Circumcision

One of the fist questions your pediatrician may ask you after your son’s birth is whether you plan to have him circumcised. Although this procedure is a relatively common surgical procedure at the time of birth, there are many factors, such as your culture, religion, and personal preference, that will be involved in your decision to have this procedure done later in life. During the circumcision process, the foreskin of the penis covers the glans, or head, of the penis and is removed during the surgery which exposes the end of the penis. Circumcising after the newborn period can be more intricate; however, we are able to help you achieve your desired outcome at any age.

I have included a few “Pros” and some “Mild Risks” associated with this procedure. It is important to be well informed before making this decision.

Pros
    • Circumcised children and men are less likely to develop Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
    • Circumcised men are lower at risk for penile cancer
    • Some studies show that circumcision may provide an additional line of defense against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s)
    • Irritation, Inflammation, and Infection are not common when circumcised
    • Circumcised penises are easier to keep clean and infection free
    • Complications of newborn circumcision is uncommon
    • AAP reports that “the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks”

Risks
    • Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision can present itself if home care is not being followed as directed
    • Irritation of glans can occur but is not a common issue
    • Risk of injury to the penis is always a standing risk, but by choosing the right doctor, you will prevent concerns related to injury
    • It can be an uncomfortable procedure so local anesthetic and a topical cream are provided. Please note that some individuals are allergic to anesthesia.

The 411 On Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is any part of the marijuana plant that you use to treat health problems. People use it to get relief from their symptoms, not necessarily to try to get high. Most marijuana that's sold legally as medicine has the same ingredients as the kind that people use for pleasure. But some medical marijuana is specially grown to have less of the chemicals that cause feelings of euphoria.

Marijuana plants have multiple chemicals, known as cannabinoids. The two main ones are THC and CBD. THC gives some of the pleasurable effects that pot smokers are looking for, but it also has some effects that may treat medical problems. Many researches suggest that CBD may be helpful for some health issues, but it doesn't cause you to get high.

People who smoke marijuana begin to feel its effects almost immediately, while those who eat it may not feel it for up to an hour. When you smoke pot, THC goes from your lungs to the bloodstream and causes your brain cells to release the chemical dopamine, leaving you feeling high.

Medical marijuana helps to ease pain, nausea, and loss of appetite in people who have cancer and HIV. Some research suggests medical marijuana may cut down seizures in people with epilepsy and that it eases multiple sclerosis symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms, pain, and frequent urination.

Medical marijuana can change your mood, making you feel happy, relaxed, sleepy, or anxious. It can also disrupt your short-term memory and decision-making ability. These side effects can last 1 to 3 hours based on the dose consume. Make sure it’s the right moment for you to ease your pain.

The FDA has approved two drugs that include ingredients also found in marijuana. Dronabinol has synthetic THC and is used to treat nausea from chemotherapy and extreme weight loss in people with AIDS. Nabilone is used for the same reasons, but it has a man-made chemical that's similar to THC.

Users smoke medical marijuana in paper-rolled cigarettes or pipes. You can also brew it into a beverage, eat it in cooked foods, or take it in pill form. The effects of a marijuana pill can be strong and long-lasting. This makes it hard to predict how it will affect a person. It can also be inhaled through vaporizers. Cannabinoid receptors have also been found in skin.  Some use topical marijuana for pain and inflammation. We have found this to be a great treatment and incorporate it into our massage therapy and facials upon request.

At Rejuvaline MedSpa we believe firmly that Medical Marijuana is a great treatment for various symptoms and illnesses. Anything we can do to help you get through rough moments, we strive to achieve. If you are living in South Florida and want to discuss your health concerns, please be sure to reach out. We are here to help!

SPRAY TAN 101

Spray tanning is a form of self-tanning (or sunless tanning) where a fine mist is sprayed onto your body. This mist has an ingredient in it called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that interacts with your own skin’s chemistry to turn it tan, or bronze. This temporary effect generally lasts from 5-10 days and is completely safe for your skin (although it doesn’t provide any protection against the sun’s rays). The results you can get from tanning sprays are generally very good.  Many celebrities and models prefer spray tanning to just about anything else to get the color they want.

Spray tanning comes in many forms. The mist can be sprayed from a variety of devices. You can go to a tanning or beauty salon and have it applied in a booth. These specially-designed booths have several nozzles or jets that spray your entire body with the spray tanning solution. Spray tan can also be administered with an airbrush or an air-gun as they’re called. These look similar to a paint gun that painters use on your house. They tend to be smaller and more mobile (obviously) than a booth. Last, you can get a spray tan from a bottle. There are lots of companies that make spray tanning products that have the same ingredients you’ll find in a salon or airbrush gun.

Pros & Cons

If you compare spray tanning to other forms of self-tanning products like lotions, creams, gels, and mousses, you’ll definitely see some differences; however, lets keep one thing in mind, all forms of self-tanning and spray tanning use the exact same active ingredient, DHA.  But that doesn’t mean you’ll get the same results with any old product that has DHA in it (believe me)!

That said, let’s go over some of the benefits of spray tanning.

First and foremost, spray tanning is easy. Once you’ve prepared, you just go to a tanning salon or have someone come to your house. The booth or technician then sprays your entire body with a fine mist. Once you blend it in a little, that’s it, you’re done!

Another benefit of spray tanning is the fact that it dries quicker than many self-tanning products. That means it’s less likely to get all over your clothes, your bed, and your partner.

As for the color achieved with spray tanning, that varies from person to person. Some people like the color and evenness you get with spray tanning, others think self-tanning lotions and gels are better. Because everyone has slightly different skin chemistry, you’ll really need to experiment a bit to see what works best for you.

The biggest drawback to getting a spray tan is the cost. One session can cost anywhere from $25 to $50, and even higher in many places. That’s quite a bit more expensive, per tan, than using self tanning lotions and creams at home, but in our opinion, the results are worth the cost.

Here at Rejuvaline MedSpa we use organic spray tan and certified technicians for the best results. Let’s stay tan and safe!

THE 411 ON TUMMY TUCKS

Are sit-ups not giving you the taut tummy you want? If you've got too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that doesn't respond to diet or exercise, you may be considering a "tummy tuck," which doctors call "abdominoplasty."

This surgery flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. This is a major surgery, so if you're considering it, you should know the facts before you decide whether to go forward.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good health. Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing skin. A tummy tuck is also an option for men or women who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly.

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you're a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you're done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

Are you planning to lose a lot of weight? Then a tummy tuck also is not for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you've tried everything else. It should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

You should also consider the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck. You can talk about scar placement and length with the doctor before the surgery.

How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery

The first step is to choose a surgeon and see him or her for a consultation. At that meeting, you'll talk about your goals and the following options:

Complete abdominoplasty. The surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and then contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin for a few days.

Partial or mini abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often done on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel. During this procedure, the surgeon most likely will not move your belly button, and the procedure may only take up to two hours, depending on your case.

If you smoke, your doctor will ask that you quit smoking from at least two weeks before the surgery until two weeks after the surgery. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely since smoking makes complications more likely and slows healing.

Don't try a drastic diet before the surgery. Eat well-balanced, complete meals. A healthy diet may help you heal better.

Tell your doctor about everything you take, including prescription drugs, herbal medicines, and other supplements. Your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain medications for a time before and after the surgery.

Before getting the surgery, get your home ready. You'll need:

Ice packs

Loose, comfortable clothing that can be put on and off very easily

Petroleum jelly

Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair

You'll also need someone to drive you home after the tummy tuck. If you live alone, you'll want someone to stay with you for at least the first night. Make a plan for that.

How a Tummy Tuck Is Done

This surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your case.

You will get general anesthesia, which will put you to "sleep" during the operation.

Possible Complications

You will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine and tell you how to best handle the pain. You may be sore for several weeks or months.

You may also experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness during that time.

As with any surgery, there are risks. Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You may be more likely to have complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery.

A tummy tuck leaves scars. Though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you've completely healed to help with scars.

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, the area that's operated on will be stitched and bandaged. It's very important to follow all your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.

You will have to severely limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. You may need to take up to one month off work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Your doctor will advise you on what you need to do or not do.

Returning to Daily Life

Generally, most people love how they look after this procedure. That can take time, though. You may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery.

Diet and exercise can and will help you maintain the results.

Stem Cell: The Innovative Filler | Look Younger In Under An Hour

Stem cells are being used in medicine for the regrowth of tissue and to help overcome certain diseases; however, an innovative use has come to light. The use of stem cells in the cosmetic industry for facial and hand rejuvenation is a relatively recent development. We know that certain types of stem cells can differentiate into tissue-specific cells when provided with the proper stimuli and placed in the right environment.

Protein rich plasma (PRP) is known to contain certain growth factors which can signal stem cells to differentiate. When stem cells are mixed with PRP and injected into skin tissues, these stem cells can then differentiate into collagen-producing skin cells. Since much of physical aging is a result of increased collagen breakdown with loss of overall collagen and elastin, collagen-stimulating substances to help restore the collagen balance in our face and hands can give a more refreshed, youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Rejuvaline uses a forefront technology to harvest stem cells from your body and re-inject them into the facial and hand tissues to restore a more youthful appearance. Various tissues in the body are an important source of stem cells, including bone marrow and fat or adipose tissue. In our practice, stem cells are harvested from fatty tissue in the stomach or hips in about 10 minutes, using a small syringe and lidocaine solution for numbing. 

The stem cells are then mixed with PRP prepared from drawing just one tube of your blood and spinning in the centrifuge for 10 minutes. It’s important to realize that these are not fat injections. It’s the stem cells that are being harvested from your fatty tissue. The goal is to extract and use the stem cells rather than your actual fat. This entire process takes just 30 to 40 minutes before the stem cells are ready for injection. The stem cell filler is then injected just like any standard filler.

Another benefit of stem cell fillers, compared to the commercially available fillers, is that stem cells can be injected at various levels within the facial tissues, ranging from very superficial lines of the upper lips and crows feet, to deeper nasolabial folds and marionette lines as well as hollow cheeks and temples. Patients often notice a healthy, youthful glow to their skin immediately following treatment.

Unlike commercial fillers which typically contain some foreign component, which is not part of our own bodies, these stem cell filler preparations come from your own body without the risk of allergic reaction. As long as you have some adipose tissue in you flanks or abdomen, a fairly large volume of stem cells for filler injections can be harvested and prepared for use in a single rejuvenation injection session.

Otoplasty

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a procedure that can be done to improve the shape and proportions of the ear. Otoplasty helps to create a more natural shape while simultaneously bringing balance and symmetry to the face and ears. Correction of any minor deformities on or near the face can have a profound effect  on an individual’s appearance and self-esteem. Candidates for the otoplasty procedure may be those who may feel self-conscious regarding the appearance of their ears, may it be size, or placement on the head. These individuals seek to improve the appearance of any deformity. Although the operation is usually performed on children ages four to fourteen, otoplasty can still be performed on individuals of all age groups. Ears are fully grown by the age of four, so early surgery can aid in the prevention of the child feeling self-conscious regarding their appearance at an early age.

Prior to the procedure, all individuals must consult with their physician and must make sure they stop all forms of smoking, avoid certain medications indicated by the physician, and arrange for help during recovery. Otoplasty can be performed in a hospital or in an outpatient facility, with sedation and/or local anesthesia. In other cases, general anesthesia which renders the individual unconscious, can be used, but is not commonly suggested. After the procedure is finalized, the ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support. You will likely feel some discomfort and itching, which is normal, but pain medication is normally suggested and prescribed to get you through the first few days. If the discomfort increases, you would need to contact your physician, at which point we will gladly accommodate you as needed. A few days after otoplasty, your doctor will remove your bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red. You'll need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for two to six weeks. This will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed.

Should you feel a bit uneasy about the appearance of your ears, please be sure to contact us for a free consultation. Our staff is always available to help you in a moment of need.

Reflexology and Acupressure

The present day hectic lifestyle, with tight schedules, back  to  back meetings  and  deadlines, often leads to stress, annoying pains  and  aches. A quick option most of us opt for is popping a  pain killer,  hardly  thinking  about  the negative effects  that  it  can  have  on  our  health  in  the  long  run.  Drugs  can  provide  temporary  relief  to  the  body,  but  ancient  therapies  like Acupressure strengthens the  body  from  the  core  by  stimulating  certain  sensitive areas to provide  long  term  relief from ailments  and  pains.  Prevent your body from relying blindly on drugs  and  let it bask in  the wholesome  goodness of Reflexology and Acupressure which is a therapy in complete harmony with nature.

This one  of  the most common yet  intimidating problems that all of us have suffered at some point of time. Although,  in  most cases, headaches  are  mild and disappear on  their own with time, it can wreak havoc on our  health and call for medical attention. The most common type of headache is known as ‘tension headache’ that are caused by prolonged stress, tension and fatigue. Other  related  factors like neck strain  and  prolonged  hours working on the computer are also the culprits.  Acupressure works wonders in providing relaxation and quick relief to the annoying headaches.

I’d  like to share some  go  to  Acupressure  treatments  for  headaches.  It  involves  4  pressure points:

Point 1– This point lies in the flesh between the thumb and the index finger.

Point 2– This point lies in the skin between the 2nd and the 3rd toes.

Point 3– This point is located at the outer tip of the eyebrow.

Point 4– This point is located one thumb-width above the midpoint of the eyebrow.

Apply this wholesome  therapy  instead  of  popping  a  pill and feel your body respond to the nurturing touch of Reflexology.

Botox Vs Xeomin

Our patients often ask us about the difference between Xeomin vs Botox. When I compare Xeomin vs Botox injections to our patients, I like to explain, that in my option, there is a difference in how Botox and Xeomin feel to the patient. As a patient myself, I have received Botox and Xeomin. Xeomin feels much lighter and more natural than Botox. With Xeomin, the wrinkles disappear, but I still maintain a little bit of motion in my eyebrows and facial features. Botox tends to be a bit stronger and results in a “frozen” look. It has a heavier feeling on the brow, and it tends to limit muscle movement to a greater degree. In addition, Xeomin is manufactured in such a way that the final product is more purified. This is one of  the main innovations that Xeomin brings to the table.

Botox, the brand name for onabotulinumtoxinA, is used to treat several medical conditions (such as treating migraines) other than its popular use for smoothing facial wrinkles. Xeomin, the brand name for IncobotulinumtoxinA, is a newer product than Botox. Botox and Xeomin are basically neurotoxins, that work by affecting the nervous tissue; hence, they are said to work in a similar fashion. However, unlike other neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport, Xeomin contains no bounding albumin protein. This keeps its molecules pure, minimizing chances of allergic reactions. Moreover, Xeomin can be kept at room temperature before reconstitution; Botox needs to be kept either frozen or refrigerated.

At Rejuvaline MedSpa, one solution does not fit everyone. We use Botox in patients  who want a more frozen look and who are used to feeling that heavy sensation and in patients who want to curtail muscle movement. For patients that want less muscle movement, and more natural facial function, we have found that Xeomin offers a superior result to those that  want to maintain some muscle function but limit the amount of facial lines they see in the mirror.

Make sure you are by a licensed practitioner prior to any injectables for the best results.