Probably one of the best gadgets I’ve come across in a long time  is the hand held sonic cleansing brush; now available  at “home spas” everywhere!
Originally used only in spas by estheticians, this patented cleansing system uses 300 movements per second to thoroughly cleanse away 6x more make up and 2x more impurities then washing with your hands!  Because of the effectiveness of the sonic cleansing brush at removing impurities, serums and creams can penetrate deeper and give you better results with your home regime.

Read the following facts and see if it may lead you to a possible purchase!

• Ideal for all skin types
• Gentle enough to be used 2x a day
• Reduces the size of pores
• Great for other areas of the body that need some extra attention
• Evens out oily, dry and blemished areas
• Waterproof so you may use it in the shower or bath

You are just 60 seconds away from healthy, beautiful and more radiant skin!

It’s that time of year again…Prom season! Strapless gowns are  leaving teen girls wanting that glowing bronzed skin for the event.  But so many aren’t “in the know” or educated with the facts.  It is so important to understand the risks of tanning beds and the dangers of melanoma.  Read along with your teen daughter or son the myths and truths of the “healthy tanned look”.

Teen Myth #1: Skin cancer  only affects people over 40.

Real Deal: In the December 2008 issue of Skin &Aging  magazine, melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer in adults 25-29 and the #1  cause of cancer death among 15-20 year olds.

Teen Myth #2: Tanned skin looks healthier then pale skin.

Real Deal: Tanned skin is DAMAGED skin.  There is NO safe sun/tanning bed.

Teen Myth #3: Tanning beds are safer then natural sun.

Real Deal: Tanning beds expose you to four times the amount of UVA rays and two times the amount of UVB rays as being in the sun.  People don’t always feel the UVA rays on the surface of their skin, but they contribute to the aging and potential cancer on your skin.

Teen Myth #4: You ONLY need to wear SPF on a sunny day.

Real Deal: UVA rays are always around, all year long.  They shine through clouds and windows and reflect off of concrete, snow and grass.

ABCDEs: Signs of Melanoma

A-Asymmetry:  Early melanomas are asymmetrical.  One half is unlike the other half.  One side raised, the other not.

B-Borders:  Irregular/uneven shape

C-Color:  Brown, black or tan are first signs of melanoma

D-Diameter:  Melanomas spread or grow larger then common moles..PAY ATTENTION!!

E-Evolving:  ANY change in color, size, shape and feel.

So, to all the young adults, take the time to educate yourself on the dangers of tanning.  Protect your skin daily and realize that pale skin is healthy and beautiful.

Cold temperatures are gone!! Sunshine is on its way!! Get rid of dulling winter skin and go face forward into the spring and summer.  Here’s a few tips to help you get, feel and stay gorgeous:

1. EXFOLIATE – In my opinion, exfoliating is probably one of the most important things you can you for your skin.  Dead skin can lay ontop of skin making it dull, lines, pores and wrinkling  more prominent and any treatment you use on your skin, may not be fully penetrating!  Microdermabrasion and our new Smart Peels are excellent ways to lighten, brighten and tighten your skin.  One treatment is ALWAYS a step in the right direction, but when done regularly, you will be left with an amazing, non-surgical result.

LASTLY AND MOST IMPORTANT……Exfoliants would be the ONLY thing I WOULDNT buy at the drugstore.  Scrubs and “tiny ball” exfoliants can cause tiny tears in the skin and create more problems then you may already have.  Bacteria can enter these tears causing blemishes and irritation to an already sensitive/problematic skin.

2.  SPF SPF SPF!! – People will always ask me what’s the best thing I can do for my skin and I always say the same thing:  SUN PROTECTION.  Seems that with clients, its feast or famine.  People will either use none or a whole bottle in a day.  A quarter size is the best amount for the face and neck.  This will protect  from both UVA and UVB rays.  Even when you are indoors, you should always be conscious of the sun on your skin and hands.  At least an SPF 15 is good, but an SPF 30 is best.  Anything higher is really not necessary.  Making sure to reapply after swimming, exercise and perspiration is A MUST.  And ladies….SPF in your make up is not enough!

3.  PRODUCTS - Making sure you have the right products is so important.  Clients tend to “switch it up” a lot.  Consult with your dermatologist, aesthetician or skin care specialist  to analyze and discuss your skin.  The wrong choices+too many changes+too many products at once=ANGRY SKIN.
You dont need a million products, just the right ones.  Even though store products have come along way, physician quality products are still the best.

4. Hydration – And last but not least (as always for the 100,000th time) DRINK WATER!!!!!
The best way, by far, to hydrate your skin, is from the inside out! It may not be the instant result everyone seeks,but in a few days you will notice softer and clearer skin.

Stay tuned for more summer skin blogs! And get out there and enjoy….safely!

Lighten, Brighten and Tighten!

BUFFALO, NY – Tired of the fads, hype and “fashionable” skin care treatments and ingredients nowadays?  Introduce yourself and your skin to the positive and visible results of a Benev Smart Peel and Smarter Peel.  A unique layering science that allows you all the results and benefits of a peel,without the downtime.  Benev products are developed, formulated and manufactured in their own FDA licensed lab under FDA manufacturing guidelines.  Only pure concentrated formulas of pharmaceutical quality are used. 

I, the skin specialist at Le Medispa, have personally done this peel on myself and cannot believe the results!  I have had alot done to my skin being in this industry and this is the first time I’ve seen and felt this level of tightness and the clarity is amazing!  I did experience a “sloughing” or “rolling off” of my skin, but nothing that kept me out of the public eye. My makeup applications, pore size and absorption of my daily products has greatly changed.  What an amazing philosophy of doing a chemical peel.  Even if you have never had one or have had 100, the Benev Smart Peel will leave you saying “WOW!!”

Call and book a consultation for a full assessment of your skin.  Experience and see what this peel can do for you!

BUFFALO, NY – Where do you buy your skin care products?  How do you know whats the best or right product for you?

Are you feeling overwhelmed these days by all the products and their claims to to make you look 16 again? Never fear..here are some helpful tips of things to look for as you venture out into the depths of retail!

If you are the kind of person who feels intimidated by large groups of women, tester bottles in hand,circling YOU in the mall (gee,I wonder why), then going to the drugstore or supermarket is probably where you are getting your skin care products.  The brands sold in these stores have actually come along way over the years, by putting more effective products and leaving out the ineffective “cheap”ones.

Look for:

• Co Enzyme Q-10
• Caffeine
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid
• Acai Oil

All of these ingredients are antioxidants that help fight “free radicals”.  Free radicals are everyday things from weather, pollution, smoke, sun, etc that break down the skin and prematurely aging it.  All products contain certain amounts of these “good guys” and with regular use are “preventative maintenance”.  Department stores, I feel, seem to be geared towards appearance, fragrance and packaging then actually helping you.  They usually are loaded with alcohol, oils and other irritants that initially seem to be great; however, with prolonged use, do nothing with a high price tag.  Med-Spas, like Le Medispa in Buffalo,  on the other hand are the most effective, due to the fact they are sold by a physician or under a physician’s care.  They are prescription quality products that gives you the purest, non-buffered ingredients for quick and visible results.  Being under the care of your doctor or aesthetician will allow you to adapt to the changing needs of your skin. 

In closing, if a product works for you, no matter the kind, stick with it. 

Never limit the potential of your skin!!

“They just shooed me away from the buffet”, says a black veil wearing Samantha in Sex and the City after she got her chemical peel.

This does not, I repeat, does not have to be the case!!!

Chemical peels receive a bad name, while in fact they are the best anti-aging, skin changing, non-surgical treatment out there.  The first step to receiving a great result is finding a qualified establishment and most importantly a qualified skin care specialist/esthetician. 

Ask questions…it’s your investment into your skin and IT’S YOUR FACE!

• How long has your facility and esthetician been doing treatments? 
• What will these treatments do to my skin in the long run?
• What results can I expect a day, 3 days, a week after my treatment?

It’s important to know that every person’s skin and their expectations are going to be different.  Chemical peels can be done on most people; however, a full discussion, with your esthetician about what you are looking to achieve is necessary.  In my 15 years (10 of which are with LeMedispa in Buffalo) I  have worked on people that have amazing skin to acne/acne scarring to sun damaged skin all the way to deeply wrinkled skin.  All having results that ranged from improved skin to dramatic differences. 

You may ask, “What will I look like?” or “Do I have to hide?”…the answer is NO!

I always tell people that there is a peel for pretty much everyone.  You can be lightly or mildly refreshed to where you may expect some “down time” to achieve a maximum result.  Again, depends on you and your skin.  Everyone is different and should be “peeled”as an individual.  When one type or one percentage peel is used on everyone, that’s when potential problems can happen.  Don’t let this happen to you.

Educate yourself, ask questions and talk to a qualified skin care professional to help you age, slowly and gracefully, without the help of injectables or even surgical procedures. 

Call 631-1221 or email me, tanya@toddbkochmd.com, to learn more and take the first non-surgical step to a beautiful you!!!                                           

-Tanya, Senior Esthetician 

With a combination of fillers and injectables, such as Botox and Dysport, a liquid facelift can rejuvenate the face in less downtime and cost!

In these challenging economic times, everyone is looking for ways to look better without spending a lot of money.  That tired and haggard appearance can be refreshed and rejuvenated in a matter of minutes. Wallah, now we have “liquid facelifts”.  What is a liquid facelift?  This is a nonsurgical in office procedure that can diminish wrinkles and fine lines while lifting and contouring the face.  In a matter of minutes you will look more youthful.

The process involves using a combination of dermal fillers or collagen and Botox or Dysport.  Sometimes laser resurfacing, chemical peels or photofacials can be incorporated.  I prefer to use Juvederm and Botox.  Juvederm is wonderful collagen dermal filler that can be placed in facial lines.  It is used to soften forehead creases, glabellar frown lines, nasolabial folds (the parenthesis deformity), marionette lines, and vertical lip lines.  As well as contour the lower eyelids, cheek, chin, lips and jaw line. The improvements can last for up to a year or longer. 

Botox is used to smooth out fines lines and wrinkles by inhibiting the muscle action that creates these expressions.  This is a safe simple injection that can be performed in minutes and the effects will last for 3-6months.  Most people return 2-3 times a year to maintain the correction.  Most commonly Botox injections are used in the upper part of the face but it can also be used around the mouth area.

The total cost for the “liquid facelift” can range from around $800 to $2000 depending on how much product is required to achieve the desired results.  This is a far cry from a surgical facelift where the cost can range from $7000 to $10,000.  Best of all there is hardly any downtime and most clients can return to work the next day.

BUFFALO, NY - The Senate health reform bill includes a 5 percent cosmetic procedures tax.  Does this make you angry? Well I am mad as hell.   Government spending is out of control and the public pays the price.  This is a discriminatory tax mainly levied against women.  According to the ASPS, 86% of cosmetic surgery patients are women.

Research has shown that 60% of the respondents in a recent cosmetic surgery survey, who plan on having a cosmetic surgery procedure, have an annual household income of $30,000 to $60,000.  Only 10% have an income over $90,000.  This data refutes any claims that cosmetic surgery is for the wealthy only. 

I encourage all readers to take action by contacting their Congressmen to oppose this provision in the Senate health reform bill.  Please voice your disapproval for this provision.

BUFFALO, NY – Ever since Botox Cosmetic received its FDA approval on April 4, 2002, it has been an overwhelming success.  It is the number one nonsurgical cosmetic procedure being performed worldwide.  This was the only product of its kind until April 30, 2009 when Dysport was introduced into the marketplace. Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are produced from Botulinum toxin type A and are highly effective in reducing facial wrinkles. These products act by blocking the effects of acetylcholine on the neuromuscular receptors, temporarily preventing muscle contraction.  Without contraction of the muscles in the treated area wrinkles cannot be formed.

The onset of Dysport is reportedly quicker, within 1-2 days whereas Botox Cosmetic take 3-5 days. It spreads more easily allowing less injections when treating a longer area such as the forehead. Initially it was felt to be less expensive.  This is true for cost per unit.  However more units are needed to achieve the same results as Botox Cosmetic. In the long run Botox Cosmetic is probably less expensive. The last issue is longevity. Unfortunately, there have been no controlled studies to determine which product lasts longer. Both products will probably last 4-6 months but this is site and individual specific.

How well Dysport will measure up against Botox Cosmetic is yet to be seen. The answer to this question will be answered as Dysport becomes more widely used. The introduction of a new neurotoxin is good for the marketplace.  Competition will probably help to drive the cost lower. This will allow the patient to pay less for their treatments. Already Allergan, the producers of Botox Cosmetic, are offering rebates and points for purchase program that have brought down the cost to consumers.

Dr Todd Koch

Textured breast implant can lower capsular contracture rate

BUFFALO, NY – I just received my certification from Allergan Academy. This symposium was designed to bring you up to date on some of the latest findings on breast surgery. At this latest meeting in Seattle, Washington, data was presented to show that textured surfaced breast implants have a lower capsular contracture rate than smooth surfaced breast implants when placed under the breast tissue. Most plastic surgeons are well aware of this fact but definitive evidence was presented to confirm our clinical impressions.

Back in the ‘80s a breast implant was designed that had a textured polyurethane foam covering.  It was known as the Meme or Replicon implant.  This implant had an excellent tract record for preventing capsular contractures. Over time the polyurethane foam covering would breakdown in the body leaving the smooth breast implant.  There was a debate at that time whether the texturing of the implant or the breakdown of the polyurethane by the body caused the contractures to be less.  This debate is mute now since these implants were removed from the market and have been unavailable since the early ‘90s. Some experts believed that the polyurethane foam covered breast implants increased the risk of breast cancer in women.  One of the breakdown products of the polyurethane was a chemical called TDA.  This chemical was known to cause cancer in animals. After the completion of an FDA investigation the risk of developing cancer from polyurethane foam covered breast implants has been found to be relatively small.

 One question that was not addressed was whether a textured implant offered the same benefits when placed under the muscle.  Most practitioners agree that there is no advantage to using a textured breast implant under the muscle.  It is hypothesized that the contraction of the chest muscles acts to compress the implant and display the implant inside its pocket.  This mechanical massage appears to help prevent capsular contracture. 

Dr Todd Koch