| Endermologie™ Q. Does it really work? Have you seen results?
A. Yes, it does work, as demonstrated in thousands of case studies. It has been available
in Europe since approximately 1992 and in the US in 1996. We have documented a very high
percentage of improvements by measurements and photographs.
Q. How many treatments can I have in one week?
A. The average number of treatments is two per week. If you are simultaneously in the
process of losing a significant amount of weight or if you have a long-term problematic
cellulite condition, one treatment per week is recommended. More than two sessions per
week will not bring faster results.
Q. How long does a session last? Do you work on just my
problem areas?
A. Sessions last an average of 35 minutes. Your problem areas are focused on, but time is
given to other areas to stimulate general circulation and elimination.
Q. How many sessions before I see results?
A. Usually people see changes within 5 or 6 sessions, but 14 is the average number of
suggested treatments.
Q. How long do the results last?
A. For several months up to a few years, depending on age, lifestyle, and hormonal
changes. Once-a-month maintenance sessions are recommended after completion of the initial
sessions. How long do I have to wait after liposuction or a tummy tuck to receive a
treatment? Before receiving a treatment, wait until the compressive garments come off,
normally 4 to 6 weeks.
Q. Does this replace diet and exercise?
A. No. In fact, it is highly recommended that you add diet and exercise to the
routine you follow while undergoing ENDERMOLOGIE™ treatments. In most cases, this
improves results.
Q. Does this treatment work on men also?
A. Definitely. For problem areas such as "love handles" and loose pectoral
tissues, results have been excellent.
Q. Does the machine tone the skin? Will I lose weight?
A. You will most likely notice an improvement in skin tone after using the machine.
Appearance of stretch marks and loose skin may be improved. It is not a weight loss
machine. However, many clients report being able to lose weight, especially fat weight,
more easily while using the machine than they ever could before.
Q. What is the difference between ENDERMOLOGIE™
and liposuction? Can it be used instead of liposuction?
A. ENDERMOLOGIE™, unlike liposuction, does not involve breaking through the skin in
any way. Some people try ENDERMOLOGIE™ first and then choose to wait to receive
liposuction. We frequently recommend ENDERMOLOGIE™ in addition to liposuction to get
a better and smother result from liposuction.
Q. Why are photos taken before & after treatment?
A. Photos are taken to provide an accurate record of improvements and to help the
ENDERMOLOGIE™ practitioner provide better treatments through comparative analysis.
Q. I don't want anyone to see my pictures. Do you
protect my privacy?
A. No one but your therapist and attendant staff will see your photos. If you wish,
and you sign a release to that effect, your photos may be used for educational and
promotional purposes.
Q. Why are pantyhose worn when receiving treatment?
A. Pantyhose allows the ENDERMOLOGIE™ treatment head to glide more easily over
the body and insures optimal hygiene.
Q. What sensations will I experience during the
treatment? Does it hurt?
A. The sensation is similar to a deep massage. Most clients find it quite pleasant.
The strength of the treatment can be individually adjusted to your comfort level.
Q. What will I feel afterwards?
A. Most clients report a feeling of relaxation and an increase in energy. Since the
lymph system is stimulated, it is recommended that you drink at least two liters of water
every day during the duration of your treatment in order to aid in elimination.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Minor, temporary bruising may occur.
Q. Can I receive treatments if I am pregnant?
A. No correlation has been found between ENDERMOLOGIE™ and complications in
pregnancy. However, it is recommended that during pregnancy you do NOT receive treatments.
| Back to the Top | Endermologie™ Page |
Collagen
Q. What is Collagen?
A. Collagen is a natural protein that provides structural support. It is found
throughout the body—in skin, muscle, tendon and bone. Fibers of collagen are woven
together like threads in fabric to form a framework into which new cells can grow. In the
skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape.
Q. How was injectable collagen developed?
A. In the early 1970s, a group of biochemists and physicians at Stanford University
were researching alternatives to skin grafts. In the course of this work they developed
the concept of purifying animal collagen so thoroughly that it could be used to replace
lost skin tissue. Further research by Collagen Corporation led to the development of
Zyderm Collagen and, more recently, Zyplast Collagen.
Q. How long has injectable collagen been used?
A. Injectable collagen was first used to treat patients in 1976. Since then, over
300,000 people have been treated with either Zyderm or Zyplast Collagen. The procedure is
administered routinely by over 3,500 physicians nationally, and in more than 20 other
countries.
Q. How do Zyderm and Collagen Zyplast Collagen work?
A. Both Zyderm and Zyplast Collagen lend additional support to the collagen network
within the skin. When a physician injects small amounts of either material directly into
areas where the body’s own collagen has been weakened, depressions can be raised to
the level of the surrounding skin. Thus, lines and scars can be minimized, texture is
improved and the skin has a softer and more even tone.
Q. How does Zyderm Collagen differ from Zyplast
Collagen?
A. Zyderm Collagen was formulated especially for people with small or superficial
contour problems. It can be particularly effective in smoothing delicate frown and smile
lines, as well as the fine creases that develop at the corners of the eyes and above and
below the lips. It can also help correct certain kinds of shallow scars.
Zyplast Collagen was designed to treat depressions
requiring a stronger material. It is used for more pronounced contour problems (such as
deeper scars, lines and furrows) and for areas upon which more force is being exerted
(such as the corners of the mouth).
Q. Which skin depressions cannot be helped by either
material?
A. Depressions with sharp edges and narrow "ice pick" acne scars do not
usually respond to these materials.
Q. Can injectable collagen take the place of surgical
procedures such as face-lifts and dermabrasion?
A. No. Injectable collagen treatments are not meant for people who have excess facial
skin or for those who want a major resurfacing of the skin.
| Back to the Top | Collagen Page |
Payment
and Insurance
We accept Visa and MasterCard. Our policy is that cosmetic
surgery is paid in advance of the surgery. We have contractual arrangements with most
local and regional managed car insurance companies for procedures that are covered by
insurance and we can aid in obtaining preauthorization from them.
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Consultation and
Evaluation
It is important to us that you feel comfortable with our
staff and environment. When you contact us for information we will provide it quickly and
our patient coordinator will provide whatever information you are seeking. Sometimes it is
helpful for you to visit the office and have a special consultation with the patient
coordinator and/or
nurse, at which time computer imaging can be done to give you an idea of what the
anticipated surgery may accomplish. At that time, or subsequently, you can schedule a
consultation with the plastic surgeon. When you schedule a full consultation with the
plastic surgeon, we will ask you to complete a medical history and information form.
Please bring a list of any medications you are taking and pertinent medical information.
An examination of the area of concern will be performed and the treatment options will be
discussed with you, including fees.
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Allergies
Q. What is an allergy?
A. Your allergy is a disease that is a result of a genetic defect. This genetic defect
results in an abnormal immune system whereby repeated exposure to substances called
allergens or antigens that are harmless to non-allergic persons, are harmful to allergic
persons. Your body responds by forming protective mechanisms called antibodies combine to
react with a sensitized cell causing the release of histamine and other chemicals.
Histamine has the power to cause many kinds of allergic symptoms. It can stimulate the
glands to secrete mucus, tears, and saliva - accounting for the runny nose and eyes,
congested lungs and coughing. It causes swelling which often results in a stuffed-up
feeling in the nose, ears, and chest. It can also cause headaches, hives, and a general
feeling of itchiness. And finally, it can tighten the muscles in the lungs and
gastrointestinal tract and bring on asthma and abdominal cramps.
In some people, allergic symptoms may be triggered by many
non-allergic factors - including emotional stress, fatigue, infection, air pollution, and
weather changes. This explains why you may react severely to allergens one day and not al
all the next day. These triggering factors add up to what your doctors call your
"allergic load." Your allergic load refers to the amount of allergens your body
can handle at any given time. If you exceed your allergic load, symptoms develop.
Q. How can you control your allergies?
A. Parts of successfully managing your condition is learning the factors that add to your
allergic load and avoiding them. Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants are
another aid. And a third way of controlling your allergies is through immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy involves injections of increasing does of
allergic extract into your subcutaneous tissue. Although the exact action of immunotherapy
is still not clear, it has been shown to help in a variety of ways. It causes the
production of allergy-specific IgG antibodies, the suppression of histamine release, the
decrease in circulating levels of IgE antibodies, and the suppression of blood
T-lymphocyte cell responses to antigen.
In order to start immunotherapy, you must first be tested.
The intradermal skin test involves the injection of a tiny amount of allergen just under
the skin of the upper arm. This pushes the skin up slightly producing a round, whitish,
raised area called a "wheal"." Because a small needle is used and only a
small amount of allergen is injected, the test will not be as painful as a shot. Any
reaction usually occurs within 5 to 15 minutes.
| Back to the Top | Allergy Page |
Ask the Doctor
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