Plastic Surgery Centers V. Med Spas
July 9, 2016

           In this day and age med spas have become increasingly more popular and have developed a greater presence in the world of aesthetics. Unfortunately, the cosmetic industry has become more convoluted with falsified advertising and misleading promises as a result of the ever-growing trend of Botox and fillers. However, board certified plastic surgery centers have consistently remained just as qualified throughout.
            There are significant differences between plastic surgery centers and medical spa doctors. One of the obvious distinctions being that a plastic surgeon that is board certified has been required to go through extensive training and rigorous exams in order to be the most knowledgeable that they can be in the field of medicine. 
 
            It is also not uncommon for the doctor overseeing the med spa to come from an entirely irrelevant background. While there is a requirement is to be board certified, the certification could technically be in an unrelated field.  You always want to check to see if the doctor’s experience is first relevant. 
Additionally, med spas are not held to the same standard as a free standing accredited medical or surgical facility. There are different safety standards that don’t necessarily measure up to a more credentialed medical facility or doctor’s office.
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Everything To Know For Your Initial Consultation
June 23, 2016

 

Consultations are one of the most essential steps in determining the right procedure for you, and that’s why it’s imperative to know exactly what to expect when going into one. The Spa at The SHAW Center offers complimentary consultations because we understand the importance of assessing your individual needs and tailoring to those. 

Things To Bring
Typically, you’ll want to either know your medical history off hand or even preferably have it with you. This usually includes any medical problems that might run in your immediate family, known allergies and reactions, as well as previous surgeries or procedures you’ve had. You’ll also want to make sure you bring all of your medications, including vitamins and supplements.
Questions To Ask
Come prepared with all of your concerns, such as possible risks, preparations, downtime and post treatment.  This is also an ideal opportunity to learn more about your doctor’s qualifications. Dr. Shaw is especially experienced as a double-boarded Plastic Surgeon, which required 7 years of surgical training alone. 
Financial Plan
Make sure you ask about the available finance options during your consultation. Choosing your surgeon should not be based entirely on price; however, it’s smart to stay away from someone whose fees are way lower than the average. A good rule of thumb in avoiding financial troubles is to have available funds twice as much as the actual cost of the procedure.
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Get A Leg Up With Lasers
June 18, 2016

 

 

Laser and light-based treatments have become increasingly more popular over the years as a solution to many different aesthetic goals. Laser therapy beams highly concentrated light into the desired area of treatment or problem area in order to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, skin pigmentation and even hair! Not only can laser treatments be quick and effective, but they also require little to no downtime and are performed non-invasively.  The Spa at The SHAW Center offers a variety of different laser treatment options depending on what you’re choosing to eliminate.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser Skin Resurfacing, or a PicoFacial, helps to eliminate wrinkles, as well as restores your skin to a more youthful state. Laser resurfacing can rejuvenate your skin by removing the outermost layers, as well as firming the underlying collagen. All in all, it can help to target age spots, sun damage, scarring and fine lines.

 

Laser Hair Removal
Say goodbye to the annoying task of having to shave regularly with laser hair removal at The SHAW Center. Unwanted body hair is never okay, and that’s why we offer a solution to rid your physique of it and render you stubble-free.  Our lasers aim a concentrated beam of light at the area of hair, and by doing so the hair follicle absorbs the light, damaging the follicle enough to stop growth.
Laser Tattoo Removal
The Spa at The SHAW Center also offers the gold standard in laser tattoo removal with the PicoSure laser.  This revolutionary system can erase or change tattoos and pigments with greater clearance and 50% fewer treatments than any other tattoo removal laser. The PicoSure laser also targets difficult ink colors, such as blues and greens.
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Give Adult Acne The Boot
June 10, 2016

Let’s face it. There’s nothing more frustrating than unpredictable breakouts and adult acne. Not only do adult women have to worry about fending off wrinkles, but battling zits can also be another annoying day-to-day battle. Certain factors, such as stress, hormones and diet can all attribute to acne resurfacing. However, there are ways to combat this and return your complexion back to a relatively clear state.
Bye, Bye Blemishes
Part of adult acne’s game is the unwanted blemishes they can leave behind. Scarring is not uncommon post breakout, especially when you exacerbate the problem by picking.  However, chemical peels can help to rid your skin of hyperpigmentation and acne. Our spa offers a variety of different chemical peels, such as customized ones from Skin Media, as well as a PCA peel.
The Spa at The SHAW Center also offers FotoFacials, or PicoFacials, which employ an intense pulsed light in combination with radio frequency to effectively treat irregular skin pigmentation and discoloring.
You Are What You Eat
Diet can be a huge contributing factor to adult breakouts. It’s important to be starch conscious by avoiding high-glycemic-index carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugar-laden foods. It’s smart to balance your diet by incorporating whole grains and veggies into your diet that won’t aggravate acne.
Master Your Make-Up
Makeup is intended to mask skin issues, but when used incorrectly it can actually enhance the underlying problem. Opt for a matte or oil-free concealer, so as not to draw attention to your already shiny skin. Remember that light shades magnify and dark ones recede, so never put too much light concealer or highlighter onto raised bumps. Also, always remember to remove your makeup before you call it a night or head to the gym.
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The Spa at The SHAW Center offers both CoolSculpting and now SculpSure. With two CoolSculpting machines (DualSculpting) and the SculpSure, which has four separate panels, we can now treat as many as 6 areas in just on hour! These non-surgical liposuction treatments are a total game changer and help to target fat in even the most stubborn areas. While these two fat reduction alternatives are both extremely effective, it is important to know the difference between the two.
Treatment Time
CoolSculpting takes one hour or more per applicator, often requiring four hours to treat the entire adbodem, while SculpSure takes only 25 minutes for up to four applicators.
Comfort
Both procedures are virtually painless. SculpSure utilizes a flat non-suction applicator with a cooling plate that is easily tolerated. CoolSculpting uses suction based applicators and the post procedure massage can be quite uncomfortable.
Efficacy
The desired results from both of these procedures can be quite fulfilling. However, they both produce different timelines for when one might see these results. SculpSure can reduce up to 25% of fat pockets and usually takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months for optimal results. CoolSculpting will show signs of permanent fat reduction of around 22% in 2-4 months.
Treatable Areas
CoolSculpting’s treatable areas are limited based on the applicator design, whereas SculpSure can target the abdomen and love handles, as well as a multitude of other areas, such as under the chin, arms and thighs because of the applicator’s flexibility.
If you haven’t already signed up for The Spa at The SHAW Center’s SculpSure event this Tuesday, May 17th from 5 to 7 pm, call our office at (480)767-1900 to see if we still have a spot for you! We will have a real life SculpSure demo, complimentary consults, special event pricing, giveaways, as well as beverages and bites. You won’t want to miss out!
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Making your beauty and health a habit is easy when you have the right resources to do so. The Spa at The SHAW Center is one of those resources!  It’s here that you can spoil your skin with various skincare treatments and indulge in anti-aging products a plenty. When you’re not at our Spa, you can find inspiration through following some of our favorite local AZ beauty and health bloggers for tips and tricks in maintaining the best version of YOU!
(Photo Courtesy of Instagram.com/flawless.face)
Lyndsey South, one of our very own SHAW girls, has been a Licensed Aesthetician and Certified Laser Technician for over 10 years.  You can follow her on Instagram for updates on some of her favorite skincare products and treatments, most of which are offered here at The SHAW Center!
Caitlin Lindquist, who visits Lyndsey at our Spa occasionally for services, such as our microneedling treatment, stays really active on her blog, www.thedashofdarling.com, while sharing style, travel, beauty and lifestyle tips.
Cupcakes and cashmere is the name.  Fashion and beauty are the game. From her monthly beauty buys series to her skincare schedule, Emily incorporates personalized experiences with expert tips for an effective beauty routine all on www.cupcakesandcashmere.com.
Jason Sani dedicates his time to creating simple health-conscious tips for people who “don’t have time” through coaching and consulting.  From sharing recipes rich with purpose-driven ingredients to work out suggestions on his Instagram and website, arizonahealthclub.com,  Jason makes maintaining a healthy lifestyle a cinch!
Looking for ways to hike up your health without having to make too many drastic lifestyle changes?  Brittany makes eating healthy and remaining active seamless with meal modifications and fit tips.
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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.
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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.
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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.  
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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!
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