Q. I've had acne for 3 years now and I'm determined to get rid of it. I wanted to ask if you could give me some advice of how I could get rid of my acne? I've tried a lot of creams, but none of them work. I would appreciate advice on how to treat my acne and what products to try using.

A. I know how devastating acne can be since I suffered with it for years myself, and nothing would please me more then to help you eradicate your acne too!  However, with the information you gave me it is very hard to determine the cause, or the root-- so to speak-- of the problem.   How old were you three years ago when it started?  Did you start any new medications at the time, especially those that would affect you hormonally?  Do you have any other health problems going on right now?  Have you been under an unusual amount of stress the past three years?  The "creams" that you have tried so far, are they over the counter or prescriptions from your doctor?  Do you have allergies?  Food allergies?  Have you ever had a professional skin peel to try to fix the problem?  These are just SOME of the questions we would ask you in a consultation and we would also go over everything you are currently using now including your shampoo, conditioner, and even nail polish!  Acne can be very tricky so what works for one person does not necessarily work for another.  This is why it is essential to see the acne patient in person through one of our complimentary consultations, (you can plan on this taking about one hour from start to finish).  Afterwards, a home protocol and any necessary professional treatments will  be recommended and tailored to your unique and specific skin care needs to eradicate, or at least control, your acne once and for all. 
Wishing you the best in beautiful skin, and I hope to see you soon at the Medical Spa,
Ellen Tartaglione
Medical Esthetician

I have fine wrinkles and sunspots, but heard that microdermabrasion isn't worth the cost. I'm 55 years old and would love to have spotless, fresh looking, youthful skin. I've never smoked, but sunbathed a lot. Will a microdermabrasion work?

We have more aggressive treatments that might be more suitable for your concerns than microdermabrasion, ranging from topical home care prescription strength products, to chemical peels to laser treatments.  It's hard to judge without a skin evaluation, but although microdermabrasion can diminish hyperpigmention (sun spots) with a corrective series of treatments, it is usually not the first treatment that we would recommend to our patients when their primary concerns are what you described.  Please feel free to come on in for an evaluation so we can go over the options best for your particular needs. 

The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa Staff

To mark the start of the new year, our office is offering an exceptional facial rejuvenation package. The start of a new year offers a fresh beginning for every one of us. We invite any of our clients who would like to begin 2011 looking younger and more refreshed to take advantage of this special opportunity.

Now through the end of February, you can buy a Thermage full face and a Fraxel Dual treatment for $2599 or you can buy a series of four Fraxel laser treatments for $2850.   The packages also include a choice of a Chemical Peel or a Microdermabrasion and Obagi home care products.These prices represent more than a $1000 discount from our regular prices. In addition, zero interest financing is available.

The Thermage package is best suited for clients who have mild to moderate facial laxity and wish to achieve tightening of the face and upper neck as well as removing brown spots and sun spots.  The Fraxel package is best suited for clients who need to improve fine lines and brown pigmentation in the face or soften facial scars such as acne scars.

We will be happy to assist any of our clients choose which package is best for them. In addition, we will be happy to give a recommendation to anyone (perhaps a husband or spouse?) who might wish to give a Facial Rejuvenation Package as a gift. This special offer will be in effect until February 28, 2011.

The Non-Surgical Eyelift: The Evolution of Facial Rejuvenation

GREENWICH, CT -- Until now, eliminating under eye bags and hollows meant undergoing eyelid surgery, or "blepharoplasty." Patients now have a new option.

Recent advances in facial aesthetics have allowed The Greenwich Medical Skincare and Laser Spa to use a new generation of soft tissue fillers to eliminate the appearance of baggy, sunken eyes, with no incisions, no sutures, and no dressings.

"There has been an incredible proliferation of soft tissue fillers over the last year," said Schorr, the Medical Director of The Greenwich Medical Skincare and Laser Spa in Greenwich, CT. One, FDA approved, soft filler used in a non-surgical eye lift is hyaluronic acid-based soft tissue filler called Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate-based compound found naturally throughout the body.

"For some people, this procedure can provide remarkable results. But, to determine whether it's not right for you, Dr. Schorr recommends a consultation at The Greenwich Medical Skincare and Laser Spa.

The non-surgical eyelift consultation begins with a thorough evaluation and discussion of filler choices. The procedure itself is performed with topical numbing cream and takes minutes to perform. The injections may cause some temporary swelling and redness, which usually fades in just a few days.

"Patients can comfortably drive themselves home, and there is no need for antibiotics or pain medications," Schorr said.

The Clinicians at The Greenwich Spa have extensive training in minimally-invasive approaches to facial rejuvenation. Using a combination of these techniques, they have helped numerous clients achieve natural-looking, lasting results while minimizing downtime.

The Greenwich Medical Skincare and Laser Spa is a non-surgical medical aesthetic facility that is set in a soothing spa-like environment. Please contact the facility at 203.637.0662 with any questions.