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Category: Santa Barbara

Our Mother’s Day Makeover 2019

Moms make the world a better place. The best part of our year is finding one special mama to recognize and spoil for a day. We were blown away by the amount of people up and down the central coast who submitted essays to honor their mothers in our third annual Mother’s Day Makeover contest.

Even though all moms deserve a day of pampering, we could only choose one. This year’s winner was Mary Weniger. 

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Wrinkle Treatment Options in Santa Barbara

wrinkle treatment options in santa barbara

Wrinkles: Everybody gets them. Not everybody wants them.

Wrinkles develop at different times for different people, depending on everything from genetics, to the environment, to your skincare routine. As our skin’s ability to maintain moisture and elasticity decreases, sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles appear.

Luckily there are numerous ways to reduce – and even eliminate – the appearance of wrinkles. Keep reading for an introduction into the various anti-aging skincare treatment options available at The G Spa.

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Venus Freeze™ A Skin Tightening Treatment

Yes, the name can be a bit misleading…because you are not going to freeze…in fact it feels more like a hot stone massage!

Ok, here is the technical stuff. The Venus Freeze™, so named as it “Freezes Time”, uses heat from a patented Multi Polar Technology and Magnetic Pulses to target fat cells and activate the skin’s natural restoration process. The controlled thermal action of the Multi Polar Technology stimulates collagen production and elastin synthesis for wrinkle and cellulite reduction. At the same time the Magnetic Pulses induce the growth of new blood vessels and trigger the growth of cells that produce collagen fibers, rejuvenating the supply of nutrients to the skin for younger, firmer looking skin.

In the media Venus Freeze™ has been featured frequently and it has been demonstrated on The Doctors and The Rachael Ray Show. In both these promotions you can witness some astonishing results. The Venus Freeze™ is not the only game in town, but it is the one we believe is the overall best for cellulite reducing, wrinkle diminishing and skin tightening.

As it is Dr. Griffin’s goal to help accentuate her client’s natural beauty, we promote products and services that most benefit our clients with minimal pain, minimal downtime and great results. This is why we are such big fans of the Venus Freeze™. Our clients love the results!

Call us for a consultation. We would be happy to answer your questions on the Venus Freeze™ or any of our other medical spa services. If you are considering several Venus Freeze™ treatments, The G Spa offers the Venus Freeze™Tight Club as a way to help you save money.

We look forward to seeing you!

The G Spa Team

To Ink or Not to Ink…

Tattooing, a form of body modification, is made by inserting ink into the skins dermis layer to change its pigment.

The first written reference to the word tattoo (or tatau), appears in the journal of Joseph Banks (1743-1820)  the naturalist aboard Captain Cook’s ship the HMS Endeavor in its exploration of Tahiti and New Zealand.

 “I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humour or disposition”.

Sounds fascinating…Fast forward more than two decades to a period where 1 out of every 5 adults (21%) has at least one tattoo and approximately 40% of those aged 18 to 29 have them!

I must admit, although I am not tattooed, I have stood in several tattoo parlors and pondered the idea.  I admire them on others, including the ones that adorn my heavily tattooed son and the ones on my otherwise very conservative brother.

Yes, tattoos can be stunning, surreal, provocative, commemorative or whimsical…but what happens when this art form takes a bad turn; what if you break up with your “one true love” and no longer want his/her name emblazoned on your shoulder?  Or your friend, the fledgling tattoo artists, is not quite the artist you thought they were? Or the tramp stamp that you thought looked hot on you when you were 25 does not look so hot on you at 50, or you simply outgrow skeletons and roses?

THAT IS WHERE WE COME IN!

Tattoo-removal-eraser

The G Spa Santa Barbara is pleased to introduce the DESCRIBE Transparent PFD Patch, the most significant advance in tattoo removal!

The Describe Patch is integrated into current laser tattoo removal regimens by simply placing the Patch, which contains perfluorodecalin (PFD), an inert, non-toxic, transparent liquid over the tattoo being removed.

  • Allowing for multiple laser passes over the tattoo in a single treatment session.
  • Drawing away heat from the top layer of skin, resulting in a more comfortable treatment session.
  • Providing for shorter regimen overall.
  • Less painful and less costly.

If you are rethinking that ink, Dr. Griffin and the staff at the G Spa would love to help you get a fresh start! Call us for more information.

NovaThreads® A Stitch in Time!

NovaThreads® are a New and Sensational Addition to the Aesthetic Medical Spa Line Up!

A youthful, healthy face has a “V-shape”. With the aging of tissues and the action of gravity, this “V-shape” diminishes or inverts. NovaThreads® are used to create a scaffolding in order to support the tissues and keep them in the “V-shape”, or to lift the tissues and reposition the skin to recreate the “V-shape” where it’s been lost.

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NovaThreads® meet a need in aesthetics in that they lift the soft tissues of the face and neck with a basic in-office procedure with essentially no downtime and with great results!

NovaThreads® are injectable subcutaneous dissolvable polydioxanone (PDO) threads used for non-surgical skin tightening and neocollagenesis (collagen boosting) of the face and neck. The threads are placed under the skin in different areas to achieve lifting of the cheeks, jowls and the neck bands. It achieves results instantly which last from 1 to 2 years, depending on the number of threads, their placement and on the patient’s skin laxity. The procedure may be repeated after 4-6 weeks for improved results.

novathreads-skin-illustration

Typically, a good candidate is in their 40s or 50s, however it all depends on the patient and their particular physiology and area of concern. Some patients require a second treatment, depending upon the extent of excessive tissue. A consultation to determine if someone is a good candidate for the procedure is always done prior to treatment.

These are unlike the previous “threads” on the market which were commonly known as a “thread lift”. Those threads were problematic in that they were permanent threads and were being misused as in some cases the patient actually needed a surgical face lift. Also, due to the permanency of the older threads there were issues with irregularity, extrusion and infection. These threads actually fell out of favor among aesthetic surgeons due to a host of reasons. NovaThreads® are completely dissolvable so they are dissolved from the skin and body entirely at 6 months but leave bands of new collagen that continue to lift.

NovaThreads® have been popular in many Asian and European countries for some time and can now benefit our patients at The G Spa in Santa Barbara!

We are excited to educate and share our knowledge and expertise! Please let us know if we can answer any of your questions on the NovaThreads® or any of the products or services at The G Spa Santa Barbara! Consultations are always free!

The G Spa | Medical Spa and Laser Center | Santa Barbara

805 682-4772

www.thegspasb.com

FDA-Approved Kybella Treatments in Santa Barbara

Kybella Main Photo

Kybella is an injectable for adults with moderate-to-severe fat below the chin, known as submental fat.  It is a chemical that is identical to one produced within our own bodies that helps us absorb fat.  When Kybella is properly injected into the submental fat, it permanently destroys fat cells.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kybella (deoxycholic acid) for submental use on April 29, 2015.

Why Choose Kybella? –As you get older your skin loses elasticity and fat collects under the chin.  Aside from Kybella, other options are liposuction or a surgical neck lift.  If fat is your only issue when it comes to your double chin and you do not want to undergo surgery, Kybella might be for you. It is a fraction of the cost of a neck lift, does not require surgery and takes much less time for the procedure and recovery.

What Are the Risks of Using Kybella? –Risks associated with the use of Kybella must be taken into consideration as one would consider the risk involved with any product or procedure.   Reduce risk by always seeking a professional who is licensed, experienced and certified.

Common Side Effects of Using Kybella-Swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and lumpy areas in the treatment region.  These are considered expected side expects. These side effects are also expected to be temporary.  More severe side effects could include nerve injury in the jaw that can result in trouble swallowing, an uneven smile, or facial muscle weakness, which are also temporary.

The Procedure-You may use a topical numbing agent like the kind that is used with injectables like Botox and fillers. Depending on how severe the submental fat is and how your body responds, you may undergo typically 2-4 treatments ­­­about six weeks apart to achieve the desired results. Each treatment is a series of injections in the treated area.  Typically, this is going to be somewhere around 20-30 injections with each treatment for a female.  Men have larger areas and may require a bit more.  Most patients report a mild to moderate burning sensation that subsides within 5-10 minutes.

 Cost of Kybella? -Treatment costs will vary depending on where you live, how many procedures you require, and who performs the procedure.  For instance, Los Angeles may be higher than Houston and on par with New York.  If a MD performs the injections, you may pay more than if a nurse practitioner who specializes in injectables performs the procedure.  The important thing to evaluate is the experience the individual has working in injectables and how many times they have worked with Kybella.  You may undergo anywhere from one to six procedures, but typically 2-4.  Each time the procedure is performed, it costs about $1200-1500.  It will depend on the size of the area being treated.

Kybella is the first FDA approved and highly effective method of eliminating submental fat.  Doctor Griffin and the staff at The G Spa in Santa Barbara are pleased to add Kybella to our Medical Spa line-up in order to continue to provide state of the art services which benefit our patients, providing great results and minimally invasive procedures.

To kick off the new product we will be hosting a Special Kybella Event:

Join us at The G Spa
33 W Mission St. Suite 204, Santa Barbara

Thursday July 14th, 2016
5:00pm to 7:00pm

 

Bring a Friend! ~ Goodie Bags!

Wine & Hors d’oeuvres!!!

The G Spa Logo

To RSVP Call: 805-682-4772

33 W. Mission Street, Suite 204 | Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Office Hours Monday–Friday| 9am–5pm

www.thegspasb.com

 

Qsymia – Medical Weight Loss Miracle!

Qsymia – Medical Weight Loss Miracle

Food & Home Magazine – Santa Barbara – Summer 2014

By Cynthia Grancourt – Freelance Health & Beauty Writer

young beautiful woman

Obesity is no laughing matter. In the United States, obesity rates have doubled since the 1970’s (National Center for Health Statistics, 2009). And presently more than two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. This extends to our children as well. About a quarter of 2-5 year olds and one-third of school-age children (including adolescents) are overweight or obese. The obesity epidemic lends itself to other, far more dangerous diseases including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. This is costly, as obesity accounts for one out of every ten deaths in America and drains our society of $223 billion per year in medical expenses.
Luckily, there is a solution: A Medical Weight Loss Program that involves the latest FDA approved drug for weight loss, called Qsymia (pronounced cue-SIM-ee-uh), approved in July of 2012. It’s been over thirteen years since the last time a weight loss drug was approved (with the exception of Belviq which was approved within thirty days of Qsymia). With the obesity epidemic reaching staggering proportions, the nation was waiting with bated breath for a new FDA approved solution to this enormous problem.

It’s been almost two years since Qsymia was approved by the FDA, so how is it doing? Clinical studies have shown that patients taking Qsymia have achieved significant results, far superior to that of any other prescriptive treatment. The added benefits of a Medical Weight Loss Program using Qsymia are that a physician supervises the program, regular weigh-ins occur to track progress, the patient directly receives medically supervised support and the best benefit of all: trackable, measurable results. Off with the old, on with the new!

Dr. Kathleen Griffin, Medical Director of The G Spa shares, “In the 10 years that I have been using Qsymia or its generic equivalent, I never cease to be amazed at how well it can work.  For some patients it is nothing short of a minor miracle. Patients are able to ‘leave food on their plates’, who once had to have 2-3 helpings in order to feel full.  Obsessing about food often ceases. Craving for carbohydrates stops and desire for protein begins; all with two pills that together lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar. Of course, there are some patients who cannot tolerate this combination, but for those who can, it is often a wonder drug.”

While a Medical Weight Loss Program may not be for everyone, it does provide a safe, supported and structured way to lose weight that has a little extra oomph to help those that may need a boost in their powers of self-control.  And with all the added sugar to over 80% of the 600,000 food items we have here in America (see Katie Couric’s new Documentary, “Fed Up”), it appears that we may be thankful for a little extra help. Long live, Qsymia!

Cosmetic Laser – A Magic Wand

Cosmetic Laser – A Magic Wand

Food & Home Magazine – Santa Barbara – Spring 2014

By Cynthia Grancourt – Freelance Health & Beauty Writer

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As the Aesthetic Industry grows exponentially in it’s sophisticated sorcery, Cosmetic Laser is taking the lead as the most promising and most advanced of all treatment options available.  By now you’ve heard whisperings in the news regarding all the multi-faceted uses for lasers such as advanced weaponry in our military and scientific applications such as nuclear fusion, but lasers have a powerful capacity to heal and restore as well as destroy.  Lasers are used for eye surgery and general surgery, restoring hair loss, tooth whitening, and our focus here, aesthetic applications.

Laser has come a long way since it’s invention in 1958 and the advancements and implications for cosmetic uses are staggering.  Take three of the top-of-the-line lasers, for instance, available now by Cynosure, the Precision TX, the RevLite SI and the Elite MPX.  Between these three systems, you can even your skin tone and correct your complexion with the Yag laser or IPL, remove your tattoos, tighten your skin, remove brown spots and remove body hair from, well, anywhere. You can also do a LazerLift neck lift purely with lasers, no scalpels, with no scarring and minimal downtime!  With one fell swoop, one can “wave the magic wand” with laser and see a tremendous improvement and result with an almost photoshop effect.  The wizards of aesthetic wonder have worked diligently to provide us with state-of-the-art solutions to our aesthetic challenges in a safe, quick, easy and virtually painless way.

Dr. Griffin, Medical Director of The G Spa, Santa Barbara, uses all three of these Cynosure lasers in her practice and notes, “We have been admirably impressed with the results, speed and versatility of these three lasers.  While I acquired the Revlite SI principally for tattoo removal, we have found it to do a remarkable job at skin rejuvenation and tightening, an effect we were not expecting!”

As a child, watching the sci-fi black and white movies on Saturday morning, such as “War of the World’s”, it seemed incredulous to me in my child’s mind to fathom that lasers would actually become such an integral part of our everyday life with so many uses ranging from medical to military to scientific to commercial.   But it’s true!  The future has firmly arrived and just in time (for me at least!).  We can be thankful for the multiplicity of ways that lasers serve us all and as far as beauty is concerned, Cosmetic Laser truly is the magic wand.

Pinpoint Smooth…

Pinpoint Smooth

Food & Home Magazine – Santa Barbara – Winter 2013

By Cynthia Grancourt – Freelance Health & Beauty Writer

only-at-mdbl-the-stem-cell-facial

There’s a new kid on the block in the ever-changing landscape of aesthetics and it’s name is Micro-needling. Also known as Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT), this innovative new procedure is making the rounds among the rich and famous in Hollywood (shout-out to Kim K!) and has since settled on our doorstep right here in Santa Barbara.

Needling the skin is actually an old technology that goes back to ancient times, but what makes it modernistic is that the depth of penetration of the needles is adjustable and the micro-needling pen is automated. The idea is that by inserting tiny needles into the skin, it will cause micro-trauma to the dermis, booting collagen production that can literally “pinpoint” and smooth away wrinkles, acne, stretch marks and scars all the while improving the skin’s color, tone and texture. The micro-pen works in tandem as a delivery system for a number of different topical solutions used in the treatment, the most popular being Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).

Hyaluronic Acid is ideal for tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function. Platelet Rich Plasma in conjunction with micro-needling is better known as “The Vampire Facial”, in which a sample of your own blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge, the PRP separated and delivered back into your skin via the micro-pen. This stimulates the rebuilding of the underlying structural integrity of your skin because the internal essence of the blood inside you contains life-giving fundamental growth factors that are designed to restore and repair your skin.

To provide maximum comfort, a topical numbing cream is used before the procedure and the micropen, which is comprised of a sterile needle tip containing twelve tiny microneedles, is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.  Treatment areas are not limited to the face; micro-needling can be used on all parts of the body, with a recommendation of 2 – 3 treatments required, spaced 6 – 8 weeks apart.  Another bonus is that it’s also affordable.  Dr. Griffin, Medical Director of The G Spa notes, “I love recommending automated micro-needling for patients as a medium-priced procedure that produces a great result with minimal down-time.”  This au courant  procedure is all the rage among the glitterati and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.  The fact that the results are amazing will definitely keep the trend alive.

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Open 9am–5pm, Monday through Friday

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33 W Mission St Suite 204, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 682-4772

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