Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Thinking twice before puckering up for another cigarette is an important place to start in order to keep those horrible wrinkles from forming and deepening around your mouth. Smoking causes more than just lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema, it has an atrocious affect on your outer beauty wreaking havoc on your lips and skin!

Smokers end up with deep wrinkles around their lips for a number of reasons, one being that they pucker their mouth every time they light up and puff on a cigarette. The constant contractions of the muscles around the area of the mouth cause deep wrinkles to develop, greatly affecting the appearance of the skin. Years of smoking can take an incredible toll on our faces, often leading to a dulled appearance, dermal atrophy and loss of elasticity. This results in coarse wrinkles around the lips and eyes, which are stigma of not only smoking but premature aging as well. Cigarettes are harmful to our health and our skin because they contain carbon monoxide and poisonous gases such as ammonia, pyridine, parvoline, butane, nicotine, arsenic, carbolic acid, formic aldehyde, prussic acid, and cadmium. All of these harmful toxins are not only tough on our health; they also block the body’s natural absorption of Vitamin C – an essential vitamin for our skin. Vitamin C is considered to be an unstable vitamin as it cannot be produced by the body and must be absorbed. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which helps the skin in generating new healthy cells giving the skin its youthful look. As soon as free radicals and toxins within our environment have damaged collagen, or there is not enough Vitamin C being absorbed to help restore its function, premature aging and wrinkles will appear. You can usually find sunken dark circles around the eyes of a chain smoker, because smoking damages the vital cells of our skin making it dull, dry, and full of wrinkles.

Here is a list of lackluster side effects that will be sure to get you on the fast track to quitting:

- Reduces blood flow to the skin
- Causes the skin to look dry and sallow
- Encourages wrinkles to develop around the mouth and “crow’s feet” around the eyes
- Stains the skin and teeth
- Causes the stale tobacco smell on your breath, skin and clothing
- Causes the premature skin ageing and wrinkling
- Delays wound healing
- Pale complexion due to nicotine constricting blood vessels
- Thinned, sagging wrinkled skin due to loss of collagen from free radical damage

With advanced holistic laser technology, dermal fillers and other revolutionary aesthetic therapies, American Medical Aesthetics has the tools to help restore the life and youth to your skin naturally once you have made the decision to wean yourself off of smoking. It is important to remember that the appearance of our skin on the outside is a direct reflection of the health of our bodies from the inside.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Most of us often ponder the thought – When should I start receiving dermal fillers and botox and how do I know what will work best for me? We all want to stay looking young and vibrant, and it is always fun and important for us to know what kinds of dermal fillers are out there and what exactly it is that they do. To help outline the kinds of products that American Medical Aesthetics works with, I have put together a guide that helps describe each injectable and how they can be used to treat and prevent wrinkles along with the appearance of aging.

Juvéderm® – A smooth consistency gel made of Hyaluronic Acid – a naturally occurring sugar based substance within our skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm® injectable gel under the skin to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds – the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). With Juvéderm® the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. With minimal recovery or downtime, you can step into your doctor’s office for treatment and step right back into your life. And now with the newest formulation of Juvéderm® the effects of lidocaine take place in seconds, potentially reducing the need for further anesthetic. Juvéderm® injections last up to 1 year.

Radiesse® – Is made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, and is injected into the skin through a simple and minimally invasive procedure. Radiesse® dermal filler is the ideal choice for total facial contouring. It can restore a healthy, youthful appearance, enhance your existing features, help you defy age and gravity, and increase your confidence – all without invasive surgery or scarring. Treatment with Radiesse® dermal filler is so simple and convenient; it can be performed during a lunch hour. You’ll see the results right away – and these results may last up to a year or more for most patients. The long-lasting effects of Radiesse® dermal filler can reduce the need for retreatment, which saves you time and money compared with other fillers. We love Radiesse® because it helps to stimulate the body’s own natural collagen production.

Restylane® – Consists of a clear Hyaluronic Acid gel. This natural acid provides volume and fullness to the skin, and is injected directly beneath the surface of the skin. The gel adds natural volume and lift resulting in smoother wrinkles and less prominent folds. Restylane® permeates the dermal tissue and naturally binds to water molecules. Through this action, the modified water molecules assist in achieving and maintaining volume possessing a natural appearance. Over time, Restylane® is gradually degraded by the body and dissolves without any residue or trace. Restylane® treatments results are immediately visible and typically last about six months. Factors such as the patient’s age, skin type, etc., will effect how long Restylane® treatments results are sustained. Occasionally, additional treatments may be required to achieve the patient’s desired outcome. Most commonly used for lip augmentation and reducing fine lines by restoring the skin and replacing the lost volume within moderate to severe wrinkles within the the nasolabial folds, melomental folds (“marionette lines”), “crow’s feet”, forehead wrinkles and around the eyes.

Perlane® – Is a much thicker Hyaluronic Acid gel that is used for deeper lines that are in need of deeper injections. Lasting up to seven months, Perlane® is used most specifically to treat severe wrinkles within the nasolabial folds and melomental folds (“marionette lines”).

Botox® – Is a prescription medicine that is a purified protein that temporarily improves the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows in adults younger than 65 years of age. Botox® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles and can last up to six months. This reduces muscle activity that causes persistent lines to form between the brows. Introduced in 2002, is the first botulinum toxin to be approved by the FDA for stubborn frown lines between the brows.

As with all cases, everyone had needs that are different and that is why at American Medical Aesthetics we offer complimentary consultations so that you can talk with our doctors about your concerns and we can help you define what kinds of injectables will work best for you.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

The Controversial Wonder Drug has seen its demise. After years filled with thousands of personal injury lawsuits, Accutane has proved to be a relentless legal burden for its manufacturer, Roche Holding AG. Unable to strategize for the future to keep Accutane as a leading competitor in the market, Roche made its final decision to pull the drug from the U.S. market in July of 2009.

In case you are not familiar, Accutane (or oral isotretinoin) is a retinoid that is derived from vitamin A that alters the lipid composition of the skin surface by reducing the size of sebaceous glands and lowering sebum production (a major contributor to acne). This reduces the bacterial skin microflora that cause acne flare-ups. This drug puts patients through a lengthy and often overwhelming experience as patients typically take isotretinoin for 15 to 20 weeks. It permanently clears acne for roughly 80% of acne patients, although for the remaining 20% breakouts may return later in life. While taking isotretinoin, most patients may experience side effects such as purging of the skin (breakouts caused by the transformations taking place within the sebaceous glands), severe dryness of the lips, skin and eyes, and may also encounter abnormal liver function and a potential increase in triglycerides and cholesterol. Among the most serious side effects, some patients may encounter liver inflammation, elevated risk for birth defects (if a woman were to get pregnant while taking oral isotretinoin), and Irritable Bowel disease. With all of these side effects, it is shocking to think that one would want to take on these kinds of risks just to be free of acne, but what we must understand is that for most cystic acne sufferers there is no price tag or risk too great for clear skin. With the reign of Accutane fading into the past, it is quite the question…….what are acne sufferers to turn to?

Without challenging your health, the answer for a safer and more holistic type of acne treatment is quite simple. Laser Acne Treatment is a gentle and effective means for treating acne along with all of the other problems that arise within the skin when acne is present. Acne treatments require specific lasers, which target the bacteria that are infecting follicles, eliminating the infection without the need for antibiotics or medications like Accutane. At American Medical Aesthetics, each Laser Acne Treatment incorporates Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) with each photodynamic treatment. ALA is naturally found within our skin, and has the ability to shut down the sebaceous glands just like Accutane, but without the medical risk. ALA is a clear solution that is applied to the skin and left on for 30-45 minutes (Incubation). Once absorbed into your skin the ALA is activated with a specific wavelength of light in the blue spectrum. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Active cells such as sebaceous glands absorb ALA and, consequently, when the ALA is activated by the blue light a patient’s overactive sebaceous glands will be dramatically impacted and shut down; hence the term “Photodynamic” acne treatment. Skin oiliness is decreased and the appearance of pores is minimized. The entire skin texture improves following a Photodynamic Acne Treatment. With the infection now in retreat, we use 1 or 2 additional lasers to shut down the inflammation that often accompanies acne and cystic acne. This will reduce swelling and remove redness and pigmentation. Just like accutane, patients will experience a purging of the skin as a result of the sebaceous glands drying up and purging excess oils and inflamed bacteria, but will prove to reveal naturally clear skin within a couple weeks.

In many cases, acne treatments are integrated with a package of silk peels (dermal infusion facials) administered by our certified Medical Aestheticians. The Dermal Infusion procedure infuses into your dermis a natural substance called Salicylic acid, which is clinically proven to further reduce acne and cystic acne breakouts. In this procedure, a precise amount of the dead layer of your skin (Stratum Corneum) is also removed, which promotes further healing and rejuvenation of your skin to its silky smooth radiant state. In addition, the Medical Aesthetician will customize an anti-acne daily skincare regimen for continued acne treatment maintenance. American Medical Aesthetics truly believes that they have created one of the most comprehensive and effective ways to treat acne, and the proof comes from the incredible results that each of their acne patients have received.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Redness, irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity are all symptoms that my skin used to experience on a daily basis. Rosacea has plagued me from childhood to adulthood, where being asked if I was blushing or had been in the sun was almost a daily dialogue. Filled with insecurity, I began covering up my face with makeup in hopes of hiding what was underneath, until now.

Rosacea is one of the most common causes of persistent redness of the cheeks and nose. The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it occurs most commonly in people of Northern European descent with fair skin, like myself, and will often run in families. Rosacea is common in both men and women, although men are much more likely to develop the progressive disease, especially on the nose. Most Rosacea sufferers like me are “blushers”, and flush easily when stressed, and may be especially sensitive to acne treatment medications or skin care products. In some cases, this tendency to blush and flush can progress to persistent redness leading to the appearance of broken capillaries on the cheeks and nose. The redness can deepen even further as other signs of inflammation may set in, including swelling and pimples, especially on the cheeks and nose (known as “gin blossoms”).

In seeking out Rosacea treatment for the past ten years, I had been very hesitant because I simply did not feel comfortable with the dermatologists I had gone to see. After years of using special creams, avoiding temperature extremes and searching for the best and most effective type of Rosacea treatment, I found American Medical Aesthetics. Their Rosacea treatment program is completely unique as it incorporates their own signature holistic laser methods that utilize several different lasers to treat the many aspects of Rosacea, which have effectively controlled and lessened all of my Rosacea symptoms. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with the results I have seen, and how much better my skin looks and feels. I can now say that the intense blushing, redness, broken capillaries, and inflammation are all a part of my skin’s past. To this day I have never been more confident about my skin because of the customization, detail and expertise that was put into each treatment I experienced at American Medical Aesthetics.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Are you looking for a change in the New Year? Why not start with your skin……..

Our skin is the true measure of our health. It is our largest organ that is completely exposed to the elements, and it is the first thing that people see when they meet us face to face. With American Medical Aesthetics leading the way with over a decade of clinical trials and research of the science surrounding lasers and skin care, choosing a medical aesthetic practice that is owned and operated by Medical Doctors is certainly a no brainer. Because of American Medical Aesthetics I have learned to live a life that has left me feeling carefree and confident about my skin. By letting AMA help you find a way to holistically and carefully treat the skin conditions that bother you the most, you too can discover that your special skin care needs can be taken care of. All of AMERICAN MEDICAL AESTHETICS SERVICES can be paired in packages or utilized on their own, which gives each patient numerous options to work with. Speaking from personal experience, it is nearly impossible to capture how happy I have been with the results that I have received from all of the treatments that I have received at AMA. My skin was one of the best investments I have ever made.

I am not the only one who thinks so……..have a look at the testimonials that AMA has received from a multitude of patients that they treat on a regular basis – AMERICAN MEDICAL AESTHETICS TESTIMONIALS

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

As the years go by, we are constantly flooding our beauty routines with the next fabulous cream, serum, treatment or “specialized skincare regimen” attempting to combat the conditions that we let define the skin on our faces and bodies. In this continuous pursuit of youth and beauty we find ourselves becoming intensely discouraged as our eyes become magnetized to our mirrors to see if that aggravating red spot, freckle, pimple or wrinkle has gone away. With all the creams, gimmicks and surgeries that are subliminally sold to us each day, and the thousands of dollars we make so readily available for what is next, you would think that we could have discovered the fountain of youth by now.

When it comes to your own skin, how would you define it? Is it blotchy, red, tired, dehydrated, overactive, sensitive, irritated, uneven, sun damaged, covered in acne or wrinkles? There are so many different conditions that have become our daily and common complaints it is overwhelming trying to find a remedy that will actually work to fix them all. I used to define my skin as red, irritated, sun damaged, dehydrated and uneven; a lot of issues on one face that I have been battling for years.

In exploring our options for cosmetic procedures and skin care products that are utilized as mainstream ways to enhance the youth of our skin, we cease to realize the inefficacy, side effects and possible permanent damage that is incurred upon our bodies and face. The risk of plastic surgery is not just the expense; it’s the fact that it is a serious surgery that can result in severe consequences. When learning about the structure of our skin and how it operates, it is important to understand that if we are having it cut, sewn and stretched, we are not creating a real example of lasting, healthy looking skin. As we look to other alternatives, medical and conventional skin care formulas have come a long way, but the fact is that there is no validity in the exaggerated promise behind most skincare brands on the market. These products are claiming to provide a result that is physiologically impossible. Serums and creams will never be able to truly penetrate and transform how your skin operates because it is only being placed upon the superficial layers of the dermis.

At this point I am sure you are thinking that we have all seriously hit a gigantic beauty road block, but the good news is that the detour takes us to an even better source that has been thoroughly researched and tested for over 10 years by American Medical Aesthetics. Because of their unique holistic approach to laser treatment and the tremendous amount of experience they have with every laser that exists on the market today, I have absolutely resolved every issue I have tried to remedy for the past 15 years. I came to AMA for treatment because they are simply the only medical aesthetic specialists that can do this kind of work. AMA has trademarked several of their own laser protocols because of how effective they truly are. I have better skin now than I ever have, and I can confidently say that I can now define my skin as beautiful.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

American Medical Aesthetics Directors, Dr. Asher Milgrom and Dr. Alice Pien, have just added a new dimension to their list of specialized treatments and to their trademarked wonder of the cosmetic laser aesthetics industry, The Spectralift.

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is an revolutionary protocol that has been added to the Spectralift’s perfectly orchestrated set of laser therapies, and can be utilized on its own within several different treatment packages that are completely customized to you and your skin. We know that you have many different choices when it comes to skin care treatments, so here are a few details in regards to why Collagen Induction therapy is incredible for your skin and how we perform each treatment.

Collagen is the major structural component of the dermis and is the tissue that is most responsible for the youthful appearance of our skin. When we are young, Fibroblast cells in our dermis make abundant amounts of new collagen fibers, which are linked together by cross-bridging and organized into tightly bundled, dense “laminar” layers. Throughout our lives, our collagen becomes continuously damaged from a variety of factors such as oxidative stress internally (like cigarette smoking) and sun exposure externally. Fibers deteriorate, cross-bridges break, bundles become disorganized and loose, which results in enlarged pores, thinning, wrinkled and sagging skin. To combat all this damage, our skin has a variety of natural mechanisms that:

- Repair damaged fibers,
- Remodel disorganized layers,
- Remove fibers that are beyond repair, and
- Generate new collagen.

American Medical Aesthetic’s unique multiple modality protocols engage each of these mechanisms, stimulating them to perform in a physiologically younger more vital level of activity, as your skin once did when you were much younger. Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) plays an important role in AMA’s collagen protocols as a stand-alone treatment, as well as in combination with our laser treatments. CIT is applied with tiny micro-needles that are used to create tiny micro-holes in the skin. The needles are exquisitely engineered to produce holes of a precise shape and that are so thin that they completely heal in a matter of minutes ensuring that the skin is not damaged at all. When expertly performed, micro-needling causes a change in micro-electrical-currents that flow between cells (demarcation currents) that trigger a cascade of growth factor production. These growth factors cause the formation of new blood vessels and critical new blood flow to the dermis followed by the migration of new Fibroblast cells. Consequently a harvest of new, strong and healthy collagen fibers fills the dermis. To accelerate and amplify this process, as we apply CIT we also infuse into the skin PRM formulations, which increases the overall efficacy of both the PRM and CIT treatments. (see PRM)

Thus, CIT (Collagen Induction Therapy) is another example of how AMA’s unique multiple-modality protocols create a holistic partnership between your skin’s natural physiology and our advance medical science. You skin will look years younger, healthier and more beautiful on the outside, because on the inside it is physiologically years younger, stronger and healthier.

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Foods are a huge part of dictating how we look and feel on the inside, which is a direct reflection of how we look on the outside. Making sure that you are working hard to dictate your own beauty and health in the new year, I have put together a list of the 5 top performing foods!

1. Seafood
Active components: Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc
Benefits: Calm and moisturized skin

Most of us have heard that fish can be really good for our overall health. Many types of fish and shellfish can work wonders for the skin, especially oysters and fatty fish like salmon. The primary nutrients that make fish so good for your complexion are zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing omega-3 intake can reduce dryness and inflammation, and can help to prevent pre-mature aging. Studies have shown that getting too little omega-3 may contribute to inflammatory disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help keep our arteries clear, improving circulation throughout our bodies and maintaining the healthy appearance of our skin. Zinc has the ability to help fight acne as it works to help metabolize testosterone, which affects the production of sebum within our skin (a primary cause of acne). Zinc also assists in new-cell production and the sloughing off of dead skin, giving the skin a healthy glow. These incredible benefits can also be found in flaxseed oil and walnuts.

2. Citrus Fruits
Active components: Vitamin C
Benefits: Smooth and taut skin

Vitamin C is a prime skin-care ingredient because it aids in the body’s production of collagen, a protein that forms the basic structure of your skin. Collagen breakdown, which starts speeding up exponentially around the age of 35, can leave your skin looking less vibrant and saggy. Consuming extra vitamin C in foods like oranges, grapefruits, blueberries, blackberries and tomatoes can help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps to fight inflammation, and its antioxidant properties can neutralize the free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules) that damage cells and can prematurely age your face. Other great sources of vitamin C can come from hot peppers, bell peppers and sprouts in case you are overwhelmed with eating too much fruit.

3. Red and Green Vegetables
Active components: Vitamin A and beta-carotene
Benefits: Bright and smooth skin

As far as food goes, it doesn’t get much better than vegetables. You’ll especially want to look for red-orange and green vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. Believe it or not spinach actually does more than make you strong – It can actually help to heal dry skin. Orange-red vegetables are full of beta-carotene. Our bodies convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, which acts as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage and premature aging. Spinach and other green, leafy foods provide tons of vitamin A, too, which helps your skin produce more fresh new cells and get rid of the old ones, reducing dryness and keeping your skin looking bright and young. Vitamin A is best received from foods and not from supplements, as too much vitamin A within our bodies can be toxic.

4. Nuts
Active components: Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids
Benefits: Young and soft skin

Nuts, like all of these incredible foods on our list, are packed with all kinds of antioxidant activity. Vitamin E combats skin-aging free radicals, especially protecting skin from sun damage. Vitamin E also tends to help skin hold in moisture, relieving dryness and making skin look younger. Pairing vitamin E with selenium can enhance its antioxidant abilities, so go ahead and throw some almonds into your cottage cheese (a great source of selenium) for a skin-revitalizing snack. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts also provide a nice supply of omega-3 fatty acids, another great skin nutrient.

5. Whole Grains
Active components: Rutin and B-vitamins
Benefits: Clear and moisturized skin

Whole foods are fabulous for our bodies because they are unprocessed. Whole grain buckwheat is a good source for the antioxidant rutin, which helps combat inflammation-related skin damage. Wheat germ provides the B-vitamin biotin, which assists cells in processing fats. If you don’t have enough biotin in your body, your skin can become dry and scaly. In general, whole grains instead of processed carbohydrates can improve your complexion. Processed (or refined) flours that are found in most breads, cereals and pancake mixes can cause an insulin spike, which in turn can encourage acne.

While salmon, oranges, spinach, almonds and buckwheat are all amazing foods for your skin, achieving beautiful skin through dietary changes doesn’t have to be so specific. Since a healthy body means healthy skin, just be sure to feed your body a wide variety of good, healthy foods, get some exercise and keep your stress low. Your skin and body will soon reap the benefits. Don’t forget to eat and enjoy!

Quick tip: To keep your skin looking its best, avoid foods with lots of saturated fat and/or refined sugar. Be sure to mix it up and strive to eat a rainbow of colorful foods.

During the holidays and throughout parts of the New Year we are offering several exciting specials!

* Save up to $80 on 3 areas of Botox.

* Existing Patients – Receive $1000 off the purchase of your next SpectraLift Package

* Existing Patients – Receive $1000 for every new patient you refer

(All offers Expire 3/1/2010)

We are also very excited to let you know that our Santa Monica location has moved to our new location in Beverly Hills!

American Medical Aesthetics ~ Beverly Hills
6310 San Vicente Blvd Suite 285
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310-460-2444

We offer complimentary consultations so be sure to come visit us soon!

Written by Jennifer Saul – “Ama’s Beauty Expert”

Most of us pay no attention to how fantastic our skin really is. As one of the largest most important organs in our bodies, our skin works to protect internal organs and provides many other functions that we often take for granted. Because it interfaces with the environment, skin plays a vital role in protecting our body from pathogens (germs) and excessive water loss. As our skin and bodies begin to age we experience a physiological change that diminishes the synthesis of collagen within the dermis, and slows our cellular turnover rate to expose noticeably older looking skin. Elasticity, volume, and water loss are factors that reveal the signs of sagging, intense dehydration and discoloration. The cells that compose the outer layers of our skin don’t turnover as fast as they did when we were ten years old, as collagen and cellular production slows to nearly half that rate when we are in our twenties. If we are not altering how the skin is functioning the skin will continue to age and operate without any positive change.

Lasers are some of the few tools that can utilize light energy to create positive change within our skin. Lasers emit one simple frequency of purified light that can “zero in” on a specific target, allowing a laser specialist to choose just the right laser for a specific purpose, and utilizing more than one laser to treat multiple skin conditions. The higher the “target specificity”, the lower the required energy, which means fewer side effects are experienced, allowing for less downtime and minimal risk. When a particular frequency of light is directed at a specific tissue, it is absorbed by the naturally occurring pigment within that tissue. This remarkable process is called ‘selective thermolysis.’ In pigmented skin lesions, the targeted pigment is melanin, which after absorbing the laser’s energy will break up and disintegrate over the course of a few days, or turn into a scab and simply fall off in 1-3 weeks. In vascular lesions the laser energy is absorbed by hemoglobin, which instantly collapses and destroys the unwanted vein. Over the course of a few weeks the body simply dissolves and removes any remaining fragments of the destroyed vein. Because of the incredible developments and research that have taken place at American Medical Aesthetics over the past 10 years in regards to target specificity, many different types of lasers can now allow for an extraordinary range of customized treatments that can create real positive change for a myriad of skin conditions. AMA is the single leading medical aesthetic facility that has trademarked such amazing multiple modality services such as the Spectra Lift, that have redefined beauty for every patient that has had the opportunity to experience such an incredible positive physiological change within the functionality, look and feel of their skin.