Blog Archives - Premier MD Care

You’re hot. Skin Cancer is not.

As we’re coming into the melting summer months of Florida, we wanted to discuss a topic that we are extremely passionate about and know can be somewhat of an overly-exhausted topic for many: Skin Cancer.

We are constantly flooded with information about Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, etc. All of these cancers that are caused by genetics, or some unknown source or factor and are unpredictable and not always preventable. Skin Cancer may not always be in the spotlight, however, we think it’s one of the most terrifying cancers to date and the crazy part is that so many cases are completely preventable. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, Skin Cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to the sun.

As a staff of providers dedicated to achieving your aesthetic goals and treating all of your concerns, we know that health and beauty go hand in hand. And while we don’t want to preach, we do always want to educate. So we wanted to touch base and inform everyone about the different types of skin cancer, what it means to be diagnosed, and how to help prevent it.

The most common types of cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma, with BCC’s being the most common type, coming in at 4 of the 5 million cases diagnosed in the US yearly.

Basal Cell Carcinoma – Most common form of skin cancer. BCC’s often look like pink growths, red patches, shiny bumps, or even just a scar. BCC’s almost never spread from the original site and only in very rare cases has it ever become life-threatening. This may not seem like a big deal, but it still needs to be treated as it can end up becoming disfiguring if not treated promptly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Second most common form of skin cancer. SCC’s often look like scaly red patches, warts, elevated growths, or open sores. They may have a tendency to sometimes crust or bleed. If given the chance and not treated, they can sometimes become deadly. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that there are 115 cases diagnosed every single hour in the US, and that more than 15,000 Americans die each year from SCC. These numbers have increased 200% in the past 3 decades.

Melanoma – Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. These cancerous growths develop when un-repaired DNA damage to skin cells (tanning beds and being in the sun too long!) trigger mutations that provoke the skin cells to multiply at a rapid pace and form malignant tumors. They often appear as asymmetrical moles and are usually black or brown, yet sometimes will be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, white, or even blue! If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable. If it’s not, it can spread to other parts of the body quite quickly and become fatal. The Skin Cancer Foundation predicts that 7,230 people will die from Melanoma in 2019.

So what can you do to keep your skin healthy and glowing? We’re so glad you asked!

Sunscreen! (And yes! The sunscreen you use DOES matter!)

- - Make sure you’re using a Mineral + Chemical Sunscreen
  - Mineral (physical) filters sit on top of the skin and block UVA/UVB rays. Think about the mineral filter as a shield! Zinc oxide is a natural mineral filter.
  - Chemical (organic) filters penetrate the skin to scatter and absorb UVA/UVB rays. Think about the chemical filters as a sponge!

What does SPF even do or mean? Is using a higher SPF actually better?

- - SPF = Sun Protection Factor
  - The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to start burning your skin versus the amount of time it would take without using any sunscreen.
  - So for instance, if you use SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen! The higher the SPF number, the less percentage of UV rays are allowed to penetrate your skin which offer you more protection.
  - Don’t think you can just put your sunscreen on and you’re good for the day though! Reapplying is essential, so please always follow the instructions.

Schedule a complimentary skin evaluation with our Licensed Clinical Esthetician.

– It is our ultimate goal to help you feel beautiful and confident in the skin you’re in, as well as making sure it’s healthy. Schedule a complimentary evaluation and let us create a treatment plan along with the perfect daily product regimen! (239)500-SPAS (7727)

Keep sun exposure to a minimum!

- - We know and we won’t argue it! The sun provides plenty of health benefits. It keeps our planet warm, and our plants healthy. Sunshine touching our skin is a trigger that provokes our bodies to make Vitamin D which is absolutely essential for our well-being.
  - However, 30 minutes of sun a day is more than enough to get this healthy dose in and chances are that you’re getting it without even thinking about it. (I.E. Any time you’re walking from the car to the house, or driving, or near a window, etc.)
  - So for the rest of the time, wear a hat, try to hang out in shady areas, and if you can’t handle hiding from the sun, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Visit the Dermatologist yearly & keep an eye on any spots or moles on your body that may have changed in shape, size, or color!

Not so fun fact:

Did you know that your driver’s side is exposed to the sun more frequently and that having dark spots and loss of laxity is more visibly common on that side as we age? So even though you may not be a beach bum, you’re still exposed to the sun daily and need sunscreen coverage.

Getting Started with a Weight Loss Program

A monitored weight loss program is an option to consider if you’ve been trying everything that you know of to lose weight on your own. It often involves more than just a few exercises and eating healthier. As you get started with a weight loss program, there are a few things that you should know about so that it’s easier to make the changes in your life that will deliver the results that you desire.

Look at the lifestyle that you’re living right now. Keep a diary about the things that you believe have resulted in gaining weight and the things that you’ve been doing to try to lose weight but haven’t worked. If you can keep a journal with the foods that you eat and the exercises you do, you can get a better idea as to what you can change during the day to lose weight.

When you’re getting started with a weight loss program, you should set a goal for how much you want to lose and an overall target weight that you want to reach. Keep in mind that it’s more about lifestyle changes that are healthy instead of trying to lose as much weight as possible each month. Start slowly so that your body can get adjusted to the changes that you’re making and so that it’s easier to keep the weight off.

Based on how much you currently weigh and how much you want to lose, you need to determine how many calories you need to consume each day. This is where a doctor can help as you’re getting started with your weight loss program. You can talk to your doctor about the foods that you should eat and those you should avoid that might have more calories in them. There are several apps you can use to keep track of what you eat each day and the calories that you’re consuming so that you don’t have to count them on your own.

Try to get rid of the unhealthy foods in your home. This will make it easier to avoid them in general, especially if you don’t purchase them again. Start with a few simple exercises until you build your stamina and are able to exercise for longer periods of time. Within a few months, you should begin seeing noticeable changes in how you look and feel as you lose weight.

To learn more about how to get started with a weight loss program that’s safe and effective for your body, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with MedSpa 22. At our convenient locations in Fort Myers, FL, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Am I a Candidate for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

There are a number of reasons why people are interested in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Many women are interested in this therapy because of the constant fluctuations they experience in hormones throughout their lives. Pregnancy, menopause, PMS, and other situations can make life difficult for some women. Men also battle with hormone fluctuations, especially as they get older. Additional hormonal challenges arise based on a man’s diet and the stresses they are under.

As a person ages, they will experience a normal fluctuation in hormone levels. A person may ask, how can I know for sure if I am a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy? There are a lot of factors to consider, but let’s focus on just a few of them.

You Have Undergone Hormone Testing

This is the obvious but not always appreciated reason why people begin bioidentical hormone therapy. In fact, before our doctor would recommend any form of hormone therapy, they are going to do some testing to make sure that your hormone levels are actually low. There is no benefit in giving someone hormone therapy if their symptoms are being caused by something else.

Doctors are able to examine your blood to determine your hormone levels. They can compare these levels with what is considered standard for someone in your age range. Some assume that when a man or woman reaches a certain age, they are automatically deficient in a particular hormone. However, this assumption is not always accurate. There are a number of individuals who are in their middle-age years or older who are still producing healthy levels of hormones that their body is happy with. If that’s the case, then there’s really no reason to make any changes.

Let’s say that you are a woman who is healthy and in your mid-20’s. You’re experiencing hot flashes and other symptoms connected to menopause. This is not enjoyable, it’s not normal, and it is definitely not healthy. This may be an example of perimenopause. Basically, your hormone levels are dropping faster than they should. In this instance, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be a solution to the symptoms that you are dealing with.

Men may also experience an abnormal drop in their testosterone levels. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this. In some cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is exactly what is needed in order to help get the man feeling like he should for his age.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and see if it can help you improve your quality of life? If so, reach out to the educated staff at MedSpa 22 in Fort Myers, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

The Simplicity of Getting a BOTOX Treatment

You may feel that you look older than you really are merely because of the tiny wrinkles that form on your face and forehead when you smile or frown. All it takes is a narrowing of the eyes or a pursing of the lips, and the skin on your face suddenly crinkles and is full of lines and crow’s feet. The easiest fix for the problem of dynamic wrinkles is a simple BOTOX® treatment.

Without actually treating the skin directly, this quick procedure can result in a significant diminishing of these wrinkles. Your current skin tone and thickness doesn’t matter. The injections relax the upper-level facial muscles and allow the skin to remain flat and smooth. You’re a likely candidate for BOTOX® treatment if you’re in good overall health and have the type of wrinkles that it’s designed to treat.

What It Treats

The skin gets pulled and creased every time you make a facial expression. Countless thousands of muscle contractions over the years, combined with a decreasing amount of important proteins in the skin, causes the appearance of thin wrinkles that often appear splintered. These usually occur on the forehead, in between the eyebrows, and at the sides of the eyes.

The muscles that pull and crease the skin lay just below the dermal layers. If they are forced to remain in a relaxed state, the lower-level muscles take over the job, but they don’t contort the skin surface as much. BOTOX® treatments prevent nerve signals from reaching the upper-level muscles while leaving the lower-level muscles and sensory nerves unaffected.

Performing BOTOX® Treatments

During a consultation for BOTOX® treatment, we examine your face and look at the severity of the wrinkling. We want to check the strength and depth of the muscles that are causing these dynamic wrinkles to form. Based on these observations, we will determine the proper injection sites and dosage.

The fluid itself is basically a purified protein solution. When it’s injected directly into muscle tissue, it blocks the signals from the brain, and this means less overall muscle contraction.

Results aren’t immediate. It takes days for the effect to become noticeable. The muscles will remain in a mostly relaxed, non-contracted state for about four months or so, after which time the procedure can be repeated.

Simpler Than Other Treatments

You can opt for skin ablation, but it’s a more aggressive, invasive procedure. Some individuals, perhaps yourself, worry about negative reactions to other treatments. Abrasive resurfacing is sometimes effective, but it can result in localized discolorations and a brittle appearance to the skin surface. BOTOX® treatment doesn’t target the skin directly, so there’s no worrying about problems with the skin tone afterward.

You can turn back the aging clock on your appearance with a simple BOTOX® treatment at MedSpa 22 in Fort Myers. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more information.

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis

Stem cell therapy is not new to the medical community; surgeons have been using varying forms of stem cell therapy to complete major operations and other surgeries for many years. Chiropractors and practitioners are now authorized to offer stem cell injections for such orthopedic needs as torn ACLs, pulled tendons, damaged muscles and osteoarthritis in the joints right in their office.

Thousands of men and women have experienced relief from chronic pain with stem cell therapy in the past two years, relieving chronic pain and avoiding major surgeries. Stem cell therapy can be completed in one office visit with little to no downtime. Stem cells are fresh and uncoded, so when they are injected into a specific area, they are able to reproduce the cells that they have come in contact with whether it is muscle, tissue, bone or cartilage.

The amazing property of stem cells is what has allowed this state-of-the-art technology to provide many benefits for the recipients. Some facilitators harvest the stem cells from the fat on the patient’s back, but this process has proved to be inferior to the new, harvested umbilical stem cells. The stem cells taken from the back are precoded and dated according to the patient.

How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help Osteoarthritis?

If you are suffering from osteoarthritis or you have suffered an injury to your joints, the stem cell process will multiply the remaining cartridge cells to restore the area. In a matter of weeks, pain should begin decreasing and continue for months.

The treatment is not for everyone though. Before you begin stem cell therapy, the doctor will determine if you would be a prime candidate for the treatment. In order for the stem cells to multiply, there must be an adequate amount of the injured tissue still remaining, so the new stem cells have an adequate amount to copy.

In your first office visit, the doctor will discuss any pain you’ve been experiencing, and then take an X-ray to show the extent of the damage. If you are a good candidate, the stem cell injection may be given in the office visit, and you can begin to start building back lost tissue immediately.

Contact Us Today for Further Information

If you have any more questions about the extraordinary stem cell therapy and how it can benefit you, please feel free to make an appointment with Med Spa 22. At our convenient location in Fort Myers, FL, our caring and dedicated staff would love to help eliminate the pain from osteoarthritis and get you back to feeling your best again. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Use BOTOX Injections to Fade Wrinkles

Both men and women who are trying to reduce the appearance of wrinkles should consider BOTOX® injections. This revolutionary treatment is changing the way people see the aging process. One simple appointment can leave you looking younger for four months and results in no downtime. If you are interested in a non-surgical way to look younger, read on to learn more about BOTOX® injections.

How Do BOTOX® Injections Work?

BOTOX® works by temporarily relaxing certain facial muscles in order to allow fine lines and wrinkles to relax and fade. It is aimed at treating dynamic wrinkles, which are the ones caused by repetitive facial movements, such as squinting, laughing, and frowning. Injections are made in a very precise way so the surrounding area will not be impacted. You will still be able to make a full range of facial expressions after BOTOX® injections.

After your appointment, it will take a few days for the muscles to become paralyzed. Improvements in the appearance of the wrinkles are apparent soon after. The results can last for a number of months. If you choose not to have follow-up treatments after this time, muscle movements will resume and the wrinkles will reappear.

Why Choose BOTOX® Injections?

There are many reasons that this treatment has become so popular that it is practically a household name. Some of the highlights include:

It is the best-researched drug of its kind
Results are dramatic, even on moderate to severe wrinkles
It can target crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines
Treatments are quick and easy, typically taking 15 minutes or less
There is no downtime after treatment
It is safe and FDA-approved

Who Should Consider BOTOX® Injection?

This is an appropriate treatment for both men and women who are bothered by the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. It is not something that is only suitable for the elderly. More and more people are getting this treatment in their 40s and even 30s. There are many factors that go into when dynamic wrinkles appear, such as lifestyle and genetics. You do not need to wait until you reach a certain age to seek treatment.

Get In Touch with Us for More Information

If you are ready to fade your wrinkles and look younger, fee free to reach out and make an appointment with Med Spa 22. At our convenient location in Fort Myers, FL, we would be happy to discuss BOTOX® injections and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Feeling Out of Sorts? Try Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause is a natural condition that develops when you reach the time of your life that you no longer have menstrual periods. Your ovaries will no longer produce estrogen, a hormone that governs your menstrual cycle. This time of life is the end of your reproductive years. Women normally pass through menopause at the average age of 51 years. Fortunately, many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause can be alleviated through hormone replacement therapy.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. Your estrogen levels in your ovaries will begin to fluctuate in your 30s and 40s. Changes in your menstrual cycle are a typical symptom of perimenopause. You may experience longer or shorter cycles at this time or skip periods altogether. You may experience changes in menstrual bleeding, and your amount of flow may be heavier or lighter than you normally experience.

Some women are lucky and experience no symptoms whatsoever of perimenopause or only have fairly mild signs. Others have severe symptoms like hot flashes that can last for several minutes or longer. They can occur a few times a month or multiple times daily. Night sweats may interfere with your sleep and make you feel sluggish and tired at day time. You may also experience urinary tract changes and vaginal changes that lead to a thinning of the vaginal lining and less elasticity. Pain during intercourse and vaginal infections are also symptoms of perimenopause.

Other Changes

It is normal to experience some bone loss after your mid-30s for both sexes. However, the first few years after menopause can lead to a more rapid level of bone loss among women. This is due to decreased estrogen levels and can lead to the development of osteoporosis. Your risk of having a bone fracture are increased with osteoporosis. Bones found in the hip, spine, and wrist are commonly affected.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Many of the symptoms of these conditions can be relieved through hormone replacement therapy. This does involve taking estrogen and a hormone called progestin if you still have a uterus and have never undergone a hysterectomy.

What Benefits Are Derived from Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Estrogen replacement therapy has been found to be the ideal treatment for relieving night sweats and hot flashes. Vaginal dryness can be relieved by local and systemic forms of estrogen therapy. Systemic estrogen can help prevent menopause-related bone loss and spinal and hip fractures.

Learn More

If you would like more information about hormone replacement therapy, please speak with the professionals at Med Spa 22 in Fort Myers, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Kybella: An Effective Double Chin Treatment

If you are tired of dealing with a double chin, you may be thinking about using some of the fat removal treatments and procedures that are currently available. We would like to tell you why Kybella® is the ultimate double chin treatment.

Specifically Designed for Submental Fullness

It is true that individuals have been able to get satisfying results using other treatments in order to get rid of a double chin. However, these treatments were not specifically designed in order to address submental fullness. Many of them were designed in order to treat larger areas of the body, like the thighs, hips, or belly area.

Kybella® is only used as a double chin treatment. The active ingredient in the product is called deoxycholic acid. This is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is used in the stomach to break down fat and help the body to absorb nutrients. When it is injected into the fat under the chin, it will break down the fat cells. However, the other cells will not be affected.

Since other processes for getting rid of a double chin are more bulky and invasive, there is the potential for bruising, scarring, and swelling. When Kybella® injections are used, many of these risks completely disappear. The area under the chin is quite fragile. Using these simple injections is a great way to get rid of unwanted fat in a much more gentle way.

No Recovery Time

We understand that our clients are busy. They have families to take care of, jobs to do, and lots of responsibilities. One of the things that is especially appealing to our clients about a double chin treatment with Kybella® is the fact that there is no recovery time. When you have this injectable treatment performed, you are going to walk right out of our office and get back to normal life.

The number of treatments you may need can vary, which is something we can discuss with you at your personalized consultation. Treatment times typically range from 15 to 30 minutes.

Permanent Results

This product is designed to break down fat cells under the chin. Since the fat cells are broken down and then removed naturally from the body, individuals who use these injections can expect permanent results from the treatment. It is good to know to that there will still be fat cells left under the chin. So in order for the results to be permanent, an individual will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We know that a lot of the double chin treatment options out there just aren’t practical, which is why we offer Kybella® at MedSpa 22 in Fort Myers, FL. We would be happy to speak with you more about the benefits that come from using this product. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

How Do B12 Injections Help With Weight Loss?

B12 injections could help you shed fat and lose weight. There are many conditions that can make it difficult to lose weight. One of the most common and often overlooked is a vitamin deficiency. Your body needs a lot of different vitamins to maintain your optimal health. One of the most important vitamins for weight loss is B12. There has been a link established between energy enhancing, weight loss and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 has an important role in the essential functions of your body such as DNA synthesis. It also assists your body in the conversion of proteins and fats into energy.

There are various foods that contain vitamin B12 including meat, dairy products, eggs and fish. The human body is constantly using vitamin B12 to maintain the essential functions. These crucial functions include:

• Providing the support necessary for red blood cells to develop
• Enhancing immune functions and reactions
• Strengthening the nervous system and brain

You will find a lot of foods containing B12. Unfortunately, individuals with specific dietary restrictions have a much higher chance of ending up with a deficiency. This is especially accurate for vegans, vegetarians and any diet that does not allow a variety of animal proteins. When B12 is ingested on a regular basis, there is the possibility your body will have issues processing it if you have not included any animal proteins in your diet.

When a person has had a B12 deficiency for a prolonged period of time, they can develop anemia. This is a condition where the red blood cell levels are too low. The body has difficulty moving enough oxygen to the tissues. This can result in a debilitating weakness.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause issues prior to the development of anemia. The symptoms are pervasive and serious including dizziness, weakness, tiredness, constipation, shortness of breath and more. This can cause problems with the systems in your body controlling your weight. Aerobic exercise is a contributor to fat loss. The body uses the circulatory and respiratory systems while exercising.

Low levels of vitamin B12 hinder both of these systems. This means exercising may not be as effective and prolonged exercise will not be possible for those suffering from fatigue. A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause problems controlling your weight. When the natural balance of your body is disrupted, the most common response is to slow down the metabolism, burn less calories and conserve your stores of fat.

Like most vitamin deficiencies, issues with B12 are easy to treat, especially when B12 injections are readily available. Changing your eating habits is a good option, but the best way to get back to an energetic lifestyle and good health is with B12 injections. These injections are easy, fast and effective.

To learn more about B12 injections and how they can benefit you when it comes to weight loss, make an appointment at MedSpa 22 in Fort Myers. Contact us today to book your consultation!

Forget Razor Burn… Try Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure in which we direct a laser to destroy hair follicles producing unwanted hair. This treatment has helped liberate many people from the time-consuming activity of waxing, plucking, and shaving. Just a few laser treatments are all that you need to permanently remove unwanted hair in places like your face, underarms, legs, or bikini area.

How It Works

We use a laser to target hair follicles for destruction when they are producing unwanted hair. The thermal energy transmitted by the laser is absorbed by melanin, a pigment that gives hair its color. This will lead to the destruction of the hair follicle and prevent it from growing hair in the future.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Anyone wishing to rid themselves of cumbersome body hair in a variety of areas may well be eligible for this treatment. Ideal candidates also harbor realistic expectations about this process in terms of what it can accomplish.

Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Right before your hair removal procedure, your hair in the treatment area will be trimmed down to just above your skin’s surface. The laser equipment will then be adjusted based upon your hair color, thickness, and location, as well as your skin color. We then direct laser energy into hair follicles, destroying them.

You may need several treatment sessions for the permanent removal of unwanted hair because of the way that individual hairs grow. Each hair has its own growth and resting phase. Some of your hairs will be and their growth phase at the time of treatment, while others are in their resting phase. Those in the resting phase do not have a hair present for laser targeting. By undergoing multiple treatment sessions, we can ensure that we treat all hair when it happens to be in its growth phase.

Schedule Your Visit for More Information

If you would like to schedule your laser hair removal procedure, or if you have more questions about the treatment, we invite you to make an appointment with Med Spa 22! At our convenient location in Fort Myers, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain the process in greater detail, answer any questions you may have, and help you achieve your desired silky smoothness. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!