Your Best You is Closer than You Think!

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Alphaeon Credit is a cosmetic payment plan that offers:

– The widest array of monthly payment options to help you reach your wellness, beauty, and performance goals

– Special financing plans that are not always readily available with traditional credit cards

– The ability to use your card again for yourself or family members with no need to reapply and no annual fee*

Click here to sign up today!

*Standard variable APR of 26.99%, based on the Prime Rate, Minimum Interest is $2.00 per credit plan.

 

Lose Inches From Your Midsection With Vanquish

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“New Year, New You” is usually the motto of many during this time of year. After weeks of parties with delicious food and festive cocktails, many people are now trying to get back on track with diet and exercise. However, some still find it difficult to lose those extra inches brought on by the holiday season even with a healthy lifestyle. If you are one of those people, we want to introduce you to a safe, no-downtime alternative for body contouring called Vanquish.

Vanquish is a revolutionary, non-invasive system designed to deliver energy to the body to eliminate fat cells. Vanquish is a pain-free treatment that has been clinically tested on the abdomen and love handles and proven to be safe and effective. The Vanquish device eliminates fat without even touching the body. It selectively delivers the energy to the fat with virtually no risk of overheating of the skin, muscles or internal organs.

Vanquish treatments are effective without a strict diet or exercise regimen as long as current weight is maintained. Many patients decide to live a healthier lifestyle in order to improve the results they received from the treatments.  The only thing required to prepare your body is proper hydration.  Our patients are instructed to drink plenty of water the day before, the day of and the day after treatment.  This will help rid the body of excess fluid and toxins and aid in metabolic processes.

For optimal results, Dr. Lupo and her patients find it best to receive four 30-minute treatments that are typically scheduled one week apart. While some patients may experience mild redness and warmth after a treatment, these side effects last only minutes to hours and have no effect on daily life.  Improvement to the body may be seen days after the first treatment, but greater results are seen two weeks after the final treatment and continued improvement increased as the body rids itself of fat cells.

If you have troublesome areas on your body that aren’t corrected by diet and exercise, now many be the time to talk to our doctors to see if Vanquish or any of our other body contouring devices are right for you.  To schedule a consultation, call 504-288-2381.

Ultherapy: Lift and Tighten Skin Without the Expense and Downtime of Surgery

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Skin tightening technology has been available at the Lupo Center since 2004, and since then, we have upgraded our equipment to provide our patients with the safest and most effective technology on the market.  We recently introduced a new skin tightening device into the practice called Ultherapy.

Ultherapy, also known as Ulthera, is the only non-invasive treatment approved by the FDA for lifting the skin on the neck, chin and brow in all skin types. Ultherapy uses fractional focused ultrasound to stimulate the growth of new collagen deep within the skin to lift and tighten loose skin. With age, collagen, a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness, loses its strength and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity. Ultherapy’s ultrasound thermal effect essentially jumpstarts a repair process that strengthens existing collagen and produces stronger, regenerated collagen. Patients may notice a short-term “boost,” but the production of new collagen occurs over time, so results can become more apparent over three to six months.

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A good candidate for Ultherapy is someone with skin that has some degree of laxity, to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of “maturing” skin. Loose skin under the neck and under the chin signals a patient might be a candidate. There also are younger people who want to “stay ahead of the game” as well as those looking to prolong the effects of cosmetic surgery.

With Ultherapy’s ultrasound imaging, our technician is able to actually see the layers of tissue being target during the treatment and ensure the energy is deposited precisely to where it will be most effective. There may be slight redness for up to an hour or so following the treatment, and a small percentage of patients may have slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature.

While Ultherapy is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery, either mentally, physically or financially.  The procedure takes only about 60-90 minutes for most patients and there is no downtime. Most patients only require one treatment, while others may find optimal results with additional treatments.

If you are interested in learning more about Ultherapy or to see if it is the right treatment for you, schedule a consultation today with one of our doctors.  

Freshen Up Your Face for the Holidays by Erasing the Summer’s Damage to Your Skin

Now that summer is behind us, it’s time to erase the damage caused by those long days of sunbathing on the beach or by the pool.  Whether you protected your skin or not, the summer sun causes damage even when we are diligent about applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing.  Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant and Permea are skin resurfacing and rejuvenation lasers that can reverse the signs of sun-damaged skin improving texture, tone and appearance.  These lasers are also a safe and effective way to treat acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores and melasma. We’ve been performing fractional non-ablative laser resurfacing at the Lupo Center since 2006, and we always upgraded our equipment as the technology improves.

While Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant and Permea are all resurfacing lasers, each one offers patients a unique treatment to improve a number of skin conditions.

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Fraxel is the most intensive laser of the three so it is used on mature skin or more pronounced skin conditions.  Fraxel uses two different lasers – one of the lasers goes deeper into the skin to help stimulate collagen repair, while the other treats surface skin that is discolored usually due to photo damage or sunlight.  The energy delivered penetrates into the deeper layers of the dermis, and as the skin heals from treatment, it uses the body’s natural processes to produce healthier tissue for a more youthful appearance and reduction of discoloration, wrinkles and pore size. This safe treatment is done in relatively short treatments and it requires brief, social downtime.

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Clear + Brilliant and Permea can also help reverse the signs of sun damaged and aged skin with a less intensive, no-downtime treatment for reducing fine lines, pore size and improving pigmentation seen in melasma and other skin pigmentation disorders.  The laser creates microscopic lesions that are surrounded by large areas of healthy skin to help promote quick healing. The healthy skin helps turn over the tiny lesions in a matter of days, revealing the fresh, smoother, healthier glowing skin below.  Since Clear + Brilliant and Permea are less intensive than Fraxel, they are great for younger patients who want to begin a preventative skin care program or for Fraxel patients who want a gentler option for between-treatment maintenance and longer-lasting results.

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Laser dermatology procedures such as Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant and Permea have become increasingly popular over the years due to their safety, effectiveness and high patient satisfaction.  Depending on age, skin type and budget, we can individualize a treatment plan for all patients.

During the month of October, any patient who pre-purchases a package of three of the same laser resurfacing treatment will receive 10% off the treatments plus a complimentary Avene Thermal Spring Water, while supplies last.  Avene Thermal Spring Water’s unique composition soothes and softens the skin and restores skin’s natural balance, which is beneficial after any laser resurfacing treatment.

In order to receive the discounted price on a laser package and the complimentary Avene product, patients must pre-purchase the package by October 31, 2013 and have the first treatment done by December 31, 2013.  Contact our office for more details.

Dr. Lupo Served on the Advisory Board for Newly Approved Rosacea Product

The FDA recently approved Mirvaso (brimonidine, Galderma) gel, 0.33% for the topical treatment of the facial erythema of rosacea in adults 18 years of age or older. The once-daily medication works quickly to reduce the redness of rosacea and lasts up to 12 hours. The approval was based on the results of two Phase III studies showing that adults who used Mirvaso demonstrated significantly greater improvement in the facial redness of rosacea than vehicle gel. Galderma says it expects Mirvaso to be available in pharmacies in September 2013. 

Win a FREE Clear + Brilliant Treatment!

Clear + Brilliant New Orleans LA - Dr Mary Lupo

To celebrate the launch of Simply Smart Rewards*, Solta Medical is giving away more than 100 free Clear + Brilliant and Permea treatments ($400 value each) during the months of July, August and September 2013. The sweepstakes is open to anyone and no purchase is necessary.

Each week, interested participants can visit the Clear + Brilliant Sweepstake’s website to be included in the drawings. During the 13 weeks, eight winners will be chosen each week. If not selected as a winner, participants can resubmit their entry each week.

*Clear + Brilliant recently introduced a rewards program called Simply Smart, which gives members the opportunity to earn $50 savings off Clear + Brilliant or Permea treatments. Ask your laser technician about this savings during your next visit!

Want a Natural, Younger Look? Juvederm Can Help!

Juvederm New Orleans LA - Dr Mary Lupo

Juvederm New Orleans LA - Dr Mary Lupo

When women and men are interested in reversing the signs of facial aging, the first word or treatment that usually comes to mind is “Botox.” While a Botox treatment is very beneficial for most patients seeking a fresh appearance, it is only half of the solution for overall facial rejuvenation. In order to achieve a natural, younger look, our doctors recommend using a filler to soften lines and wrinkles and to add volume lost through the aging process. One of the most popular fillers at the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology is Juvederm.

Juvederm is an FDA approved hyaluronic acid filler for the treatment of superficial facial lines and folds. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar-like molecules found in the skin and joints. It is responsible for skin’s tone and firmness, and it decreases with age and sun exposure, causing the skin to sink in and look older from the lines, folds and shadows. Juvederm is primary used to correct the nasolabial folds, but it can also be used to re-volumize the cheeks, temples, lips and lipstick lines around the mouth and to fill in under-eye hallowing.

Juvederm’s strength is that it is very soft and results in a very natural correction. Juvederm can be dissolved if any lumping or adverse reactions occur, making it a very safe and popular alternative for non-surgical rejuvenation. When Juvederm is combined with Botox, Dysport or lasers, the aging face can be softly and naturally reshaped without cutting or downtime. Also, layering Juvederm with Sculptra results in a softening of gaunt, tired faces.

Dr. Lupo was an investigator for the FDA study in 2004-2005 that resulted in Juvederm’s approval in the United States, and she helped introduced this filler to Australian physicians in 2007. She often trains other physicians on the use of this product at meetings for the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery and the Cosmetic Bootcamp. Dr. Lupo has also taught Tulane residents filler techniques since 1984.

During the month of July, any patient who purchases or pre-purchases two syringes of Juvederm can receive their choice of a FREE 3mL bottle of Latisse or 20 FREE units of Botox. Offer is valid until July 31, 2013 or while supplies last. Patients MUST present the coupon below in order to receive the free product.

Dr Mary Lup New Orleans LA

Skin Care Product of the Month – 20% OFF!

HELIOCARE

Dietary Supplement for the Skin

HELIOCARE Dietary Supplement for the Skin- Dr Mary Lupo

Heliocare capsules are an oral dietary supplement with antioxidant properties, which help maintain the skin’s ability to protect against sun-related effects and aging. During these hot summer months, Heliocare is a great complement to sunscreen for extra protection.

Studies reveal that the antioxidants in Heliocare work against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation to decrease sunburn response, including a significant reduction in the number of ultraviolet induced sunburn cells and DNA damage.

When you purchase Heliocare in our office, you will receive 20% off this product through July 31, 2013, while supplies last.

 *Don’t forget to mention that you saw this promotion in our newsletter!

Fight Acne Before It Takes a Toll on Your Skin and Lifestyle

There are many myths about acne including the ways it is caused, where it can appear on the body and who is most affected by this very common skin condition. Growing up, we always heard that acne only affects teenagers, but now as adults, we wonder why these blemishes have stuck with us through our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.

The fact is that anyone at any age can suffer from acne, and it can look different from one person to the next. Blemishes can appear in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules (pimples), cysts or nodules on the face, neck, back, buttocks and chest. While the precise cause of acne is still being studied, we know that puberty, hormonal changes, certain foods and family history can lead to breakouts. Many people believe that the only way to get rid of acne is to let it run its course. But with the effective treatments available today, that is not the best idea because if left untreated, acne can cause dark spots and permanent scars. While topical treatments such as over-the-counter washes and creams can control some people’s breakouts, others have to seek medical help for more stubborn or severe cases.

Acne New Orleans La- Dr Mary Lupo

The Lupo Center offers a variety of acne treatments from face and body washes and topical medication to oral prescriptions. We also offer two unique laser treatments for acne patients – CoolTouch and Isolaz.  Visit our website to learn more about the causes and treatment for acne or read below to learn more about CoolTouch and Isolaz.

Acne is an inflammatory, relapsing skin condition that appears when the skin’s pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, environmental debris or certain cosmetics. The impacted pores form bacteria that thrive and become swollen and inflamed, and sometimes fill with infection. If the pore is ruptured in the process (or from picking and squeezing), discoloration and scarring can occur. Two laser treatments that help eliminate acne and acne scars are the Isolaz and CoolTouch.

Isolaz is the world’s first aesthetic technology that combines a vacuum with a broadband light to deliver an effective acne treatment. Pores are cleansed with a vacuum that helps loosen and extract dirt, blackheads and excess oil from deep within your pores. The broadband light helps destroy acne causing bacteria, as well as reduces facial redness.

Isolaz New Orleans La- Dr Mary Lupo

Isolaz is a quick, easy and painless way to treat acne. In fact, many people have their treatments done during lunch without any downtime. Patients have found their skin feels refreshed and has a healthy, radiant glow following an Isolaz treatment. Also, Isolaz is effective on all skin types.

The CoolTouch laser energy is applied in gentle pulses over the treatment area. The energy penetrates deep enough to shrink oil glands and decrease their capacity to produce acne without affecting the oils necessary for healthy skin. The laser’s heat also gently stimulates the dermal tissue, which triggers a repair mechanism, and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural collagen without injury to the skin’s surface. As new collagen is produced, acne scars begin to disappear and your skin begins to look and feel softer and smoother.

CoolTouch New Orleans La- Dr Mary Lupo

CoolTouch treatments are long lasting and safe for all skin types, included tanned and dark skinned patients. Treatments take 10-30 minutes and patients can return to normal activity immediately after.

If you or a loved one suffers from acne breakouts, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to determine which treatment option(s) will be most effective for your condition.