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Acne Reduction Portland: 4 Steps to Clearer Skin

9 February 2012, thriveportland on the topic of Acne Treatment Center, Featured Services, Laser Acne Treatment, Portland Dermatologist, Skin Specialist Portland, acne treatments

Acne usually begins in puberty and is often seen as a teenager’s problem but blemishes follow many people into adulthood, despite our best efforts at eradicating them. If you want to keep your skin looking its best, here are four tips for self-care.

Always Remove Makeup Before Going to Bed Use a gentle cleanser or makeup remover wipes to completely clean off any and all products you may have applied during the day. Dust and other environmental particulates will have stuck to the fine layer you’ve applied, and sleeping with all that on your skin is a surefire way to not only ruin your pillowcases, but clog pores and wreak havoc on your skin. SkinMedica has a wonderful line of skin cleansers that are gentle and effective, http://www.skinmedica.com/skin-care-products/cleanse

Know What’s in Your Facial Products Many products, including makeup and cleansers, contain preservatives or chemicals that may actually irritate your skin. It is important to understand your skin type in order to purchase products that appeal to either dry, oily, or combination skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid ingredients like titanium oxide and sulfates, which can cause irritation and lead to breakouts.

Keep Your Hands off Your Face Oil from your fingers can make acne worse, so do your best to avoid popping or picking at blemishes. Instead, apply an ice cube to reduce redness and a warm compress to draw the fluid closer to the surface, then gently wipe the area with an alcohol swab. If you want to cover your blemishes with makeup, be sure to use non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas and remove it completely at the end of the day.

Your Skin Reflects Your Diet What you put in your mouth can have a direct affect on the health and appearance of your skin. Eating fatty and oily foods void of nutritional value can leave the skin broken out and dull. Foods high in anti-oxidants include blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. Salmon, walnuts, and flax seed have essential fatty acids to lead to plump, glowing skin. Don’t forget drink lots of water to keep your skin and body hydrated!

Dr. Maddox and the team at Thrive can work with you to develop an individualized acne treatment program, including advanced dermatologic laser and light therapy, prescription products prescribed for your skin type, as well as hormone testing and evaluation. Call 503-241-3579 today to schedule your initial appointment. Beautiful skin is possible. Let the team at Thrive help you achieve it.

Stretch Mark Reduction: Thrive Portland

26 January 2012, admin on the topic of Featured Services, Stretch Mark Reduction

When our skin expands suddenly, such as during an adolescent growth spurt or pregnancy, the elastin in the underlying layer of skin (the dermis), stretches which then leads to stretch marks. Advice abounds about how to prevent these scar-like striae from forming, but very little has been shown to effectively prevent them. What’s more, some treatments aren’t safe for use during pregnancy, which is one of the most common reasons for stretch marks to appear.

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for stretch marks include:

• Being female; women are more likely to experience the types of life events that lead to stretch marks

• Pregnancy, especially if the child is larger-than-average or if you’re very small

• Rapid weight gain or weight loss

• A family history of stretch marks

• Using medication that include corticosteroids, which can reduce skin elasticity

Stretch mark reduction can be facilitated through a number of proven treatments. Dr. Maddox and the team at Thrive use fractional laser therapy to fade these scar-like marks. Fractional photothermolysis uses wavelengths of light to stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Unlike some treatments, fractional laser therapy does cause some minimal, superficial damage to the top layer of skin (the epidermis), but healing time is short because the affected areas are so small.

Treatments are generally more effective the newer the stretch marks are, but even decades-old marks can be minimized with laser therapy. Whether yours are from a pubescent growth spurt many years ago, weight gain, or a pregnancy, Thrive can help you heal. Visit our website or call 503-241-3579 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Wrinkle Reduction: Learn About Your Options

5 January 2012, admin on the topic of Before and After Photos, Botox Portland, Derma-fillers Portland, Featured Services, Restylane Treatment, Restylane Treatment Portland

Wrinkles are our skin’s natural response to aging and while light laugh lines may be charming, deep creases and furrows are aspects of age you no longer have to settle for. An incredible amount of new research about the causes of wrinkles has become accessible over the last decade, and dramatic improvements in injectable fillers have helped tens of millions of men and women look and feel more beautiful. Dr. Maddox and his team at Thrive offer a number of wrinkle reduction services designed to help you look as beautiful as you feel.

Botox Cosmetic is a protein derived from botulism toxin that is most commonly injected underneath the skin in order to minimize or smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face. It was first introduced to the medical community in 1989 as a treatment for eye muscle disorders and was eventually approved for cosmetic use after much successful testing. These procedures use a small amount of diluted botulinum toxin that enables controlled weakening of muscles.

Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. The result is muscles that can no longer contract, and so the wrinkles relax and soften. It usually takes two to four days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from three to six months. While most patients require additional treatments as wrinkles and lines begin to reappear, after each injection the wrinkles return less severe than before as the muscles are trained to relax.

Restylane is the number one wrinkle filler in the United States. Restylane is made using naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, the same substance that already exists in the body. Restylane works quickly, adding volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds and is most commonly used in the nasolabial folds, or the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth.

Because Restylane maintains its shape using the body’s own moisture, it increasingly binds to the body’s own water molecules over time, which produces lasting results as the skin ages and loses moisture. In a clinical study of laugh lines (nasolabial folds), at least 95% of patients treated with Restylane continued to see results for up to 18 months after initial treatment when patients returned for a follow-up treatment at 4.5 or nine months.

Juvéderm can be used by a licensed physician to fill moderate to severe parentheses lines, marionette lines, and vertical lines between the nose and upper lip, with results lasting up to one year. Some preparations of Juvéderm also include lidocaine, which reduces the minor discomfort that some people feel during the process. Like Restylane, Juvéderm is a hyaluronic acid gel used to fill lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid binds to and absorbs water in the dermis (the layer of skin between the epidermis, the outer layer of skin that we see every day, and the connective tissue inside our bodies). As we age, our bodies don’t produce as much hyaluronic acid as before, leading to shrinking and volume in the dermis, which appear as wrinkles in the epidermis.

If you’d like to start 2012 looking as beautiful as you feel, contact Dr. Maddox and his team at Thrive Portland to schedule an initial consultation.

Age Spot Removal: Take Years off Your Appearance

1 December 2011, admin on the topic of Age Spot Removal Portland, Featured Services

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the sun pursuing the perfect tan, you probably have discovered the numerous side effects that the sun can have on the skin that aren’t quite as pleasant as beautifully tan and smooth skin.

Sun damage can cause a number of different pigmentation problems in the skin, with wrinkles being the most obvious. Other common side effects include brown “sun spots”, which can unfortunately stand out quite noticeably on the skin. Adding heavy make-up and is a temporary solution that can often cause even more complex skin problems. We offer several great age and sun spot removal treatments that are longer lasting and much more effective.

Since every individual has a different skin makeup, we offer a wide variety of different laser treatments that we recommend according to your individual needs. These include our Revlite®, Whisper®, and SmartXide DOT® CO2 laser treatments. Like all of our services, the treatments are designed with the latest technology for maximum results and minimal invasiveness. Let’s take a deeper dive into these 3 benefits:

1. Latest technology. Our treatments use the latest technology to result in the best overall experience possible. For example, while most lasers use heat or photo-thermal energy as the primary method of action, the Revlite® laser has pioneered the use of PhotoAcoustic technology which delivers high-speed waves of energy that penetrates the skin at incredible speeds, minimizing the amount of heat (and therefore, pain) in each procedure. These PhotoAcoustic waves gently vibrate collagen fibers to smooth wrinkles and acne scars while stimulating new collagen growth. Our SmartXide DOT® CO2 laser treatment utilizes a ‘dot’ pattern to create thousands of microscopic perforations in the skin while leaving the areas around each ‘dot’ intact – resulting in one of the safest, fastest, and most efficient laser treatments in the world.

2. Maximum effectiveness. Laser treatment is one of highest-recommended treatments from doctors across the industry because it is extremely effective. This level of technology results in rejuvenated skin that is virtually permanent. While continued time spent in the sun can create new wrinkles and sun spots, the new collagen that is created continues to heal the areas that are treated. Of course, it is highly recommended that you do stay out of direct sunlight when possible and always take proper precautions when exposing your skin to direct sunlight.

3. Non-invasive. By “non-invasive”, we are actually referring to two different areas: your time and your comfort. Although the diagnosis does vary from patient to patient, the treatments typically only last 2-3 visits and max out at about an hour per application. This means you will likely have very minimal downtime and the appointments will fit easily into your schedule. The other aspect lies in your comfort level – laser treatment is not something you will need to become nervous about or dread. While everyone has a different level of pain tolerance, patients have most often reported very little, if no pain at all during the treatments. The same simply can’t be said for other treatments that require harsher chemicals or even invasive surgery.

Ready to schedule your initial consultation? Give us a call today at 503-241-3579 if you would like to set an appointment or ask additional questions about our laser treatments. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information about our services or location, please visit our website at www.thriveportland.com. You can also receive exclusive online discounts and updates by following us on Facebook or Twitter.

Wrinkle Reduction: Don’t Be Scared of Botox

4 November 2011, admin on the topic of Botox Portland, Featured Services, Thrive Portland

Jennifer Aniston w/ Botox

You cannot visit a grocery store check-out line without noticing the racks of magazines and tabloids with pictures of beautiful celebrities. Unfortunately with the increase in popularity of wrinkle treatments like Botox and plastic surgery, many celebrities are looking overdone and far different than their original selves. However, many stars are also aging gracefully with carefully selected skincare and wrinkle reduction treatments like Botox.

Although the popular images we see often include the not so pretty depictions of overdone cosmetic treatments, don’t be afraid of Botox! Botox is designed to be used sparingly to treat fine lines and wrinkles leaving a smoother and fresher appearance. When used properly it can take years off your appearance by eliminating those pesky wrinkles and lines that can leave you looking tired and weary. Botox cosmetic can also be used to treat loose skin and wrinkles in the neck. As we age the delicate skin in this area can become loose and sagging and Botox can take care of this without a full face lift!

Botox can also be used to prevent future wrinkles. Starting Botox in your early 30s actually helps patients avoid the inevitable furrows that result from years of scrunching and frowning.

Jennifer Aniston w/o Botox

There are around 43 major muscles in the face that express emotions, that move to smile or frown, or show expressions with our eyes. If Botox is overused and these muscles are frozen, these expressions become muted and in the worst cases unrecognizable. When you make the decision to invest in Botox treatments, be sure to choose a doctor that focuses on naturally enhancing your beauty rather than changing it. At Thrive, we offer a free consultation that includes personalized recommendations for your Botox treatments. Typically, we recommend treatments anywhere from 4-8 months apart depending on the amount and depth of the wrinkles.

Botox has been proven to work wonders for thousands of people, but every patient should be treated individually and with care. At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, our experienced professionals are happy to assist with any questions related to Botox or other wrinkle reduction treatments.

We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com or call us at 503-241-3579.

Laser Fractional Resurfacing: A Fresh New Look, a Fresh New You!

25 August 2011, admin on the topic of Featured Services, Laser Fractional Resurfacing Portland, Skin Specialist Portland

Do you have age spots, acne stars, wrinkles, discoloration on your face and neck? There is a laser treatment called laser fractional resurfacing that addresses a multitude of skin problems that surface as we age.

Under the epidermis (top layer of skin) is a network of collagen and elastin, and as you age and get more sun exposure, those proteins break down, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, age spots, etc. Fractional skin resurfacing penetrates deep into the dermis to essentially wake the skin up and re-start the creation of collegen and elastin. The laser treats tiny areas, replacing old, destroyed cells with new, healthy ones. A major part of laser fractional resurfacing also has to do with the areas that the laser doesn’t touch. Because the laser is so precise, the skin that is left alone helps to heal the skin that was treated.

At Thrive, we use the SmartXide DOT CO2 Laser to treat everything from wrinkles and fine lines to age and sun spots, to discoloration, acne scars, surgical scars, and even melasma! It is a remarkable technology that is helping patients get rid of their problem areas and knock years off their appearance. Best of all, this treatment can be completed in as little as 90 minutes. There is minor discomfort and significantly less recovery time compared to traditional CO2 laser resurfacing. For the majority of patients, side effects are minimal and include slight swelling and redness.

$laser-fractional-resurfacing$ (Results after 1 image)

In short, laser fractional resurfacing creates smoother, fresher, healthier and younger-looking skin, improved tone, texture and pore size, and the softening of wrinkles and lines. Sounds too good to be true right? Call us today at 503-241-3579 to book your consultation at our NW Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center and we will provide a personalized treatment plan and details to treat your problem areas.

June Facebook Special: Just in Time for Summer – 50% Off Laser Hair Removal

9 June 2011, admin on the topic of Featured Services, Hair Removal Portland, Laser Hair Removal Portland, Monthly Featured Service Special, Skin Specialist Portland, Thrive Portland

We’re offering a great deal for our Facebook fans just in time for summer! Through the month of June on Facebook, we’re offering 50% off a package of 6 laser hair removal treatments on any one area!

Forget about the days of plucking, shaving and waxing – laser hair removal uses the latest technology for longer-lasting and more effective results. Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center uses state-of-the-art diode lasers with vacuum-assist technology to remove unwanted hair with greater speed and comfort than other methods. It’s no wonder laser hair removal has become so popular among both men and women. Please visit our website for more information and see below for a comprehensive list of treatable areas.

Call 503-241-3579 for more information or stop by our NW Portland location to book your first treatment. Make sure you tell us that you saw the deal on Facebook in order to receive the 50% discount.

Lipotherapy Portland: Get Rid of Stubborn Unwanted Fat Safely and Without Surgery

2 June 2011, admin on the topic of Anti Aging News, Before and After Photos, Cellulite Treatment Portland, Featured Services, Lipo Dissolve Portland, Lipodissolve Portland, Liposuction Portland, Lipotherapy Portland, Thrive Portland, Weight Loss Portland

Getting rid of stubborn fat can be frustrating and put a damper on self-esteem. It’s no wonder liposuction is the number one sought after cosmetic surgery in the country. But what if you could remove fat and improve your body’s contour without undergoing a surgical procedure?

The newest in lipotherapy offers a safe and non-invasive way to help you look slimmed and revitalized without the need for heavy anesthesia or recovery time. Lipotherapy is a non-surgical fat reduction treatment that uses an injection to dissolve fat deposits that are not affected by diet and exercise. LipoDissolve® is one such revolutionary treatment used at Thrive that has received much media attention and interest from our patients.

LipoDissolve® consists of phosphatidlycholine (PPC) and deoxycholate, both of which are naturally occurring substances within the body. PPC facilitates fat transport through the cell membrane and is most commonly derived from soybeans.

How Does it Work?

A series of microinjections are delivered to the treatable area and the two compounds work together to break up fat cells causing the fat to liquefy in the body. An inflammatory response allows debris clean up and tissue retraction. This fat and cellular debris is then picked up naturally by the body and eliminated through the normal metabolic pathways. New collagen is then deposited in the area, causing denser, firmer skin.

What Areas Can be Treated?

Ideal treatment areas include lower eye pads, chin, jowls, cheeks, abdomen, upper/lower back, upper arms, hips, thighs, knees, buttocks, and love handles. The frequency of treatment depends on the body area and how much fat needs to be dissolved. Typically, patients will return every 2-4 weeks for 4-6 treatments.

Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center is Oregon’s leading authority on LipoDissolve, as well as other non-surgical fat removal procedures such as Mesotherapy and Med Sculpt. Since 2004, our center has performed hundreds of treatments to help our clients look and feel their best.

For more information on lipotherapy or any of our other anti-aging treatments, please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com. We are always happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter or in person at our beautiful NW location.

Portland Anti-Aging Treatments: Get Your Legs Ready for Bathing Suit Weather with Leg Vein Reduction

26 May 2011, admin on the topic of Featured Services, Laser Fractional Resurfacing Portland, Skin Specialist Portland, Thrive Portland

Do you shy away from wearing shorts or skirts in the summer because of visible leg veins? Varicose and spider veins are more common than you may think. New and effective leg vein reduction treatments are a non-invasive way to get your legs looking their best.

What causes leg veins?

Most varicose and spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, force of gravity, and task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart and they endure the most pressure. Factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose or spider veins include aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy or hereditary traits.

How can you reduce leg veins?

Laser vein removal is quick, low risk and has been used for more than 30 years. The newest in laser and pulsed light technologies effectively treat leg veins by sealing off the veins and causing them to dissolve. Light energy is delivered in a series of brief pulses on a targeted area in a precise dosage. Most times these light devices are used with cool gel or chilled air to reduce any discomfort. Treatments can last from 10 to 20 minutes and multiple treatments are usually best for optimal results.

At Thrive Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Center, our team of expert medical professionals has years of experience in leg vein reduction and use a number of innovative and safe laser-based methods. Stop by our beautiful NW location or call us at 503-241-3579 to learn how leg vein reduction can help you.

We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter and begin every relationship with an hour consultation to discuss our treatment options in more depth. For more information please visit our website at http://www.thriveportland.com.

Wrinkle Reduction: Thrive’s Non-Surgical Facelift

18 May 2011, daniellelee on the topic of Botox Portland, Featured Services, Skin Specialist Portland, Wrinkle Reduction

Have you ever wondered how you can take years off your appearance without surgery? At Thrive Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Center, we make it easy. We specialize in the latest laser and cosmetic medicine treatments and our staff bring more than a decade of experience in the field of laser light treatments and cosmetic dermatology. Our comprehensive treatments will give you dramatic, yet naturally looking results without surgery or invasive procedures. Looking years younger is as easy as four steps.

Step 1: Consultation

We begin every client relationship with a thorough consultation with our on site physician. This may include skin analysis, photos and evaluating your overall health. This ensures our treatment programs are entirely customized to each individual for optimal results.

Step 2: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion combines the rejuvenating benefits of a facial with the renewing qualities of a deep scrub. A time-honored and successful skin care treatment, microdermabrasion buffs away dry and damaged skin to reveal a fresher, younger appearance. It is also highly effective in preparing the skin for lasers treatments for wrinkles, acne scars and age spots.

Step 3: Medical Laser Treatments

Light-based laser treatments, such as Titan and Laser Genesis, are effective alternatives to plastic surgery that produce amazing results. The titan emits a pure infrared light to reverse the signs of aging without damaging the surface of the skin. The treatment also works to stimulate long-term collagen building which helps to tone, lift and firm the skin. The Laser Genesis uses a pulsed-light system used to treat a range of specific issues including wrinkles, fine lines, redness and scarring.

Dermal Optical Thermolysis, or DOT, is a fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment that also addresses wrinkles, sagging, sun damage, and discoloration among others skin issues. It works by creating thousands of microscopic perforations that immediately tighten the skin and stimulate new collagen growth.

Step 4: Botox and Fillers

Botox is probably the most heard about facial treatment. It is a protein derived from botulism toxin that works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. It is a simple lunch time procedure that anyone can do. Dermal fillers are delivered under the skin to restore volume and fullness and to correct facial wrinkles. Restylane and Juvederm are natural substances that already exist in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane increasingly binds to the body’s own water molecules over time, which produces lasting results as the skin ages. Unlike collagen, Restylane is free from animal proteins and provides a truly natural way to achieve a youthful look. During your consultation, Dr. Maddox will provide an analysis of which specific fillers will be best for your various lines and wrinkles.

SmartXide DOT Laser Wrinkle Reduction

At Thrive, we believe in Aging Beautifully, which means developing an individualized treatment plan that works to enhance one’s natural beauty, reduce your wrinkles, and add years back to your skin. We believe in a holistic approach to beauty and feel that we can provide the most realistic results to minimize intensive surgeries or overly invasive treatments.

For more information on our non-surgical facelift procedures, please visit our website. We are happy to answer your questions through our blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

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