(813) 855-5455 drmercedes1@gmail.com

Dr Mercedes at Westchase

 

 

" What you can conceive and believe, you will achieve! "

 

 

Complete compassionate care

with the least invasive technology for rejuvenation.
Acne

What causes acne?

The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgen’s (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.

Why do I still get acne if I wash my face several times?

Washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for the acne.

I am a female and I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?

There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.

What role does diet play in acne?

Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet–but diet shouldn’t really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.

Botox

Is Botox a new treatment?

No. BOTOX® has been used for more than 11 years to treat over 1 million patients worldwide, and it is approved by the health ministries of at least 70 countries.

How is Botox given?

BOTOX® is injected into the affected muscle(s). Your doctor will determine which muscles need to be treated.

Does the injection hurts?

Some people report minor, temporary discomfort from the injection.

How long does it last?

The relief you’ll feel from one treatment of BOTOX® will normally last for up to 3 months. Treatments can be continued as long as your condition responds to BOTOX®, and you do not have any serious allergic reactions or other significant side effects. When the relief begins to fade, you’ll return to your doctor for your next treatment.Usually, BOTOX® treatment is required approximately four times per year. Because symptoms can change over time, the amount and duration of relief you’ll experience can vary.

For more information about BOTOX®

Laser Hair Removal

How long do treatments last? How many will I need?

Sessions can last from a few minutes to more than an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to specific skin types and color, thickness and density of hair. Several treatments are necessary to achieve the best results. Consult your practitioner for an estimate of the necessary number of treatments.

How much time is there between sessions?

Subsequent sessions are scheduled when the hair begins to regrow. The timing for this can range from four to eight weeks, depending on hair type and the part of the body being treated. On average, appointments are scheduled four to six weeks apart.

Are light treatments safe for all skin types?

Yes, this technology can be used to treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of African, Hispanic or Asian descent, as well as those patients with tanned skin.

Can all hair be treated?

Yes, treatments are customized according to hair color, texture and location. Any hair with at least some pigment can be treated.

What does the treatment feel like?

Most people tolerate the treatments very well. Discomfort is often described as a slight tingling or a pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band. Topical anesthesia can be used when treating particularly sensitive areas of the body.

For more information on Laser Hair Removal

Microdermabrasion

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is an intense exfoliation process that rejuvenates the skin by utilizing ultra-fine aluminum oxide crystals to remove the upper layer of the stratum corneum. At the same time, the hand piece of the instrument contains a vacuum tube that sweeps up both the crystals and the skin’s cellular debris. This process exfoliates the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin which will result in a firmer, more youthful looking skin over time.

What are it’s uses?

Microdermabrasion buffs the skin of fine lines and discoloration while refining texture and hue. Repeated treatments yield excellent results for scar revision (whether from acne, chicken pox, or even surgery scars) as well as deep discoloration, melasma, and tattoo removal.

What results can I expect, and how soon?

Depending on the area treated, you will notice an improvement in your skin’s appearance. Acne scars will be less obvious. Age spots and fine lines are greatly diminished and many patients report that their skin seems to be softer, smoother, and younger-looking. After your first treatment, your skin will have a fresh pink glow. Improvement continues throughout your treatment program. you will begin to notice visible results after about the third treatment.

How often can I get a Power Peel® treatment?

Every 7 to 10 days for up to 12-15 treatments. Monthly treatments are recommended to maintain best results.

What’s the down time?

Unlike chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or plastic surgery, there is little or no down time. At most, patients will be pink (and must consequently wear sunscreens diligently) for a day or two after the treatment.

Oxigen Treatment

What are the steps involved in the ECHO2PlusTM Oxygen Treatment System?

The ECHO2PlusTM Skin Treatment System uses the following four steps…

EXFOLIATION – This is defined as the active removal of dead skin cells that form daily on the skin surface. It is an essential part of cleansing the skin.

CLEANSING – The ECHO2PlusTM® Oxygen Treatment System utilizes an exclusive Cleansing Solution which is applied after a thorough exfoliation to condition and tone the skin. Utilizing only natural essential oils (no alcohol or is ever used in the ECHO2 Plus® Oxygen Treatment System), this special formula acts as a gentle astringent to kill harmful bacteria.

HYDRATION – Here, a unique process known as Osmotic Hydration is employed using enzymes and amino acids to draw moisture from the air as well as beneath the skin, targeting the critical cells lying beneath the outer layer of the epidermis. In this critical phase of the treatment, an intense topical vitamin mask is applied employing hand massage techniques.

O2 XYGENATION – Once the skin has been properly prepared using the previous steps of Exfoliation, Cleansing and Hydration, the application of pure oxygen gas, along with concentrated forms of Vitamins A, C and E and 87 other land minerals begins. A cool, soothing therapeutic blast of oxygen and nutrients is propelled deep into the dermal (lower) layer of the skin where it adheres to the red blood cells and the collagen and elastin fibers.

What does oxygen do for skin?

Without oxygen, all cells will die almost immediately, including skin cells. As we age, our bodies, and especially our skin, lose their ability to retain and utilize oxygen for normal metabolic (formation of new cells) processes. Add to this, the effects of stress, pollution, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise and you have a serious oxygen deficiency in the skin.

By targeting the deep dermal layer of the skin where new skin cells form and eventually rise to the surface, the ECHO2PlusTM® Oxygen Treatment System places over 180,000,000 oxygen molecules per second into this critical area. Here, the oxygen molecules attach themselves to the red blood cells, as well as the collagen and elastin fibers to stimulate production of healthy new cells and to increase the strength and suppleness of the skin.

How does the ECHO2PlusTM Skin Treatment System help my skin?

This unique skin treatment program uses 87 different vitamins, minerals, Amino acids, and oxygen, to moisturize and revitalize every cell of the facial skin. Because oxygen is introduced to the skin at the cellular level, it bonds to red blood cells, providing additional strength to the collagen and elastin fibers, which in turn will helps improve the elasticity of the skin.

How often should I have an ECHO2PlusTM treatment?

In order to receive the full benefit of your ECHO2PlusTM Skin Treatment, a 4-3-2-1 program is recommended. That is, 4 treatments the first month, 3 treatments the second month, 2 treatments the third month and one treatment per month thereafter.
Can I wear make-up after my ECHO2PlusTM Skin Treatment?

After your ECHO2PlusTM Skin Treatment, it is best to refrain from applying make-up for up to 45 minutes. This will allow ample time for completing the hydration of your skin, as well as providing adequate time for the initial effects of the oxygen to take place in the cells of the skin.

For more information on Oxigen Treatments

Radiance FN Cosmetic

What is Radience?

Radiance is a biocompatible product, which consists of calcium hydroxyapatate microspheres in a gel carrier.

How long does it last?

Radiance injections last anywhere from 2-5 years. Radiance does not require skin testing because it is the same mineral component as bone and teeth.

How long does the procedure takes?

The procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes.

When do I star seeing the results?

Down time is minimal and the patient can look good in 24 to 36 hours.