The Truth About Anti-Aging Products

by Pamela Lane, LA

We all want to fight the signs of aging and so we go to the malls, our Estheticians and Dermatologists, hoping they will have the answer, maybe even the cure for our wrinkles. From fighting free radicals to stimulating skin's natural collagen production, anti-aging products make enticing promises.

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Peptides

As we age our skin gets thinner, loses fat and starts to sag and develop fine lines and wrinkles. We produce less collagen and elastin to keep our skin firm and plump. Peptides are small proteins that help stimulate new cells to grow and to help skin cells heal. Scientists are still not sure how beneficial these actually are because of the size of the molecule. They are rather large and that makes it more difficult to deeply penetrate the skin. They can, however, do some good in a moisturizer. This way they can hydrate the skin and make lines less noticeable. Whether they reduce wrinkles, the jury is still out.

TNS Recovery Complex by SkinMedica

TNS Essential Serum by SkinMedica

Bio Serum by Neocutis

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA's)

Examples are glycolic, lactic, and citric acids which are natural ingredients that come from fruits and milk sugars. They are great for exfoliation because they get rid of dead skin cells, allowing new cells to grow. Each acid does something different for the skin. Lactic Acid (comes from sour milk) removes dead skin cells so this will have a brightening effect. Glycolic Acid (comes from sugar cane) helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles which can make skin look smoother and tighter.

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser by SkinMedica

Neo Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser by Neocutis

Retinols

A natural form of Vitamin A, this boosts the thickness and elasticity of the skin therefore reducing the signs of wrinkles. There is an abundant amount of evidence to support that retinol works! Finding it in the right products is the tricky part because you need to have enough to get results. Most over-the-counter products cannot put enough retinol in them to give you the benefits you need. See your Esthetician (Me!) or a Dermatologist to get the good stuff!

Nouvelle by Neocutis

Retinol Complex by SkinMedica

Tretinoin by Obagi

Antioxidents

Help fight cell damage from free radicals, which are molecules that could injure cells and increase inflammation. There are many antioxidants that are effective, however, the formulation is the most critical. Vitamins C and E are the most commonly used and time-tested.

ReActive by Neocutis

Vitamin C+E Complex by SkinMedica

 Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation and let me help you find your best skin!
Pamela Lane, Licensed Aesthetician

Gallaher PlasticSurgery & Spa MD
865-671-3888

FOR THE LOVE OF MAKEUP

by Jennifer Gibson, LA, MT, NT

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Do you love shopping for makeup, looking for new products and colors for each season to come? Or do you find that you stand and stare at the wall of cosmetic options at your local mega store only to leave empty handed and overwhelmed? 

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As a makeup artist I understand how it can be sensory overload, and I love makeup. How do you choose the right foundation color, eye shadow color, makeup tools, or which look would best enhance your features? Scheduling a makeup lesson with a makeup artist is a fun stress free way to map it all out.

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When you book the appointment make sure you get the time you need. A special event makeup application is just that, an application. A makeup lesson will give you more time for learning. There are some items to take with you: 

*what you are currently using*

*a few photos of a makeup look you like*

*a list of items you have but may have never used*

Most makeup items that are unused can become a new favorite with the right instruction.

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Makeup shouldn't be a chore, it is a fun way to express your personality, enhance your already wonderful features and a creative outlet.

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Schedule your time to meet with me today! 

-Jennifer, Licensed Aesthetician

Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD

865-330-1188

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An article by Dr. Daniel Fowler

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a space at the wrist that is formed by the carpal bones dorsally and the transverse carpal ligament on the palmar side. In addition to the median nerve, it also contains the eight flexor tendons of the fingers and the long flexor tendon to the thumb. the carpal tunnel can be a fairly tight space for all these important structures. In some people, this space can be tight enough that it begins to squeeze the median nerve. The median nerve is responsible for sensation of the palmar aspect of the thumb, index finger, and the radial half of the ring finger. It is also responsible for the motor function of the thumb via it's recurrent motor branch.

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Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, index, long and ring fingers. Sometimes numbness is less prominent, and patients may complain of a deep ache in the thenar muscles. Many patients describe being woken from sleep by their sypmtoms, needing to "shake the hand awake" for relief. Patients also report weakness of grip, or dropping things ("clumsy hand" symptoms). Diabetes, thyroid disease and pregnancy can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, Symptoms may accompany repetitive work such as typing, or use of vibration-inducing tools (saws, drills, jackhammers). If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage of the small nerves and muscles of the hand, leading to significantly decreased function of the thumb and hand.

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If a patient has symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor may recommend what we call "conservative therapy" (nighttime splinting, NSAIDS's) for a period of time before considering other treatment options. If there is any question about the diagnosis, an EMG (electromyelography with nerve conduction velocities)  may be obtained to show the location of any nerve pinches in the arm. If these measures are unsuccessful, then surgery is generally the next step. Steroid injections may provide temporary relief. Carpal tunnel surgery, on the other hand, allows for definitive release of the tight ligament that is squeezing the nerve, and it is done under direct vision with minimal risk of tendon or nerve damage. It takes most people about a week to be able to go back to work, although it can take up to six to eight weeks for a grip strength to fully return to normal. The surgery is well tolerated and most people report immediate relief of the tingling/numbness symptoms. The most common problem that people may have is a sensitive scar in the palm which may last several months before the sensitivity improves.

- Dr. Daniel Fowler

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Think you have CTS? Call today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Daniel Fowler.

Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD

865-671-3888

Love it. Love it, not.

Tattoo Regret?

With the increasing popularity of tattoos in this country, technology for removal has been very limited.  For 8 years, I used a Qswitch laser called the Medlite 6 to remove tattoos.  At the time, it was the gold standard for tattoo removal and I personally treated the most people in this area. However for those individuals that experienced tattoo removal during this time, it took up to 15 treatments to clear the tattoo.  The treatments were done 4-6 weeks apart, therefore, this was a 2-3 year process.  In addition, black and red tattoos were easily removed, but colors such as green and blue were much more difficult to treat.  


With more people regretting their tattoos, laser technology finally has given us a better answer to the unwanted tattoo.  With the discovery of the picosecond, laser tattoo removal has greatly improved.  The first laser called the Picosecond was release in 2013, however it has limitation with colors such as red.  


The laser company, Cutera, improved this technology and developed Enlighten released early this year.  

With the Enlighten, we can address the full spectrum of color with the most powerful laser on the market today.  With this technology, we decrease our treatments from 10-15 to more like 3-6.  

Q&A

Q: How many treatment sessions are required?

A: The total number of treatments vary depending on the composition, depth and color of the ink, as well as the size. You should be prepared for multiple treatment sessions and your provider can give you a better idea of the number of treatments needed.

Q: Why are multiple sessions required?

A: Tattoo ink is deposited deep in the skin. In order to reach all of the ink in the skin, multipple treatment sessions are needed for clearance.

Q: Will the tattoo completely disappear?

A: In many cases,yes. However it is very important to know that some ink colors are more difficult to clear than others.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

A: Patients compare the procedure to a rubber band being snapped against their skin.

Q: Are there any side effects or downtime?

A: Most patients experience temporary redness and swelling immediately following the treatment. Patients may return to regular activities immediately following the treatment.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation with

Brooke Nix, PA-C or Donna Cress, APRN, CPSN 

at 865-671-3888

-Brooke Nix, PA-C

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY...

Your eyes are the window to your soul. The skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest on your body therefore, the most vulnerable to premature aging. Eye cream isn't just for bedtime, it is just as important to treat them during the day also. Your skin is challenged by the outside stressors such as free-radicals, environmental toxins and the sun.

Keep your eye skin moist, protected and in a healthy state by using the most clinically advanced options on the market. 

Lumiere Riche Bio-Restorative Eye Balm with PSP

This product combines the skin rejuvenating action of PSP (Processed Skin Cell Proteins) with intensive moisturizers, caffeine (yes!), skin soothing botanicals and wild yam (yum!) extract to help target the visible signs of aging and dryness.

Lumiere Riche helps to: 

Lock in moisture and improves skin's moisture retention with a trio of amollients.

Smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Alleviate the look of skin puffiness with caffeine.

Visibly improve the appearance of under-eye darkness

Minimize the appearance of sagging and mid-life textural changes with wild yam extract

Soothes dry skin. 

|| Ophthalmologist tested || Dermatologist tested || Free of color additives and fragrances || Not tested on animals ||

Apply AM/PM or as directed by your skincare professional to clean, dry skin surrounding the eye area.

                   

Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum

This Organic product allows you to nourish and hydrate the look of the delicate skin around your eyes. Neroli oil, coconut water and green apple stem cell technology fight the visible signs of aging, including the appearance of crow's feet and fine lines.

To use the Eye Serum, simply apply a thin layer to cleansed area with light blending movements until absorbed. Leave on. Follow with an eye cream if necessary. 

Key ingredients can be found here.

Results from using this product: epidermis appears firmer and tighter, appearance of fines lines reduced, eye area moisture levels are balanced and your complexion appears smooth and rejuvenated.

SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair

For normal to dry skin this luxurious eye treatment cream is formulated with the patented growth factor blend TNS, peptides, high concentrations of antioxident vitamins C and E, with hyaluronic acid, helps to increase hydration and resiliency, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimize appearance of dark circles. 

Use a thin layer of this product twice-daily to skin adjacent to and beneath the eye.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream

A rich cream formulated with unique bi-mineral complex and malonic acid for tighter, smoother looking skin around the eyes.

This product can be used AM/PM.

These products carry a price point anywhere from $64 to $120 allowing you to find a product that best suits your budget.

Last but not least ALWAYS use a sunscreen to prevent premature aging.

Medical Aesthetician- Stacey Wilson, LE, MA

gallaherplasticsurgery.com

                                                                                                                              

March Happenings

With a new month comes new and exciting things! We would love to invite you to a few fun events taking place during the month of March! 

Join us Friday, March 13th from 10a-4p for 

LUCKY FRIDAY WITH OBAGI

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Come help us celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early! Stop by any of our locations and draw a coin from our lucky pot of gold for a chance to win FREE Obagi sckincare products! Each coin contains a special discount so everyone is a winner! 

We will also be serving pie from Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop and Lucky Punch so come celebrate with us and stock up on all your favorite Obagi Skincare Products! 

*no appointments necessary*

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Join us March 24th, 25th & 26th

 at our Cherokee Plaza Location for our 

SKINMEDICA CHEMICAL PEEL EVENT

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If you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give your face a Spring refresher, this event is for you! Call in today to secure your appointment. For your deposit of $100 you will receive a SkinMedica Chemical Peel and a $100 credit good towards SkinMedica product purchases made the day of your appointment. There will be discounts offered on all your favorite SkinMedica products so call us today and reserve your spot on ANY of the three event days.
865-671-3888 OR 865-330-1188


http://gallaherplasticsurgery.com/

9700 Westland Dr. Suite 101 Knoxville, 37922
7560 Dannaher Dr. Powell, 37849
Cherokee Plaza 5508 Kingston Pike, 37919

The HydraFacial® - The Answer to Our Itchy, Lackluster Winter Skin

The winter season with its below freezing, frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on a skins moisture level leaving a dry, lackluster appearance. Our signature facial, the HydraFacial®, can combat the dryness and give skin the antioxidants and exfoliation it needs to glow once more. 

The HydraFacial® resurfacing treatment thoroughly cares for your skin, providing cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and hydration, including Vortex-Fusion of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The hand piece tool, utilized in the facial, removes dead skin cells while bathing the healthy underlying skin with deep cleansing, exfoliating, and antioxidant serums.  Meaning that they are worked deep into the skin - exactly where they can take effect. The serums are clinically formulated to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, congested pores, hyper-pigmentation and acne-prone skin, and are prescribed according to your needs. The HydraFacial® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime. The treatment is soothing, moisturizing, and non-irritating.  

The HydraFacial® is often described as feeling like a cool paintbrush moving slowly over your face. You may put on make-up and return to normal activities right after the treatment as there is no downtime.

The treatment is suitable for most skin types, including thin or aging skin, ethnic skin, and dry or oily skin. Start your skin maintenance program now with HydraFacial® to slow down your skin's aging process and delay the need for invasive procedures.  The procedure is immediately effective. Many people report seeing visible skin refinement and an even, radiant skin tone after just one treatment. Depending on your skin type frequency will vary, but it is suggested no more than twice a month is necessary. A single treatment is perfect for those who need a fresh and glowing appearance for a special event or occasion.  For those wanting to maintain healthy skin and a vibrant look, then monthly treatments are recommended.

We offer the HydraFacial® in both 30 minute and 1 hour sessions. The 30 minute session is an “all business” treatment session whereas the hour service includes some relaxation additions such as a face and décolleté massage and treatment mask. Come in to any of our three locations for a FREE consultation with any of our medically licensed Aestheticians to learn more about if the HydraFacial® is right for your specific skin care needs and goals.  –Sarah Davis, LE

http://gallaherplasticsurgery.com/spa-services/skin-care/hydrafacial/