Unless you have naturally perfect eyebrows, you've probably spent a lot of time and money shopping for eyebrow makeup products, visiting the salon to get them waxed or threaded, or even...dare I say it...overplucked them at some point in your life. (Usually the dreadful teenage years). The point is, if you're tired of the energy it takes to maintain your eyebrows, you're probably a candidate for microblading. Eyebrow hair is tricky. We've all been there at one point in our life: sitting too close to the mirror for hours plucking away until we're left with a thin line of uneven hair. All that plucking can drastically alter our natural brow shape and the thickness of the hair, sometimes it doesn't even grow back like it used to. A lot of women try fixing their overplucked brows with expensive makeup products, but that only really works if you know what you're doing...we've all seen those sharpie eyebrows around. What if I told you you didn't have to worry about filling in your eyebrows every morning? That you could save hundreds of dollars skipping the makeup products and salon? If you're even slightly curious about microblading, you're in the right place. In this blog we explain what microblading is, how painful it is, how much it costs, and how quickly it fades. What is Microblading? Microblading is a form of semi-permanent makeup performed using a handheld disposable tool, composed of a row of tiny, barely visible needles resembling the shape of a blade (microblade), used to hand draw each individual hair while simultaneously implanting pigment into the superficial skin. The result is realistic, natural-looking hair that won't wash off for a year or more. Is Microblading a Tattoo? Microblading is a type of tattoo, but it is not permanent like a true tattoo. With a tattoo, the machine deposits pigment deep into the layers of the skin, which causes it to be permanent. Cosmetic tattooing deposits pigment into the superficial layers of the skin, which your body metabolizes within a year or more until it fades away. Not only do the two use different techniques to deposit pigment, the type of ink differs as well. Traditional tattoos use concentrated ink while cosmetic tattoos use smaller pigmented particles. The results? Microblading produces soft and subtle lines instead of bold and opaque like you'll see with a traditional tattoo. Overtime, the microbalded lines will lighten a shade or two from its original color, while tattoo lines may fade with a blue-green tint to them. Follow Erica on Instagram: @browsandaesthetics.byerica How Painful is Microblading? Microblading can be somewhat painful, but it depends on your natural pain tolerance and if you're menstruating during that time. (When you're on your period, your pain tolerance is usually lower than normal. We recommend coming after your period is over). The upside to this is that your microblading artist will slather numbing gel across your eyebrows prior to the procedure, and may apply more during. Most people describe the feeling of microblading like a cat scratch. It's uncomfortable, but not unbearable. How Long Does Microblading Last? The semi-permanent tattoo can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, with oily skin types tending to fade the fastest. You'll likely notice some fading at the one year mark, an at three years your microblading will be unoticeable. However, our Aesthetician, Erica Cordoba, recommends coming in once a year for a touch up, which will help your brows look fresh throughout the years. This also heavily depends on how you take care them post-procedure, and how closely you follow Erica's instructions. You should apply an anti-bacterial ointment to your eyebrows every 2 hours for the first 24 hours, and a morning and night ointment (like Aquaphor) for a week. How Much Does Microblading Cost? At The Lotus, we charge $375 for initial microblading, $150 for a yearly touch up, and $75 for a "perfecting" session 1-3 months after the initial session. Follow Erica on Instagram: @browsandaesthetics.byerica What are the Pre and Post-Treatment Instructions for Microblading? Erica recommends following these instructions before and after your microblading session: No caffeine, alcohol, aspirin, niacin, vitamin E or Advil/ibuprofen 24 hours before procedure. Avoid sun tanning 1 week before procedure. Discontinue Retin-A, Glycolics, Chemical peels or Botox 2 weeks prior to your procedure. No brow waxing or tinting 2 weeks prior to your procedure. Do not work out the morning of your procedure. Do not work out for 7 days after your procedure. No swimming or submerging of your brows in pool, lake or ocean water for 7-10 days. Avoid sun and sweating for 7 days after your procedure. Menstrual cycle- Please be aware, if you are on or near your cycle, more bleeding may occur on your brows during the procedure and you may be sensitive to pain due to the hormones in your body. What to Expect During a Microblading Session What happens during your session may differ from artist to artist, but generally you will be taken through a full consultation talking about the entire procedure from start to finish, your concerns, your expectations (color and style preference), and post-care instructions. They will then apply a topical numbing cream to the area and begin to draw on your new eyebrows with a pencil. This is a meticulous part of the procedure, but being the artist she is, Erica will make sure your eyebrows are even, natural looking, and exactly what you want. Don't be alarmed if your brow color looks extremely dark right after microblading, this is completely normal and the color will fade to the chosen pigment in about 10-12 days. Follow the post-treatment instructions carefully, and your eyebrows should fully heal in about a month. Final Thoughts If you want a break from the time spent filling in your eyebrows, or want experience what full, beautiful brows look like, come see us! Erica is a master in Microblading: In 2018 she graduated from PhiAcademy as a Phibrows Microblading artist, a rigorous microblading course. She has furthered her education as a Permanent Makeup Artist - acquiring skills and techniques such as powder/ombre brows and lip blushing. She has performed medical-grade chemical peels and microneedling for over 5 years! To schedule with Erica, or schedule with our amazing team of Injectors, give us a call or text, or click the button below to head directly to the booking portal. 210-774-2850 @thelotusmedspa @browsandaesthetics.byerica

It's IPL season!!! Because you can't be out in the sun a few weeks before or after your treatment, we rarely do Photofacials during the summer months. But spooky season is here, and with that means less time in the sun and more time for laser skin treatments! So what exactly is an IPL Photofacial, how does it work, and what can it treat? What is IPL? IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light, aka Photofacial. It it used as a way to improve the color and texture of skin without surgery or other invasive procedures. It can undo visible damage caused by exposure to the sun (called photoaging). IPL can also help you if you have brown or red red spots or patchy skin caused by some health condition or hormone volatility. This amazing laser skin treatment can be used for laser hair removal and help improve the appearance of: Acne Birthmarks Stretch marks Liver or age spots Broken blood vessels Brown spots, also called liver or age spots Dark spots from hormonal changes Discolored skin Fine wrinkles Freckles Redness from rosacea Scars Spider veins How Does an IPL Treatment Work? IPL is a non-invasive, non-ablative laser that uses light energy to target certain colors in your skin, ie. the red and/or brown spots. (Non-ablative vs Ablative: ablative lasers removes the top layer of the skin, while non-ablative works by heating up the under layers of the skin (without harming the surface).) The light energy from the laser is converted into heat energy, which causes damage to the darker parts of the skin, triggering collagen and new cell production. IPL Systems are different to other lasers in that they deliver multiple wavelengths in each pulsed light, compared to just one wavelength in other lases. This allows IPL to treat a wide range of skin conditions at the same time. What Does the IPL Procedure Involve? Your Board-Certified PA or Dermatologist should go over the do's and don'ts prior to treatment in your consultation a few weeks before your first IPL. During the procedure, your PA will give you cool shades to protect your eyes and apply a cooling gel on top of the skin. The handheld IPL device will be placed directly on your skin and deliver light pulses. Many people describe the feeling of this like a rubber band slapping against your skin. The session will last 20-30 minutes, and with no down time you're able to continue your regular activities (make sure to follow the post treatment instructions). Here is a list of pre and post treatment instructions we give our patients in our complimentary consultation: Before your treatment: Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. Some medications or supplements may increase the risk bruising. Consult with your physician. Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.) Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment After your treatment: Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage Bruising, redness and swelling are common and resolve with time For Pigmented Lesions: Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours Do not pick at treated areas Treated pigment will exfoliate off the face in approximately 1 week Treated pigment will exfoliate off the body in approximately 2-3 weeks Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc. Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.) Consult with clinic about when to resume skin care regime. For Vascular Lesions: A “bug bite look” is common and usually resolves in 1-2 days Leg vein treatments only: Compression stockings (20-30 mm/hg) are optional Hemosiderin staining (brown staining) may occur after a treatment and usually resolves with time (can take 1-2 years) but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent Strict avoidance of sun exposure may decrease risk of permanent hemosiderin staining. Large leg veins may take many months to resolve and should not be re-treated before then. Avoid high impact activity 3-5 days ***It is vital to your skin to follow these instructions very carefully. Who is a Candidate for IPL? Because an IPL system targets the reds and browns in the skin, light colored skin only is suitable. If you have darker skin, the IPL system can't tell what skin is healthy and what is damaged. Using IPL on darker skin can damage all of the area treated, resulting in burns. ***An alternative to IPL for individuals with darker skin is Laser Genesis. For laser hair removal, we recommend using our Nd: YAG laser, which is safe on all skin types. Concluding Thoughts IPL is an amazing procedure that can rid you of most of your dark spots, scars, acne, stretch marks, noticeable veins, uneven tone and texture, and rejuvenate your skin. We recommend receiving 4-6 treatments scheduled 4 weeks apart to get the best results. If you're ready for IPL season, shoot us a text, give us a call, or book your complimentary consultation by clicking the button below! 210-774-2850 @thelotusmedspa Before and After Photos These photos are from Cutera, the creator of the IPL laser system we use at The Lotus. Sources What Is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment? (2019, June 12). WebMD. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/intense-pulsed-light-treatment-overview Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL, flashlamp) | DermNet. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/intense-pulsed-light-therapy

Most people have heard of Botox, but what they don't know is that it can be used for more than just wrinkles and lines. The Botox Brow Lift has been a best kept secret of the red carpet and other celebrity looks for a long time. Curious about getting a non-invasive brow lift that doesn't require surgery? Here's what you need to know about the procedure and how The Lotus can help you attain optimum results. What is Botox and How Does it Work? The common understanding of Neurotoxins is that they are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, but many people may not now how it actually works. Although Botox was the first FDA-approved neuromodulator, there are a few out there that you may have heard of, including Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin. We want to clarify, when the word "Botox" is used, it is encompassing all neurotoxins, not just the Botox brand. Botox (and all other neurotoxins) are made up of muscle relaxing neuromodulators. When injected into the muscle, these neuromodulators block certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. The muscles relax, reducing the intensity and frequency of unwanted wrinkles. In many of our patients cases, we have seen Jeuveau to actually get rid of wrinkles all together! In addition to rejuvenation, neurotoxins can be used to lift and shape the face by relaxing large muscles. Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, while Jeuveau typically lasts a little bit longer at 3-5 months. However, in our experience we find that results vary by client, which is why we offer a personalized approach to treatments received in our office. What is a Botox Brow Lift? A traditional brow lift involves a surgical procedure that physically lifts the tissue and muscles of the forehead to raise the brow area, not to mention it's thousands of dollars. With a Botox brow lift, you can achieve a similar effect without invasive surgery and without breaking the bank. A Botox brow lift is achieved by placing a few units under the tail of the brow and a few units on the arch of the brow lateral to the eye to relax the muscle called the orbicularis oculi. When you think of the muscles surrounding your eye, you may at first think that when the muscle is relaxed it will cause a the eyebrow to drop, but this isn't the case. Try to completely relax your eyebrows, do they feel as they are pressing down, or relaxing up? By injecting a neuromodulator into the orbicularis oculi muscle surrounding your eye, your eyebrow will naturally lift, creating a brow lift effect. How Much Does it Cost? Botox injections are charged two ways: either by area or number of units used. At The Lotus, if you are getting a brow lift in addition to other areas, we charge by unit. If you are getting just a brow lift, we charge by area. A Botox brow lift by itself is priced at $150. Our injectors mainly use Jeuveau as we've seen better results and it happens to be more cost effective than Botox or other neurotoxins. Are You a Candidate? Neurotoxin treatments are only recommended for those 18 and older. Both men and women may benefit from a brow lift or Botox injections in general. Brow lifts can significantly help those with extra skin under their eyebrow who do not want to undergo a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), but it can be used in a preventative measure or purely cosmetic. Before you undergo any cosmetic or medical procedure, it is important that you talk with a medical professional to asses any risk factors. Luckily, our injectors are both Physician Associates, so your consultation will be used to do just this! When Will You See Results? This varies from client to client, as everyone is different. In our experience, Jeuveau tends to set in about 2-7 post injection, while Botox can take up to 2 weeks. Botox can last 3-4 months, while we've seen some clients results with Jeuveau last 4-6 months. If not enough units were used, or you didn't get the look you were hoping for, we can schedule a tox follow up appointment 2 weeks post-procedure and inject more where we need to. *No tox follow ups will be offered before the 2 week mark out of safety and compliance concerns. What are the Risks? Overall, Botox injections are considered to be safe for everyone, and the downtime is minimal to none. But every medical or cosmetic procedure you undergo will have potential side effects. There is also the risk that you're a non-responder to neurotoxin injections, but that is incredibly rare. The most common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and bruising at injection site. Mild side effects can include headaches, soreness, or numbness. Serious side effects are rare, and you should notify your doctor right away if you experience any of the following: breathing difficulties, droopy brows or eyelids, problems eating and swallowing, speech changes. The Takeaway A Botox brow lift can help reduce the signs of aging by reversing wrinkles and fine lines. It can also elevate the height of your brows and gently improve the appearance of hooded eyes or lowered eyelids. That said, there are some cases where surgical intervention will create the best result. A consultation always should occur first to review the options and see if a surgical referral is the right course of action for you. Keep in mind that Botox injections are not a permanent fix for lines or wrinkles. Good skincare techniques and consistent injections will help maintain a youthful appearance. If you are considering Botox injections or a non-surgical brow lift, schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our highly qualified PA injectors by clicking the button below. 210 - 774 - 2850 @thelotusmedspa Before and After Photos

We have exciting news to share!! The Lotus is expanding our wellness section to include new wellness services and one of the most amazing people we have ever had the pleasure to meet. This blog will dive into the background of this beautiful human, what she offers, and what it will mean for The Lotus. We can't wait for you to experience inner peace like nothing before. Read on! Christie Bloom The one and only. Christie was born in Calgary, Canada and raised in a tiny town bordering Kananaskis called Bragg Creek where she initially found her calling of Yoga and Wellness. Prior to owning and operating 3 yoga studios, Christie managed a wellness institute in Canada for 9 years. In total, she has been in the Wellness Industry for 20 years! Here is a snipet from Christie about her and how she found her passion: "I have often felt like an outsider, an out-cast, a black sheep growing up. I felt different, and in the beginning I thought that was bad. I wanted to fit in and be like the others. I slowly began discovering other ways of feeling happy, healthy, successful, well. These ways became transformational and my perspective started shifting from not fitting in to being the game changer. Embracing my practices of movement and awareness to feel complete, satisfied, healthy and much more has elevated my life to a place I know most only dream of....I know this because it is what I hear so much from friends, family, and clients. I am living it and I love showing others how they can to". While serving her clients in Canada, she put herself through various courses and trainings in order to be able to offer more to those around her. She recently made the move to Helotes, Texas in August of 2022, bringing her Wellness Company with her called Bloom Yoga Wellness. Credentials Along with the certifications below, Christie is a 3x Yoga Studio Owner and Recipient of MindBody Online's Visionary Award 2018; a Wellness Industry Team Talent and Culture Lead; Corporate Wellness Speaker/Presenter; a Retreat Wellness Contributor, and a mother of 4. Registered Massage Therapist for over 20 years Experienced Registered Yoga and Meditation Teacher Certified Breath Therapist Certified HeartMath Mentor Raindrop Therapist (Aromatherapy Massage Technique) Fun Facts About Christie Because why not? If you choose to utilize her services, we hope you feel your most comfortable and vulnerable to experience the most out of them. Certified Snowboarding Instructor Loves running, especially trail running She has 4 kids, ages 5-17 years Big hockey fan (go Flames go!), and F1 fan Not big on TV or movies but will always watch True Crime or Hallmark movies Favorite band: Pearl Jam She loves hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and camping Bloom Yoga Wellness Bloom is an online, mobile, (and now at The Lotus) Yoga Wellness experience designed to help you live your most best life through Yoga, Meditation, Massage Therapy, and more. The Bloom Philosophy: Yoga is the antidote to a life that feels like it is spinning out of control, a body that is in pain, a mind that feels scattered, overwhelmed or reaches for distractions. Small changes lead to big results and compound into a reality you want to live and feel. I teach simple yet effective ways to take back control of your day and your life. Applying the right techniques with consistency will change your life and in less time than you may think. Bloom Core Values: Authenticity: I live what I teach Empowerment: I believe in always controlling your own power Playfulness: Life should not feel so serious, you should feel joy each day Achievement: My teaching must offer you results Inclusivity: This is an opportunity for everyone, and you will always feel welcome Bloom Mission Statement: To teach you something that will improve your life. Christie's Big "Why": To make yoga accessible and attainable to all. To show you how yoga can work for you. My approach will meet you where you’re at and guide you where you want to go. My mission is to teach you something that will improve your life. The Lotus and Bloom Integration The Lotus Aesthetics and Wellness is expanding the Wellness Division to include more services from Christie! The purpose of adding new wellness services is to offer more to our wonderful clients. Our goal is for you to not only look your most beautiful, but to truly feel it too, because you darn well deserve it! Here are a few of the new services we will be offering and the description for each: Complimentary Consultation: Free 15 minute phone call to discuss life concerns, questions, and services. Private Wellness Session: You start with your ultimate wellness goal and work backward from there…whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health. Christie will create a doable program for transformation customized around your busy life. Designed specifically for you! "Yogage": A combination of massage and yoga infused with essential oils to feel the most relaxed and rejuvenated you’ve ever felt. Be transported to a place of serene peace and calm. Melt into a state of deep physical and mental awareness and tension release during this dynamic sequencing and intuitive touch session. Upcoming Online Workshop: Mediation and Manifestation | November 15th, 2022: Learn evidence-based ways to turn your dreams into your reality. Upcoming Online Challenge: 21 Day Transformation Challenge | October 22nd, 2022: These are short daily asana, meditations or breath practice, to weave into your day. They are designed for maximum results with minimum time needed. Great for beginners or those wanting to reset. Purchase the program and apply the amount to your first Private Wellness Session. Final Thoughts We hope you are excited to experience all that Bloom Yoga Wellness has to offer. The Lotus welcomes you to partake in wellness services that will empower, lift, and teach you about yourself and how to achieve your inner happiness. If you'd like to book with Christie, please use the contact information below to get in touch with her. "We cannot control the uncontrollable, the best strategy is learning to go within and be conscious of our subconscious…..listen to what our body is telling us, often, something as simple and childlike as laughter may pave the way to releasing emotions and experiencing the joy sometimes buried underneath." - Christie Bloom Bloom Yoga Wellness 403-850-8748 ChristieBloom.com @Christie.Bloom.Yoga

Botox vs. Jeuveau has been an ongoing debate in the aesthetics and cosmetic world. Both FDA-approved wrinkle reducing injectables are the fastest way to eliminate those unwanted flaws on the skin, but what is the difference between the two? In this blog we will discuss the similarities and differences between the two neuromodulators and which one might be right for you. What is a Neuromodulator? A neuromodulator is a chemical or compound that affects signaling between neurons, or nerve cells. When a neuromodulator is injected directly into a muscle, it blocks certain signals from the nerve cells that cause the muscle to contract. The most popular neuromodulator is Botulinum toxin type A. When injected in minute amounts, it can help treat and prevent wrinkles and fine lines. There are 4 popular injectable treatments all made with Botulinum toxin type A: Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin. Soon to be the 5th on the market: Daxxify. (Stay tuned for it's release!) All of the wrinkle treatments on the market have minor differences in their formulas, but work essentially the same way. What is Jeuveau? Jeuveau is considered the newest neuromodulator on the market as of today, and is made with the same active ingredient: Botulinum toxin type A. FDA-approved in 2019, Jeuveau works the same as the other injectables, but it is made a little differently. The main distinguishing factor is that Jeuveau is made with "Hi-Pure" technology. The Hi-Pure technology involves additional steps such as additional acid precipitation, treatment to remove other proteins, and something called anion exchange chromatography. The very scientific process ensures that the product is much purer and theoretically safer. Jeveau was tested to find side effects (adverse events) on mice and it was found that twice as much Jeveau was required to lead to an adverse event as Botox. (1) The manufacturer of Jeuveau also vacuum-dries the product, instead of freeze-drying it, which is thought to result in a more potent product. (2) With Jeuveau, patients can see results in as little as 2-3 days, and can last anywhere from 3-6 months. What is Botox? Botox is the original neuromodulator. FDA-approved for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox was originally used to treat a medical condition called strabismus (crossed eyes), and blepharospasm (eye twitching). Like Jeuveau, Botox is used to relax or weaken muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Since its inception, Botox has been to treat the following conditions: neck spasms overactive bladder excessive sweating lazy eye migraines Botox has since built up a brand name like "Chapstick", it is commonly used as a generic term that encompasses all of the neurotransmitters. Similarities Between Botox and Jeuveau Jeuveau and Botox have many similarities. They are both neuromodulators made up of Botulinum toxin type A, used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Among the other injectables, they both have long track records of efficacy. Treatment Experience: Both products have the same applications, they are injected directly into the muscle. The procedure for both neurotoxins only takes about 10-15 minutes and pre and post-treatment instructions are practically identical. Efficacy: Both neuromodulators work the same, and produce similar results. They both weaken or relax the muscle that is injected to correct wrinkles and fine lines. Differences Between Botox and Jeuveau While there aren't a ton of differences between the two (both have the same active ingredient), there are a few things you should know before choosing which one is right for you. Formulation: Botox and Jeuveau use the same active ingredient, but the formulation differs. As mentioned above, Jeuveau takes added steps to remove dangerous proteins and to aid with absorption, also called Hi-Pure technology. This gives Jeuveau an increased ability to act in the area where it is placed without getting into the blood stream. (1) The Hi-Pure technology makes the product potentially safer. Uses: Both Botox and Jeuveau are excellent for fine lines and wrinkle reduction, however, Botox is approved for both medical and cosmetic uses. Unlike Botox, which has nine other therapeutic uses, Jeuveau is specifically formulated for cosmetic use. It is FDA approved for glabellar lines (frown lines) but can also be used off-label for crow’s feet, brow furrows, and other expression lines by a trained provider. (2) Cost: As we are all aware, inflation has taken a hold of most product and service pricing, including Botox. The company behind Botox has it's raised prices a couple of times since 2020, making it $12 - $16 a unit in most areas. Evolus, the company behind Jeuveau, has kept steady pricing, making it a more-cost effective product at $9-$12 a unit. Final Thoughts on Jeuveau vs. Botox At first glance, the two products are almost identical. Both Botox and Jeuveau are excellent products for correcting wrinkles and fine lines. It really all comes down to your preference and your injector's recommendations. For a knowledgeable consultation on your options for Botox and Jeuveau injections, book an appointment online or give us a call by using the contact information below. Both of our expert injectors are Board-Certified Physician Assistants, specializing in rejuvenation, anti-aging, laser treatments, and skin care for all skin types. 210-774-2850 @TheLotusMedspa on Instagram Sources (1) Jeuveau #newtox by Evolus in Encino, CA. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.aeskin.com/blog/120799-hi-pure-technology-in-jeveau-newtox-by-evolus (2) Churashev, B. (2021, May 12). 9 Things to Know About Jeuveau, BOTOX’s Latest Competitor. Dr. Aboutanos. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.aboutanosplasticsurgery.com/blog/9-things-to-know-about-jeuveau-botoxs-latest-competitor Jeuveau vs. Botox: What’s the difference? Eternal Dermatology- Fulton MD. (2021, March 15). Eternal Dermatology Columbia MD. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://eternaldermatology.com/juveau-vs-botox/

The metabolic health of Americans is incredibly low, even among groups of people that seem within normal weight. Did you know that only 1 in 8 Americans are considered metabolically healthy? That's only12% of the American population! When we come to fully understand these statistics, we realize it very much makes sense that the #1 killer in the world is heart disease. But a new weight-loss drug that produced incredible results in 2021 may be able to help alter the current direction of American health. Let's get into it: what is Semaglutide, how does it work, and are you a candidate? The Obesity Pandemic According to data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, prevalence of obesity among adults in the US is 41.9%. That is an 11.4% increase from the survey taken for the years 1999-2000. In the same time frame, prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%. (1) For decades, American's have fought a losing battle with obesity, which is not a coincidence as processed foods have become easier and cheaper to eat, while knowledge on how to properly fuel your body has not been emulated. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. Obesity is also associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. As researchers are now finding out, your gut is linked to your brain. There are approximately 100 billion neurons in your brain. Interestingly, there are approximately 500 million neurons in your gut that are directly connected to your brain through nerves in your nervous system. (2) In short, what you eat affects your physical body, emotional health, and brain activity. To read more about the brain-gut connection, click here. The realization that obesity is in fact a disease, is important. It's not all about counting calories, lack of will-power, or laziness. It involves a lot more, like our brain and hormones. When we learn to recognize the role our brain plays in our diet, and educate ourselves more on our bodies, we can achieve true weight loss - and maintain it. So how do we achieve healthy communication from our gut to our brain, and is there a "kick-start" to doing so? What is Semaglutide? Weight loss medications have been around for decades, but historically have had significant side effect profiles or even volatile efficacy rates. Semaglutide, an injectable medication initially developed as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, is the first drug treatment to be FDA approved for weight management since 2014, according to the FDA press release. The medication has produced jaw-dropping clinical trial results in early 2021. Participants of these newer trials lost an average of 37 pounds through the combination of Semaglutide and a diet and exercise program. (3) “This is a game-changer,” said UAB’s Timothy Garvey, M.D., co-author of the JAMA article and Butterworth Professor of Medicine in the Department of Nutrition Sciences. “We have not seen this degree of weight loss with any previous medication. More than 50 percent of trial participants are losing 15 percent of their body weight, and anywhere between a third and 40 percent of participants are losing 20 percent of their body weight. That is beginning to close the gap with bariatric surgery. I think this truly gives us a very powerful tool to treat obesity as a disease.” (3) Semaglutide is now FDA approved for obesity, overweight individuals, and weight management. Thanks to Elon Musk, more people are finding out about Semaglutide. When a Twitter follower praised Musk on his weight-loss transformation, the billionaire replied that his secret was "fasting" and "Wegovy", or a brand name of Semaglutide. These are real results people! How Does Semaglutide Work? Before we talk about how Semaglutide can help you lose weight, we need to first understand what GLP-1 is. Glucagon-like-peptide-1, or GLP-1, is an incretin hormone that plays a role in your appetite and digestion. An incretin is a type of hormone that helps to reduce blood glucose levels and stimulate the secretion of insulin. GLP-1 is released in the small intestine when we've eaten a meal, and stimulates the release of insulin. In people with diabetes, the GLP-1 that is produced by the body isn't enough to control glucose and insulin levels, so drugs that mimic this hormone, such as Semaglutide, are prescribed to boost the body's natural response. Semaglutide is the synthetic form of GLP-1, and lasts a lot longer than the naturally-occurring hormone, hence why it's only injected once a week. The injection stimulates the release of insulin by the pancreas after eating, even before blood sugars start to rise. It inhibits the release of glucagon by the pancreas, which is a hormone that causes the liver to release its stored sugar into the bloodstream. Semaglutide also slows glucose absorption into the bloodstream by delaying gastric emptying, meaning it makes you feel more satisfied and fuller longer after a meal. GLP-1 agonists (or Semaglutide in this case) at high levels act on parts of the brain involved in appetite regulation to decrease caloric intake. Combined with diet and exercise, it is a great option for medically assisted weight loss. Here is a data chart from a clinical trial conducted by Novo Nordisk from The New England Journal of Medicine on the effect of once-weekly Semaglutide, as compared with placebo, on body weight. Who is a Candidate? Not everyone is eligible for treatment with Semaglutide. Those with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 without diabetes, or those with a BMI greater than or equal to 27 with comorbidity (type 1 Diabetes, Thyroid cancer, ***). At your consultation, your medical provider will ask for an extensive health history and take labs and to ensure taking Semaglutide is safe for you. You are NOT a good candidate for Semaglutide if you have any of the following: diabetic retinopathy, low blood sugar, decreased kidney function, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer (or a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma), or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Final Thoughts on Semaglutide The Semaglutide injection is a kick-start to your wellness/weight-loss journey. It is not a medication to be used forever, nor is it to be used without a proper diet and exercise program. Studies have shown that when patients cease the injections without life intervention, the weight can and does come back. It is vital to your health and your weight-loss journey to educate yourself about consumption of healthy foods and get in daily exercise. For the best results, we recommend you get started with a health coach prior to or during your Semaglutide injections. (We've linked a great resource and health coach below who actually helped launch Semaglutide!) If you're ready to get started on your weight-loss journey, and transform your life into one of health and activity, reach out to us by utilizing the contact info below. Our Board-Certified Physician Assistants have 30+ years of experience and will go above and beyond to make sure your health goals are achieved. The Lotus Medspa 210-774-2850 @thelotusmedspa 14743 Old Bandera Rd, Bldg 7 Helotes, Texas 78023 Recommended Health and Fitness Coach: Jessica Emmons @EmmonsHealth on Instagram 210-883-6150 Jessica@EmmonsHealth.com Sources (1) Obesity is a Common, Serious, and Costly Disease. (2022, July 20). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html (2) Robertson, R., PhD. (2020, August 20). The Gut-Brain Connection: How it Works and The Role of Nutrition. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-brain-connection (3) Pope, A. (2022, February 21). Who will benefit from new ‘game-changing’ weight-loss drug semaglutide? - News. UAB News. https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/11961-who-will-benefit-from-new-game-changing-weight-loss-drug-semaglutide (Data Chart) Wilding, J. P., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183 (Novo Nordisk Clinical Trial) Novo Nordisk A/S. (2021). Effect and Safety of Semaglutide 2.4 mg Once-weekly in Subjects With Overweight or Obesity. U.S. National Library of Medicine, NCT03548935. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Glutathione is a molecule found naturally in your body that is made from the amino acids glycine, L-cysteine, and L-glutamate. One of the most powerful antioxidants in your body, this molecule helps break down nutrients, regulates immune response, and helps protect your cells against free radicals. (1) In English terms, the benefits of Glutathione include: increase energy, reduce the signs of aging, prevent cancer, preserve memory, and a lot more. Let's get into it: what is Glutathione and what can it do for you? What is Glutathione? Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants produced your cells. An antioxidant is a substance that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism, or free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that are naturally formed from your diet or by exposure to environmental toxins. Your body will use these as a defense system, but in excess, free radicals can damage cells, cause diseases, and accelerate aging. (2) Antioxidants are critical to your body as they maintain a healthy balance. The body creates its own antioxidants, but they also come from what you eat or supplements you take. In addition to being an antioxidant, GSH also plays a part in your body's: (1) Metabolism of toxins and cancer-causing substances Natural creation and repair of DNA Production of protein and prostaglandin, a compound with hormone-like effects Activation of enzyme Glutathione for Skin Glutathione injections are known for giving you a youthful glow and even skin. The antioxidant reduces oxidative stress in the body to improve your overall complexion. With glutathione treatments, you can see: (3) Overall lighter, brighter skin tone Even skin tone with reduced dark spots Reduced blemishes Diminished acne scars These injections are popular in Asia, where women report results like more energy, boosted immune systems, increased sex drive, and brighter, whiter, glowier skin (an appealing prospect in a culture that often holds fairer skin in high regard). (4) Glutathione for Health Problems This molecule has undergone multiple studies regarding its effect on various health conditions. The studies have found that Glutathione can help protect against a wide range of health problems: (1) Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis) Lyme disease Alzheimer's disease Chronic fatigue syndrome Colitis High cholesterol Osteoarthritis Asthma Cataracts Diabetes Glaucoma Heart disease Hepatitis Liver disease Parkinson's disease Alcohol use disorder Glutathione Every Day Benefits Glutathione injections are used to speed cell renewal and fight the aging process. It works at the cellular level to prevent inflammation and other cell damage that can make you sick. Injections are commonly given to boost energy, clear up acne, promote skin lightening, and speed up weight loss. Injections are believed to work better than oral supplements by bypassing the digestive tract. With injections, 100% of the antioxidant is absorbed, helping it to work faster and more efficiently. (1) Injection Frequency and Side Effects Everyone's body is different, and how you react to a new supplement may vary from person to person. A diet rich in glutathione-boosting foods does not pose any risks. However, taking supplements may not be advisable for everyone. Talk to your doctor about glutathione to determine if it’s right for you. Typical side effects of Glutathione injections include: pain, bleeding and bruising at injection site. Possible side effects may include: (5) abdominal cramps bloating trouble breathing due to bronchial constriction allergic reactions, such as rash rapid detoxification body aches nausea headaches mild diarrhea chills without fever The Lotus recommends the glutothione injection once a week for general health benefits, twice a week for skin whitening, and for 'detox': once a week for 1-2 months, then once every 2 weeks. Injections at The Lotus Our medical providers offer multiple wellness injections to make you feel your best, including: Lipotropic, Vitamin B12, and of course, Glutathione injections. To read more about the Lipotropic and B12 injections, see recommended blog posts below. We offer walk in injections every day from 11:30am to 11:40am. If this does not work for you, send us a text the morning of and ask when we have walk-in appointments available for that day. 210-774-2850 @thelotusmedspa on Instagram thelotusmedspa.com Sources (1) What Is Glutathione and What Are the Potential Benefits? (2022, July 6). Verywell Health. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-glutathione-89457 (2) What Are Free Radicals and Why Are They Bad? (2021, October 19). MedicineNet. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_free_radicals_and_why_are_they_bad/article.htm (3) studio3. (2020, March 9). Glutathione, What is it? Flawless Skin by Abby Blog. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.flawlessskinbyabby.com/blog/glutathione-what-is-it/ (4) An Antioxidant Shot That Promises Brighter Skin? I Tried It. (2022, June 6). Byrdie. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.byrdie.com/glutathione-injection (5) Whelan, C. (2018, September 18). Glutathione Benefits. Healthline. Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/glutathione-benefits#side-effects-and-risks

Imagine this: You haven't shaved in weeks. There's not one ingrown hair you have to dig out. You put on a bathing suit without a thought as to if you need to shave. Life is good. This isn't just a fantasy, it can be your reality. With Laser Hair Removal, you can get rid of unwanted hair and the brutal process of waxing or shaving. Welcome to your guide on permanent hair reduction. How Laser Hair Removal Works LHR is a medical procedure that uses IPL (intense pulse light) to damage or destroy a hair follicle. During the procedure, the laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. (1) Laser Hair Removal effectively delays hair growth, but usually doesn't result in permanent hair removal due to changes in the body and hormones as we age. Laser Hair Removal and Skin Types LHR works best for those with light skin and dark hair due to the hairs ability to absorb light, but it can be used effectively for all skin types. To put simply, there is not enough pigment in lighter hair for it to absorb the light of the laser. If your hair cannot absorb enough light, then heat from the laser won't destroy the follicles. Thanks to advanced laser technology, we can now use LHR for all skin types without darkening skin. A YAG laser allows the wavelength of the laser to penetrate deep within the skin, effectively bypassing the pigment in the skin. What You Can Expect During a Procedure LHR treatments may be slightly uncomfortable, but they're not painful. The discomfort from the intense heat is commonly described as a rubber band snapping against your skin, which I'd take over the pain of waxing any day. The cooling gel and built-in mechanisms of the machine alleviate pain, but there are some other things you can to do prepare for a laser hair removal procedure. Take Ibuprofen 30 minutes to 1 hour before your session. Shave the area to be treated the day prior. Avoid alcohol the night prior. Avoid antibiotics before your procedure, as they make your skin sensitive to light. Avoid sun exposure before treatment. The amount of time it will take to laser depends entirely on the area of treatment. Your upper-lip may take minutes but your legs can take close to an hour - it all depends on the size of the area. How Many Sessions of LHR Do You Need? Everyone's body is different. The number of treatments you will need depends on the area of concern, how fast your hair grows, and different biological factors. Typically, LHR requires 2-6 treatments to be effective. LHR targets growing hair follicles, and hair growth occurs in cycles. This is why you need more than one treatment, to constantly target new hair follicles. The Lotus advises 3-6 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart, then yearly for maintenance if needed. Results Your hair will not fall out immediately, but over the course of the first few weeks after your first treatment, you may notice your hair starting to shed. You may be able to speed this process up by physically exfoliating the area with a rag or lufa. Results may vary, but most patient's LHR results last years, with many experiencing permanent hair reduction. If your hair grows back in the treated area, you'll notice how much more thin and scarce it is. What to Expect Post-Procedure Laser Hair Removal is cool because there is little to no downtime - you can get back to your daily activities immediately. If you experience any side effects, like irritation, redness, or swelling, you can apply ice to the area. It is VERY important that you follow the following post-treatment guidelines to avoid damaging your skin: Avoid as much sunlight as possible. Avoid tanning beds (always as they aren't good for your skin) for at least 6 weeks after your last treatment. Make sure to use a broad spectrum SPF every day (every 4 hours as well). We have a blog on sunscreen if you'd like to know more about how to choose one. Before and After Pictures Make Unwanted Hair a Thing of the Past Laser Hair Removal is an effective and safe treatment to get rid of unwanted hair. You may spend a good amount up-front, but it will save you money in the long run - plus it helps the environment by decreasing the amount of razors thrown away! If you think it's time to free yourself from the burden of shaving, ingrown hairs, and waxing, give us a call or schedule a complimentary consultation with our amazing team. We offer laser hair treatments (starting mid-July) tailored to your skin, hair color, and body to make you feel and look your most beautiful. Sources (1) Laser hair removal - Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 4). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555 Proffer, P. (2019, November 26). Laser Hair Removal 101: Everything You Need to Know. Proffer. Retrieved June 28, 2022, from https://www.drproffer.com/blog/laser-hair-removal-101-everything-you-need-to-know

Melasma, rosacea, sun damage, dark spots, freckles, wrinkles, enlarged pores, skin tone and texture concerns, and scars are just a few things our new laser can treat. Let's get into it: how does laser therapy work, what is the Cutera Xeo, and what can it treat? The Cutera Xeo Cutera's Xeo is an all-in-one laser that is completely customizable to tailor a treatment plan around your concerns. Xeo is an innovative and advanced method of boosting skin vitality. This technology can help reverse the early signs of aging that are caused by harsh sunlight exposure, environmental pollutants, and genetics to reveal youthful and healthy skin. What Xeo Can Treat The advanced laser offers a wide variety of treatment options. To save time, we're going to break the lasers into two categories: Laser Genesis Nd: YAG and LimeLight IPL, and talk about how each work and what they can treat. LimeLight IPL: IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light and treats sun damage, brown spots, freckles, skin redness, and tiny veins. IPL works by targeting a certain color in your skin. When the specific targeted area is heated, it causes damage to those cells. Your body will naturally remove these damaged cells and replace them with new cells, resulting in fresh and vibrant new skin. The LimeLight IPL is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of the skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers (epidermis). The advantage here is that there is virtually no downtime since the top layer of skin is not damaged. This technology is especially useful for light-complexioned skin with freckling and a ruddy tone. Along with permanent hair reduction, LimeLight can treat: wrinkles and fine lines sun/age spots and other benign pigmented lesions vascular lesions (tiny veins) skin redness skin texture Laser Genesis Nd: YAG: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet is a crystal that is used as a medium for solid state lasers. This laser works by emitting a high energy wavelength of light which, when focused on certain skin conditions, will create heat and destroy diseased cells. The laser genesis treatment stimulates the dermal layer of the skin through thermal heating to enhance collagen production. Collagen plays a huge roll in replenishment of cells and the replacement of damaged cells, and as we age our body produces less of it. Gentle light therapy stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Redness is reduced in the dilated capillaries through the production of secondary heat, evening your skin tone. An advantage to YAG is that it is safe for all skin tones. The main difference between YAG and IPL is that YAG penetrates the skin deeper, allowing it to be safe for all skin tones and adds more treatment areas and concerns. Along with high-speed laser hair removal, Laser Genesis can treat: fine lines sun damage redness scarring melasma large vascular issues angiomas inflammatory acne freckles skin tags loose skin enlarged pores Before and After a Laser Treatment To ensure the safety of your skin, following these instructions before and after your sessions is imperative. Before your laser treatment, you will want to avoid tanning, sun exposure, and even self-tanning products for at least 4 weeks prior to your first session. Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.). Individuals with a history of herpes or cold sores may need an anti-viral medication prior to starting treatment. After your laser treatment, you will need to avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen to prevent further sun damage. Bruising, redness and swelling may occur and resolve with time. Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 1-2 days. Avoid skin irritants (products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.) a few days post-treatment. For instructions for laser hair removal, please click here. Before and After Photos: LimeLight IPL Before and After Photos: Laser Genesis Rejuvenate Your Skin with The Lotus Laser therapy is a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted wrinkles, scars, dark spots, and more. If you are considering a laser treatment to revitalize your skin, contact our amazing team today to set up your complimentary consultation. The Lotus is a woman and veteran-owned medical spa that excels in all things aesthetics and wellness. Let us help you feel and look your most beautiful. Contact us by calling or texting: 210-774-2850. Click the button below to schedule your consultation today!

Did you know that there are multiple types of pigmentation? In this blog we talk why different pigmentations in the skin occur and how you can prevent and treat them. Explaining Discoloration Your skin gets it's color (pigmentation) from its melanin production. The more melanin your skin produces, the darker you are, and vice versa. Melanin is produced via special cells called melanocytes. When these cells are harmed or damaged, they can increase or decrease the amount of melanin they produce, causing discoloration. Hyperpigmentation is the result of an increase in melanin, which causes darker skin. Hypopigmentation is the result of a decrease in melanin, which causes lighter skin. Some pigmentation disorders effect the entire body, but others can only effect small patches. Types of Pigmentation All of the types of pigmentation listed above are not synonymous with each other. Finding out what type of pigmentation disorder you have and what's causing it can help you figure out what is going on with your skin, therefore allowing you to find the best treatment options. Hyperpigmentation: There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the most common being melasma, sun spots, and PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma: Melasma is a common skin disorder that appears as light-brown, dark-brown, or blue-grey patches on the skin. Commonly affected areas include the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, forearms, and stomach. Melasma is thought to occur because of hormonal changes, which is why pregnant women make up the majority of people affected by this pigmentation disorder. In response to light, heat, or hormonal changes, the melanocytes produce more melanin, darkening the skin. Laser treatments can incredibly reduce or even get rid of melasma. Picture from Medical News Today Sun Spots: Also called liver spots, age spots, solar lentigens or freckles, sun spots occur from excess sun exposure overtime and are harmless, flat, and brown. Exposure to the sun or tanning beds increases the production of melanin, and overtime, melanin may be clumped together or produced in highly concentrated amounts, causing sunspots. Laser treatments can target these spots, resulting in reduction of appearance, and in some cases, get rid of them altogether. Picture from Mayo Clinic PIH: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after your skin has been damaged or injured in someway. When your cells react to this damage by producing extra melanin, PIH happens. The skin condition shows up as tan, brown, dark, or blue-ish grey spots on your skin. The most common triggers are acne, eczema, and impetigo, but PIH can result from any trauma or irritation to the skin. Laser treatments will help reduce inflammation, acne, and acne scars. Taken from Eucerin Hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation is the loss of skin pigment or color and can be due to a number of reasons and can affect all skin types but is most noticeable in people with darker pigmented skin. Albinism and vitiligo are examples of hypopigmentation, but for the purposes of this blog we will focus on skin disorders that have a known treatment. Pityriasis alba: A person with skin skin condition will have raised, slightly inflamed patches on their skin that can lose pigment overtime due to inflammation. The lesions usually affect the face, arms, and upper trunk. There is no known cause for pityriasis, but it may be associated with eczema. (1) Low-dosed steroid creams may help inflammation. Taken from Medical News Today Pityriasis versicolor: A fungal skin infection that causes flat, circular patches on the skin. The fungus that causes this lives on the skin of most people, but usually does not cause symptoms. (1) Pityriasis vesicolor can occur on the chest, upper back, abdomen, and upper arms. Treatment usually involves a topical or oral anti-fungal medication. Taken from Medical News Today Prevention Preventing skin discoloration can be tricky, especially since some of it is hormone or medication induced. The best way to prevent pigmentation is to use a broad spectrum SPF and avoid excessive sun exposure. If you still manage to get hyperpigmentation, we can help. Treatment for Pigmentation There are many different options available for skin pigmentation. The Lotus offers many of these treatments including: laser treatments, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, chemical peels, IPL therapy, retinoids, dermaplaning, and lightening creams. If you or someone you know is struggling with skin discoloration and would like to know more about our treatments and treatment plans, give us a call. We take pride in our detail and consistency in providing you with thorough and personalized strategies tailored to your schedule, budget, and aesthetic needs. 210-774-2850 Sources (1) de Pietro, M. C. (2022, June 28). What is hypopigmentation? Medical News Today. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320243 Fletcher, J. (2022, April 22). What is melasma? Medical News Today. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323715 de Pietro, M. C. (2022a, March 7). What You Should Know About Hyperpigmentation. Healthline. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperpigmentation#prevention Eucerin. (n.d.). Hyperpigmentation | post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://int.eucerin.com/about-skin/indications/hyperpigmentation-caused-by-inflammation Age spots (liver spots) - Symptoms and causes. (2022, February 11). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859

Struggling with excessive sweating is so not fun. It may impact your social life, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. So let's get into it: what is hyperhydrosis and what options do you have to overcome excessive sweating? What is Hyperhydrosis? Hyperhydrosis is abnormally excessive sweating that may not be due to exercise or heat. Excessive sweating can damage your clothes, cause you social anxiety, and disrupt normal daily activities. The main reason for hyperhydrosis is that when you're moving, exercising, when you're body is overheated, or when you're feeling emotional, nerves activate your sweat glands. When those nerves overreact, it causes hyperhydrosis. Sweat glands are plentiful on the feet, hands, face, and armpits. How to Stop Excessive Sweating with Aesthetic Procedures If you visit the doctor's office for hyperhydrosis, they will usually put you on some sort of medication or recommend a certain prescription deodorant to stop your sweat glands from producing too much sweat. Sometimes these medications do not work for intense hyperhydrosis, but don't sweat it, our Medspa has two options available to mitigate excessive sweating. Botox Injections for Hyperhydrosis: Botox injections use botulinum toxin to suppress the nerves responsible for triggering sweat glands. Each armpit receives about 50 units of Botox - 100 units total. Retreatment is typically needed within 4-6 months, but overtime, that window lessens. With an original value of $1200, The Lotus offers this treatment for $900. RF Microneedling for Hyperhydrosis: This treatment is typically used for anti-aging and rejuvenation results, however, it is more common now to utilize RF Microneedling as a permanent solution to excessive sweating. Due to the thermal tissue reaction of your skin, RF Microneedling destroys sweat glands. Some patients may require up to 3 procedures to achieve complete sweat resolution, but some may only need 1. Treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart and a once a year maintenance procedure is recommended. The Lotus Offers this treatment for $650. If you or someone yo know is suffering from excessive sweating, please reach out for more information to see if these procedures are right for you. To schedule your complimentary consultation, or to schedule your hyperhydrosis procedure, click here. Contact us at 210-774-2850 for questions or to book your visit.

Bloating, fatigue, trouble sleeping, depression, anxiety, unintentional weight changes, skin irritations, and tons more, are all signs of an unhealthy gut microbiome. If you have symptoms like this, you're not alone. Nearly 70 million Americans struggle with digestive issues as a result of an unhealthy gut. So what IS a gut microbiome, what causes an unhealthy one, and how can you fix it? The foods you eat and they way you live have a direct impact on your digestive system, and your digestive system in turn has a direct effect on your physical and mental well-being. Taking steps to improve your digestive health will not only make symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain cease, but will improve your energy levels, your mood, and can lessen your symptoms of anxiety and depression. What is the Gut Microbiome and Why is it Important? Your ‘gut microbiome’ is made up of the trillions of microorganisms that live in your small and large intestines. These microorganisms, mainly comprising of bacteria, are involved in functions critical to your health and wellbeing. These bacteria live in your digestive system and they play a key role in digesting food you eat, and they help with absorbing and synthesising nutrients too. Gut bugs are involved in many other important processes that extend beyond your gut, including your metabolism, body weight, and immune regulation, as well as your brain functions and mood. (1) Taken from WebMD These microbiomes are introduced during delivery of the birth canal and through the mother's breast milk. Exactly what microbiomes the infant is exposed to depends entirely on the species found in the mother (how cool!). (2) Later on, each person develops an entirely unique network of microbiomes due to stress, foods, and environmental exposures that can positively or negatively impact one's life. Let's dive into what can have a negative impact of gut health! Lack of Prebiotics in the Diet: Prebiotics, not to get confused with Probiotics, are a type of fiber that your body cannot digest and therefore pass through into the lower intestine. Prebiotics act as food for your microbiota to promote growth and activity of healthy bacteria. Foods commonly found to have Prebiotics are lentils, chickpeas and beans, oats, bananas, Jerusalem artichokes, asparagus, garlic, leeks, onions and nuts. Drinking Too Much Alcohol: Chronic consumption of alcohol can have devastating effects on not only your network of microbita, but on the entire body. Alcoholics are prone to dysbiosis, which is a disruption to the microbiota homeostasis caused by an imbalance in the microflora, changes in their functional composition and metabolic activities, or a shift in their local distribution. (Very devastating stuff here). The good news: one study found that red wine actually increases the abundance of bacteria known to promote gut health and decreases the number of harmful gut bacteria like Clostridium. (3) Lack of Regular Physical Activity: One study compared the gut flora of 19 physically active women to 21 non-active women. Active women had a higher abundance of health-promoting bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, suggesting that regular physical activity, even at low-to-moderate intensities, can be beneficial. Bifidobacteria digest dietary fiber, help prevent infection and produce vitamins and other important chemicals, while Akkermansia plays a role in metobolic health and the prevention of obesity. (3) Stress: High stress levels can affect the gut by increasing sensitivity, reducing blood flow, decreasing the amount of good bacteria and increasing the amount of bad bacteria. See below for tips on how to deal with stress! Taken from WebMD How Does Your Gut Health Affect Your Mental Well-Being? Although the research is relatively new, studies involving mice show that poor gut health leads to depression and anxiety. A few studies have shown that transferring gut microbiomes from depressed individuals into lab rats causes the rats to exhibit depressive-like behaviors. Similar studies show the same for anxiety. (5) This makes sense, knowing that 90% of the body's serotonin (the "feel good" chemical) is found in the cells lining your intestinal tract. (6) Put simply, if your serotonin receptors cannot function or grow like they're supposed to due to an overwhelming number of "bad" gut bacteria, symptoms of depression and anxiety can occur. How to Improve Your Gut Health Add Probiotics to Your Diet: Probiotics promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. If you constantly struggle with bloating, constipation, and/or abdominal pain, taking a probiotic supplement will actually change your life. You can also find them in natural sources, like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Consume More Fiber: Fiber can prevent or relive constipation, encourage healthy gut microbiota, promote regular bowel movements, and reduce the time that waste spends in your body. It also helps with bloating! Get Enough Quality Sleep: A study done in 2016 found that two nights of sleep deprivation altered gut flora and increased the bacteria associated with weight gain, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and fat metabolism. (3) Reduce Stress: If you haven't found the secret to happiness, let me enlighten you: being present. Being absolutely present and not in your head when doing whatever you're doing will lessen stress levels (if not destroy stress from your body completely), help you overcome past traumas, and incredibly diminish the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Most anxiety and depression-related symptoms come about from thinking about the past or the future - ask yourself in this moment, what RIGHT NOW (this very second) are you dealing with that is causing you your mental health. (The answer is nothing). Breath work, exercise, meditation, and yoga are all examples of getting you in the present. Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Some food additives can alter the composition of the microbiota and lead to gut inflammation, which may promote diverse forms of inflammatory diseases. Data from the NutriNet-Santé cohort study found that consumption of ultra-processed food was associated with an increased risk of mortality and depression. In Spain, findings from the SUN prospective cohort study suggest that for each additional serving of ultra-processed foods, all-cause mortality increased by 18%. (4) The consequences of poor gut health are devastating to quality of life. Your gut effects everything you do, think, feel, and taste, and maintaining balance in your microbiota is essential to your health. Although scientists are still in the early stages of understanding the broad role microbiome's play in the body, it's clear that a healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our medical providers about nutrition and/or weight loss, give us a call or click the button below. 210-774-2850 @thelotusmedspa on Instagram Sources (1) “Diet and the Gut Microbiota - Food and Mood Centre.” Food and Mood Centre, July 2016, https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au/2016/07/diet-and-the-gut-microbiota/. (2) “The Microbiome.” The Nutrition Source, 1 May 2020, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/. (3) Coyle, Daisy. “8 Surprising Things That Harm Your Gut Bacteria.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 June 2017, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-things-that-harm-gut-bacteria#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5. (4) Shi, Zumin. “Gut Microbiota: An Important Link between Western Diet and Chronic Diseases.” Nutrients, MDPI, 24 Sept. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835660/. (5) Kelly, J. (2016, July). Transferring the blues: Depression-associated gut microbiota induces neurobehavioural changes in the rat. ResearchGate. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305658372_Transferring_the_blues_Depression-associated_gut_microbiota_induces_neurobehavioural_changes_in_the_rat (6) Serotonin: What Is It, Function & Levels. (2022, March 18). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin Pictures: Pathak, MD, N. (2020, December 17). How Your Gut Health Affects Your Whole Body. WebMD. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-how-gut-health-affects-whole-body