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Author: Kathleen Griffin

MonaLisa Touch™

Dr. Kathleen Griffin, a Certified Menopause Clinician at the G Spa Medical Spa & Laser Center, was the first provider in Santa Barbara County to offer The MonaLisa Touch.  The MonaLisa Touch™ laser is a new and exciting medical breakthrough for treating certain symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a natural transition for women defined as the end of menstruation. When menopause will occur is difficult to predict and varies greatly by individual. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 60 with the average age being 51.  Menopause symptoms may occur during this transition. Some women experience medically, or surgically induced menopause, caused by either a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, radiation or anti-estrogen hormonal therapy which are common treatments for breast cancer.

The symptoms of menopause may be unpleasant and can be life changing. By the time women reach 40 or 50, they experience a decrease in estrogen which can affect tissues that include the vagina, vulva, uterus, breasts, bones, brain, skin, hair, heart, blood vessels, bladder, urethra and mucous membranes.

Vaginal atrophy, or Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, one of the most common conditions of menopause, is also due to a decline in estrogen. Without estrogen mucosal elasticity is lost and the vaginal tissue dries out, becoming fragile and susceptible to injury.  Women can also experience urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), dryness, itchiness, burning, prolapse and laxity or looseness.

Up to now a woman’s only choice was HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy.  HRT can relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia by boosting the estrogen levels enough to suppress symptoms. Short-term use of HRT carries little risk, however, studies have shown that long-term use (over 5 years) of HRT may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Some alternatives to HRT include the use of vaginal lubricants, testosterone, herbs, exercise, and acupuncture.  Alternatively, the MonaLisa Touch™ laser has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for relieving symptoms. This is a hormone-free alternative for women who have been treated with chemotherapy, radiation and/or anti-estrogen hormonal therapy for breast cancer. The MonaLisa Touch™ has proven to be more effective than traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy.

MonaLisa Touch™, a fractionated CO2 vaginal laser treatment, is much like your annual exam. The MonaLisa Touch™ is an in office procedure that takes less then 5 minutes, requires no anesthesia, is minimally uncomfortable and is hormone free (No HRT). The MonaLisa Touch™ treats the underlying causes not just the symptoms.  The purpose of the vaginal laser is to increase blood flow and stimulate collagen growth, improving the mucosa of the vaginal walls to promote vaginal rehydration and functionality of the treated area. With the gentle action of the MonaLisa Touch™ laser, the healing process begins returning the vagina to its natural healthy youthful state. Patients can return to normal activity soon after a treatment session.

Noticeable results may occur after only 1 session but to be fully effective Dr. Griffin always recommends a series of 3 sessions.  Some patients may require 4-5 treatments depending on the severity of their condition. Each treatment session is less than 5 minutes, scheduled 6 weeks apart. Maintenance includes an annual MonaLisa Touch-up.  As the aging process continues symptoms can return.

The G Spa offers a package rate for 3 treatments or patients can elect to pay for individual treatments.

In the past menopause symptoms have often been ignored due to the sensitivity of the subject and the lack of non-invasive treatment, however Dr. Griffin and her patients at The G Spa are seeing MonaLisa Touch™ as revolutionary! Please call us today for your complimentary consultation.

Lovely Lips with Juvederm VOLBELLA® XC

The G Spa Medical Spa and Laser Center in Santa Barbara is happy to announce the addition of Juvederm VOLBELLA® XC to their spa service line up.  VOLBELLA® XC is a new filler which can give a wide variety of very subtle and natural results in various areas of the face. So, what could it do for you?

Full, Luscious Lips

Juvederm VOLBELLA® XC is designed to give a soft, natural look.  It can do wonders for the natural shape of the lips, help to create a more defined cupid’s bow (the double-curved bow at the top edge of a person’s upper lip) and alleviate the fine lines around the mouth which can make lips look smaller.  The effects are designed to be very natural. For a more dramatic effect, Juvederm® ULTRA XC may be a more suitable filler, because it can provide plenty of luscious volume. Ultimately, a consultation is necessary to determine the most suitable filler for your unique features and needs, and to determine the best method for achieving the results you desire.

Cupids Bow

Improve the Shape of Your Lips

The soft consistency mentioned above makes it possible for Dr. Griffin at The G Spa to carefully augment the shape of the lips in order to restore lost volume without creating an excessively plumped look. Those who feel that the natural shape of their lips has declined with age are able to restore their youthful pout, and those who have particularly straight or thin lips can achieve a more defined cupid’s bow and delicately plumped appearance that looks very natural. VOLBELLA® XC is also a great filler for gently lifting the corners of the lips, which is ideal for those who have a downward shape to their mouth.

Reduce the Severity of Smile Lines

Nasolabial folds, the lines which run from the outside of the nose down to the mouth, are often an unwanted side effect of aging. However, they’re also referred to as our “smile lines” and are a signifier of all the happy moments in our life so far. Rather than completely smoothing them out completely, VOLBELLA® XC can add a touch of extra volume in order to gently soften them. It’s a great way to achieve a more youthful appearance subtly.

Minimize Crows Feet

Although VOLBELLA® XC is most frequently used as a filler for the lips and mouth area, it’s also a great one for gently smoothing away crow’s feet. Since crow’s feet tend to be very fine lines, the soft consistency of VOLBELLA® XC is perfect for adding just a touch of added volume to plump up the skin and create an incredibly natural finish.

Reduces the Appearance of Vertical Lip Lines

VOLBELLA® XC is FDA approved for lip augmentation and the treatment of perioral rhytids, which are the fine vertical lines which occur around the mouth.  These lines are a major telltale sign of aging. Since VOLBELLA® XC has a very soft consistency, it’s a brilliant filler for gently smoothing out these lines while maintaining a very natural shape to the upper lip.

Dr. Griffin and her staff would love to help you achieve full, lovely, kissable lips, call today to learn more!

The G Spa Medical Spa and Laser Center

PicoSure Laser…Brighten & Smooth Your Skin!

From acne scars to tattoo removal, PicoSure has become a go-to treatment for various skin issues. Both fast and non-surgical, PicoSure is a laser skin treatment that targets problem areas with short laser pulses. The laser is a non-invasive and gentle way to experience a revitalized you.

PicoSure uses fall into two main categories. The first is for several skin treatments. Sun damage, age spots, freckles, acne scars, and wrinkles are all capable of being treated by the PicoSure laser. By focusing on specific problem areas, the PicoSure laser, also known as a picosecond laser, can give patients a more youthful appearance with little downtime. In the past, lasers relied on intense heat energy to remove pigment from the skin, which was often painful, leaving skin red and irritated.  But now PicoSure uses a unique method of action, “focus concentrates energy” to generate laser-induced breakdowns (LIOB) in the epidermis.  These laser induced breakdowns cause pressure waves which reach into the dermis, activating cell signaling and initiating an enhanced inflammatory healing response. This leads to increased collagen and elastin but without the thermal injury of other lasers. The patient experiences only a few hours of mild redness but with a few treatments can see pigment, wrinkle and acne scar improvement.

Second to skin revitalization, but just as effective, PicoSure is also used for tattoo removal. By targeting the ink particles with high-pressure pulses, the tattoo is broken up into tiny particles that are slowly eliminated from the body. In a few treatments, the tattoo will appear to fade continually.

PicoSure has become a favored treatment of clients at The G Spa in Santa Barbara.  Dr. Griffin and her staff are happy to answer any questions to make sure you are choosing the treatment that is right for you.

Check out Vogue’s recent endorsement of PicoSure:

http://www.vogue.com/13480828/laser-solutions-fall-skin/

For the month of October experience PicoSure for 15% a package of 3!

Call our office today to schedule your consultation 805 682-4772

 See below photos of actual G Spa patients

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Why You Eat is as Important as What You Eat!

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by Petra Beumer, M.A., Life Coach Expert  for The G Spa Santa Barbara

Why do we eat when we are not hungry? Using food to feel better is very common and causes unwanted weight gain, feelings of guilt and a sense of losing control.

Emotional overeaters need to learn to separate hunger from other needs. Ask yourself: “What am I really in need of right now? How am I feeling? What challenges do I face? Am I angry? Am I lonely? Am I sad? Am I bored? Am I feeling unappreciated?”

It takes courage to honestly assess what is going on inside of you. Looking at your true feelings will help you break the vicious cycle of eating instead of feeling.

Focus on your overall well-being. Eliminate chronic stressors and negative influences in your life. Add positive things to your life like yoga, meditation or try a new hobby. Give yourself the gift of self-love and treat yourself with kindness and patience. If feelings of sadness or hopelessness persist, seek the help of a health professional.

Discover when you feel most alive and energized. Follow that path. Trust your intuition. Laugh. Put things in perspective. Drink fresh water. Read inspirational self-help books. Trust that you can handle all your feelings. In time eating will become less and less important, you’ll see.

 

Join Us For an Life Enhancing Event

“Mindful Eating” with Life Coach Petra Beumer

At The G Spa Santa Barbara

Thursday October 6th

33 West Mission St. Santa Barbara St Suite 204

5:00 to 7:00pm

805 682-4772 to reserve your space

Seminar is FREE! Bring a Friend!

Rewrite Your Skin’s Future-Micro Needling-Eclipse MicroPen®

I must admit the term Micro Needling does not immediately conjure up pretty pictures in one’s mind, however the end result of the treatment can be very pretty indeed!

Micro Needling is a procedure in which a device called a MicroPen® delivers tiny needle pricks to stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes.  The end game pays off, the micro injury stimulates the growth of collagen, the scaffolding under the skin.

The process fades scars, smooths acne pockmarks and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles with minimal down time.  As far as acnes scars go, the treatment works best for “rolling” acnes scars (slightly sunken areas), but not for deep, narrow “ice pick” scars.  You may need several treatments to achieve optimal results for acne scars, (4-6 is average) but the results can be quite dramatic.

At the G Spa in Santa Barbara we use the Eclipse MicroPen® for Mico Needling as it is inherently safer than other products, such as dermal rollers. It utilizes sterile single-use surgical grade disposable cartridge tips. The unique features of the Turbo Safety Cartridge™ ensure the MicroPen® delivers greater efficiency and superior clinical results while maintaining the highest level of safety for both the patient and provider. Each patient has unique skin needs and requirements. The variable pen position feature allows Dr. Griffin at the G Spa to customize a treatment for best clinical results.  It is also safe for most skin types, which means it is a great procedure for almost everyone!

Ok, as you are now day dreaming about your refreshed skin and diminished wrinkles, let me tell you about one other use for Micro Needling…HAIR RESTORATION…yes, you read that correctly…besides the use for refining acnes scars and wrinkles…Eclipse MicroPen® produces dramatic results in the field of hair restoration.  We are seeing both men and women for this procedure and compared to other expensive painful hair restoration options the results are nothing short of amazing.

The staff at the G Spa Santa Barbara welcomes your questions about the different applications of the Eclipse MicroPen® and if you are not yet intrigued by the possibilities of the Eclipse MicroPen® then let this before and after photo of one of our patients that came in for hair restoration help convince you!Hair Restoration


Fine Lines & Wrinkles-Acne Scar Revision-Hair Restorationmicropen

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!

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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.

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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

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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

 

Mineral Make-up – Magic Pixie Dust!

Mineral Make-up: Magic Pixie Dust!

Food & Home Magazine – Santa Barbara – Fall 2014

By Cynthia Grancourt – Freelance Health & Beauty Writer

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You know how fairies and celebrities have that other-worldly glow about them?  As if Tinkerbell herself has showered them from the heavens with a star cluster of her magical pixie dust?  Well, that’s exactly what mineral make-up is like, fairy dust!  It may not make you fly, but your skin will have an ethereal luminescence like the goddess moon herself!  The J-Lo glow is largely due to the tiny bits of gleaming minerals that glisten under the starlight and gleam in the sunlight. The secret is in the micronized, light reflective minerals that shine with a radiance all their own.

Mineral make-up is nothing new, but it’s quality has become better and better over the years.  What has consistently attracted people to mineral make-up is that the formulas contain no harsh chemicals, no dyes, no talc, no alcohol, no mineral oil and no fragrance.  This pure mineral formula is rich with zinc, titanium, peptides, antioxidants and sun protection.  The benefits of this type of formula is that it doesn’t clog pores, cause breakouts or allergic reactions nor exacerbate existing skin concerns.  As a plus, many brands are totally earth conscious!  They’re vegan, paraben-free and cruelty free (no animal testing).

You might think you would have to sacrifice something, like style, for all these amazing benefits, but thankfully that’s not the case.  Mineral make-up comes in colorful palettes in all the latest shades and colors, so it’s not function over form.  The form is luxurious, healthy and stylish!  All of the make-up tools are represented from slick primers and gorgeous foundations to shimmery eye shadows and shiny happy lip colors.

Jill Valestrino, the lead esthetician at The G Spa here in Santa Barbara loves the Colorescience line she uses with her clients and remarks, “We are so excited to now be carrying the Color Science line. It has proven to not only be a leading mineral makeup but a skin care line as well, gentle enough to use post procedure. Our clients love the convenience of the dual brush/sunscreen as a go-to product, easy to keep in your purse and re-apply throughout the day”.

So make your entrance like the glitterati!  Scintillate and illuminate the vast expanse with your secret potion, the pixie dust from the woodland sprites themselves!

Qsymia – Medical Weight Loss Miracle!

Qsymia – Medical Weight Loss Miracle

Food & Home Magazine – Santa Barbara – Summer 2014

By Cynthia Grancourt – Freelance Health & Beauty Writer

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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!

Existing Patients Direct Booking

Open 9am–5pm, Monday through Friday

SANTA BARBARA OFFICE

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

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2900 Nojoqui Ave., Suites G and H , Los Olivos,  93441
(805) 245-9370

 

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