What's a Facial?

This post will cover the basic steps of a facial, one of the best ways to take care of your skin. Especially when it's given by an experienced, knowledgeable esthetician. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complextion, and can help your skin look younger too!

via google images

• Consultation. A facial should begin with a consultation. The esthetician might have you fill out a form that has questions about your skin concerns, your diet, how much water you drink, drugs and supplements you take, and products you are currently using. This can affect your skin and what kind of treatments she recommends. 

via google images

• Cleansing. After wrapping your hair with a towel or headband, the esthetician begins a facial with a thorough cleansing, using cotton pads, esthetician wipes or sponges.

via google images

• Skin Analysis. The esthetician covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp. He or she is determining your basic skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal) and skin conditions (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.). The esthetician then chooses the appropriate products and treatments, and consults with you about what he or she sees and recommends. 

via google images

• Steam. Most facials use a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps soften any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. If you have very sensitive skin, the esthetician may not use steam.

via google images

• Facial massage using classic strokes like effleurage to both relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles is always benficial. 

via google images

• Facial mask targeted to your skin (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. During the facial, the esthetician should stay in the room and give you a scalp massage or some other service.

via google images

• Exfoliation with mechanical exfoliates have a gritty texture that rubs away the surface dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is one very popular form of mechanical exfoliation. 

• Chemical exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosens the bond between skin cells. A gentle enzyme treatment can be done during the steam. Stronger chemical peels should not be done under steam, and vary in intensity, and can be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. Chemical peels can be done in a series for optimal results.

via google images

via google images

• Final application of toner, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen if it's daytime.

via google images

Lastly, expert advice. The esthetician will advise you on the best options for your daily regimen and in-office treatments. Though you are not obligated to buy anything it is a great time to be educated on products and treatments to protect and prevent premature aging. 

Call us today to schedule your facial! 

865-671-3888

Clear + Brilliant Laser

Are you looking for great results with little downtime? Is baby steps your middle name? If this sounds like your comfort zone, then Clear + Brilliant may be for you! When you are just beginning to notice early signs of aging or for those who want to keep their skin looking healthy for years to come this may be your new favorite tool of choice!

The Clear + Brilliant laser system provides many advantages, including:

• improvement of tone and texture
• improvement in areas affected by mild discoloration 
• minimizing the visibility of pores
• reduction in early signs of aging 

Via Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant laser treatments can be beneficial in many areas, including the face, neck, hands and chest. It is ideal for both men and women and works well with a variety of skin types. The Clear + Brilliant procedure involves the gentle application of laser energy to areas of skin you wish to rejuvenate. Unlike more invasive lasers, the Clear + Brilliant penetrates only the surface layers of skin, getting rid of damaged skin cells and replacing them with healthier tissue. The Clear + Brilliant laser stimulates your skins natural collagen so that it continues to grow healthy skin long after 

treatment.

via Clear + Brilliant

The procedure takes about 20  to 30 minutes to complete. While there may be temporary redness or swelling. most patients require little to no recovery time. Many patients are able to see positive results almost immediately after the procedure; however, the best effects typically occure after a series of four or more treatments. Results can often be maintained with a good home skincare regimen and an occasional touch-up laser treatment.

via Clear + Brilliant

Schedule your treatment today at any of our 3 convenient locations! 

865-671-3888

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.

via google images

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

via google images

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? 

via google images

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.

via google images

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.

via google images

via google images

via google images

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

via google images

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

via google images

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.

via google images

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.

via google images

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

via google images

.

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