Cancer. Just the word causes stress; it’s even been proven to cause 90% of all illnesses. Treatments for the disease create adverse effects on our skin, hair and body. At Spa Renaissance we want to help our clients in total mind and body recovery. The spa, salon and plastic surgery center offers nutritional counseling, massage therapy, lymphatic drainage, skin, hair and nail therapies to combat the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments. Even maintaining a positive attitude helps in reducing stress, feeling good stimulates a positive attitude and motivation. Education and awareness is an important roll we play in helping you with your recovery.

If a cancer patient chooses reconstruction, it could be likely for her surgeon to use silicone implants. The public tends to fear implants and fear is mostly built on a lack of concrete knowledge. Why should we trust breast implants?

According to the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council the occurrence of breast cancer continues to increase. With early detection, monthly self exams and mammograms, the survival rate is 96%. On November 17, 2006 the FDA released the restricted access to the use of silicone implants. The approval followed years of scientific review, clinical trials and public hearings that have made silicone gel-filled breast implants the most studied medical devise in history.

We are often asked, “Will I need additional surgery?” If you choose a board certified plastic surgeon for cosmetic procedures revisional surgery is unlikely; less than one percent in most cases depending on the type of surgery performed. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is performed in stages (multiple surgeries throughout a short time span); after the process is finished revisional surgeries are unlikely.

The FDA has determined that breast implants are safe and effective. The Institute of Medicine concluded, “There is no evidence that silicone implants are responsible for any major diseases of the whole body. Women are exposed to silicone constantly in their daily lives.” Therefore board certified plastic surgeons continue to use them in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

The implants used currently are cohesive silicone gel, sometimes referred to as memory gel. Silicone is safely used in many medical devices and consumer products. It can be found in many consumer items such as chewing gum, nail polish, suntan and hand lotions, antiperspirants, bath soaps, and even processed foods. Silicone is used in other applications requiring higher biocompatibility such as breast implants, testicle implants, chest implants for men, contact lenses, and scar treatment sheets.

The unfortunate truth: breast cancer is common. At Spa Renaissance and RPS we try to empower our patients in every way possible. This year we’ve decided to make our efforts especially close to home with a charitable function benefiting organizations with ties right here in Metro Detroit. Plans are in full swing, so mark your calendars for “Stroll and Roll” hosted by Spa Renaissance. The proceeds will benefit our local F.O.R.C.E. and Young Survival Coalition, also in support of the WorkPlace Program, through the Michigan Neuropsychological Society, who created the invitations.  On May 11^th, from 6:00pm – 10:00 pm we will raise money and awareness while enjoying casino themed games, strolling hours’ devours, open bar, jazz quartet and tons of fun prizes. Tickets are $75.00 per person. Complimentary valet will be provided for your convenience.

We hope to see you there, please call 248-498-8100 for more information.

Sources

National Research Council. Safety of Silicone Breast Implants. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1999.

Because of the fruit content of the products, there is a high level of active ingredients. Fruits, herbs, vegetables, and nuts have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. We also provide products with powerful antioxidants such as green tea. Drinking true green tea is wonderful for your body as it has the most EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate). EGCG found in green tea helps to slow or reverse the chemicals involved in acne and sun-related skin aging. It also has L-theamine a de-tensing amino acid, slowing the stress hormone cortisol. It is also available to apply topically and for sale at Spa Renaissance. Green tea has amazing healing agents and caffeine that enhances the antioxidant properties of the green tea. It makes the skin appear smoother and helps reduce puffiness and dark circles. Both can be used on all skin types. One bottle of our green tea cream has approximately 500 cups of green tea. 500 cups is the magic amount for product potency.

Don’t forget you are what you eat; or you’re only as healthy as you eat. How you look on the outside begins with caring for your body on the inside. No single food provides all of the nutrients your body requires so eat a variety. You can actually lower your biological age by getting the right amount of antioxidants with good nutrition and exercise. Research proves eating the right foods will hydrate the skin while helping with sun protection and wrinkle prevention.

Vitamin C helps keep collagen, the supportive protein fibers that stop the skin from sagging, strong and resilient. The best way to get enough vitamin C is to eat fresh citrus fruits. Eat fresh oranges, grapefruit, limes and lemons, or add them to your favorite dish. Vitamin C is also found in dark leafy greens, strawberries, red peppers, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.

Vitamin A supports cellular turnover; without this the skin becomes dry, tough, and scaly. Food sources of vitamin A are spinach, turnip greens, or broccoli. Vitamin A is also sold for topical use at Spa Renaissance. Our Retin A has green tea and caffeine so you get a three for one product.

Protein is required to build and repair skin cells and to product enzymes and hormones that help keep it glowing. Plant based protein is found in soybeans, beans, seeds, and nuts. Animal based protein is found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and in dairy products. Animal products are higher in fat and cholesterol so use them sparingly. Omega-3’s fightinflammation and are found in most shellfish, salmon or tuna, and can actually help protect against sun damage by enhancing the effects of your SPF sunscreen.

Eating a variety of foods within each food group ensures that you get the necessary nutrients. Your skin and over all health depend on it. The only true anti-aging formula is choosing proper nutrition and exercise. Spa Renaissance and our qualified staff are here to educate our guests on a healthy approach to living healthy and aging fabulously!

Celebrities on the other hand have teams of specialists who educate them on their beauty choices and they look fabulous because of it. Well why can’t you seek professionals?

Proper care of your hair and skin involves cleansing, toning, and conditioning. Hair, skin, & eyes react to colors around them absorbing those that match your undertones and reflecting colors that oppose. Your skin undertones can be classified as warm or cool while your hair can be normal-to-dry versus normal-to-oily. Normal to dry hair absorbs water almost immediately while normal to oily the water will bead at first. Do you know your classifications?

88% of hair is made up of proteins called keratin. To support healthy keratin growth, drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables which will improve your skin and hair from within. The hair follicle contains oil-secreting glands, making your hair look beautiful and balanced when healthy. Stress, illness, and lack of proper nutrients diminish secretion of oil and pigments causing graying, thinning and loss of hair.

Spa Renaissance employs professional cosmetologists that will select colors, cuts and styles that will complement your skin tones while educating you on proper maintenance. For example “bad hair days” can be a combination of poor color selection and miss use of products and styling tools. Even your bathroom towel can be damaging if used too aggressively! When drying your hair and skin, do so gently by patting and blotting versus twisting, ringing and squeezing.

Everyone has different hair traits or growth patterns such as cowlicks and hair streams. Cowlicks are actually named from an old wives tale stating that a cow licked a child’s head and the cow’s saliva permanently altered the way the hair grows.  Hair streams are similar and can be difficult to deal with when styling.

All of these issues are what a cosmetologist is trained to help you maintain. Instead of “winging it” on your own come learn about what will help make you look your best. Our stylists can create good hair days that you can recreate at home with a positive, confident approach. Don’t forget to top off a fresh look by trimming eyebrow, nose, and ear hair!

Bring in this post for a complimentary customized hair mask!!

Majority of people start to show the first signs of aging around the eyes. Droopy lids, puffy, saggy bags, and dark circles. There are multiple causes of dark circles under the eyes. Cosmetic companies have capitalized on this and as a result many claims have been made on how to control these issues. Most of the underlying etiologies don’t have a magic cream to whisk these things away.

Let’s examine some causes. The most common is dehydration of the skin. You are what you eat so eating fruits and veggies daily enhance the skins hydration. Another culprit is hyper pigmentation or darkening secondary to photo aging, sun exposure or superficial lentigenes (dark flat freckle like spots). These spots are either acquired by life choices or they’re hereditary. Hyper pigmentation present at youth or adolescent continues along with darkening or sun exposure and age.

Learning to care for your skin is more than soap and water. “Over the counter” soap will dehydrate and strip your skin of its natural oils. Proper skin care maintenance will slow the signs of aging. Treatment of the skin includes retinol, bleaching cream and sunscreen to decrease the melanin content. Many find retinol causes red, dry, flakey skin, occurring with over use or if the retinol is too strong for the person’s skin type. It is very important to be evaluated, determining the proper tolerances for each individual. The younger you are when you start proper skin care the better for prevention… but it’s never too late.

Products sold in medical spas have strict requirements mandated by the FDA. The products actually produce proven results if used properly. Medical Spas employ licensed estheticians, with hours of education. Typically they continue studies during their careers at the direction of a medical director (usually a plastic surgeon or dermatologist). Estheticians evaluate and educate the consumer on their individual skin type and the product choices best suited for correction or routine maintenance.  You’re probably thinking the products must be expensive while they’re very cost competitive and let’s face it: you get what you pay for. The largest organ of the human body is the skin; it has great ability to rejuvenate. Our skin care center can formulate programs best suited for specific needs and our products contain nature’s valuable vitamins and minerals including:

• Vitamin A – Retinol which neutralizes, firms, smooths, and enhances skins texture and tone. Found in foods such as liver, eggs, spinach leaves, pumpkin, collared greens, broccoli and cantaloupe.

• Vitamin C – Strengthens damaged collagen and elastin caused by free radicals making skin lighter and brighter. Found in many fruits and vegetables, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of nature’s most powerful vitamins.

• Vitamin E – An antioxidant that improves the skins surface moisture. It softens smoothes and promotes healing. Found in foods such as almonds, avocados, asparagus, olives, nuts and spinach leaves.

• Salicylic Acid – Causes skin cells to shed more readily, prevents clogging of pores and acne while promoting new skin growth.

• Glycolic Acid – Gently exfoliates the dead layer of skin while helping to moisturize by drawing water molecules from the lower levels of the skin.

• Green Tea - Possesses highly potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects.

It’s important to read product labels. The most active ingredients are listed first and the farther down this list of ingredients the less potent. Packaging is also important. Retinol and Vitamin C cannot remain stable if not packaged properly. Take our challenge… bring in your products (along with this article) and we will educate you on their effectiveness. Hopefully you are getting what you’re paying for?

Taking care of yourself enables you to be at the top of your game. Remember to de-stress with positive habits. Proper nutrition and exercise is the number one ingredient in maintaining a healthy body and glow.  You will definitely feel better and smile more. Accelerate your results with non-surgical, comfortable procedures to reduce the extra inches the holidays have provided.

Coolsculpting ® developed by ZELTIQ ™ is based on sound science called Cryolipoysis.  This non-invasive treatment gently cools unwanted fat cells in the body to induce a natural, controlled elimination of fat cells without harming surrounding tissue.  In as little as two to four weeks your body will naturally eliminate fat in the treated area reducing the thickness of the fat layer.  This treatment is best suited for individuals that have isolated fatty areas, otherwise known as: muffin top, love handles, back fat, or the spare tire.

VelaShape™ unlike Coolsculpting is a maintenance procedure and is not permanent.  VelaShape technology uses a combination of bi-polar radio-frequency and infrared light energy along with mechanical tissue manipulation.  The process uses the energy and heating of the skin to increase the oxygen intracellular diffusion, manipulating the metabolism of stored energy. This triggers lymphatic drainage and reduces the fat chamber.  VelaShape feels like a warm deep tissue massage and will reduce inches in treated areas while toning and tightening.

With a Sudatonic Body Wrap you get the beauty of exercising while lying still. Therefore, it can treat all people of sizes helping speed up blood circulation while activating metabolization of cells. The positive side effects of this treatment discharges deposited waste in the body, speeds up metabolism while eliminating tiredness and enhances the body absorption of nutrition.

Caring for your body is essential to overall health. Bring in this article to receive $100.00 gift certificate for a treatment package.

In order to become a plastic surgeon there are many steps one must take to achieve certification. First they become medical doctors, moving on to general surgery, then finally on to plastic surgery. This takes approximately 6-8 years after completing medical school. A fellowship for another year in the aesthetic field before starting private practice creates an even higher level of knowledge in shaping the human anatomy. In the first two years of private practice the surgeon’s experience in tissue handling and decision making is tested. There is a written and oral exam given in front of a large group of peers. Only members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons may display the ASPS Member Surgeon logo on their material. This symbol of excellence in plastic surgery is what to look for when deciding on a surgeon. It tells you that you are choosing a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Also be sure your surgeon of choice has active hospital privileges. Search www.plasticsurgery.org to find your plastic surgeon.

Surgical expertise takes years of study and hands on training, don’t be fooled by the weekend cosmetic surgeon, as there is no “Cosmetic Surgery Board”. Look for the sign of excellence:

They recommend the true body sculpting artist, be sure you are in the right hands, the right experience matters… make the right choice!