Inside: Meet Dr. Ravi, Page 5
PAGE 7 Post-Op Bra Shopping Guide
Vol. 2 No. 2
PAGE 2 Meet Our Teen Chef
www.amerejuve.com
(713) 960-6262
Take a Step, Take a Stand 5k Raises Awareness of Serious Condition
Save the Date Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k Fun Run & Walk
How you can help: • Register • Donate • Volunteer • Fundraise • Learn more about PCOS
www.pcosfoundation.org
PCOS affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and puts them at risk for a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, stroke, or heart attack. However, PCOS is not widely known or well understood The annual 5k sees hundreds of participants even within the medical raising awareness of PCOS, a condition that community. affects an estimated 1 in 10 women. Awareness is the first atively affects millions of women,” step to diagnosing and said Vincent Chitolie, Chief Operatmanaging the condition, and the ing Officer of Amerejuve Inc. “The PCOS Foundation and Amerejuve Amerejuve team is pleased to partner MedSpa invite Houston to join them at the Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k with the PCOS Foundation in their Fun Run and Walk on September 21st cause.” PCOS stands for Poly Cystic at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. Ovarian Syndrome. The effects of the condition vary significantly from “Lisa Benjamini and team at the woman to woman, which adds to the PCOS Foundation have done an excellent job to raise awareness about difficulty of diagnosis. Multiple cysts this treatable condition that neg-
PCOS 5k, Page 4
PCOS Leading Cause of Excess Hair
According to the physician’s Merck Manual, the most common cause of excess hair growth in women is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom, or PCOS. Excess female hair growth in traditionally male areas, such as the face, chest, and back, is called hirsutism and is often caused by hormonal imbalances. Women who experience excessive hair growth may be producing
too much androgen or not enough estrogen. Androgens cause the body to grow hair, and they can also cause acne, deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, and interruption of menses in women. Estrogens suppress hair growth and tend to make hair lighter and finer. Even if the body is producing
HIRSUTISM, Page 8
Teen Chef “You don’t have to miss out on great-tasting food because you’re eating healthy!” -Page 2 Worried about your teen’s health? Ask about our Amerefit Back-toSchool Specials! (713) 781-7332
Amerejuve MedSpa & Cosmetic Surgery: Look Good, Feel Good
Page 2 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 2 No. 2
Amerejuve Contest Winners Count the Cupcakes Contest
Raffle Winners
from The Amerejuve Insider Vol. 2 No. 1
Correct Answer: 12 Cupcakes Winner:
Winners: Xochytl
Terri Carpenter Thanks everyone who entered!
Success Story
from Amerejuve Galleria End July with a Bang Party
Greer Sarah Lloyd
Thanks everyone who stopped by!
Amerefit Teen Learns to Cook the Healthy Way
Teens are notorious for choosing unhealthy foods. Pizza, soft drinks, fries, and other sugary, salty, or greasy foods are considered the norm. Not so, or at least not anymore, for teen Amerefit client Maleeha A. The now 17-year-old took on the cooking challenge when she joined Amerefit a year ago. She learned to cook healthy meals that meet her body’s nutritional needs, and she says she doesn’t miss those old unhealthy foods at all. “I never truly miss out on certain Teen Amerefit client Maleeha A., 17, shows off some of the healthy dishes she’s learned to foods/tastes that I was so accusprepare since joining the Amerefit program. tomed to when I wasn’t eating as healthy (i.e curry or pizza) because new recipe has been roasted bell peppers minutes. I can make it myself, but healthy!” she stuffed with ground chicken. “The texture the bell peppers add said. “The thing about cooking your The dish takes about 25 minutes to makes the meal feel more special, and own food with nutritional value in mind make, and Maleeha said the first step is the ground chicken with vegetables is that you control what goes into your to cook the chicken with spices you like makes the meal a great balance of both system, and you’re more aware of what while boiling the bell peppers. Then, protein and vegetables,” she said. your body needs.” once both are cooked, stuff chicken into Amerefit Nutritionist and Wellness Maleeha has tried out many new foods the bell peppers and roast the combo in Coach Saba Umar is proud of how with her healthy eating, and her favorite the oven for a few
TEEN CHEF, Page 8
Vol. 2 No. 2 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 3
Amerejuve Calendar: September Look for the Amerejuve Team at these exciting events and win big at our prize wheel!
13 OktoberFest Houston Northwest Mall
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19-20 Katy Mom EXPO Leonard E. Merrell Center 21 PCOS Awareness 5k Downtown Aquarium pcosfoundation.org Latest Reviews
“Shikha was an excellent technician. She has done a fabulous job every time I have gone. ... Very knowledgeable and caring for your needs of what you want to accomplish. I definitely recommend her to anyone.”
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Page 4 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 2 No. 2
PCOS, from Page 1
2011
2013 Above, top female runner Yaixa Episcopo celebrates her 2013 win with her family. Her firstplace finish came after two years of weight loss and many more of struggling to manage her PCOS. At right, friends and families join together to raise awareness at the Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k in 2013, held at the Houston Downtown Aquarium.
or follicles on the ovaries are a primary symptom of the condition, as well as hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. Other symptoms are varied and can include excess hair growth, weight gain, infertility, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, and others. “PCOS patients who are suffering from excessive hair growth and weight gain are welcome to visit or call any Amerejuve and Amerefit clinics for help with these treatable symptoms,” said Chitolie. PCOS has also been linked to increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. Diagnosis and treatment can help manage these risks, adding to the importance of accurate diagnosis. Many women struggle with PCOS for years before receiving the official diagnosis, and they often feel confused and alone in the physical issues the condition can cause. A major part of the annual event is supporting women with PCOS and celebrating their successes in controlling the condition with medication, nutrition, and exercise. The top female runner of the 2013 event, Yaixa Episcopo, was diagnosed with PCOS at age 19. She struggled for years with weight gain, infertility, and depression. At last year’s 5k, she was proud to report she’d lost 72 pounds over two years, and her two daughters were present to cheer her on and help carry her trophy. “You’ll be amazed at how strong we are and how beautiful we are,” she said of women with PCOS. That support is an important part of the event and the PCOS Foundation, President and Founder Lisa Benjamini-Allon said. “We want to let women know they’re not alone. They’re somebody there for them,” she said. To learn more about PCOS and the PCOS Foundation or to register for the Amerejuve PCOS Awareness 5k Fun Run and Walk, visit www.pcosfoundation.org. ■
Register for the 2014 Amerejuve PCOS 5k Fun Run & Walk When:
September 21 7:45 a.m. for Runners
Where:
Houston Downtown Aquarium
Families welcome! Learn more or Register Online at www.pcosfoundation.org
Vol. 2 No. 2 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 5
Surgery Suite
Meet Dr. Ravi Somayazula “Being a physician is an honor and a privilege”
Amerejuve Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ravi Somayazula is unique in that he is double-board certified, both in general surgery and in plastic surgery. The certifications reflect his extensive training and attention toward surgical techniques and to the safety and well-being of his patients. “Plastic surgery is a rewarding career. I couldn’t imagine doing anything differently. Of the numerous and countless patients that I’ve helped over my career so far, it’s a privilege helping them and it’s an honor,” he said. Somayazula was inspired by his grandfather to study medicine. During his years of medical school and training, he gravitated to surgery, then to plastic surgery as a challenging specialization that allowed him to make a difference in people’s lives. One of the challenging and rewarding aspects of plastic surgery is finding the best solution to fit the individual patient. Unlike other surgical disciplines, plastic surgery often has multiple options for addressing a patient’s goals. A major part of Somayazula’s process is listening to the patient, analyzing their
“Anybody who’s contemplating cosmetic plastic surgery, make sure you do it for yourself.” Dr. Ravi Somayazula Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon goals, and discussing the best options for achieving them. “That’s one of the hardest things about plastic surgery is trying to understand the patient problem and what you can do to fix it,” he said. “There’s different ways of doing it. That’s what makes plastic surgery as a field very challenging.” Somayazula’s patients appreciate his care and communication with them throughout the process, including before and after the procedure itself. Somayazula’s background in plastic surgery includes not only popular cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, or tummy tuck, but also procedures to help patients recover from burns, cleft palates, or other congenital defects. It’s important for patients to find a
well-qualified doctor they can trust, and Somayazula recommends consulting a board-certified surgeon who has specialized in plastic surgery. This ensures the safest procedure and a well-qualified physician. If any complications do arise, that also means the surgeon will be well equipped and trained to handle them. His other key piece of advice is for patients to examine their motivations for wanting the surgery. “Anybody who’s contemplating cosmetic plastic surgery, make sure you do it for yourself,” he said. “That in itself leads to the highest degree of patient satisfaction.” To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ravi, call (713) 960-6262. ■
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Page 6 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 2 No. 2
Breast Augmentation
What’s the Right Implant for You? Factors to Consider with Your Surgeon When discussing breast augmentation, an experienced plastic surgeon will consider your goals, budget, and lifestyle to recommend the best implant option for you. With implants, there are a number of characteristics to choose between.
Size
One of the first questions you’ll likely consider is the size of the implant. Many patients may come in with a bra or cup size in mind, such as C or D. However, implants are not measured in cup sizes, but rather in the amount fluid or gel they contain, measured in cc’s. Part of the surgeon’s job is examining your current breast tissue and discussing the size implant that will give you the results you want. While your new bust may not exactly match the size you determine, the goal is for you to be happy with the overall appearance, not so much to meet an exact cup size. It’s important to listen to the surgeon’s
recommendations regarding size, as the ideal size for your body may be smaller than the initial number you have in mind. An experienced surgeon with your best interests at heart will determine the best implant size based on your existing breast tissue. An implant that is too wide for your existing breasts will create an odd, unnatural appearance.
Material
U.S. patients now have more options when considering breast implants. For many years saline implants were the only option. These implants are filled with saline, or salt water, and are round. They are the least expensive type of implant and require the smallest incision during surgery. The second option is silicone implants. These are made with a silicone gel. These tend to be more expensive than saline implants, but feel closer to natural breast tissue. Silicone gel implants require a larg-
er incision to place during surgery. A variation of the silicone implant is the highly cohesive silicone implant, which has also been called the “gummy bear” implant. This is a denser type of silicone implant that holds its shape.
Shape
Depending on the choice of material, patients may also have a choice in shape between round or tear drop implants. Round implants make the breast fuller on the top as well as the bottom, creating a rounder appearance. Traditionally implants have been round, so this is the most common type of implant. Tear drop shaped implants more closely mimic the slope and shape of natural, unaltered breast tissue. With gravity, breasts tend to be fuller and rounder beneath the nipple, so the tear drop implants mimic this effect. In addition to thinking of the finished look, different shapes also affect the pro-
IMPLANTS, Page 9
Amerejuve MedSpa and Cosmetic Surgery: (713) 960-6262
Vol. 2 No. 2 │ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 7
Bra Shopping Guide After Breast Augmentation
Measuring Bra Size Bra sizes are calculated with a combination of band measurement and cup measurement. Take the following measurements while wearing a non-padded bra, standing straight with shoulders relaxed.
One of the most fun aspects of the breast augmentation journey is bra shopping for your new look. With a few simple guidelines, this experience will be a wonderful confidence boost and a way to enjoy the benefits of the procedure.
Talk to Your Surgeon
You will likely need to wear a surgical or compression bra following your surgery. Be sure to wait until your surgeon says you’re ready to transition to regular bras. You’ll also want to wait on new bra purchases until the swelling from the procedure has completely gone down.
Take New Measurements
With a bra on, measure your rib cage directly beneath the breasts. This is your band size.
While you discussed an ideal size with your surgeon, remember that implants are not measured in cup size. You’ll want to take new measurements of your bust to determine the best fit for you. You may find that you need a larger cup size than you think to accommodate the new volume and shape of the implants.
Experiment with Styles
Your bust will be larger following augmentation, but it will also have a slightly different contour depending on your original breast tissue and the type of implant you and your surgeon chose. For example, with round implants, you may find bra styles that are high on the sides may not be as flattering as other options.
Think Variety
Remember to shop for bras for all sorts of situations, including under various types and colors of clothing.
Have fun! With a bra on, measure the fullest portion of the breast with a straight, taught tape. This is your cup size measurement.
This is an opportunity to get to know and love the new you – enjoy your bra shopping experience to the fullest! ■ Sources: Linda the Bra Lady, Lingerie Briefs
Page 8 │ The Amerejuve Insider│Vol. 2 No. 2
TEEN CHEF, from Page 2 Maleeha’s used the knowledge she gained from Amerefit. Umar even found herself asking her client to share healthy recipes the teen had invented to successfully drop four pant sizes. “I liked how she would get excited about coming up with new dishes and sharing with her family. I knew that these were skills she would acquire for a lifetime,” Umar said. Umar said many clients believe they don’t have the time or skill for healthy cooking when they first begin the program. “What they don’t realize is that it’s not rocket science, and if you have the right know-how it’s not time-consuming either. I generally take it slow, asking them to find that bag of vegetables at the grocery store which they can steam in the microwave. I tell them how they can marinate and bake chicken/fish etc for the entire week on a Sunday, or just sauté some chicken tenders right before dinner,” she said. “To make it easier, Amerefit provides snacks for our clients for the first month, so they don’t need to bother about those and just concentrate on breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Maleeha has two pieces of advice to offer someone who wants to learn to cook for a healthier lifestyle. “Do not give up if you mess up, because chances are you will
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Teen Amerefit client Maleeha A. shows off a healthy lunch she created.
mess up the first few times. But as long as you keep practicing, it gets a lot easier, especially when you keep in mind that cooking healthily benefits you in a great way,” she said. And the second piece of advice? “You don’t have to miss out on great-tasting food because you’re eating healthy! Make that whole wheat pizza, make the curry you like, but make it with nutrition in mind,” she said. To schedule a free consultation at Amerefit for you or your teen, call (713)781-7332. ■
HIRSUTISM, from Page 1
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hormones in the correct amounts, the hair follicles may be overly sensitive to androgens, causing them to produce heavier, darker hair than they otherwise would. Laser hair removal permanently reduces hair growth, and it is most effective on dark hair. However, new, untreated hair will grow if the underlying medical cause for the hair growth is not addressed. For hirsutism, treatments can include hormonal birth control, antiandrogenic therapy, or insulin sensitizers. In addition to hirsutism, PCOS can cause infertility, depression, weight gain, and other symptoms. PCOS has also been linked to increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Anyone who suspects she may have PCOS should see a doctor who specializes in the condition. To learn more about PCOS, visit pcosfoundation.org. To schedule a free consultation for laser hair removal at Amerejuve MedSpa, call (713) 960-6262. ■
Vol. 2 No. 2│ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 9
Ask Roxy!
IMPLANTS, from Page 6 cedure itself. Tear drop implants require greater precision in their placement. Any shifting or rotation of the implant over time will be noticeable. With round implants, rotation will not be visible if it occurs.
Texture
Texture also plays a role in implant choice, and there are two options available: smooth and porous. Smooth implants are more likely to shift over time, but they are also simple and easy to massage into the correct placement. Textured implants allow the body’s natural tissue to adhere to the implant, which makes the implant less likely to shift over time. Note that some implants will only be available as textured. Based on these factors, the surgeon will work with you to determine the best choice of implant for the procedure. To schedule a free consultation with an Amerejuve board-certified plastic surgeon, call (713) 960-6262. ■
Everyone’s a Winner
I want to earn Reward Points for referring a friend. How do I get them? We’re so glad you want to share your great Amerejuve experience with someone else! The quickest way to get your Reward Points is to refer your friend through your Amerejuve Rewards account (sign up or log in at rewards. amerejuve.com). This sends your friend an e-mail inviting them to Amerejuve. Roxy After your friend visits us and makes a purBaldwin chase, the points will automatically be added to your account. It’s that easy! If you referred a friend who came in and purchased, but you didn’t get the points you should have, please send us an e-mail at contact@amerejuve.com. Please include the name of your friend. Once we confirm the referral, we’ll be happy to add your points in manually. Any tricks for earning Reward Points? Lots of ways! The top way you earn points is by making purchases at Amerejuve, which gives you 1 point for every $1 you spend. Referring a friend is also a great way to earn Reward Points. Just between us, though, our social media contests are a fabulous way to earn points. We have a Twitter contest every Wednesday and a Facebook contest every Friday. Follow us and check our pages on those days to enter to win Reward Points. Plus, you’ll get up-to-the-minute announcements on specials, parties, and more the rest of the week. Have a question for Roxy? Ask her! editor@amerejuve.com
Your Satisfaction is Our Priority
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. 2 No. 2
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Vol. 2 No. 2│ The Amerejuve Insider │ Page 11
Smooth Rejuvenation
eMatrix Erases Wrinkles, Lines, Scarring and More As much as we try to take care of our skin, we don’t always succeed. It may even seem like our skin works against us, developing fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring despite our best efforts. eMatrix is a treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and other textural irregularities on any skin tone. This technology works with your skin’s natural healing processes to rebuild the tissue to be firmer and smoother. eMatrix is technology from Syneron and Candela, the same trusted manufacturers of the top laser hair removal devices in the industry. The device puts a matrix of energy into the skin, which causes the skin to heal back over the following weeks with new collagen and supportive tissue. The treatment leaves small, temporary dots on the face that are easily covered with makeup one day following treatment. The dots fade visually over the course of a few days, and they fade to the touch over the following two weeks, leaving behind smoother, revitalized skin. eMatrix works especially well when packaged with our other skin rejuvenation technologies and products, and we’re happy to develop a personalized treatment plan and schedule for you to get the most rejuvenation for your skin.
To see if you are a good candidate for eMatrix, schedule a free skin consultation at (713) 960-6262. ■
Questions about our services? Ask Graciela Vargas, Galleria Manager, for recommendations for all your skin concerns. E-mail editor@amerejuve.com
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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
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