By Justin Elson | Photos Courtesy of Kim Billingsley
With another New Year’s celebration rapidly approaching, it’s once again time to take stock. With the turning of the calendar page, we often extend the simple action and create a metaphor that resonates within our own lives, taking the spirit of renewal and looking at what we can do to make the changes lingering in the back of our minds a reality. For many, that includes appearances. Confidence in your look is more than skin deep, extending to how we interact with others, carry ourselves and perceive our place in the world. We sat with down Dr. Lisa Espinoza, owner and medical director of La Chele Medical Aesthetics in New Hope, to learn a few approaches to rejuvenating and refreshing your skin and achieving the look you desire.
Better Skin Through Science
“We specialize in non-invasive, non-surgical ways to improve skin,” Espinoza says. “And with so many options and new technologies, the methods we have to fight the effects of aging are growing everyday.” One of Espinoza’s primary techniques: photofacials. “Photorejuvenation, or photofacial, uses a laser to produce healthier and younger-looking skin,” she explains. “By focusing on red and brown areas such as rosacea, freckles or uneven pigmentation, it’s the best and only procedure that can treat all of these signs of aging all at once. The procedure is painless, usually done in 30 minutes and results can be achieved with little or no downtime in only a few sessions.” And since the procedure yields the best results without summer tans, it’s best performed in the winter.
“We specialize in non-invasive, non-surgical ways to improve skin.” – Dr. Lisa Espinoza
Another cutting-edge technology employed at La Chele is Ulthera, a face-and-neck treatment that uses ultrasound technology to simulate the underlying muscle in reversing the effects of aging on skin. “We’re one of the only cosmetic practices in the area currently using Ultherapy,” Espinoza says. “The treatment tightens loose or lax neck and lower- facial skin and elevates the brow. Patients come in all the time and say, ‘I’m not ready for surgery.’ With Ulthera, we can get immediate results in a single, hour-long procedure with little to no downtime.”
Look Like the Stars
They’re likely names you know from the pages of People or Us Weekly: Botox, Juvederm, Restylane. And while the treatments might be familiar, they’re hardly reserved for only the celebrity set. “Fillers and injectables are safe and effective ways to treat signs of aging on different parts of the face,” Espinoza says. “Botox is used on the upper parts often addressing frown lines and crow’s feet. And since it’s been studied so extensively, when used cosmetically, it’s one of the safest procedures available.” Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane target the cheeks and the lower portions around the mouth. “Dermal fillers restore volume and fullness to the skin while smoothing out wrinkles,” Espinoza continues. “Others fill in creases, lines, wrinkles and folds.” But no matter where your focus lies or what needs you’re trying to address, fillers and injectables are never permanent, last roughly a year and, perhaps most importantly, help build collagen, the main structural protein found throughout our body that provides the strength our tissue needs.
An Ounce of Prevention
While Espinoza performs hundreds of procedures a year on her patients, she also promotes healthy skin maintenance outside her office. “Just like you go to the gym to workout your body, you have to take care of your skin as well,” Espinoza says. “While the procedures and treatments I perform certainly help, a healthy face begins with good skin care and the use of sunblock.”
To this end, La Chele offers its patients an opportunity to join their Healthy Skin Care Club. “Clients join and are welcome to pick and choose different treatments,” Espinoza explains. “Over time, mixing and matching services, patients get to know their skin better, learn what steps they can perform at home and gain a better understanding of the seasonal needs of their skin. Membership promotes a proactive approach to preventative aging that is truly invaluable.”
For more information on La Chele Medical Aesthetics’ services, go online at lachelemedspa.com or call 215-862-6100.
