Inside: Mommy Makeover, Page 4
PAGE 11 Younger Skin by Christmas
Vol.1 No. 3
PAGE 7 Healthy Halloween
www.amerejuve.com
(713) 960-6262
‘Boo-tox’ Approved by FDA to Scare Away Crow’s Feet
Treatment Effective for Prevention, Restoration The Food and Drug Administration announced in September it has approved Botox Cosmetic for temporarily improving the appearance of lateral canthal lines, or “crow’s feet,” around the eyes. Doctors have been using Botox off-label to treat these wrinkles for years, but the FDA approval means the organization recognizes the treat-
Amerejuve offers Botox and other injectables. ment’s effectiveness and safety for this application. It also means the maker of Botox Cosmetic, Allergan Inc., can market the product specifically for that
CROW’S FEET, Page 6
5k Champ:
Women with PCOS are Beautiful
2013 Yaixa Episcopo came all the way from Chicago to be the first place female runner in the 2013 Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k on September 28th. Her journey truly started, however, when she was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome af-
2011
At left, Yaixa Episcopo celebrates with her family after taking women’s first place at the 2013 PCOS Awareness 5k. She was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19. At right, Episcopo has struggled with weight gain affected by her PCOS. Since 2011, she’s lost 72 pounds.
fects an estimated one in ten women and is linked to infertility, weight gain, and increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. In 2011, at 5’2” and 196 pounds, Episcopo decided to make a change. Two years and
PCOS 5k, Page 9
Radio Host: Treatment Clears Up the ‘Midsection Situation’ Adam Clanton is the perfect candidate for Coolsculpting – a noninvasive procedure that destroys fat cells by freezing them. He’s got a few stubborn pounds around his midsection that he could live without. Clanton, a radio host with Sports Talk 790, is only two treatments into his Coolsculpting series, but he’s already praising the ease and convenience of the Coolsculpting he’s getting at Amerejuve. “I have a midsection situation I’d like to get rid of,” he said, noting that he’s already seeing a flatter physique on his abdomen when he looks in the mirror.
CLANTON, Page 2
Amerejuve River Oaks Grand Opening Oct. 24 - 1934 W. Gray St. STE 201
Page 2 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 1 No. 3
CLANTON, from Page 1 Clanton has also been impressed with how simple the procedure has been. “It’s basically a really relaxing nap,” he said, noting he uses the hour-long treatment to relax and catch up on social media. “Time flies by.” Immediately after the treatment, patients are ready to get on with their day with no downtime. “I could have come back that afternoon and worked,” he said. “You could do it at lunch if you wanted.” Clanton said Coolsculpting is an ideal treatment for people, like him, who want to lose 10-15 pounds of stubborn fat, especially around the belly and love
Fit Focus
handles. “I’d love to work out, but that hurts,” he said with a laugh. “I’d rather do this instead.” While medical spa services have traditionally been popular among women, Clanton said more men are, and should be, getting interested. While some guys may be happy with their beer belly and hairy back, that’s not the case for everyone. “This is for someone who cares about their appearance enough to do something,” he said. “[Coolsculpting] is certainly one of [the services] that a lot of guys would be interested in.” ■
Coolscuplting freezes and destroys fat, which is then flushed naturally from the body. It does not harm other tissue in the body, targeting the fat cells alone to eliminate them over time. Most clients require a series of treatments for optimal results.
Metabolism Measurement a Powerful Weight Loss Tool
Metabolism is defined as Amerefit’s metabolism the chemical processes measurement is a simple that go on in the body. procedure. The client However, when discussing relaxes and breathes metabolism in relationship into a measuring device to weight loss, the focus for about 10 minutes, is on the efficiency with and Amerefit does the which the body uses and rest. The client’s resting stores the energy provided metabolism is determined by food. by measuring how much At Amerefit, metabolism oxygen the client uses measurement is one of while at rest. This resting the key components for rate comprises up to 75 developing a personalized percent of a client’s total weight and wellness plan. metabolism, so this meaBy considering a persurement helps determine son’s metabolism, genetic Metabolism drops with age, and it’s important information to know the number of calories the profile, and nutritional throughout a weight loss journey. Amerefit tracks this number regularly client needs per day. From needs, Amerefit creates a with every client on their personalized programs. there, Amerefit develops complete picture of the a plan for the calories the management. best way for that person to reach and client should be consuming and burning “This test accurately measures one’s maintain their weight and wellness goals. in order to achieve weight management metabolism to determine the exact Candy Benoit, a wellness coach at goals, whether that’s to lose weight or to number of calories one burns while Amerefit’s Clear Lake and Woodlands maintain current weight. their body is at rest,” she said. “This is locations, said knowing your metaboIt’s important to have metabolism the bare minimum number of calories lism is important to successful weight METABOLISM, Page 8 our body requires each day.”
Vol. 1 No. 3 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 3
Word Around Town
“Everyone I have spoken with seems to really care...I know when I walk through that door, I will be treated like a friend, not just a client.” Rikki, Amerejuve Client
5 Star Review
“I love Amerejuve. They are the best!”
Dana Tyson, Sunny 99.1
Review us online and become a VIP! Google - Citysearch - Yelp
Amerejuve Calendar: October Look for the Amerejuve Team at these exciting events and win big at our prize wheel!
10-13th Italian Festival University of St. Thomas 11th Pretty In Pink Sugar Land 12-13th Katy Rice Harvest Festival Downtown Katy 19th Oktoberfest NorthWest Mall 24th Shecky’s Girls Night Out The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel 26th Health and Wellness Expo Stafford Centre 26th Houston Margarita Festival Discovery Green 27th Southwest Wedding Show Stafford Centre
Amerejuve River Oaks
Grand Opening Oct. 24 Get your Treats this Halloween at our newest location in River Oaks.
1934 W. Gray St. STE 201
Business owners and managers: become a Friend of Amerejuve for cross-marketing opportunities and other perks! E-mail editor@amerejuve.com
Page 4 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 1 No. 3
Surgery Suite ‘Mommy Makeover’ Turns Back the Clock
Moms love their kids, but they don’t have to love the way their bodies changed after pregnancy. A “Mommy Makeover” can help get moms back to their pre-baby body.
Carrying, birthing and nurturing a child are amazing abilities that cause dramatic change in the life of every mother, and can have equally dramatic changes on her body. Skin and muscle stretched by the pregnancy can appear flabby. Breasts that expanded to hold milk may look deflated once the baby is weaned. A surgical “Mommy Makeover” targets the changes a woman experiences from pregnancy. Every mom should consult with a surgeon to determine the best approach for achieving her goals, said board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ravi Somayazula. Three common procedures are the breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. “Everyone is a little bit different,” he said. “Some women come in thinking they want a breast augmentation, but when you sit down with them, they are ok with the size and actually want a lift.” The key, he said, is to have a good consultation that clearly outlines realistic expectations and a plan to achieve them. Amerejuve offers free consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons. Call (713) 960-6262 for more information.■
Three Common Procedures for “Mommy Makeovers” Breast Lift
Breast lifts seek to make breasts higher and firmer, creating a more youthful profile. There are a number of techniques that can be used for this surgery, so the surgeon will determine the best option for each patient. This procedure can be paired with a breast augmentation where implants are inserted to increase the size of the breasts.
Tummy Tuck
This procedure sculpts and re-contours the abdomen. In this surgery, the underlying muscle is tightened and excess fat and skin are removed to create a firmer, smoother abdominal area. Some initial studies have also shown that this procedure may help prevent future weight gain, though more research is needed.
Liposuction
In liposuction, unwanted fat is removed from localized areas, allowing for specific targeting and effects. A tube is inserted through small incisions in the skin and suction is applied to remove the fat. The procedure can target almost any area of the body, including abdomen, thighs or neck, and can be paired with other surgeries.
Vol. 1 No. 3 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 5
Surgery Suite Ask the Surgeon
Is SmartLipo Really Smart? SmartLipo is one of many names for the same procedure: laser-assisted liposuction. Other names from different companies include CoolLipo, CoolTouch, and SlimLipo, but all use lasers in order to break up and emulsify fat so it can be suctioned out of the body. “People get bogged down in the name,” Dr. Ravi Somayazula, board-certified plastic surgeon, said. When patients seek it specifically, he said, “They just know SmartLipo, a type of laser-assisted liposuction, will they want it because they heard generally cost more than traditional liposuction. about it and it’s the cool new onto the patient.” These costs may be thing, and it’s been marketed as such.” mitigated if the surgeon performs a large As with any surgical procedure, patients number of the procedures per month, need to make sure they’re getting the but overall, Somayazula said, traditional procedure that’s right for them, not just a liposuction is going to cost less. procedure that’s popular Somayazula noted that, all other things or has strong name recogbeing equal, conventional liposuction is nition. less expensive than laser-assisted liposucSomayazula said that with tion such as SmartLipo. With traditional newer types of liposuction liposuction, “That cost is bundled,” he that require new equipsaid, as most surgical facilities already have ment, such as Smart Lipo, the equipment on hand and don’t need to Dr. Ravi there’s a higher likelihood purchase additional supplies. Somayazula the extra cost of that U.S. News and World Report also reequipment will get passed ported that some surgeons are concerned onto the patient. “There is a fixed cost, about the risk of burns from laser lipowhich is the fixed cost of having bought suction if it’s performed without proper the machine, and then there’s variable settings and close attention. ■ costs,” he said, “Those costs get tacked
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Questions? Ask the Amerejuve Surgical Team
Dr. Richard K. Vanik, Director
Dr. Ravi Somayazula
Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz
Our surgical team is here to answer your questions! E-mail us at askthesurgeon@ amerejuve.com for our monthly feature or call (713) 960-6262 to schedule a free consultation.
Page 6 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 1 No. 3
No Tricks This Halloween, Skip the Mask to Show Off Healthy, Glowing Skin Facial packages target acne, scarring, fine lines, freckles, sun damage and unevenness This Halloween, you can ditch the mask and show off the healthy glowing skin underneath. The key to great facial skin rejuvenation is customization. Your skin profile is affected by a number of factors, including your age, oil production, and current and past sun exposure. While each factor can create different skin problems, the good news is that there are lots of different solutions to address them. Based on your goals and skin profile, you’ll likely need to consider a combination of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and deeper laser and light-based skin treatments. Chemical peels use a chemical process to remove the outdoor layer of older, damaged skin to reveal the healthier, smoother skin beneath. There are different types of chemical peels available, and Amerejuve uses peels that use Glycolic or Salicylic Acid. Chemical peels are usually done on the face, though they can also treat the neck and hands, and they are usually used to remove or reduce the appearance of acne, scarring, freckles,
rough skin, age spots and sun damage. A microdermabrasion is similar to a chemical peel in that it removes the damaged outer layer of skin, but it uses a physical, rather than a chemical, process to accomplish this. The skin is gently “sanded” with a hand piece, smoothing the skin’s surface and promoting the
production of collagen. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, collagen is abundant in young skin, creating a smooth, firm appearance, and it’s the loss of collagen during aging that makes skin appear loose and uneven.
CROW’S FEET, from Page 1
and the “frown lines” at the same time. Botox Cosmetic was approved to temporarily improve glabellar lines (the “11’s” or “frown lines” between the eyebrows) in 2002. It has also been approved for other medical applications, including the treatment of excess sweating, migraines and certain eye conditions. When used to treat facial wrinkles, Botox works by relaxing the muscles of the face so wrinkles are less prominent. Amerejuve offers Botox and other rejuvenating injectables. (713) 960-6262 ■
use. The FDA passed the approval after two large-scale studies on the treatment’s effectiveness and safety. The FDA reported more than 800 adults participated in the studies, and adults who received Botox Cosmetic showed significant improvement in their lateral canthal lines than those who received a placebo. The FDA noted that treatments can be Botox is used to treat wrinkles such as the administered for both the “crow’s feet” “crow’s feet” that form around the eyes.
FACIAL REJUVENATION, Page 11
Vol. 1 No. 3 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 7
Just Treats
Healthy Halloween Snacks Halloween is known for its treats, but they don’t have to be sugar-packed, unhealthy candy. Try one of these ghoulish Halloween snacks from Spoonful.
Apple Bites What You’ll Need: Apples Slivered Almonds 1. Core and quarter apples 2. Slice a wedge out of each quarter’s skin side 3. Push slivered almonds into the wedge to look like teeth
Snack-o-Lanterns What You’ll Need: Small Navel Oranges Fresh Fruit Salad A small, sharp knife 1. With a knife, slice off the top of the orange. Save this piece for your “lid.” 2. Hollow out the orange flesh inside. Chop it and mix with the fruit salad. 3. Carve Jack-o-Lantern facial features into the orange. 4. Fill the orange with fruit salad 5. Cut a notch into the lid to accommodate the handle of the spoon. 6. Put a spoon inside (use green to look like a stem!), and replace the lid.
Amerefit Personalized Weight & Wellness offers nutritional planning along with metabolic testing, genetic testing, personal wellness coaching, and more! Call (713) 781-7332 for more information.
Page 8 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 1 No. 3
METABOLISM, from Page 2
Download the Amerejuve App
formally tested, as it’s not something that can be determined by simply looking at the body. A group of people of the same height and weight may have radically different metabolism rates, each requiring a different approach to weight management. And that number can change over time, requiring adjustments to overall nutrition and activity levels. This is especially true for those in exercise program, Benoit said. “If they are not consuming an adequate amount of calories each day, their body will not be able to gain as much benefit from strength training programs. As workouts are increased, so are calorie requirements,” she said. “If too few calories are consumed, strength and muscle mass gains cannot occur.” Metabolism measurement is one of the ways Amerefit seeks to create a personal-
“If they are not consuming an adequate amount of calories each day, their body will not be able to gain as much benefit from strength training programs. As workouts are increased, so are calorie requirements.” Candy Benoit, Amerefit Wellness Coach ized plan for each client. While metabolism measurements can be purchased individually, they work best when part of the full Amerefit program, which also includes genetic profiling, nutritional counseling, and careful monitoring and advising from a wellness coach. Amerefit takes many factors into account when developing a personalized plan tailored to the client’s age, health
Get Amerejuve on the go! Specials, Schedules, News, and more!
and lifestyle, and the wellness coaches offer accountability and encouragement throughout the process. Amerefit also offers a weight loss program designed specifically for teenagers. Amerefit’s goal is to give clients the knowledge and skills to reach their goals and make a lifetime of healthy choices. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call (713) 781-7332. ■
La Centerra at Cinco Ranch Home of the Amerejuve Katy Location 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Vol. 1 No. 3│ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 9
Ask Roxy!
Wonder-no-more about LHR
When is the best time to get laser hair removal? Fall is a fabulous time for laser hair removal. Sun exposure before or after your treatment isn’t good for your skin, so cool weather is a great time to get laser hair removal while you’re planning to cover up anyway. And I love this as an excuse to update my fall wardrobe - bring on the cute jeans and comfy sweaters! Roxy Baldwin Does laser hair removal hurt? Everyone’s sensitivity is different, but most people describe the laser treatment like getting snapped with a rubber band. So, while it’s not totally painless, you can use a numbing cream to get you through the worst of it. The 2013 Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k was a morning of support and emotion for women who have the condition.
PCOS 5k, from Page 1 72 pounds later, she’s a 5k champion. Through her journey, Episcopo struggled with weight gain, infertility, and depression. Now, with two beautiful daughters and her trophy in hand, she seeks to share her story with others. “It’s harder for us with PCOS. It’s ten times harder than for a normal woman, but we can do it,” she said. “You’ll be amazed at how strong we are and how beautiful we are,” she said. Episcopo’s story is what the event, and the PCOS Foundation, are all about, founder Lisa Benjamini-Allon said. “We want to let women know they’re not alone. There’s somebody there for them,” she said. The 2013 Fun Run & Walk had about 450 participants, and Benjamini-Allon’s goal is
to bring more people to next year’s event to take a stand and take a step for PCOS Awareness. Randi Hiner came from Colorado for the support of her family and the PCOS Foundation. She said Colorado has nothing like the PCOS Foundation that seeks to raise awareness. For Hiner, who was diagnosed with PCOS four years ago, the lack of awareness is particularly frustrating at hospitals and emergency rooms where her doctor has never heard of her condition. “I shouldn’t have to explain to the doctors,” she said. Proceeds from the Awareness 5k support the PCOS Foundation, including a free informational symposium held Sept. 29 that had more than 150 women attend to learn more about PCOS. ■
Does laser hair removal work? Goodness, yes! Laser hair removal has been around for more than 15 years, and it’s only getting better. We see a 10-25 percent reduction in hair following each treatment, with most people needing about 6 treatments to get to their desired results. Unfortunately, laser hair removal doesn’t work well on very blond, gray, or white hair (But I don’t need to worry, since I’m not a natural blonde). We’ve got great packages to make it easy to do all six of your treatments, no fuss, plus we offer a lifetime guarantee if any pesky hair does grow back. Have a question for Roxy? Ask her! editor@amerejuve.com
Your Satisfaction is Our Priority
Monique Villasenor
Client Relations Specialist
Our goal is for every client to look good, feel good, and become a return customer. Tell us about our successes; tell us how we can improve. Your experience matters to us.
(713) 960-6262
Page 10 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 1 No. 3
TRANSFORM YOUR BODY WITHOUT SURGERY OR DOWNTIME.
The non-surgical body contouring treatment that
FREEZES AWAY STUBBORN FAT.
Reveal the real you with CoolSculpting. ®
Show off the body you’ve always dreamed of with CoolSculpting: the non-surgical body contouring treatment that freezes and naturally eliminates fat from your body. No needles, no surgery and best of all, no downtime. Developed by Harvard scientists, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, safe and clinically proven. We will develop a customized CoolSculpting treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern so you can say goodbye to stubborn fat!
Procedure by Edward Becker, MD Results and patient experience may vary. Ask us if CoolSculpting is right for you. In the U.S. and Taiwan, non-invasive fat reduction is cleared only for the flank (love handle) and abdomen. CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2013. All rights reserved. IC1384-A
BEFORE
8 WEEKS AFTER
9 WEEKS AFTER
FIRST COOLSCULPTING® TREATMENT
SECOND COOLSCULPTING® TREATMENT (No weight change)
Available from:
Vol. 1 No. 3│ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 11
Treat Yourself Early This Year Cyto-luxe offers youthful skin for the holidays Now is the time to think about your skin care if you want to have glowing, noticeably younger-looking skin in time for Christmas. The Cyto-luxe Series from Glo features a number of products to increase collagen and cell production in the skin, targeting the prime causes of aging. The series includes a cleanser, toner, eye cream, night cream, serum, mask and body lotion, so you can experience the benefits of the series from head to toe. Youthful skin produces a lot of collagen, which causes it to be appear smooth and even. As the skin ages, it begins to lose this collagen, making skin appear slack, uneven, and wrinkled. Bumping up collagen production helps get back the look of collagen-rich youthful skin. As it takes time for products to work and for skin to adjust, it’s important to think ahead to important events and goals in order to achieve a refreshed, youthful look. Cyto-luxe and other Glo products are available at Amerejuve. ■
Questions about our products? Ask Christina Presnall, our Product Sales Manager, for recommendations for all your skin concerns. E-mail christina. presnall@amerejuve.com
FACIAL REJUVENATION, from Page 6
This treatment is often used to help control and prevent acne and reduce the appearance of light scarring, discoloration and sun damage. This treatment is often paired with the chemical peel, as the peel will help prepare the skin to respond well when the microdermabrasion removes imperfections. Laser and light-based skin treatments are more intensive, reach more deeply into the skin, and have more dramatic results. These devices are more powerful than a surface-level treatment,
but are also precise in their treatment, meaning they can be used for specific effects even in delicate areas. These treatments also focus on reducing fine wrinkles, scarring and sun damage, but they reach deeper into the skin, stimulating more growth. As the skin heals after treatment, it will be smoother and more youthful looking. With all the options to choose from, it’s important to be informed. Amerejuve offers complimentary consultations to evaluate your skin and develop a tailored plan. Call (713) 960-6262 for more information. ■
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I’m your editor, Kelsie! I’m a University of Houston alum in creative writing and journalism. Questions? Comments? Want to share your story about Amerejuve or Amerefit? We’d love to hear from you! Kelsie Cleboski, editor@amerejuve.com
Thanks for reading! Call and claim $10 off any Amerejuve Service:
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