your physician what his/her training was and for how long they have been using lasers. It’s very important, particularly for aggressive lasers like the Fraxel re:pair CO2, that the physician is extremely experienced.

• Ask to see pictures of results of patients that your physician has done. It is even better if your physician’s results are being used by the companies to highlight. This is extremely important. Results can vary significantly between physicians.