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I have a confession. I am 27 years old...and I have wrinkles. Looking for a quick, effective solution to erase these premature signs of aging, I scheduled a consultation at GOLDCOAST medspa Ltd. The spa's 1 East Erie address and accessible parking are quite convenient, although it was the privacy of this medspa that I truly appreciated. The writing was on the forehead, but I hoped no one else had noticed. As I entered the fifth floor suite, I was greeted by a receptionist and took a seat in one of the contemporary red leather chairs where I filled out the requisite medical and skin history forms. Excited to explore the vast menu of services available, I stepped into a treatment room to begin my consultation with GOLDCOAST medspa owner and Clinical Director Julie Hoff. Capitalizing on her impressive 20+year career in the medical profession as a Registered Nurse and aesthetic specialist with laser-based procedures and advanced skin care regimens, Hoff opened the medspa with a vision of helping clients enhance their natural image and increase their confidence using the industry's finest innovations along with personalized one-on-one care and attention. Hoff and I discussed my previous experiences with clinical skin care treatments and my preferences and impressions of them. While I'm partial to Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels, both solid forms of exfoliation, as well as Photofacials, which utilize laser light to combat irregular pigmentation and increase collagen, I was intrigued at the thought of trying an injectable for those sneaky fine lines. Mirror in-hand, Hoff prompted me to point out my personal skin care concerns. Looking at my reflection, the creases on my forehead clearly bothered me most. In her expert opinion, a treatment with Botox® would serve multiple purposes. She explained that the injectable would smooth my existing wrinkles and also prevent new wrinkles from developing deeper in my skin. We also broached the subject of moderation, in other words, avoiding the infamous "frozen face," which Hoff said is a common misconception of many consumers exploring injectables. And I definitely did not want to walk down Michigan Avenue without being able to raise my eyebrows at a pair of Jimmy Choos! Hoff assured me that she administers a dosage that produces natural-looking results and also schedules a follow-up appointment for first-time Botox® patients to assess satisfaction. If desired, further injections can be administered to achieve optimal wrinkle reduction. Her expertise and attentiveness gave me a sense of reassurance, and I felt excited that this treatment would be both corrective and preventative. But before committing, we had two more hurdles to clear - pain and safety. As a self-professed "needle-phob" (who thinks a nick caused by shaving is worth shedding tears), pain was my biggest concern. Hoff informed me that the needle used is incredibly thin, ice is applied to temporarily numb each injection area, and she even gave my arm a little pinch to demonstrate how the injection would feel. This was a big step for me, but I trusted Hoff, and that was the key. Next we discussed the subject of safety when using Botox®, which is FDA-approved and is not only used for cosmetic use, but also for neurological conditions and excessive underarm perspiration. Hoff explained that every individual's needs are different, so the number of "cc"s or "units" administered can vary from patient to patient, and she prefers to start with a minimal dosage, then evaluate the results and at that time increase the amount as needed to achieve the client's desired appearance. With all of my questions and concerns addressed, I was ready for the procedure. First, we reviewed a diagram of the muscles within the face to demonstrate where injections would be the most effective. I reclined in a black leather treatment chair, and Hoff swiped a cotton swab dipped in alcohol across my forehead and then asked me to raise my eyebrows. Using a white eyeliner pencil, she marked my forehead in the places where she would administer Botox®. I relaxed my forehead, and she applied an ice pack to the area and asked that I tell her when it felt cold. Then she moved to another section, and I had to ask, "Was that it?" Indeed, she had completed the first injection, and proceeded with another three. So much for the "no pain, no gain" cliché, Botox® was a snap. In less than 10 minutes, it was over. Hoff explained that I would begin feeling and noticing a difference in a few days, with results peaking in about two to three weeks and lasting for three to four months. After the treatment, Hoff educated me about a few other recent treatment acquisitions at GOLDCOAST medspa that she spoke of with great enthusiasm. ReFirme™ Skin Tightening and ReShape™ Cellulite Reduction/Body Contouring with VelaSmooth™. Both procedures use Syneron™ laser device systems that incorporate the innovative, safe and effective elos™ technology which combines intense pulsed light and bi-polar radio frequency for lifting and firming the skin in a non-invasive and painless manner. The precision of the elos™ technology allows the laser to first heat the dermal tissue then the deeper layer of the skin underneath producing a uniformly firming effect on the outer skin while stimulating collagen production below the surface, which results in further tightening and a more youthful appearance of the skin long-term. ReFirme™ Skin Tightening and Wrinkle Reduction helps firm sagging and loose skin around the forehead, jaw line, nose and eye and brow area as well as improve mild to moderate wrinkles, acne scars and other conditions. Plus, they can also be effective on the abdomen, arms and buttocks. A gentle experience that requires no downtime, ReFirme™ is safe for all skin types and tones including tanned skin. Many patients report noticing results immediately, although three to six treatments performed every three to four weeks is recommended to achieve optimum results. ReShape™ Cellulite Reduction/Body Contouring with VelaSmooth™ is a revolutionary, medical solution for reducing cellulite and re-contouring problem areas ultimately smoothing the appearance of the skin's surface. During this treatment the elos™ laser is combined with the gentle suction and massaging action of specially designed rollers. Together, they can reduce the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks, thighs, hips, "saddlebags," "love handles," abdomen, mid-section, upper arms, neck and around the jaw line. While there are many heat and massage systems available to treat cellulite, VelaSmooth™ is the first medical device approved by the FDA with clinically proven effectiveness. Some liken the VelaSmooth™ experience to an intense, deep heated tissue massage with most patients returning to their normal activities immediately following treatment. Clients can expect significant improvements after their first few treatments, although 10 to 16 treatments once or twice a week is suggested for maximum benefits. In addition to Botox®, Skin Tightening and VelaSmooth™, GOLDCOAST medspa also offers ReNewe™ Skin Rejuvenation, laser removal of hair, sun spots and age spots, Vein Therapy with Cutera CoolGlide™, medical-grade Photofacials, microdermabrasion and glycolic peels, Collagen Replacement Therapy and permanent cosmetics. As I scheduled my recommended follow-up appointment, I took a peek at the skin care products available for retail at GOLDCOAST medspa such as BiON Medica, which has a fantastic Treatment Lotion for the neck, and Physicians' Choice Advanced Skin Care. I left the medspa and exited onto Erie filled with anticipation about the results to come from my Botox® treatment, but I also felt very thankful that my preconceived misconceptions regarding injectables had been dispelled. GOLDCOAST medspa Ltd. not only met but exceeded my expectations of a successful medspa experience - qualified healthcare professionals, the latest scientific advancements in skin care and an expert I trusted. Click here for Spa/Salon prices, services, hours and more.
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