Need a Hair Transplant? Pittsburgh Doctors Delight Patients With New Treatment
Hair loss is a gradual process that can occur over years. Typically starting in a man’s mid twenties, it slowly thins the hair until the scalp can no longer produce strong, healthy follicles.
If you have been struggling with this condition, you probably have considered having a hair transplant. Pittsburgh men suffering from baldness should know about a new option that is delivering better results than traditional techniques. Our cosmetic surgeons are happy to offer the latest advancement in hair replacement treatment, known as NeoGraft. If you would like to see firsthand the difference this new device can make, schedule a consultation with a transplant surgeon to see some before and after pictures. You won’t believe the results. The surgeons and professional team at Premier Plastic Surgery has over ten years of experience with hair restoration.
The surgeons who have been offering the traditional strip method, or manual transplantation, are excited to offer this automated FUE method of hair transplant. Pittsburgh physicians are raving about this technique because of its accuracy. The appearance of the scalp from the donation area does not experience the scarring that is usually associated with the strip hair transplant method. As practicing professionals, they understand that the device’s accurate and gentle follicle removal and replacement is the foundation of quickened healing. It makes the hair restoration process easier on the doctors because they are able to remove the inexactness of previous methods. Best of all, the NeoGraft procedure increases the success rate of many qualified candidates.
Another key component of this procedure is that patient down time is greatly decreased. Patients don’t have to wait days to wash or brush their hair, or wait months before they can get a close haircut again. The NeoGraft device mimics the growth of the follicle and simply moves them with a similar placement by delicately moving the grafts. Now patients can begin their life anew, just one day after their procedure. Doctors are confident in the results that they have already seen and are continuing to see with new patients each day.
If you are interested in learning if you would be a good candidate for the NeoGraft procedure, schedule a consultation or give us a call today. Our helpful and friendly staff are standing by to answer your questions.
After Winter Glow, Skin Care for Early Spring
Winter can be a hard time for your skin. The weather is dry and cold, affecting the moisture level in your skin. When snow falls, the reflection of the sun can cause sunburns and skin damage. To get your skin feeling better after a long cold season you can bounce back with a few new routines, as well as look into laser skin care. Pittsburgh men and women can benefit from a few simple steps or rejuvenating cosmetic care.
It i??s time to switch up or improve your soaps and cleansers. During the winter, chances are your skin acts differently than in the spring or summer. You may have needed something that helped retain or add moisture. It??s time to finish out the season with those products and invest in new products for the warmer spring weather. Look for something that compliments your skin type during this season.
Just like soaps, you a??re also going to want to switch up your moisturizer. You will not be needing it as much when the weather becomes more humid. By dialing it down you can avoid things like body acne or simply feel less greasy. You can also skip the moisturizer altogether and add glasses of water to your diet. This will help keep you and your skin hydrated.
Increase your SPF! Unless you are into winter sports, chances are you spent a log of time inside this winter. When the weather gets warmer and more sunny, you will need to protect your skin with sunscreen. Don’t be fooled by cloudy weather. Choose a moisturizer or makeup with SPF protection to make it easy to add it to your routine.
To refresh from the winter, you may consider laser skin care. Pittsburgh resurfacing procedures peel away at the top layers of derma and creates an environment for them to regenerate. Your body will not only create new, healthy skin but it can also reduce the look of aging.
From simple things like drinking more water to more extensive and rejuvenating procedures like laser skin care, Pittsburgh can bounce back from the cold harsh winter and celebrate the coming of spring with healthy skin. To show off your best as sleeves get shorter, keep these tips in mind.
The Importance of a Physician’s Assistant in Dermatology
Many people deal with congenital and developing skin conditions throughout their lives. From acne to aging, everyone may need a little expert guidance at some point to end the war with their skin and learn to love it again. In order to combat the itching, burning, pain, swelling, discolor and irritation, skin sufferers turn to the assistance of dermatology for help. With regular visits to a day spa each year, men and women and young and old alike can take advantage of a specialized treatment regimen that removes embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms and brings out the confidence and radiance in their skin.
Dermatology is the area of medicine that deals with the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of temporary conditions and diseases of the skin, scalp, hair and nails. There are several subspecialties designed to distinguish and treat the underlying causes of these skin disorders and diseases. The subspecialties focus on the entire body and include skin cancer; immune disorders that impact the skin; pediatric skin disorders; and cosmetic procedures for acne, scarring, birthmarks and the effects of aging. All medical professionals in the various areas of dermatological specialty are provided with specific education on diagnosis and treatment application techniques. They can therefore use their medical knowledge to provide training to their physician’s assistants on a regular basis.
A board-certified physician’s assistant such as James J. Worry is constantly in receipt of day-to-day performance-based training with the dermatologists he supports. However, James J. Worry began applying directed focus early, with the achievement of his Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Sciences at Saint Francis University. From there he went on to more concentrated dermatology training at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Dermatology. James has and still does use all the guided instruction and preparation in the field of dermatology in order to provide expert care alongside a board-certified dermatologist. His specialties are preventative skin treatments and maintenance treatments after an issue has been rectified. For example, James works with cancer screenings, mole assessment, and acne. For cosmetic applications, he also works with patients who utilize the benefits of Botox, laser, and filler solutions.
A physician’s assistant is a licensed and board-certified professional. They are trained to provide a broad spectrum of dermatological support with examination, diagnosis and application of treatments under the supervision of the dermatologist on staff. James Worry is a good example of an accomplished and advancing physician’s assistant because he takes his education and patient treatments seriously. He is not only a board-certified physician’s assistant, but also a fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. He possesses expertise in specific areas of dermatology that allow for quality patient care. A dermatologist and their physician’s assistant work together to correctly and efficiently to diagnose skin conditions, administer patient education, and the appropriate treatments with care.
Coming to Terms with the Sun

Generations of men and women are finally coming to terms with the summers they have spent enjoying the outdoors and sunshine without proper skin protection and skin care. Pittsburgh is home to many folks that did not know warnings about skin cancer and sun damage even existed when they were younger and advances in medical science have completely changed the way they spend their time outdoors. But for many, old habits die hard. Once a sun worshipper, always a sun worshipper.
Thankfully, many of these men and women are dealing with a lot of the adverse effects of sun damage and the way it speeds up the aging process within our skin care. Pittsburgh residents often visit doctors for elective cosmetic procedures to help them look younger. Frequent visits to the doctor encourage evaluation of sun-exposed areas for common types of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment is one of the best treatments for skin cancer and advanced recognition is helping to delay the development of metastatic cancer or prevent it completely.
And yet, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force still does not support whole body skin cancer screening in susceptible individuals. In turn, insurers do not often cover this type of screening because of the group’s recommendation that it may lead to more episodes of incorrect diagnoses and increase risks of side effects from biopsies or treatment.
In the end, only you know how much time you spend in the sun unprotected and should have every mole or suspicious skin lesion evaluated on a regular basis. Talk to your primary care physician about a referral to a dermatologist if you are at all concerned about skin cancer. And remember to wear sunscreen!
Aging Runners Turn to Plastic Surgery to Mask Fat-Burning Effects
For most of us, the aging process can be unkind. This is particularly true for those individuals that engage in any number of activities or lifestyles that can expedite the aging process. Did you know that running was one of those activities; despite the fact that it is incredibly good for your cardiovascular health and a good way to stay in shape. Whether you are a long time runner yourself or you know someone who has been running for a while, you have probably begun to notice the wear and tear that running can cause on your body, including progressive aging due to excessive fat-burning. As a result, some runners are turning to plastic surgery in an effort to diminish the effects of running.
Whether you realize it or not, we all need a certain amount of fat on our bodies in order to maintain our health as well as a youthful appearance. While running will eliminate excessive fat in the body, it will also leave your skin looking weathered and inelastic (no bounce back when your skin is pinched) especially if you have been running for many years. Plastic surgery, specifically cosmetic procedures like Restylane and Juvederm, can restore a healthy and youthful appearance that is often lost in lifelong runners whose faces have become gaunt with sunken eyes and boney cheeks. In doing so, hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance the body produces that gives your skin its volume, is injected into the desired area of the face; thus restoring a youthful appearance. Besides, who says you have to sacrifice your looks for your health; you can have both.
Skin Care for Men
While it is often reported that women don’t age as gracefully as their male counterparts, men can still use help in the area of skin care. Pittsburgh is home to some severe weather that can wreak havoc on skin and cause it to look older, more quickly. Both men and women can benefit from a line of products designed to protect skin from weather damage and help it recuperate from damage. As we age, collagen naturally breaks down and is replaced less often. This promotes the creation of fine lines and wrinkles in common areas such as around eyes and mouths.
When it comes to skin care, Pittsburgh is also home to several dermatology clinics that can provide advanced techniques and technologies to help turn back the hands of time. Men should not feel vain or embarrassed to seek help with skin care. Pittsburgh is similar to many other places in the country that have severe weather. Other states often deal with more sun damage, but wind and snow in the winter can be equally traumatic to skin as you get older. For many men this means their skin loses the youthful glow much earlier. If you are looking for skin care in Pittsburgh, contact a clinic for a consultation appointment today. Many dermatologists in the city are able to help you develop a plan for skin care. Pittsburgh men can age gracefully!
Examining The Options
If you’re looking for better skin care, Pittsburgh professionals can provide several options to meet your needs. Each of them is appropriate under different circumstances, depending on your particular problem or issue. By nipping problems in the bud before they grow worse, you can ensure that your skin stays young and healthy looking long past your natural limits.
Botox
A discussion of skin care wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the most popular procedures being done in America today: Botox. Pittsburgh men and women both use Botox to gain a youthful look. Under the right guiding hand, Botox can remove or reduce fine lines and wrinkles for months at a time. By coming back for regular treatments, these injections can often serve as a viable alternative to invasive plastic surgery.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a technique used to remove the very top layer of the skin, revealing the healthy, glowing layer underneath. It is minimally invasive and recovery rarely lasts longer than a day or two. Many patients have found all the results they need from this remarkable procedure. If you are wanting that rejuvenated skin in Pittsburgh, microdermabrasion might be your answer.
Laser Hair Removal
Looking for the smooth, silky legs in Pittsburgh? Laser hair removal is your solution. Tired of shaving and dealing with those pesky razor burns and bumps that decorate your legs? You’re not alone, which is why laser treatments have become so popular in recent years. Lasers aren’t just used for removing hair, though. Vein removal is often performed to take care of spider veins and broken capillaries, while Thermage and other ST lasers are used extensively to tighten skin that has started to sag.
Restylane
Products using hyaluronic acid—a substance created naturally by the body in limited amounts—have grown in popularity as people look for solutions to the reduction of skin volume and fullness. These dermal fillers can improve the appearance of wrinkles, sunken cheeks, and thin lips. By improving your face with Restylane, Pittsburgh women can begin to enhance their look.
Skin Care Aids Can Improve Your Look
The double punch of going to a day spa and getting laser skin care can boost the health of your skin. Seek out these options to ensure you have healthy skin.
Skin care is not something to think twice about. Each person needs to consider his or her current condition and then take steps to ensure skin has all the protection it needs to look younger and stay healthier longer. There are a number of options available to you to achieve that young, vibrant looking look you want. A day spa in Pittsburgh can help, as can the right laser skin care treatment.
How a Day Spa Heals Your Skin
A day spa can be the perfect place to rejuvenate your skin. Consider getting a complexion analysis to find out what conditions are affecting your skin right now. Then, the right overall treatment solution is put into place. That could be a facial or a rose coral facial designed for sensitive skin. A hydrating facial is another good option to improve your skin’s color, texture and youthful look.
Laser Skin Treatment
In some cases, you need treatments that are more advanced, like laser skin. Pittsburgh patients can use this to boost the look of their skin. Use it to treat acne scaring, fine lines and wrinkles, remove moles and even remove unwanted skin lesions. Beyond a doubt, laser skin care treatments can solve a variety of skin problems.
Breathe life back into your skin starting with a day spa visit. Try to do this at least one time every few weeks. Then, treat any area that poses a specific risk using laser skin care. These two things together can help create the beautiful skin you want and are craving.
Why You Should Consider Laser Hair Removal
removal is the best way to go about it.
There are a number of benefits to getting laser hair removal at a medical spa in Pittsburgh, particularly with summer upon us. No one wants to go back for wax after wax, and it’s best not even to think about the fatigue and irritation that can set in while trying to get every square inch of follicle growth with a razor. You’ll want to be free of unwanted hair heading into the bikini season and Pittsburgh laser hair
The benefits to seeing a good medical spa in Pittsburgh cannot be overstated. For one thing, it is the only medical treatment that can ensure the permanent removal of unwanted hair growth. Permanent! That means that once the treatment sessions are done, you won’t have to worry about it again. You can throw out your razors and say goodbye to painful waxing sessions. Best of all, you can wear that skimpy bikini without wondering if you are at your smoothest.
One of the best benefits to getting Pittsburgh laser hair removal is that there is no downtime required. The procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical. That means recovery time is insignificant and won’t stop you from going about your daily activities. No work loss means you don’t have to jump through hoops to schedule an appointment. If you’ve dreamed of the day you can live your life without unwanted hair, Pittsburgh laser hair removal could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Acqua Blu Medical Spa Gets You Ready for Summer
Spring is slipping away and summer is racing upon us. Many of us have spent dreary hours indoors and are unprepared to bare skin on the beach. If you are looking for a way to get relaxed and ready for the summer, you may be looking for a medical spa. Pittsburgh men and women are visiting Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center for all of their aesthetic, surgical, or minimally-invasive elective cosmetic procedures.
One of the most popular elective cosmetic procedures chosen by men and women that like to spend a lot of time in the sun is botox. Pittsburgh may not get as much sun as other places in the country, but it can wreak similar havoc on facial lines. Acqua Blu botox treatments can help you look younger and feel more refreshed.
Perhaps one of the most important procedures that you can have done to get truly ready for your beach-best summer body is Pittsburgh laser hair removal. Virtually painless and relatively permanent, laser hair removal leaves your skin looking silky smooth and ready to absorb a summer’s worth of rays in a deep dark tan.
Acqua Blu Medical Spa offers a number of facial and body treatments as well as Visia Digital Complexion Analysis, radiance pearl therapy, waxing, tinting, microdermabrasion, permanent makeup, dermaplanning, laser and light treatments, Botox, Dysport, lipolysis, and more. Each of these treatments can help supplement your natural beauty and get you ready to show almost every inch of your body in that new bikini.
Skin Care in Pittsburgh Offers a Variety of Options
When it comes to skin care in Pittsburgh, options available to today’s patients are more varied than they have ever been before. From Botox to laser hair removal and hyaluronic acid products, cosmetic medicine offers options to fit most needs and budgets. Achieving beautiful skin can be just a phone call away.
One reason people seek cosmetic treatment is to deal with unwanted hair. Laser hair removal offers a nearly permanent solution to unwanted hair on just about any area of the body. Acqua Blu Medical Spa treats the legs, face, and back on a regular basis.
But lasers are not just used to treat unwanted hair. ST laser technology can renew the contours of the face and tighten baggy skin without surgery, making patients look more youthful. They can also remove or diminish the look of broken capillaries, spider veins, and lesions on the skin.
Wrinkles and fine lines can make a patient look years older than he or she really is. Botox/Dysport and other dermal fillers offer a long-lasting solution to deal with these problems, without the invasiveness and risks of a face lift of other cosmetic surgery. Injections of fillers, like Botox/Dysport, have less of a risk than surgery as well.
Acne scars, large pores, and very fine lines will not respond to injectable fillers. For these types of problems, microdermabrasion is one option for skin care in Pittsburgh. Acqua Blu Medical Spa offers several chemical peel options that can even out the appearance of the skin, leaving it younger looking and less damaged.
If you are considering a professional medical option for skin care in Pittsburgh, give us a call. We are ready to help you realize your dream of healthy, younger looking skin.
Got a Tattoo That Needs to Be Gone?
Tattoo removal in Pittsburgh can be accomplished at Acqua Blu Medical Spa. Body art has been all the rage in some circles but sometimes individuals have ink on their bodies that doesn’t suit them anymore. As people go through various life stages, certain symbols and adornments that were perfect for one era might not work for their current lifestyle. Examples are words, names or images reminiscent of a past love or obsession. Someone in awe of a specific rock band might tattoo flaming guitars or skulls on their shoulder. While this might be cool and attractive when a person is in his or her twenties, a decade later this look might not work for job interviews or PTA meetings. If a woman tattoos “John” on her arm but ends up marrying “Harold,” she will likely want to get the inked name removed. Luckily, there are effective methods for erasure.
At Acqua Blue Medical Spa, a MedLite c6 laser has been found to be a highly effective removal device. The MedLite laser has surpassed other processes and is now considered as the “gold standard.” In the medical world, “gold standard” labels refer to highly respected and top-of-the-line procedures. This tool is able to address a multitude of colored inks such as blue, green, browns and blacks. The laser disintegrates the lines within the image without injuring the skin and underlying tissue.
After lasering, a patient will need to take precautions during the healing process. Applying antibacterial topical ointments and giving the site TLC as far as not touching or scratching will allow the area to heal more quickly.
Got unwanted hair? Try Pittsburgh Laser Hair Removal.
Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery offers Pittsburgh laser hair removal to their patients. Many individuals have an excess of body hair on specific body regions. This excess can be eliminated with this technique. Common areas to have Pittsburgh laser hair removal performed include the face, back, legs, underarms, and bikini line. No more shaving, waxing or embarrassing hairiness after a series of treatments by Acqua Blu physician assistants and laser specialists.
The way that this treatment works is with a beam of intense light which is pressed against skin where hair removal is desired. The light only needs to be placed against the skin for a moment for the process to take place. This beam of energy causes the follicles to be destroyed. A follicle is where hair growth originates and without it, the region will become hairless and smooth. Because growth occurs in cycles, it will take approximately four to six months of treatments before a near permanent and complete removal will be achieved.
Patients must be careful to protect the treated area from the sun. A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 is required during the course of treatments and thereafter. Results and time frame will vary somewhat depending on a person’s complexion, hair texture and re-growth patterns. Following each Pittsburgh laser hair removal appointment, the patient will may experience mild redness, some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the region, but these side effects are temporary and last a few hours following treatment.
Preparing for Pittsburgh Laser Hair Removal
For people struggling with unsightly, unwanted hair in Pittsburgh, laser hair removal provides a long-term solution. While it cannot be called permanent, this treatment does eliminate many hairs by directly attacking the hair follicle, making it difficult for the hair to re-grow. With the right series of treatments, many patients find they are rid of these hairs, and if they do crop back up over time, a simple follow up treatment effectively eliminates them.
If you are interested in Pittsburgh laser hair removal, you will need to prepare your skin and hair for the procedure. Always follow the advice of your plastic surgeon carefully when opting for this procedure. Here are some general guidelines that you might be given.
First, do not do anything to your skin and hair that might disturb the hair follicle. Typically, this includes waxing, plucking, and electrolysis. This can interfere with the laser procedure. If you want to get rid of the look of your unsightly hair, shaving is typically considered ok, and some doctors think it will improve your results.
Next, stay out of the sun as much as possible, and use sunscreen when your skin is exposed. Having a tan makes the chance of side effects even greater. If you already have a tan, you will need to let it fade before you have the procedure, unless your doctor feels differently. This is the same for tans from the sun, tanning beds, or sunless tanning products. The issue is the pigmentation in your skin, not the source of the tan.
If you follow these guidelines as well as any others that your Pittsburgh laser hair removal doctor offers, you will have excellent results from your treatment.
Regret that tattoo? Consider laser removal.
While a tattoo can seem like a great idea at the time of its application, it’s not uncommon for those who wear ink to feel a twinge of regret later in life and possibly even seek out tattoo removal. Pittsburgh patients should consider laser removal.
One factor that many don’t take into consideration is the tendency of body ink to fade over time, leaving a blotchy and irregular design that is both unattractive and wholly dissimilar to the original version. Crisp lines can become “fuzzy” and once-vibrant colors will dim into dull, muddy versions of themselves. In this case, one’s options are to either retouch the tattoo’s colors– a process that will have to be periodically repeated over the individual’s lifespan– or have it removed altogether.
In addition to the subtle long-term deterioration of physical ink of the piece, there are also more obvious factors — such as regret — to consider. Who is the same person they were ten years ago? Some choose to have a person’s name or a special design permanently inked on them, later finding that the image that they chose is no longer attractive to them — or, worse, that the writing serves as a painful reminder of a person who is no longer in their life. Additionally, societal standards against tattoos ensure that many employers will look down on applicants with prominent ink, which can in turn severely reduce an individual’s chances of employment.
In all of these cases, tattoo removal Pittsburgh can offer an effective, safe way to eliminate the unsightly image. Although getting a tattoo is an intensely personal choice and should be considered with long-term consequences in mind, this exciting, state-of-the-art technology called Med Lite C6, offers an option for people who have considered all the factors and decided to start over with a clean slate.
At Acqua Blu Medical Spa & Plastic Surgery Center we are well-known for helping men and women remove a tattoo that seemed like such a good idea at the time but now…not so much. The MedLite C6 laser is an excellent choice for tattoo removal because its unique combination of short wavelength light and rapid, high intensity pulses maximizes the destruction of skin pigmentation and tattoo inks. The MedLite C6 also preserves surrounding skin and minimizes scarring by focusing its light energy only on the ink of the tattoo, causing it to break up and be naturally removed by your body’s cleansing process. Tattoos use a wide variety of ink colors, and MedLite C6 is able to remove practically all shades of ink, with the exception of certain shades of green and yellow, which are difficult or impossible to remove with any current laser technology. Repeat treatments over a period of several weeks are usually required to achieve the best results. Patients on average see a 90 to 95% reduction in the appearance of their tattoo. To schedule an appointment call Acqua Blu at 412.835.555
Skin Care at Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa
As you finish the holidays and begin the new year, you might be preparing for spring and summer, when you can shed the extra layers of clothing and greet the warm sun. Of course, to aid this transition, you may need proper skin care. Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center offers a variety of treatments to help you, both cosmetically and medically.
To improve your skin’s complexion and tone, we offer many non-surgical treatments, including laser hair removal and skin care. Pittsburgh residents who are ready to prepare themselves for the warmer months will find many viable and efficient types of treatment at Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center.
Of course, our areas of expertise in skin care extend far beyond the cosmetic, including skin cancer screening and treatment, mole evaluation, removal of benign skin lesions, treatments for adult and adolescent acne, rosacea, chronic skin conditions (psoriasis and eczema), hair and nail disorders, skin infections, and allergic and immune skin diseases. We are able to tailor your skin treatment to your precise needs, utilizing all the newest methods and technology to achieve professional results.
Our skin care staff includes Ana C. Busquets, MD, FAAD, a Harvard graduate and a member of the Cleveland Dermatological Society, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Academy of Dermatology. If you are interested in learning more about our programs for skin care, Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center staff is ready to attend to your needs and schedule you for a consultation. Please call 412.835.5550.
Need Help With Weight Loss? Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center Can Help!
Holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, but this time is also notorious for the great parties and loads of food. After the holidays are over, you may be feeling a little heavier than usual, but nothing a little diet and exercise won’t whip back into shape, right? Not for everyone!
For many people, dieting and exercising are simply not enough to lose the weight they desire or need to lose in order to be healthy. Without turning to surgical options, including liposuction and tummy tucks, there are several non-surgical and effective programs available for weight loss. Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center offers FDA-approved appetite suppressants with meal planning, under guidance of our medical director, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil.
Each individual is analyzed for their personalized needs based on age, sex, activity, muscle mass, and medical history, which allows us to produce a healthy program for your weight loss. Pittsburgh residents that are ready to embark on a healthy solution for weight problems must first schedule and consultation so that we may determine eligibility. Once accepted, there are three different phases that will program your body into burning fat.
During the first phase of the program for weight loss, Pittsburgh patients must come in for a weigh-in and body analysis, physical exam, program counseling and guides for a personalized diet plan. Energy-boosting vitamin shots and appetite-suppressing medications for those that qualify is an important part of the process.
During the next step of the program for weight loss, Pittsburgh patients who have completed the first two weeks and have lost up to 14 lbs in those two weeks, will enter into Phase 2 of the program. During this phase, patients will introduce a sensible meal of lean protein and vegetables, as well as the continuation of protein shakes, supplements and nutritional counseling.
Phase 3 is considered the maintenance phase. This phase includes patients who have reached their personal goal weight. To maintain goal weight, protein shakes as well as other protein dietary products are recommended for breakfast and before bed. In addition, a wider variety of foods can be added to the diet. If at any time a patient would like to lose more weight, the phase 1 liquid diet can be referred back to.
If you are interested in learning more about our non-surgical programs for weight loss, Pittsburgh’s Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center staff is ready to attend to your needs and schedule you for a consultation. Please call 412.835.5550.
“Which Injectable is Best for Me?” – Recommendations from Acqua Blu Pittsburgh Medical Spa
As you are getting ready for the holiday season, you may be looking into different options to improve your looks. If you are not ready for a full-blown cosmetic surgery procedure, you may consider injectables at our medical spa. Pittsburgh residents often come in to Acqua Blu Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center to inquiry about Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane and other products on the market that can improve the look of your skin. As you consider injectables, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Heil and Pittsburgh dermatologist, Dr. Busquests can recommend that you be aware of the function of each of these common dermal injections.
Botox or Dysport can be used to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, neck, and around the eyes. The procedure tends to take less than 15 minutes, and you will be able to go back to your regular activities afterward. Botox and Dysport actually paralyzes the facial muscles into which it is injected and the effect lasts about four months. Immediate side effects usually include bruising around the injection area, which usually goes away quickly and can be covered with makeup. These injectables are also temporary, which means that if you did not like the results, it will wear off with very little risk of permanent damage.
Juvederm, a hyaluronic acid injection, is often used to address laugh lines and any other lines that surround the mouth. Juvederm can also add fullness to the lips. Wrinkles are smoothed over by pushing previously sunken skin up and adding volume to the layer underneath. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body and acts like a sponge to attract and hold in water for ultimate moisture and volume. If you want to use only the most natural products on your body, Juvederm could be the best treatment for you.
Restylane also works to restore volume and eliminate wrinkles and under-eye hollows. Restylane also uses hyaluronic acid and when injected under the skin, results can last up to six months. Restylane injections intended to make lips fuller can last about 9 months. As for side effects, you can expect some redness and swelling for about two days after treatment and sometimes bruising occurs. Otherwise, the recovery period is fast, and only a topical anesthetic will be needed before applying the injection.
Many doctors can administer Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane and other soft tissue fillers, which is why the dangers of each, vary. If you do not do adequate research on your selected doctor, you might have problems no matter which filler you choose. If you are having trouble choosing which treatment is right for you, step into our Acqua Blu Medical Spa. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil, is the medical supervisor and our experienced staff can consult your options and implement the right option for you.
Laser Hair Removal: Is it for you?
Though summer has ended in Pittsburgh, laser hair removal is a good way to get rid of hair – long-term – so that you can be ready to show your smooth legs, arms or bikini area this spring.
Before you decide to come in for laser hair removal, there are some things you should know. First, the procedure may not work for everyone. Laser hair removal works by using a beam of light to damage the hair follicle so that hair will not regrow in the future. However, the damage to the hair follicle may not be permanent, so it is not guaranteed that you will be hair free forever. In most cases, laser hair removal must be conducted over a series of sessions to receive the desired long-term result. Sessions are usually quick and do not require excessive time to be scheduled.
People with light skin and darker hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal. If you have darker skin, you can still undergo the procedure, but know that the process affects the skin’s melatonin and thus, can leave uneven spots on the skin. However, there are new methods of laser hair removal, specifically designed for those with darker skin. Consulting your doctor is the best way to understand what options are out there and what kind of results you can expect.
Generally, laser hair removal is safe, but there are some risks and side effects. Sometimes, the skins surface is slightly irritated and can scab. The skin may also feel extra sensitive and temporarily, be darker or lighter than usual. For these reasons, laser hair removal may be best conducted when you do not plan to be exposed to the sun.
Consulting your doctor is necessary to get a good idea of what you can expect with laser hair removal. You should discuss your medical history, including any medications you are taking, some of which could interfere with the results. Your doctor should also let you know how to prepare for your first laser hair removal session and how to heal correctly after the procedure.
Acqua Blu Medical Spa Pittsburgh laser hair removal specialists are ready to consult with you.
Latisse: Pittsburgh Residents Can Now Bat Your Eyelashes At The Perfect Person
I’m not sure if you’ve heard of this one before. Batting your eyelashes at the object of your attention will help the two of you bond and get intimate. But how do you bat your eyelashes at the perfect person when you have sparse lashes that can hardly be seen? Eye make-up such as mascara clumps and could cause dark smudges under your eyes. As a result you may just not look your best when you want to. Well, there is an easy way out that will help you look your best. Latisse, Pittsburgh residents swear by it.
So what’s latisse, Pittsburgh residents who don’t know may ask? Latisse solution is a prescription treatment that promotes the growth of eyelashes making them longer, thicker and darker. This is the first and only FDA approved product for eyelash enhancement. The application of latisse, Pittsburgh residents claim, just once-daily is enough to ensure the growth of your eyelashes. You have to apply the solution topically to the base of your upper eyelashes. 
One can expect to see a change in as little as eight weeks and full results can be expected in 16 weeks. One would have to continue treatment with the solution to ensure that the effect is maintained. Else the eyelashes will gradually get back to what they were before the treatment.
I’m sure you’re worried about the possible side effects of using Latisse. Pittsburgh users did complain of itchy eyes and eye redness. But this generally went away when they got used to the product and started applying it properly. Other side effects include skin darkening, dryness of the eye and some eye irritation.
A great place to get your eyelash treatment is the Acqua Blue Medical Spa in Pittsburgh. Our experts help ensure that you get thicker, stronger lashes. To schedule a consultation visit www.acquablumedicalspa.com
Now where were we? Oh yeah, batting our eyelashes and hoping to get intimate with that someone special! It’s now possible with the help of Latisse.
Dermatologist: Pittsburgh Has A Number Of Procedures To Offer
Who doesn’t want to be pampered and look good at the same time? If you want both these wishes to be fulfilled, you need a good dermatologist. For a good board-certified dermatologist, Pittsburgh has the finest dermatologists who offer an array of services right from plastic surgery to cosmetic surgery procedures. These services are for anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their skin.
Professional treatments that are important to maintain radiant, healthy and young looking skin is what is offered by the dermatologist. Pittsburgh based surgeons offer products and procedures that are not only safe but are designed in a comprehensive way to meet your changing skin care needs.
Get a complete range of facial and body contouring surgical procedures that are performed in AAAASF accredited surgery center or at a nearby hospital facility when medically appropriate. Get advanced techniques like reconstructive plastic surgery procedures including breast reduction, panniculectomy and removal of skin lesions performed by board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologist. Pittsburgh based experts also offer sophisticated treatment that will hydrate, smooth, and firm the skin with beautiful pearly reflections.
All skin treatments are customized as per your skin type and you also get a wide range of spa treatments including laser hair removal, laser peels, BOTOX® and Restylane® and Juvaderm™, injections, and microdermabrasion.
Beautify your skin and combat the signs of aging by opting for our carefully chosen, exclusive at-home medical skin care lines that contain pharmaceutical grade active ingredients that expedite your results.
Furthermore, you can maintain your new look by following a good skin care routine prescribed by the dermatologist. Pittsburgh carefully blends state-of-the-art medical treatments with the ultimate pampering and relaxation experience. We carefully evaluate emerging aesthetic technology, and offer only those products, services and procedures that are safe, effective, and scientifically sound.
To schedule a consultation or receive details on any of our plastic surgeons or procedures, visit www.acquablumedicalspa.com
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow! Pittsburgh Laser Hair Removal Helps You Get A Smooth Body
Tired of waxing, tweezing and shaving? In Pittsburgh, laser hair removal has helped many to get rid of unwanted hair from their legs, hands, underarms, abdomen and other sensitive areas of their bodies? Each of us wants to have a hair-free and smooth body so that we can flaunt it by wearing fabulous and glamorous outfits.
Razors are not bygones yet, but a number of people are opting for this new procedure in Pittsburgh. Laser hair removal targets your melanin, the dark pigment that gives color to your hair and skin. Melanin absorbs the laser rays and the rays kill the roots of the nearby hair follicles. This is the main reason why this procedure is best for those who are dark skinned.
The number of sittings also differs from person to person and it depends on many factors like the coarseness of your hair, age, metabolism, skin color, hair color and the rate at which your hair grows. Generally, 60 to 95 per cent of unwanted hair can be removed with this procedure within six months.
After knowing the procedure, you must be definitely worried about the side-effects. Laser procedures are often associated with side-effects. In Pittsburgh, laser hair removal is done with lot of care and as a result the side-effects are minimal and temporary.
Here are the possible side-effects that you can expect after the procedure:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Blisters
• Scarring and skin discoloration
Do not worry as these side-effects are temporary and will soon fade away with time. To address all your concerns and to explore your options in Pittsburgh, laser hair removal experts can offer you a consultation. Please click on www.acquablumedicalspa.com.


