Perspectives from three women on what they will and won't do for beauty - from Oprah Magazine. 

What is it that finally pushes a woman into doing something about her anxious little frown lines, her mousy hair, or whatever she's (more or less) "accepted" about her looks? Three women step up to O's beauty challenge and discover what they can and can't live with. 

A Shot At Gorgeous
Millions of women are looking remarkably fresh and rested thanks to tiny injections of a botulinum toxin. Why wasn't Valerie Monroe one of them?
The Laser's Edge
After a few false starts, Jessica Winter finally stops turning red.
Fair-Haired Girl
She was blonde as a child. Stung by strangers' comments, Celia Barbour decides to reclaim her birthright.

Read more >

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.

My skin has darkened two shades I am Asian Indian.  Sun damaged what type of peel will work?

The best chemical peel for you may not be the best chemical peel for someone else.  This is why it is so important to come in for a consultation so that one of our practitioners can evaluate your condition in person.  What medications are you on that might also be contributing to this condition? What type of "pattern" is there to the marks, or is it overall? Could it be a hormonal issue also?  Do you wear a sunscreen everyday?  Do you also have acne?  Is your skin too sensitive to have a peel immediately--most darker skin types need to be prepped at home for at least two weeks prior to a peel.  See my point?   However, in general, one of the peels we perform at the practice that is targeted specifically for sundamaged skin is called the Cosmelan peel, (which has a description on our website you can read further about).  Also, the Greenwich VIP Peel is very effective and requires a series of 3 to 6 peels spaced 3 weeks apart, and specific homecare products in conjunction with a series is critical to achieving the desired results.

  I hope this answers your question and hope to see you in person for a complimentary consultation so we can setup a plan of action specifically for you!

The Greenwich Medical Spa Staff

I have an acne problem. I'm 21, so please suggest to me which cold cream I could use so my skin improves, looks good, and without leaving any oil on my face.

Stretch marks are best treated with a non-invasive fractional laser called Fraxel.  The laser ablates or resurfaces the scar tissue and new collagen grows in it's place.  The final results take approximately 6 months to achieve a tighter and smoother appearance; although patients have noted earlier improvement as early as two months.

Overall, 5 treatments is recommended.  Maybe more for different skin types.  
 
Dr. Jeffrey Schorr & The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa Staff