Contents: SculpSure at Althea Medspa Are You Tired of Diet and Exercise? How To Remove Unwanted Fat Why SculpSure? SculpSure or Liposuction: What’s best for me? SculpSure vs. CoolSculpting: What Separates Them? How Exactly Do SculpSure and CoolSculpting Work? Non-Surgical SculpSure Fat Removal vs. Surgical Fat Removal SculpSure vs. Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Alternatives What Does SculpSure Mean? SculpSure is an effective fat removal procedure that can help reduce the amount of stubborn body fat in certain problem areas  such as love handles and in the abdomen, thighs, and arms, where fat often remains despite exercise and other attempts at weight loss. This procedure is particularly ideal for those who want more gradual fat removal without surgery or downtime. The SculpSure procedure is FDA-approved and has undergone clinical testing for over 100 patients. It’s one of the best alternatives to surgical fat reduction, using a safe non-invasive lipo procedure that targets ...

Microdermabrasion is a common procedure used for reducing acne and acne scarring, and is used in lieu of many other types of treatments because of its effectiveness. What is Microdermabrasion? Microdermabrasion is a machine-assisted treatment for skin exfoliation. The procedure’s advantages include the low risk of complications along with faster recovery compared to other invasive procedures such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peeling. The fact that microdermabrasion only removes a superficial layer of skin makes it ideal for acne and acne scar removal, along with the reduction of fine lines, superficial scarring, and age spots. How Microdermabrasion Works The microdermabrasion process is noninvasive and painless, using a combination of vacuum suction and crystals or an abrasive tip on the skin. The procedure doesn’t use needles or anesthesia at any point, and vacuum pressure and speed are modified based on the skin’s sensitivity. Typically, the procedure uses a crystal diamond ...

There are many types of laser hair removal procedures available to remove unwanted excess hair. The one thing they all have in common is that they can stop hair from growing to a lesser or greater extent, but finding the least painful method is also often a concern among many patients. Modern laser hair removal systems are available with different methods. Some are more painful than others, including the traditional “shots” laser hair removal treatment. Traditional “Shots” Laser Hair Removal Procedure This is a more outdated laser hair removal procedure, using laser systems such as Magma, Cynosure, and Candela. During this treatment, the machinery applies laser energy to a specific area, raising the temperature of the follicle to 45-50 degrees, moving it a centimeter or two, and then repeating the process until the area is fully covered. This process can be painful because the energy is delivered all at one ...

Micro-needling is a procedure that is beneficial for a variety of skin types, depending on what the patient needs. Among these benefits are the stimulation of collagen and elastin growth, treatment of pigment, melasma, fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections, along with a lack of pain and a rapid recovery process. To determine if this treatment is right for you, here are some comparisons made between micro-needling and other popular treatments. Micro-needling vs. Fraxel Laser Resurfacing Fraxel laser resurfacing uses a non-ablative laser to effectively resurface the skin, penetrating beneath the surface of the skin to the dermis below. It then heats the tissue, which helps start a healing process to form new and healthy skin. Micro-needling, on the other hand, uses needles to create micro-channels in the skin without causing heat damage to surrounding tissue. Both procedures initiate a natural healing process, but, unlike Fraxel laser resurfacing, micro-needling leaves ...

Often a large concern new clients have when first coming to Althea for a laser treatment is the amount of pain they will be enduring throughout the procedure. In order to answer this question we must look at several factors. Pain levels are specific to each client and can vary in each circumstance. Pain in men and women First, lets look at how men and women experience pain. Which gender generally has a better pain threshold? Many spa practitioners believe that men are more sensitive to pain than women. However, this is widely debated among experts. Pain is subjective and difficult to measure. We have to rely on what people say. Pain cannot be analyzed as if it were under a microscope in some physical form. This hinders study due to the tendency of males to refuse to admit pain. This denial results from the social construct of male masculinity and image, which can inhibit accurate data collection. ...

What Is Laser Hair Removal? Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair by using lasers. The lasers used to remove hair target the roots of the hair just beneath the skin’s surface. Lasers that remove hair cause localized damage by selectively heating melanin, while not affecting the rest of the skin. Melanin occurs naturally in our skin. It gives our skin and hair its color. The darker the hair and the lighter the skin, the better the result of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is less effective on red, blonde and white hair. Waxing, plucking, and electrolysis are alternatives to lasers for these lighter hair colors. The laser can only disable hair follicles that are in the active growth phase. Normally only about 20% of a person's hair is actively growing at a given point in time. This is why a series of treatments is necessary. Side Effects At least two weeks prior ...

In my last blog post I gave part one of two for different ways to relax after a medical spa treatment, which you can check out by clicking here. So i'm back again, making sure not to disappoint, with three more relaxing ways to spend some of your free time. So you can improve not only your physical well being, but your emotional health as well. 3. Pick up that book that you’ve been meaning to start (or finish). Books have so many genres, and are so diverse they are almost impossible to hate! They help take your mind off any worries, while at the same time helping to improve one's vocabulary and grammar. However, if for some reason books just aren’t your forte no one ever said you have to stick to just straight novels! Reading in general is extremely beneficial; be it magazines, subtitles of your favorite show, or even more blog posts, reading is ...

Have you ever had a day to just pamper yourself? To really be able to take the time and take care of yourself mentally, physically,and emotionally? I know that among the stresses of everyday life I could always use a break. I know when I’m walking out of Althea after a laser treatment I’m not really up for any responsibilities and definitely don’t want to be out and about. So I decided, why not take advantage of the situation? Why not take a medspa day and make it a “Me Day”? With that being said, sometimes we are so used to being such busy bees we could always use a gentle nudge in the right direction, so without further ado, here are six ways to relax post Althea laser treatment. 6. Have a delicious cup of tea and pair it with some music. Along with that warm and cozy feeling, tea also has proven medicinal benefits. ...

Laser Acne Treatment Acne can be found anywhere on the body. Acne lesions that open to the surface of the skin, with a black appearance, are called blackheads. Lesions that are closed just under the surface of the skin, giving a white appearance, are called whiteheads. Both whiteheads and blackheads are called "comodones." When these lesions become inflamed, the inflammation, if untreated, leads to scarring. Laser acne treatment can help with both acne and scarring. Causes Hormonal changes during puberty cause overproduction of sebum oil from sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum keeps our skin moist, but when the body produces too much sebum, it mixes with dead skin and clogs the gland ducts. This creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive. Other endocrine conditions, unrelated to puberty, also cause acne. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is fairly common. Cushing syndrome is a rare condition related to taking excessive hormones. Certain ...

Effective IPL treatment IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment is also known as a photofacial (when applied to the face) or photorejuvenation. It is often considered to be a laser treatment, but technically, it is not. IPL treatment uses rapid pulses of very intense light to treat skin with sun damage, brown or age spots, or excessive redness. At Althea Medspa, we use the FDA cleared Alma Harmony XL device. Depending on your need, we will use a 540 nanometer handpiece for brown spots, or a 570 nanometer handpiece for redness, or both. Sunspots treated with IPL treatment can take 1 - 2 weeks to resolve, and in some cases even three weeks. When IPL treatment is used to treat pigmented sun spots on your skin, at first they will turn slightly darker. Sometimes these pigmented spots turn into black specks of dead skin that look like coffee grounds. Gradually, over ...

Effective Laser Skin Treatments Laser skin treatments, including IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments, restart and regenerate your skin. In fact, in 30 minutes our Alma Harmony XL laser starts the skin restoration process. No waiting and wondering if your skin will look, feel, and heal better. It will. In fact, clients often see rapid results, yet keep in mind it takes about 3 weeks to see full results. The before and after of skin laser treatments produce real-time short-term and longer-term results. And best of all, it's a comfortable treatment engineered to bring out the best in your skin's appearance. It heals and restores your skin. This blend of patience, skill, and FDA approved technology does wonders for both skin and self confidence. Results sometimes may vary with individuals, however usually four to six treatments are all that's required to bring your skin back to its full potential. Laser skin treatments at Althea ...

It is the time of year once again for Althea Medspa's ever popular holiday sale! Season's greetings to our many loyal clients in 2015. We appreciate all of you.   BIG HOLIDAY SAVINGS  on products, services and gift cards   10% off on all purchases up to $250 15% off for spending at least $250 20% off for spending at least $500 25% off for spending $750 or more!    Take advantage of this offer NOW until Dec. 31, 2015   Sale applies to all services, products and gift card purchases.  No expiration on services!  Cannot be combined with another offer.    www.altheamedspa.com   Call us at (571)222-4073 Or come by one of our two spa locations in Fairfax or Sterling, Virginia  

Sunrise over the Atlantic Recently I attended a Medical Spa Exchange in Boca Raton, Florida. For three days I met with the owners of 12 leading medical spas from around the country and representatives from 16 spa product companies. I shared our experiences with the other spas and learned from them as well. I formed business and personal relationships that I hope will continue. I feel privileged to be part of an industry with so many competent and professional business people. I also found out that Althea Medspa is doing just fine!

  Laser skin resurfacing improves  wrinkles and fine lines, acne and acne scars, and stretch marks.    Save $200 on 3 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments   SAVE $200 NOW Offer expires on November 27, 2015 Save $25 on 1 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment   SAVE $25 NOW Offer expires on November 27, 2015 Learn more about Laser Skin Resurfacing     Friends and family:  Share this deal with your friends and family! We will give you a $25 credit if your referrals become clients.  Conditions apply.   Sales ends 11/27/15. No expiration date to redeem. Buy as many as you want. Can't be combined with other offers. Treatments must be used by the same person on the same area.

* FAT REDUCTION *     Now In Sterling!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK! On account of client feedback, we have newly added our Fat Reduction/Body Contouring procedure at our Sterling spa location!  This non-invasive procedure uses Radio Frequency to reduce fat and shape your body, and we are now performing it at both our Sterling and Fairfax Spa locations. We use the FDA approved and state of the art Alma Accent XL machine to perform Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening.  This machine emits radio frequency energy and has a relatively low intensity which means it is both safer and penetrates more deeply than some other energy sources. The energy is converted into heat just below the surface of the skin (the dermis), where it destroys cellulite, stimulates collagen growth (which removes wrinkles), and liquefies any fat that has accumulated at that depth. The fat is then eliminated through the body's natural ...

Our Clinicians just returned from ICAAM 2014 held in Dubai, UAE!  Here our staff acquired information on the latest technology in aesthetics, heard lectures from acclaimed Doctors in the field, and conversed with many professionals to gain knowledge on the best new products and practices across the world.  Ask your clinician about the event and what knowledge we brought back with us! And look for more blogs coming up on what we experienced.

The HOLIDAYS are here and so are SAVINGS at Althea! Take advantage of savings NOW until December 31st! Pamper your loved ones with gifts of Althea services, or just treat yourself to escape the holiday hustle and bustle! The Althea holiday sale makes it easy and extra affordable to make all your holiday dreams come true. Be rewarded for Holiday shopping at Althea!  Receive: 10% off on all purchases up to $200 15% off for spending at least $200 20% off for spending at least $300 and 25% off  for spending $500 or more! Sale applies to all services, products, and gift card purchases.  No expiration on services! Call us at 571 222-4073or come by one of our two spa locations in Fairfax and Sterling, Virginia. We greatly appreciate your patronage and support and Happy Holidays! Althea Medspa “Like us on Facebook!”    

  Benefit from Our Client Rewards Program!  Earn rewards points for Referring, Recruiting, and writing Reviews for Althea!  Refer a friend or family member to Althea Medspa and if they purchase through us $100 in services or products, you will receive $25 rewards points!  You may redeem your points on any services or products that Althea has to offer.    Recruit for Althea!  We are currently looking for friendly and intelligent individuals to join our stellar team at Althea Medspa.  We seek for Clinical, Administrative, and Management staff.  Send us applicants and receive $100 rewards points, if your applicant is hired and remains in employment at Althea for at least 90 days.    Review us online!  We love our clients and would greatly appreciate your ratings and feedback.  Write us a review on Google, Yelp, or Groupon, let us know, then we will give you $10 rewards points for each site you write us a review!   Thank you for your patronage ...

Last Summer Weekly Promotion, All About Hair! Extra Large (Upper Legs): $95/treatment Any Large Area: $75/treatment Medium Area: $55/treatment Any Small Area: $30/treatment This one treatment promotion is good for touch-up or if you think you just need one treatment. Please share this promotion to friends and family, we will give the same price to them, but please remember that the promotion is for one treatment only. Please call Althea Medspa at 571 222-4073 to make an appointment and purchase. Payment will be required at the time of appointment. Cancellation policy applies. Treatment must be completed by August 31, 2014. Available appointments are limited. Promotion is for Sterling and Fairfax locations.

What are UVA and UVB? They are simply different wavelength bands of ultraviolet light with different ranges of wavelengths. UVB has shorter wavelengths and higher energy and does not penetrate the surface of the skin. It causes sunburn. UVA has longer wavelengths and penetrates below the surface of the skin where over time it causes permanent sun damage consisting of wrinkling, “aging,” and pigment changes. A sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB is called “broad spectrum.” What is the significance of SPF? SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” It is defined as the time it takes to develop sunburn using a product compared to the time it takes without any protection. SPF 15 is considered to be the minimum effective protection and SPF 30 is more optimal. What are the merits of physical and chemical sunblocks? Chemical sunblocks are organic compounds whose molecular structures absorb ultraviolet light. Many of them are not broad spectrum, and certain ones cause allergies or acne. Physical sunblocks consist of either titanium oxide or zinc oxide. They are broad spectrum and tend to remain on the surface of the skin where they primarily reflect and scatter ultraviolet light, although some is absorbed as well. Did you know? A white T­shirt has an SPF of 7 – 8 and thus by itself is insufficient sun protection. Darker, thicker material such as denim has an SPF of 28 – 30 – much better! Althea sunblock is a pure, broad spectrum physical sunblock that consists of 17% zinc oxide and has an SPF of 30. Pick some up on your next visit to our spa!

Recently I attended an advanced class in Florida that discussed various non­invasive procedures for fat and skin that are currently available in the market. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure that freezes superficial fat cells, causing their destruction (lipolysis). The dead cells are permanently removed from the body by natural processes. The result takes about 2­3 months to become visible. However, even after 4­6 months, the results persist. UltraCavitation (ultrasound): An ultrasound probe transmits ultrasound waves into the fat layer of  the skin  causing  temporary rupture  of fat  cells.  Fats  are  then released from  the fat  cells  and expelled from the body by natural processes.  “Cavitation” refers to the microscopic gas bubbles by which the ultrasonic shock wave propagates through the skin. RF (Radio Frequency): Radio frequency energy is delivered via electrodes and converted to heat in various layers of the skin. With repeated treatments the heat thickens the skin's connective tissue (collagen), resulting in tightening of the skin. The heat liquefies fat as well, which is removed naturally as in the above techniques. The RF head has to remain in motion throughout the treatment. LipoLaser: Low energy cold diode laser with a wavelength of 650nm (red light) targets specific fat cells. The process opens transitory pores in fat cells through which fats are released, thereby emptying the cells. LED (light emitting diode): Red light from LEDs with a wavelength of 640 nm is naturally converted into cellular energy to promote healing and anti­aging effects. LED light therapy is a painless non­invasive procedure. Which of these works better? Each has its advocates and each can bring positive outcomes. Our instructor generally advocates cryolipolysis supplemented by one or more of the other techniques. Althea currently performs radio frequency treatments and we have had very good results with it. We plan to introduce other services to provide a more complete suite of services.

In this video you will learn (or be reminded of) 5 Hot Beauty Tips for 2013. This is a great video by Youtube’s beauty expert Tati. These are 5 everyday tips you can use at home to make yourself feel and look more beautiful.