Our face is the first thing people notice and a huge part of our identity. Maintaining a clear complexion is not always the easiest feat, but definitely worth prioritizing. With so many products and beauty remedies out there today, it can seem overwhelming not knowing which ones to trust, but The Spa at The Shaw Center has you and your skin covered! We believe the answer to a flawless face lies within a combination of both skincare products and some simple home regimens. 
Ditch the Washcloth
Washcloths can do more damage than good by disrupting your skin’s natural state. Typically using one can lead to irritation and redness, and not to mention they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. Instead, try Clarisonic, which is a sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. It micro-massages twice as effectively as manually cleansing does and is available for purchase at The Shaw Center.
Clean Your Essentials
A more common sense, but highly underestimated cause for breakouts comes from your pillowcases and makeup brushes. These two vehicles collect your oils and dirt daily and are later reapplied to your face when used again and again without first being washed. We suggest using a gentle cleanser for both and avoid sanitizers that employ harsh fragrance, as this added ingredient can also lead to clogged pores.
Moisturize Appropriately
Believe it or not, there is such thing as over moisturizing and it can even lead to breakouts. Adding too much product to your skin can clog your pores and prevent your complexion from being able to breathe. We recommend using a moisterizer with hyaluronic acic, which helps to retain water. One of our favorite hydrating lotions is our ZO Skin Health Ossential Daily Power Defense
Exfoliate Effortlessly
Regular exfoliation is essential in maintaining your skin. Your dead skin cells can tend to collect over time, creating a dull complexion and preventing you from showing off that glow you most definitely deserve. Microdermabrasion,  is a non-surgical exfoliating treatment that can help you to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin. The Spa at The Shaw Center offers this as a service and highly recommends it for those looking to rid themselves of stubborn blemishes.

Not too long ago, if we had told you that running a needling pen over your face would actually benefit you – you would think we were crazy. DermaPenning, also known as Microneedling, has made a huge splash in the skincare world recently. With noticeable results with little to no downtime, this is one treatment you need to try.




How does it work?
We use the DermaPen 3, a cutting-edge version of a DermaPen, that painlessly penetrates the outer layers of the skin. This creates micro-injuries that spur collagen and elasitn to repair, regrow and heal skin making way for smoother, more even skin. Also, almost any part of the body can be treated.
What will it do for my skin?
Like a peel without the burn, micro needling treatments help with wrinkle reduction, texture and tone improvement. Pores are decreased and skin looks and feels firmer and refreshed. Also, if you have hyperpigmentation, sun spots or scarring, these treatment helps fade those blemishes and also erases acne scars, trauma scars and stretch marks.
What does it feel like?
The quick, 15 to 30-minute treatment feels like a light buffing similar to sandpaper being rubbed gently across skin.
Is there downtime?
Right after your treatment you will notice an instant glow and some redness that goes away usually within four hours. After 12 hours, mineral makeup is recommended and skin is healed within 24 hours.

For more information, you can call 480-767-1900 to schedule a complimentary consultation to talk with one of our aesthetician pros.

Here at The SHAW Center, we’re all about professional treatments. Hands down, they are the most effective way to get the skin and body you’ve always wanted.
To keep your results and ensure that they last as long as possible, post-treatment home care is also an important factor. We’ve rounded up our top five favorite skincare products for 2016. From firming to banishing wrinkles, keep these bottles sink side and incorporate them into your daily routine.

This past week, we gave you the opportunity to enter to win any one of these 5 fab products, and we’d like to congratulate Carissa Robin (#5), Nicole Carreo (#4), Patty Dilk (#3), Jacque Ast (#2) and the winner of our (#1) chosen skincare product for 2016, Donna Chasan! We thank all of those who participated, and if you didn’t get chosen this time around, you can still purchase any of these products at the Spa at The SHAW Center. What are you waiting for?

#5: Revision Skincare Intellishade, $56. A nutrient rich, anti-aging tinted moisturizer that’s super hydrating and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 #4: Revision Skincare Nectifirm, $73. Say bye bye to that turkey neck because 96% of patients experienced a firmer neck with Nectifirm®. This best-selling neck cream contains plant extracts, antioxidants and unique biotechnological blends that work cohesively to create a smoother, firmer, younger-looking neck.


#3: ZO Medical Retamax, $145. This lightweight, Retinol-packed lotions helps reverse signs of aging by supporting even skin tone, reducing lines and helping speed up your skin’s natural renewal system.

#2: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid, $162. This serum contains a revolutionary antioxidant combination that increases firmness and replenishes lipids to visibly reduce wrinkles for more than 72 hours after use.

#1: SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, $270. Packed with a powerful, cutting-edge TNS complex, this protein and amino acid-rich serum reduces inflammation and erases signs of aging.


Making new year’s resolutions is one thing…sticking to them is another. Studies show that less than 10 percent of Americans actually achieve the resolutions they set. So what’s your plan to get the skin you’ve always wanted in 2016? We’ve got you covered.  
Microdermabrasion: If you’re looking to treat acne scarring, sun damage age spots, freckles, stretch marks, fine lines, scars and/or rough skin with no downtime, consider microdermabrasion. The exfoliating treatment can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, elbows and even your feet. Microdermabrasion speeds up the cellular turnover process and helps you gradually improve your skin within just a few treatments.
PicoSure Tattoo Removal: There’s no better time than the new year to say goodbye to your unwanted tattoo. The most advanced laser treatment available, PicoSure targets difficult ink colors including blue and green. It also removes ink more effectively than any other laser and can be used on previously treated tattoos.
Dermapen/Microneedling: An innovative step in non-surgical skin rejuvenation, Dermapen 3 effectively improves skin tone, erases fine lines, diminishes scars and leaves skin glowing with shorter treatments, less recovery time and less pain. If you’re looking to transform your skin but don’t want to go under the knife, this is your go-to for 2016.

Injectables: Another non-surgical skin transformer, Botox and fillers are a great way to achieve your ideal look with no surgery or downtime. So many new formulas and brands out now, your options are endless for lifting and getting rid of stubborn wrinkles.
Listen up guys, Botox is no longer exclusively for the ladies. A new term coined Bro-tox is the latest and greatest thing to happen to your skin. Yep, we know it sounds a little out there, but Botox has crossed the gender lines with a 258 percent increase over the past ten years.

So why are men opting to go under the needle? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are a few factors playing into Bro-tox’s popularity. 

The first factor is that within the past couple of years, cosmetic procedures are more widely accepted and no longer carry the negative stigma they did in the past.
Additionally, Botox delivers results with no downtime and is an appealing option for men because it erases wrinkles but isn’t obvious that you’ve had “work” done.
What’s most interesting is that men feel increasing pressure to stay relevant in the workplace and want to look better and younger to climb the career ranks. The American Society of Plastic Surgery also reports that employees want to maintain a more attractive and youthful look in the competitive job market. This means that a youthful appearance allows men (and women) to receive promotions and generate more income than their older looking peers – a crucial part of success especially with a leaner workforce.
Men on the hunt for jobs also up their competitive game with Bro-tox for an extra edge when interviewing.
Not a scary procedure, Botox includes a few pricks to areas including your forehead, eyes and in between eyebrows to relax facial muscles and minimize lines and wrinkles.

Want to learn more or are you ready to take the Bro-tox plunge? Reach out to us at www.theshawcenter.com/Contact/Contact.phpto schedule a consultation.

Recently, plastic surgery has been on the rise. 15.6 million people in the United States had a cosmetic procedure in 2014, a 3% increase from 2013 and a dramatic 104% increase from 2000.
With a surge in procedures, plastic surgery has become more widely accepted and has also opened the door for new non-invasive procedures. Instead of boring holiday gift staples like socks or a scarf, here’s our guide to skin and body services for everyone on your list.
For the clean freak: Clarisonic. This facial cleansing tool has become a household name and makes a great gift for those who are skincare obsessed or like things a little more squeaky clean than the rest of us. Not only does it purify pores on the daily, it also helps even skin texture and fight off fine lines.
For the poolside enthusiast: Sculpsure. In Arizona, pool season gets here early. Give the gift of a bikini-ready bod with brand new Sculpsure. The revolutionary laser reduces fat permanently with less treatments and zero downtime.
For the extra scruffy guy: Laser Hair Removal. Although it might not be a daily topic of conversation, no one likes unsightly hair (ew!). Help out with a package of laser hair removal session to get him ready for beach vacays and whatever else comes along in 2016.
For the celeb-obsessed: Lip Augmentation. 2015 was the year of the Kylie Jenner lip and women everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon to achieve volume-packed lips like the teen social media queen. Pump up your gift game this year with injectable fillers that not only increase pout size, but also smooth lips and rejuvenate the entire mouth area.
For the selfie pro: Smart Lipo Neck. This profile-perfecting procedure uses a laser to melt fat and tighten skin. With almost no scarring (the incision is only one millimeter), downtime is minimal. Grab a selfie stick and make it a packaged gift.  
One out of five people with tattoos are unhappy with their decision. In the past, getting an even larger tattoo to cover up old ink or painful removal with endless sessions were the only options. Tattoo removal has come a long way in the past few years. We’re excited to announce that the second generation PicoSure Laser is here and now available at The Shaw Center.

With the ability to treat every color of tattoo, the cutting-edge PicoSure Laser gives patients results with fewer treatment sessions, treatments are more comfortable than ever before and the laser can re-treat tattoos previously treated unsuccessfully, even blue and green inks. 

What are you waiting for? Now through December 18, The Shaw Center is giving away free tattoo removal. To enter, visit The Shaw Center on Facebook and submit a photo of your most regrettable ink on the “Tattoo Regret” tab. 

One winner will receive six free tattoo removal sessions with the PicoSure Laser – a great Holiday gift for yourself. Hurry, we are announcing the winner on December 18 so enter today!

During the holiday season, weight gain is something millions of Americans face each year. Overeating too often and not exercising enough can easily add up. Even if weight gain is not dramatic, getting rid of the extra pounds can be a challenge and most people who gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve don’t lose the weight which adds up year after year.
So how do you prevent weight gain during the season of eating? Here are a few easy tricks to prevent holiday pounds:
1.    Keep treats out of the house: With sugary desserts everywhere you turn, temptation is at an all-time high. Even though there’s nothing you can do about goodies at parties or at the office, try to keep them out of your pantry to cut down on excess snacking. 

2.    Don’t drink your calories: When you go to a party, be conscious of what you are drinking. Although eggnog and other holiday-themed drinks are fun, many have 350 calories or more per glass. It’s ok to indulge a little, but try to stick to your regular drink choices and intake as much as possible.

3.    Be mindful about what your body needs: Getting enough rest between parties and maintaining your workout routine is crucial to keeping off extra pounds. If you plan on indulging at a party, up your workout efforts a bit to counterbalance what you eat and drink.

4.    Remember what the holidays are really about: This time of year is a great way to connect with family and friends. Although enjoying food is a part of celebration, it shouldn’t be the main focus. Put in an extra effort to get to know someone through conversation or hit the dance floor instead of sitting around the buffet. 

5.    Take time out for yourself: Between shopping, entertaining and a full schedule of events, make sure you are taking enough time to relax and do things to help you look and feel your best. If you’re worried about weight gain, counteract it with a non-invasive treatment like SculpSure to get rid of stubborn fat. Not only will you get a head start on your 2016 goals, taking care of yourself can also keep you motivated to stay on track, even with the added temptation.

Always striving to bring the latest and greatest cutting edge treatments to our patients, The SPA at The SHAW Center is the first plastic surgery practice in the Valley to offer brand new PicoSure tattoo removal! 


If you’ve been wanting to get rid of your tattoo or have tried and were unsuccessful in the past, this treatment is for you. So what makes the PicoSure Laser stand out from its competitors? Here’s the scoop on the laser’s skin-perfecting results that will leave you regret-free.

  • Half the treatments: PicoSure uses PressureWave™ technology which delivers short pulses of energy to shatter tattoo ink and skin spots. This means 50% fewer treatments thanother lasers. Win, win.
  • Less downtime: Not only does PicoSure require less treatments, recovery time is shorter which means you can have treatments performed closer together making your tattoo disappear in record time.
  • No color is safe: The multiple wavelengths of the PicoSure laser targets difficult ink colors – even blue and green.
  • Veteran regretters welcome: With new technology, even tattoos that have been previously treated (unsuccessfully) can be re-treated. Groundbreaking technology of the laser causes ink particles to break down into tiny fragments, which are then naturally eliminated by the body.
   What are you waiting for? Make your old tattoo a thing of the past by scheduling your consultation today by calling 480.767.1900. 

Last week our team kicked off the Holiday season with our annual BOTOX® Days event. The perfect treatment for party-prepped skin, Botox is a quick, easy way to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. The three most popular spots for Botox include: 
– Horizontal forehead wrinkles
– Crow’s feet lines around the eyes
– The “11” (two vertical) lines between the eyebrows
If you’re a newbie to facial injections or want to brush up on your Botox smarts, we’re breaking down five of the most commonly asked questions about this anti-aging phenomenon.
1.    When is it time to get Botox?  What visible signs should I lookout for? 
As an overarching recommendation, adding injectables to your anti-aging arsenal is a completely personal decision. Many women start getting Botox between the ages of 25 to 35 when they notice deeper expression lines around the eyes and forehead. The only thing to consider when it comes to timing is that once wrinkles are deep, Botox can help soften them, but may not eliminate them completely. Whatever you choose, Botox will erase or fade lines and make a noticeable improvement at any age.
2.    How long does Botoxlast? 
Treatments last about three months. Once you have your initial session and continue to receive injections on a regular basis, you may start to not need as many units and transition to more of a “maintenance” plan to keep lines in check.
3.    What does Botox feel like? Will my face feel numb after I get it?
There’s no way around it, there’s a needle involved. On the bright side, the needles we use are small and thin, so patients say they feel a subtle prick, nothing super painful and much less impact than a regular shot. You shouldn’t feel any numbness or irritation.

4.    How long does an actual Botox session take? Is there anything I should do prior to or after getting Botox?
Botox is a super simple treatment. You lay back in a chair and the injection specialist will ask you what areas of your face bother you and what you would like treated. They will also give you recommendations to achieve your ideal look so there’s no guesswork involved. After a few strategically-placed injections you will be ready to go in 20 to 30 minutes max. 
Depending on your body, some patients notice slight bruising post-treatment. To help prevent bruising, stay away from pain medication prior to your treatment. Also avoid drinking for a few days before you get Botox. 
Aftercare is easy. Don’t lie down for four hours after the treatment and avoid rubbing or touching the area. That also means that for the first few hours, hats and headbands are a no-no. Avoid exercise the day you receive the treatment (about 12 hours on the safe side) and stay away from saunas, steam rooms or any other place or activity that can raise your body temperature. Some patients see results in as little as 72 hours, but wait a week for full results.
        
5.    Do I need to use a specific skincare line or products after a treatment? 
We recommend using medical-grade skincare products to your skin healthy and protected. Our team can help you choose a regimen fro our wide variety of product lines. but generally, a high-quality face cleanser, serum infused with Hyaluronic acid, hydrating night cream and and a SPF-packed moisturizer for daytime is recommended. Living in the dry AZ desert, keeping skin hydrated and plump is key to getting the most out of Botox.
For more information and any other questions you have, we are here to help! To schedule a consultation or chat with one of our injection specialists, call (480) 767-1900!