Zerona has arrived!  It’s been on Nightline, the Rachel Ray show,  in Harpers Bazaar and Allure, yet I have to admit I was a skeptic – anytime a treatment seems too good to be true, it typically is.  However, after seeing the results our patients have had and talking with staff that have had the treatment as well, I’ve become a believer.

How does Zerona work? 

If you would imagine making a tiny hole in a balloon and watching it deflate as the air escapes, then you will have a basic idea of how the treatment works.  Zerona is basically a ‘cold’ or low-level laser that targets fat cells.  The laser moves painlessly through the skin and creates a small pore in the fat cell itself, allowing the fat to drain out of the cell.  This excess fat is then passed out of the body through normal, ongoing detoxification.  This allows us to ‘spot reduce’ certain areas of the body without the need for any invasive procedure.  It does not remove the fat cell itself – it removes the contents of the cell, thereby slimming the treated area.  It’s not painful, but it does require a time commitment, and a strong commitment to adhere to some basic protocols in order for the treatment to work as well as possible. 

The studies behind the science show that 80% of patients who have been treated with Zerona lost over six inches, and that on average, patients lost an additional 6.8 inches combined from their knees, neck, upper arms, and bra-line.  Treatments sessions consist of six, nine, or twelve treatments spaced about 48 hours apart.  The sessions are 40 minutes in length, with half of the time allowed for the front of the body and half for the back of the body.   In order for Zerona to really be effective, you’ll have to commit to the schedule and make sure that more than 72 hours does not pass between your treatments.

There is a double benefit to really embracing some of the other elements for success in the Zerona program as they can serve as a ‘starting point’ for long-term lifestyle changes:

1. Hydrate.  It’s simple; it’s basic and you’ve heard it before.  While on the Zerona protocol, you will need to consume at least 64 ounces of water per day to promote the detoxification process.  A dehydrated body and a sluggish lymphatic system will not product good results.  It’s important to note that WATER is the requirement – not soda (diet or otherwise), coffee, or tea.
2. Eat a reasonable diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.  Again, simple steps.  Don’t overindulge, and definitely don’t fall under the impression that the Zerona treatment will allow you to eat what you please.  It’s not a weight loss treatment, and cutting back on fatty, sugary foods is required.
3. No alcohol during the course of treatment.  Results will not be their best, and alcohol consists of ‘empty calories’.
4. Supplement your diet with Curva®.  Curva® contains a proprietary blend that promotes detoxification and is included with your Zerona Treatment series.
5. Move!  If you don’t have a work out regimen, walk briskly at least ten minutes each day – more if possible.  Again, this helps promote detoxification and will also increase your desire to hydrate.  If you absolutely cannot work out, wear a compression garment over the area being treated (such as Spanx).
6. Keep your appointments on schedule.  It’s very important to keep the window as close to 48 hours between treatments as possible. 

Does Zerona replace liposuction or SmartLipo? 

No.  Zerona is ideal for slimming areas of the body that are exercise resistant, but remember- it shrinks the fat cells; it does not remove them.  For some patients, Zerona will not produce enough benefits to outweigh the benefits of liposuction or SmartLipo.  For patients who are fairly active, maintain their body weight and eat well – but still have trouble spots, Zerona may prove to be final step in achieving their best body ever.

Call us today to reserve your private consultation – we’ll help you determine if Zerona is right for you.

Andréa Bradley-Stutz

Director – Ology LLC

“How do I get rid of these brown spots!?”      

Whether you call it a freckle, age spot, sun spot or a liver spot, it’s all the same animal: HYPERPIGMENTATION.  This dreaded, spotty darkening of the skin is caused by increased melanin production – a direct result of increased UV or sun exposure.  The melanin in your skin is produced by melanocytes, located in the epidermis layer of the skin.  When these melanocytes are stimulated by UV light, the areas in the skin that are denser will form hyperpigmentation.  Over a lifetime of aging and exposure to the sun, we see these brown spots occur.  Even though sun exposure  is the number one cause for hyperpigmentation, there are other ways it can form as well.  Injuries to the skin like a burn or acne vulgaris can also leave hyperpigmentation behind. There are also some skin disorders that can cause pigment change. One of the most common is melasma (aka: chloasma)- patchy hyperpigmentation usually seen in pregnant women.  Some women will also notice melasma after they start taking birth control pills. It seems like melasma is the hardest pigment disorder of all to treat, in the sense that the pigment lies deeper in the skin.

Which leads me to the magic question- how do you get rid of hyperpigmentation?

My first recommendation, which is the fastest and closest to a permanent solution is through Broadband Light (BBL™) therapy.  BBL™ or Photo Rejuvenation Therapy is also called ‘pulsed light’ therapy.  A device similar to a laser produces wavelengths of light that heat the layers of skin and target unwanted melanin. BBL™ is our most popular clinical treatment because it works extremely well for most skin types. There is very little down time and fairly rapid results. Plus you get the added benefit of stimulating skin cells and generating new collagen. (The more collagen, the tighter the skin!)  Now BBL is not for everyone, unfortunately.  Individuals with darker skin tones such as African American, Middle Eastern, or Hispanic skin types may be better off using a topical skin lightener.  Yes, there are many over the counter products for lightening the skin, which is what makes it so hard to know which one is the right one.   These specific ingredients are those you want to look for:  hydroquinone, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), tretinion (retinol) and even licorice root.  All of these ingredients are great for helping aid in the lightening of hyperpigmentation. Your results will depend on the percentage of the ingredients in the product and how often you may have to use it.  Many of my patients undertake both BBL™ & a topical lightening product for the maximum benefit.  Additionally, prescription-strength lightening agents such as TriLuma Cream (a combination treatment) are very popular with our patients.

Whichever treatment you decide is right for you, please remember one critically important thing… Don’t forget to wear your SPF DAILY!  Rain or shine- protect your investment by protecting your skin.  I always tell my patients, the more religious you are about wearing daily SPF, the less you are going to see of me!

Kimberly Ross, LE

Aesthetician

(317) 814 4100 Ology at Clarian North

(317) 217 2200  Ology at Clarian West

kross@ologymd.com

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent lashes attached in a single strand to your individual lashes one at a time.  They are weightless and curved to closely replicate a natural lash.  Each lash is attached using a surgical adhesive that was originally designed to be used to close incisions during surgical procedures. This adhesive is extremely lightweight and flexible, which gives you a terrific soft,  natural feel to your lashes.  If applied correctly, it is nearly impossible to detect where the natural and artificial lash begin and end.

Which brings me to my next point…..you get what you pay for when it come to eyelash extensions.  Because this is very painstaking, detailed work and a natural look is what we all strive for, it is important to select a lash ‘stylist’ with care.  Look for a stylist that has had extensive training and is certified in her craft.  In Indiana, a lash stylist must be either a licensed aesthetician or cosmetologist.  Ask to see pictures of their work.  Ask about their training.  If you have friends who have had extensions look closely at the work.   Do they have a soft natural look or are their lashes clumpy and “gluey”?  A full set of lashes (approximately 60-80 lashes per eye) takes about two hours to apply.  Prices range from $300-$400 depending on location.  If you find a place that does them for $30 in thirty minutes you may not be pleased with the results.

When it comes to the question ‘how long do they last?’ I always tell my guests that lash extensions will naturally fall out as your natural lashes shed.  You can keep your new lashes indefinitely by coming in for “fills” about every 3-4 weeks.  This process takes about 45 min. and a typical cost is $75-$100.  Most of my lash guests are on a 4 week schedule to maintain the fullness of their lash extensions.

All lash sessions are customized for each guest.  Lashes come in different lengths, thicknesses, curls, colors and even different materials.  A good lash stylist will do a comprehensive consultation taking into consideration your eye shape and the “look” you are trying to achieve.  There are infinite variations for the finished look – from ‘Kardashian-esque’ to very natural.  By carefully selecting curls and placement, a mature eye can be “opened up”, an almond-shaped eye can achieve a rounder look and an eye with thin, pale lashes can finally practice her “flutter”.

Wake up to longer, thicker and fuller lashes every day.  Contact Ology Spa for an appointment to have your own beautiful set of natural eyelash extensions applied.  You will LOVE them!

Joan Kutsch, LE  jkutsch@ologymd.com

Licensed Aesthetician – Ology Spa / Aesthetics / Medicine

Carmel, Indiana

It turns out, the end point a permanent makeup artist shoots for during the application process can be altered to turn permanent makeup into semi-permanent makeup. Basically when I perform a permanent makeup application, my goal is to pack as much pigment deep enough in the skin so that as the skin naturally turns over or sheds,  the pigment stays under the skin for as long as possible. The average end result should last between 3 and 10 years depending on how well the patient takes care of their new tattoo. To make the results less permanent, fewer passes are made during the application leaving less pigment implanted in the skin. Also, the treatment can be done more superficially than traditional permanent makeup. The color choice should be lighter with semi permanent makeup because darker colors tend to be more opaque even after the treatment area is healed.  The end result should last 3 months to 3 years.  Although three years in still a significant amount of time, it seems that for some people, semi-permanent feels like less of a commitment.

It is still important to be conservative when deciding on the color and design of your semi-permanent makeup. Even a few months can seem like a long time if the application is too heavy or too dark. I recommend brows to be a soft color that follows your natural brow line, and not a trendy style. For natural eyeliner, it is best to stick with a lash enhancement which is done just in the lash line. You can always add to permanent or semi permanent makeup with traditional cosmetics for a more dramatic look, but a cat eye might get old as the years go by.   

Kimberly Dine, LE 

kdine@ologymd.com

Licensed Aesthetician – Ology Spa Avon / Ology Spa Carmel

Get two of our top treatments – and take 50% OFF!  Tuesday, July 27 at our Carmel location only… Alas, many of our guests are out of town, vacationing, or getting their kiddos ready for the school year – and we’ve got to fill some reservations.  This is a great one-day sale – if you’ve got some time, we’ve got great treatments at big discounts. 

Any Massage Therapy Session (One Hour, Half Hour, 1.5 Hour, Stone, Before Birth)  – 50% OFF!

Or – our fabulously relaxing Ayurvedic Facial – 50% OFF!   Remember – this offer is for Tuesday, 7/27 only…

Call or email us today for your reservation – ecode TUES27!  (317)814-4100 / INFO@ologymd.com

‘Please make it easier to get your discounts.’

‘I don’t want to have to remember to carry your coupons around with me.’

‘I’ve deleted your email – how do I find your coupons online?’

Our guests are on-the-go, plugged in busy professionals, moms juggling lots of kiddos to their activities, and great people doing their best to streamline their lives.  We’re hear to de-stress and not distress you, so now it’s easier than ever to get instant discounts – no more printing coupons!   We know you love our e-coupons, and so many of our guests look for our weekly emails to get the best prices on their favorite treatments.  Now, it’s easier than ever.  No more printing coupons; no more keeping emails on file. 

Just bring your smartphone, mobile phone or iPad with you – and when you arrive,  log on to our blog, Twitter, or Facebook page and show our Guest Services staff your e-code – and get your instant discount.  Plus, when you follow us on Twitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook, you’ll get updated as soon as we post one-day specials.  Not into the social media scene?   No worries – just check back on this blog page, and we promise to update it with the current special pricing codes.

Hey, it’s still a tough economy – and we’ll be offering deals to fill up our reservation slots.  All you have to do is log on – and choose your treatment!  Thanks for being our guest – and we look forward to seeing you!

We’re expecting some great weather for the holiday weekend, so we hope that you’ll be slathering on the SPF – whatever your plans!  We’re now carrying Anthelios – the only sunscreen on the market containing Mexoryl (a long-lasting, broad-spectrum protectant), so please be sure to stop by or email us if you need some ‘SPF Guidance’.

Ology will be closed on Monday, July 5 in celebration of Independence Day. 

To start our holiday weekend early, we’re giving away a FREE One-Hour Massage AND a Free Mini-Microdermabrasion to the first guest who gets 10 of their own Facebook friends to “Like” our Facebook Page! 

Link to our page here:  Ology on Facebook.

Thanks for being our guest – and remember to follow us on Twitter orFacebook for great deals and one-day specials!

Key Ingredients:

• 5% Pro -niacin®, Clinically proven to strengthen skin barrier, while improving skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation.
• Prickly Pear, Stimulates exfoliating enzymes to remove dull, dry skin.
• Willow bark, Contains salicyns which naturally convert to salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.
• Red Algae, Brightens the appearance of brown spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
• Rose Bud, A natural antioxidant, helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Get Results in just n 14 days – NIA Rapid Exfoliating Serum:

• Strengthens Skin Barrier
• Brightens Skin Tone
• Smoothes Skin Texture
• Reduces Rough Patches
• Unclogs Pores

PAIR it with NIA’s uber-protective Mineral Sunscreen for the perfect summer skin combo. 

Through 6/30/2010 – Take 20% OFF any NIA Skin Care Product – Only at OLOGY!

***Show us Code NIA630 on your smartphone^ to receive discount! ***

^Don’t have a smartphone? Print off   ‘CODE NIA630′   and bring it in to Ology Spa  for your 20% discount.  Expires 6/30/2010. May not be combined with other offer.

NIA Rapid Exfoliation Serum

Step One:  Weight and Fitness

Nine to twelve months prior to the wedding date, take an assessment of where you are physically, where you would like to be, and where your lifestyle will likely allow you to be on your big day.  While you may have chosen your dress with a final fitting scheduled months down the road to ensure it  and your body are in harmony, it’s also the time to take a look in the mirror at your neck, arms and face. 

Nine to 12 months is plenty of time to change your fitness routine to make sure your upper arms are ready to go ‘sleeveless’,  but at the same time, note if there is fullness under your chin, and whether your face feels too round or full.  If you’re contemplating major changes such as arm or chin liposuction, now is the time.  You will need a complete six months of recovery – and post surgical exercise- to get these areas smooth and firm as possible.

Step Two:  Body Art – or Your Mother’s Worst Nightmare

So maybe you never told your Mom about that butterfly tattoo on your back.  Now is probably not the time either, but nothing says ‘spring break mistake’ like a brightly colored tattoo peeking out below your updo.  While laser tattoo removal has come a long way in the past several years, it’s not yet perfected, and chances are you’ll need at least 5 treatments to get results.  Plus, most lasers have trouble effectively removing certain colors and you may be left with what looks like a ‘paint smudge’ in the treated area.  To remove your art or not is up to you, but plan ahead of time to have a makeup artist cover the area on the day of the wedding.  A dress rehearsal is absolutely necessary – especially if you’re planning to do some sunless tanning so that colors are matched perfectly (NEVER succumb to the tanning bed temptation!  It’s simply not worth the risks – or the damage.)  Typically, an experienced makeup artist will need about 20 minutes to ensure good coverage, and she or he will use water-proof makeup to ensure that your secret is safe regardless of the temperature or weather.

Step Three:  Skin – 6 Months Out

Now is the time to work on two major issues for maximum ‘glow’ on the big day- color and texture.  Broad-Band Light (also called BBL™) or IPL treatments are the most effective way to get rid of both brown spots or patches and redness or broken capillaries.  You’ll need to budget and plan for 2-4 treatments spaced at least two weeks apart, and don’t forget your neck and décolleté (As Grandma would call it- your craw)!  Brown spots will get markedly darker right after being treated and will gradually slough off.  It’s also not uncommon to develop some serious swelling in the treated areas post-procedure, so don’t think it will be ok to try this a couple of days before the ceremony – you won’t like the outcome, and there will be some major re-touching on your wedding photos.

The MicroLaser Peel™ is also ideal for smoothing out fine lines and banishing rough texture.  This erbium laser peel – sometimes called ‘The Weekend Peel’ will  require a few days of looking less than your bridal best as your skin heals and sloughs, but is unbeatable when it comes to eye-catching results.   Again, like most of these new-fangled ‘non-invasive’ treatments, results are best when you can commit to at least 2 sessions pre-wedding.   If you’re a blushing bride over 40, the combo of BBL™ and the MicroLaser Peel™ will give you at least five years back – if not more.

A word about your protecting your investment:  If you’re planning to spend your hard-earned dollars to improve your skin, why in the world would you ever venture outdoors unprotected?  Invest immediately in two excellent quality sunscreens- one that you will use daily (religiously, rain or shine!), and one that you’ll use for the times you plan to be outdoors and need some extra care. Be sure to cover your neck and chest as well.  Hats are coming back – have you heard?  Try on as many as you like and find one you are truly comfortable in so that you’ll wear it anytime you’re outdoors.

Step Four:  Finishing Touches- Two or Three Weeks Out

Since you’ve got rehearsal dinners, and maybe a few family gatherings to attend, now is the time to get your Botox™ and dermal fillers.  There is definitely a reason Botox™ has become a household name – when done correctly, it works brilliantly and will last up to four months.  Make sure you schedule your appointment with your plastic surgeon or dermatologist well ahead of time – and again, a dress rehearsal treatment several months ahead of time is the best plan so that you and your physician can determine exactly where you’ll be treated and the number of units necessary.  First time Botox™ treatments can sometimes cause a pretty serious headache as a side effect, so putting this off till the Friday before the ceremony is not a good idea.  Plus, Botox™ begins to be effective after about 72 hours, and gets more effective over the course of seven days – it’s not an immediate fix.

One note about ‘Bridal’ Botox™ parties:  If your finances allow, treating your bridesmaids is a wonderful gesture; however, it should never be done in an informal ‘party’ location or when anyone has consumed alcoholic beverages.  Keep in mind that Botox™ is extremely safe to use in the minute amounts indicated for wrinkle treatment, and in a medical setting, but it is still one of the most powerful poisons on the face of the earth.  A non-physician provider, or a provider that sees no harm in injecting patients who have been drinking (and whom are legally unable to sign the required consent forms) is best avoided.  Your physician will likely be happy to coordinate a group discount for your visit to his or her office, and going out for a round of cocktails afterwards is fine.

If you prefer to skip the Botox and fillers, it’s  still time for a Facial or Microdermabrasion treatment to ensure your skin is at its best.  Facials tend to cause some post-treatment inflammation at times, so one to two weeks ahead of time is ideal.  Microdermabrasion should be done no closer than 10 days prior to the wedding.  After this time – and this is important – do not change your skincare routine!  Allergic reactions or sensitivity can trigger redness, swelling , watery eyes and a host of other conditions that are not conducive to glamour on your wedding day.  Don’t be tempted – stick to what works for you and what you know.  You can always visit your Aesthetician for a post-honeymoon, detoxify session after the event.

Last Details:  Semi-permanent eyelash extensions were simply made for your wedding day.  Eyes ‘pop’ open, less makeup is needed to achieve a ‘finished’ look, and they are a huge time-saver.  Have your full set applied, or your current set filled 10 days to one week prior to the ceremony.   Don’t forget to pick up two sets of lipstick and gloss – one for your ‘getting ready’ bag, and one to go in the bag your maid of honor will bring to the reception!

Andréa Bradley-Stutz, Director

Ology Spa – Carmel & Avon, Indiana

www.ologyspa.com

We’re currently searching for an experience Massage Therapist with current licensure in the state of Indiana to join us on a part-time basis. 

Please see our job posting for more information on where to submit a resume!