Pharmaceutical grade products are only accessible through doctors or licensed aestheticians.  The reason is that these products are comprised of a larger amount of active ingredients versus over the counter (OTC) skincare products.  OTC products only work on the outer most layer of skin, while pharmaceutical products are able to penetrate several layers of skin all the way to the Dermis where collagen, elastin and new skin cells are located.            
            Active ingredients are crucial within a skincare product because that is what causes changes within your skin.  OTC products are concocted to be used on anyone and everyone so they are composed of minimal amounts of active ingredients that really aid in skin care issues.  “OTC products have so many fillers, parabens, dyes, and fragrances that they are most likely watered down.  Look at your products, what is the first ingredient?  This is what your product mostly consists of,” according to www.foreveryoungmedspa.us. 
            The purpose of using skincare products is to achieve clear skin and get rid of unhealthy skin cells that produce pigmentation issues or uneven skin texture.  Pharmaceutical grade products have the ability to do so since they penetrate through several layers of skin.  Once your collagen and elastin are broken down, your skin lacks a tight and toned appearance.  It is difficult to restore collagen and elastin once it has been damaged, that’s why it is a good idea to use pharmaceutical grade products every day to protect the skin you already have.
            Some of the pharmaceutical grade skincare products that the Shaw Center carries are Obagi Rx Systems and M.D. Systems.  These products help transform your skin for a healthier, refreshed and revitalized appearance from the skin cell to the surface.  The Obagi-C Rx System provides advantages of both presciption-strength 4% hydroquinone and potent Vitamin C to counteract indications of skin damage and help restore and maintain younger-looking skin. Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are specifically formulated to work together to give optimal results.  The product targets the root of acne to clear skin quickly and help maintain a clear and healthy complexion for a lifetime.

            Contact the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 for more information on the skincare products we offer!
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            Botox has been booming since 2002 when the FDA announced their consent for the use of botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) to enhance the image of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.  In September, the FDA approved the use of Botox for the short-term improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe lateral canthal lines, better known as crow’s feet.  Prior to getting Botox we’re sure you have many questions and we’re here to put your worries to rest!
            Botox is an extremely purified toxin that has to ability to minimize or remove horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines and crow’s feet for a short-term.  It decelerates muscles that contract every time you smile, laugh and frown that cause dynamic wrinkles.  Many patients fear that their face will appear frozen, however, if done properly it can lift the brow, providing an attractive and genuine look.  The only reason your face would appear “frozen” is if your doctor does not judge the size of your muscles correctly and overestimates how much Botox is necessary.  Botox is a very safe and basic procedure.  The product is targeted to locations on the face, blocking the nerve impulse to the muscle under the skin in the treated area.  
            After Botox injections, any remaining wrinkles are true wrinkles of the skin.  The left over wrinkles can be treated with one or more of the following procedures that the Shaw Center offers: Pearl, Pearl Fractional, Pixel, PhotoFacial / IPL or Refirme.  Botox is not only used to treat wrinkles but has alternative uses as well.  The injections can be used to treat uncontrolled sweating in palms, soles of feet and in the armpits.  Botox can also be found applicability in the treatment of medical conditions such as strabismus, blepharosplasm, hemifacial spasm, spasmodic dysphonia, oromadibular dystonia and cervical dystonia. 
            Since Botox is an injection, it can be somewhat painful, however, patients report that there is minimal discomfort, comparing the sensation to a bug bite.  Botox usually takes 2-4 days for the results to appear, reflecting the time necessary to disrupt the synaptic process.  There are minimal side effects to the procedure; temporary bruising of the injection site is the most common side effect.   
            Botox Cosmetic is the only FDA approved drug treatment option for lateral cantahl lines.  Since there is no generic substitution available for the product, it is tedious to manufacture and costly.  Botox can be sold per unit or per area depending on where you go.  The Shaw Center provides Botox per unit.  The advantage of paying per unit is that you pay for exactly what you receive because the amount used on each patient varies.  To give you some sort of an idea, an average person needs approximately 20 units to treat horizontal forehead lines, 2 to 10 units to treat crow’s feet around the eyes and 25 units to treat the glabella (the smooth area of the forehead above and between the eyebrows). You can expect the results to last anywhere from three to six months and there is no downtime after the procedure.     
            If you are interested in having Botox, contact the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900!


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            Revamp your skin with Clarisonic!  Clarisonic established the sonic technology verified to lightly but still adequately alleviate dirt and oil to clear your pores.  Utilizing the system for just one minute a day washes your face twice as efficient as standard cleansing.
            The product was formerly intended for skincare professionals to use during treatments but has now transformed the skincare industry.  “Unlike spinning devices, our patented sonic cleansing technology works with skin’s natural elasticity, oscillating at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second.  The resulting flexing action created between the outer and inner brushes works to loosen dirt and oil, removing deep-seated impurities from pores and priming skin to better absorb topical treatments,” according to www.clarisonic.com. 
            There are numerous benefits to using the Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing.  Some perks include removing 6x more makeup than manual cleansing, reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes, and diminishes the appearance of pores.  It is recommended that you spend 20 seconds on your forehead, 20 seconds on nose and chin and 10 seconds on each cheek to obtain optimal results.  There is clinical proof that Clarisonic improves elasticity in your skin after 4 weeks and has 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C after use. 
            No matter your age or skin concern, the Clarisonic Sonic Method has a way to benefit you.  Sonic cleansing helps build smoother, softer skin and primes the skin to be more responsive to anti-aging treatments if you are interested in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.  For enlarged pores and excess oil, the cleansing system lightly wavers back and forth to substantially flex the pores to break up captured debris and minimizes the pore’s appearance while eliminating excess oily patches.  For people with acne prone skin and consistent blemishes, sonic cleansing helps unplug pores and boost absorption of acne skincare treatments. 
            Clarisonic makes for the perfect gift for the holidays or begin your treatment to look revitalized at holiday parties!  The Shaw Center carries various Clarisonic models and products.  Call us at (480) 767-1900 for more information! 
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         Once you have made the decision to have a breast augmentation, the next step is determining what size you want to achieve.  It is important to discuss what your goal from the surgery is with your surgeon so they can help accommodate and recommend the proper size.
            When it comes down to determining what size to go, the amount of breast tissue you naturally have and how big your chest is prior to surgery have an impact on the size of the implant.  The amount of cc’s (cubic centimeters) used on one patient to achieve a certain cup size may be different on another patient trying to accomplish the same size due to the size of the breast prior to surgery.  “A tall, broad-shouldered patient with small A-cup breasts may require 450cc implants to achieve a C-cup breast volume postoperatively, while a shorter patient with medium B-cup breasts may only need a 250cc implant to achieve a C-cup breast volume,” according to www.realself.com. 
            Another element to decide prior to surgery is what type of implant to use.  Silicone and Saline implants both have an outer silicone shell, however, they have different material and consistency.  Saline implants are empty when they are inserted and then filled with sterile salt water once they are in place.  Silicone implants are already filled with silicone gel prior to being inserted.  The SHAW Center offers all available types of silicone and saline implants for breast augmentation.
Incisions for the implant are made in hidden areas in order to reduce the amount of visible scarring.  The available areas for incisions are an Inframammary incision (underneath the breast), Transaxillary incision (in the armpit), and the Periareolar incision (through the areola).
Throughout the process of making decisions for your surgery, be upfront with your surgeon so they can help determine what will be best for the end result.  Don’t get wrapped up in numbers and sizes, focus on how you want your breasts to actually look and convey that to your surgeon.  If you are interested in having a breast augmentation, call the Shaw Center at (480) 767-1900 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options!

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            Typically those with celiac disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten that harms the intestines, follow a gluten free diet, however, going gluten free has become a popular diet trend.  Grocery stores have begun to carry more gluten free items and restaurants have started to expand their menus with gluten free sections.  Nonetheless, is completely removing gluten from your diet good for you?

            Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, but there are an array of foods that you wouldn’t suspect it to be contained in such as ice cream, soy sauce and ketchup.  Since gluten is commonly found in numerous foods, companies are beginning to manufacture a lot of gluten free alternatives.  “Many gluten-free products are high in processed carbohydrates and sugar.  A person not dealing with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease would be better off shopping for a variety of high-fiber carbohydrates, lean proteins, colorful fruits and veggies, and healthy fats,” according to Core Performance. 
            Although not all gluten free products are better for you, following a gluten free diet has some benefits.  Since you need to understand what products do and do not contain gluten, people who follow the diet have a tendency to have a better consciousness of food and understand how to read food labels and the ingredients in the product.  Going gluten free can guide a person to follow a healthier diet and reduce the consumption of processed foods.  Those who are following a gluten free diet turn to alternative grains such as quinoa that are higher quality. 
            Despite the fact that there are positives to following a gluten free diet, there are negative impacts as well.  Since not every carbohydrate contains gluten, those who have eliminated gluten from their diet could potentially have a lower intake of carbohydrates caused by an absence of education on nutrients.  Deficient intakes of fiber from usual sources have potential to cause digestive issues.  Since gluten free products tend to contain excess sugar and carbohydrates, there is a possibility of weight gain. 
            Regardless if you think you have a sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease or are interested in trying a gluten free diet, you should consult your doctor prior making adjustments to your diet.       
            

            

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            When it comes to breast size, bigger isn’t always better.  Some women with sizable breasts not only experience an unsatisfied body image but they may also be in physical pain or discomfort.  Did you know that celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Connelly and Kelly Osbourne have all undergone surgery in order to reduce the size of their breasts?

 

            The excess weight of large breasts usually result in discomfort that hinder a woman’s ability to have an active life.  The ideal solution to aid someone with these conditions is a breast reduction.  The procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to attain an optimal breast size that is proportionate to the woman’s body.  Typically, the results from a breast reduction will not only adjust the functionality of large breasts but will also create a smaller breast size that will increase a woman’s self confidence. 
            Related discomfort due to large breasts can include back, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder discomfort and indentation from bra straps.  Some women experience restricted physical activity due to breast size and associated discomfort, skin irritation beneath the breast crease, and an enlarged areola.  Due to all of the discomfort that large breasts cause, a breast reduction is usually considered a reconstructive procedure and often times health insurance covers the cost when it is performed to reduce medical symptoms. 
            Patients of any age are able to have a breast reduction but in order to have optimal results, it is best to have the procedure when the breasts are completely developed.  Since a notable amount of breast tissue is removed during the procedure, having a breast reduction could possibly hinder the ability to breast-feed.  The ideal candidates for a breast reduction are women of reasonably normal, stable weight whose breast development is complete.
            If you are considering having a breast reduction, the next step is to have a consultation in order to discuss your options and the likely outcomes from the procedure.  Call the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 to schedule a consultation!  

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Up until now there weren’t very many options when it came to treating spider veins.  Veinwave is an innovative, FDA-approved treatment for spider veins and telangiectasia.  Telangiectasia is a skin condition where capillaries are dilated, making them appear as small red or purple clusters, generally having a spidery appearance on the surface of the skin.
Prior to Veinwave the span of vein treatments were restricted.  The best options consisted of surgery for acute vascular conditions or microsclerotherapy for situations where surgery was not suitable.  Lasers and other various procedures provided a different alternative but in some cases the results from the laser produced worse skin damage than before the procedure. 
Veinwave is an electrical desktop device that utilizes a needle holder and a footpedal.  An ultra-fine insulated needle is inserted into the needle holder in the area for treatment.  Depending on the vein, alternative techniques will be utilized but in the case of straightforward linear veins, the procedure is administered subepidermally throughout the length of the vein.  The treatment is minimally invasive, only affecting the top layers of the skin and shouldn’t puncture the vessel. 
Veinwave is a painless alternative to laser and light-based treatments.  Patients describe the feeling as a “warm pin prick” or a minor sting that does not persist.  There are numerous advantages of using Veinwave over the other procedures.  Veinwave produces instant results without side effects, there is no bandaging or bruising, no scarring, no hypo or hyper pigmentation and you do not need to stay out of the sun post procedure.  The treatment can be performed on the face, ankles, knees, legs and other areas.  Men and women receive the same results after the treatment and it can also be performed on all skin types.  Patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.     
Contact the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 for more information! 

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If you are attempting to rid yourself of wrinkles without looking like you had work done, SculptraAesthetic will be your best-kept secret!  This procedure produces gradual, subtle results that don’t make you look like you just had surgery. 
SculptraAesthetic is a facial injectable treatment that is meant for patients with a healthy immune system.  On average, patients receive 4 injection sessions about 3 weeks apart.  The reasoning for the timing between injections is to allow SculptraAesthetc enough time to work, enabling your doctor to fine-tune follow-up treatments.   
The procedure improves shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour flaws and other facial wrinkles.  SculptraAesthetic gradually works to restore collagen that is lost during the aging process.  The results from the treatment can last up to 25 months and is biocompatible, meaning it will not harm your body.
SculptraAesthetic is meant for deep folds between the nose and the mouth (smile lines), the lines framing your mouth (marionette lines), and chin wrinkles.  The treatment is not used on the lips and is not recommended for around the eyes.  Most patients are able to get back to their usual activities immediately following the treatment and make-up can be applied a few hours after if there are no complications.
If you are interested in the procedure, call the Shaw Center at (480) 767-1900 in order to book a consultation to see if SculptraAesthetic is right for you!
            

            

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The majority of people have an ideal body that they have always wanted and or strive for.  For some, no matter how well they eat and how often they work out, their body will not cooperate.  Smartlipo MPX could be the ideal solution. 
Smartlipo MPX is the newest innovative LaserBodySculpting method.  This technique provides ideal results for fat removal and or skin tightening.  This is a laser assisted lipolysis procedure where a small tube is inserted into the skin.  There is a laser fiber within the tube that sends energy straight to fat cells utilizing 2 different wavelengths, rupturing the fat cells, which are then drained away as liquid.  The paired wavelength also permits more successful tightening of your skin.
Smartlipo MPX is perfect for areas that have skin laxity, ideally the neck and arms, or for taking away fat from the abdomen, love handles, saddle bags or inner and outer thighs.  The procedure is designed for candidates in good health and normal body weight that are seeking removal of unwanted fat and tightening the skin.     
Standard liposuction and Smartlipo MPX both successfully remove fat, however, Smartlipo MPX has a few advantages over traditional procedures.  Convention liposuction has the possibility of leaving unflattering pockets of skin.  This does not happen with Smartlipo MPX because the procedure utilizes wavelengths that increase collagen and restructure collagen fibers to compress and refine the quality of your skin.
Smartlipo MPX usually requires local anesthesia since it is a minimally invasive procedure.  Patients are able to return to work within a few days and resume exercise after 2 weeks.
If you are interested in permanently destroying fat cells and improving your overall body shape, contact the Shaw Center at (480)767-1900 for a consultation!

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In 2013, it is approximated that there will be 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer among women in the U.S., according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Luckily, there are numerous ways to prevent and detect breast cancer at an early stage. 

Limit your alcohol intake and do not smoke in order to reduce your risk.  Gathered evidence indicates a connection between smoking and breast cancer risk, especially in premenopausal women.  Controlling your weight and being physically active will also help reduce your risk.  Breast-feeding possibly takes part in breast cancer prevention and the longer you breast-feed the greater the preventative effect.  If you take hormone therapy, restrict the dose and length.  “Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer.  If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options.  You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity,” according to the Mayo Clinic. 
Having regular screening tests done is the optimal way for women to reduce their risk because they have the ability to detect breast cancer early on, when the possibility of survival is greatest.  It is important to become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so it is easier for you to detect if something is different.  If you discover any of the following warning signs of breast cancer, contact your health care provider: lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area, swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast, change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, itchy, scaly, sore or rash on the nipple, pulling in of your nipples or other parts of the breast, nipple discharge that starts suddenly, or new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away. 
Breast implants do have a possibility of obscuring mammograms and the most crucial factor is where the implant is placed.  Ones that are placed below the chest muscle have a smaller chance to alter a mammographic view than ones that are inserted above.  Since implants have the possibility to change the results of a mammogram, it is especially important for women with implants to be familiar with their breasts.  “Noticing breast changes can sometimes be easier for women with implants because the implants push the natural breast tissue to the outside of the breast, making a lump easier to feel,” says Elisabeth Beahm, M.D., F.A.C.S., a professor in the Department of Plasticy Surgery at M.D. Anderson. Several studies have shown that cases of breast cancer are actually lower with women who have implants over the general female population. 
Support Breast Cancer Awareness month at the 21st Annual Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure.  The event will be held on Saturday, October 13 at the Wesley Bolin Plaza.  Registration is available online and in person the day of the race.  Race options are a 1 Mile Run/Walk, Breast Cancer Survivors 5K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Sleep In for the Cure. 
   

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