WINTER NEWSLETTER 2008

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Conscious Sedation versus General Anesthesia

Anesthesia is the loss of sensitivity to pain brought about by various drugs (anesthetics). It is important to know what type of anesthesia you are having before any procedure.

Conscious Sedation also known as twilight or intravenous (IV) sedation is used to relax you and make you feel sleepy. It generally includes IV administration of pain medication and a mild sedative to minimize any discomfort. These medications cause temporary forgetfulness, you may not remember what happens during the procedure. Even though you do not remember, you remain awake enough during that time to respond to questions, retain your protective reflexes and breathe on your own.

General Anesthesia involves the administration of a paralyzing agent given by inhalation. The drugs circulate in your blood stream to all areas of your body, including your brain. They can suppress your protective reflexes, such as coughing, gagging and even breathing. Consequently, a general anesthetic requires the use of a mask or breathing tube while you're asleep. This is the most complicated form of anesthesia and has a much greater effect on the body than conscious sedation. You will be rendered completely unconscious.

General anesthesia takes longer to wear off than conscious sedation requiring a longer time in the recovery room. Most common side effects of general anesthesia are nausea and vomiting and can hinder your recovery after surgery.

Dr. Schafer uses Conscious Sedation with almost all of his surgical procedures.

Because of the complications associated with General Anesthesia, more surgeons are using conscious sedation with office procedures.

Anti-Aging Smoothing Softening

IS Clinical Intensive Resurfacing Facial. The centerpiece of this remarkable treatment is the Intensive Resurfacing Masque.

The masque is designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing, softening and promoting circulation while encouraging cellular turnover.

The masque is comprised of pharmaceutical grade ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Retinol, Vitamin B3, and potent antioxidants, including Green Tea Extracts. The facial is complemented by a rich, unique combination of serums and creams to awaken your senses by displaying aromas of warm cinnamon spice and a brisk cool peppermint.

Beverly Hills Liquid Facelift

The Beverly Hills Liquid Facelift is a rejuvenating treatment meant to eliminate crow's feet, smile lines, furrowed brows and hollowing of the face due to fat loss.

The procedure utilizes two types of injectibles to smooth and fill in lines and wrinkles, thereby giving your face a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

First, BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the muscle tissue on the forehead, glabella (area between the eyes), and next to the eyes.

Next, Sculptra, an injectible filler made from L-Lactic Acid is injected into the nasal labial folds or smile lines, which extend from either side of the nose, and around the mouth to the chin. If thinning and hollowing of the cheeks is also involved, Sculptra can be injected to this area as well to fill out the tissue. Sculptra is a unique product, in that it actually encourages collagen formation to the tissue.

The effects can last up to two years.

Winter Sun Smarts – Are you using your sunscreen?

Just because it is winter doesn't mean you don't need sunscreen. San Diegans are known for their love of the sun but too much of a good thing in the winter can cause long-term skin damage just like it does in the summer.

Damage like hyperpigmentation, premature fine lines, wrinkling as well as skin cancer. So, protecting yourself before you go out to work or play is critical to maintain over all skin health.

Our spa carries sunscreens that offer anti-oxidants as well as full spectrum UVA/UVB coverage in different formulas to suit your active lifestyle.

Titanium Dioxide is a physical block which deflects damaging rays from the sun and keeps harmful UVA/UVB damage from penetrating to the dermal layer where cells are formed.

IS Clinical products offer a pure titanium powder as well as a cream formulation of sunscreens. The cream comes in both tinted and untinted formulas. The powder comes in both translucent and tinted versions.

IS Clinical sunscreen is $36.00 per 3 oz. tube and the powder sunscreens are $44.00 per .32 oz.

Ask a staff member to assist you in choosing a sunscreen to suit your skin type.