The treatment is used mostly to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox is injected into the areas receiving treatment, including the forehead, creases around the eyes and mouth. However, despite its many aesthetic benefits, Botox has actually been found to be beneficial to an individual’s health in several ways, helping reduce incidence of migraine episodes as well as individuals suffering from motor illnesses.

According to Allergan, Inc., the company that manufactures Botox, the treatment was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of migraine headaches. Administered in three-month intervals, Botox can help those who suffer from severe migraines for 15 or more days a month and with episodes lasting for four or more hours.

Allergan explains that Botox must be administered by a qualified  medical specialist who will inject 31 Botox injections into the head and neck areas of the patient.  As with its regular anti-wrinkle treatments, injections must be repeated around every three months or so in order to keep the frequency of migraine episodes to a minimum.

The FDA approved Botox as a migraine treatment following two studies conducted on 1384 patients in North America and Europe, which were published in the Cephalgia medical journal in March 2010. According to the report, patients who suffered from severe migraines and who were treated with Botox experienced a major decrease in the frequency of their headaches.

Additionally, Botox has been used to treat patients who have suffered traumatic head injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and individuals who suffer from Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis, who experience muscle spasms.

Because Botox works by inhibiting and paralyzing muscle function, it can stop contractions in the areas experiencing spasms.

Even world-wide musical sensation John Mayer has been getting Botox injections to help with a granuloma he developed on his vocal cords. After undergoing surgery to remove the growth, it came back, threatening his singing career. Since then, he started undergoing Botox injections in his neck. Botox stops the vocal folds from contracting, allowing his body to heal without the constant irritation of the muscles contracting in the throat.

These alternative uses for Botox are proving to be quite successful and if the FDA allows, might be used to treat an even greater array of medical problems in the near future.

If you suffer from migraines or muscle spasms, or if you would simply like to undergo Botox treatments for cosmetic purposes, contact Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, today to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options.

Dr. Karan has been administering Botox injections for several years and will work with you to treat the areas that you are seeking help for. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn about how Botox can improve your appearance and help you heal if you suffer from medical complications.

]]> http://valley-aesthetics.com/botox-does-more-than-reduce-wrinkles/feed/ 0 http://valley-aesthetics.com/hcg-diet-rapid-weight-loss-in-la/ http://valley-aesthetics.com/hcg-diet-rapid-weight-loss-in-la/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:14:54 +0000 http://valley-aesthetics.com/?p=395 Many Los Angeles residents have struggled to lose unwanted weight through traditional diet and exercise programs to no avail. Despite how many laps around the jogging track we run or how many servings of steamed vegetables we give ourselves, some of us can’t seem to lose as much weight as we would like. For many LA residents, the idea of liposuction is extremely appealing. But while lipo can remove unwanted fat from various areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips and thighs, it is not intended for individuals who are 25 pounds or more over their ideal weight.

So then what are the rest of us supposed to do? Sit around and deal with being overweight? How about we actually take a stand and change our lives completely with a 100 percent non-invasive weight-loss method that has swept Los Angeles – and the whole country by storm?

This innovative weight-loss treatment is called the HCG diet. HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that naturally occurs in women who are pregnant that ensures the developing child obtains the nutrition they need if the mother is not eating sufficiently.  The actual diet was discovered by Doctor A.T.W. Simeons over 50 years ago as he worked to cure malnutrition in underdeveloped villages. Dr. Simeons thought to himself, as he watched women lose weight after giving birth, that if HCG is able to drain fat cells and convert the fat into energy, it might just help people struggling with weight loss. Thus, the HCG diet was born.

One of the best aspects of the HCG diet program is that HCG targets only abnormal fat, not the structural or normal fat reserves that keep our bodies healthy. When individuals go on regular diets, they usually lose a lot of muscle mass and normal fat because their bodies are searching for energy wherever it can be found. And once that weight is lost, more often than not, it comes back or distributes in different ways. HCG works to increase one’s metabolism by burning sometimes over 3,500 calories a day. Since the HCG itself is releasing fat for energy from the body, many patients report losing 1-2 pounds of pure abnormal fat per day!  And once the diet is done, the patient’s metabolism will already be accustomed to burning so many calories that the individual will be able to eat a greater number of calories than they previously could without gaining weight – provided they avoid starch and white sugar.

The HCG program works in conjunction with a low calorie, lean diet to help Los Angeles patients achieve rapid weight loss. At Valley Aesthetics, Dr. Pankaj Karan administers a special HCG injection program, combined with lipotropic injections and B12 injections, to ensure that abnormal fat is destroyed and never comes back. We also help you develop new diet and exercise lifestyle habits so you can enjoy the weight-loss results you achieve.

Our Los Angeles HCG weight loss program consists of three different phases. The first phase is often called the loading phase, during which patients can eat as much as they like for two days to build up their fat reserves and facilitate fat loss.  Patients will be administered the HCG shots at this point, which will continue until the end of the third phase. Phase two lasts anywhere from 23 to 40 days or more, and involves eating low-calorie foods such as lean meats, vegetables and fruits. Phase three is the maintenance part of the diet, during which calorie intake can increase and new life tools to monitor weight are learned.

Dr. Pankaj Karan will provide you with all the tools you need to ensure your HCG diet program produces optimal results. If you are tired of struggling with abnormal and unwanted fat, turn to our clinic today to schedule a consultation and see if the HCG diet is right for you.

Over the past five years, the demand for male plastic surgery in Los Angeles especially has increased drastically. Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but while women may be more open about their cosmetic work, men are still a little hesitant to reveal they have gone under the knife – or are thinking about it.

However, for many men, getting cosmetic work done isn’t just about vanity, but about medical necessity. Many Los Angeles rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction) patients undergo the treatment to correct a broken nose or deviated septum, which will improve the nose’s functionality as well as the patient’s breathing.

As far as liposuction goes, several men have no qualms about getting a male breast reduction, especially if they suffer from a problem called gynocomastia – enlarged male breasts. This medical condition can take a toll on the patient’s self esteem, so men turn to their Los Angeles liposuction physician to reduce the size of their breasts to a normal level.

Then there are men who undergo plastic surgery or other cosmetic treatments purely for aesthetic reasons. An increasing number of men are turning to BOTOX to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Los Angeles Botox is a popular treatment for men who don’t have time to spend at home recovering from surgical procedures and who may not be ready for a permanent change. Other skin rejuvenation treatments are also becoming popular in the male community, including Juvederm and Radiesse.

Another increasing trend for men is cosmetic dentistry. According to American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly one-third of all patients of cosmetic dentistry are males. After all, who wouldn’t want a beautiful smile to go with beautiful skin or a slimmer physique?

There are an endless number of cosmetic treatments available for men these days that do not carry any sort of stigma. As with women, however, any prospective Los Angeles cosmetic patient should do their research before settling on a procedure as well as consult with a leading and experienced surgeon.

Dr. Pankaj Karan is a Board Certified physician who has dedicated his life to helping improve the lives of others. Cosmetic surgery can completely change someone’s life for the better, and that is exactly what Dr. Karan aims to do. Whether the treatment is liposuction to correct gynocomastia, a skin rejuvenation procedure or any other form of cosmetic surgery, experienced Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, will take care of all the patient’s needs and ensure they walk away from the office feeling confident both inside and out.

Contact Dr. Karan today to schedule a consultation if you have considered getting a cosmetic procedure, so he can evaluate you options and determine the best treatment for you.

In Los Angeles, the appearance of stretch marks on an individual’s skin is even harder to deal with because the city is known for its beaches, night life and overall attention to bodily aesthetics. Although millions of people suffer from stretch marks – whether they came about during puberty, child birth or later in life – they are one of the hardest skin problems to deal with. Stretch marks are extremely difficult to treat, and people who have them tend to hide their striae under long sleeve shirts, pants or refuse to wear skin-revealing bathing suits at the beach.

Because stretch marks can appear on both men and women, and for various reasons, there isn’t always a way to anticipate their appearance or where they will occur. Most commonly, these marks can be found on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, and arms, but can also occur elsewhere. Despite the several over-the-counter or prescription lotions that claim to reduce or even eliminate stretch marks altogether, their success rate is low and patients will need to spend months diligently applying the creams in order to see any change in the appearance of the straie – if any change even ensues.

At Valley Aesthetics and Laser, we know just how discouraging stretch marks can be and how they affect an individual’s self esteem. However, we also know that to treat Los Angeles stretch mark patients, a deeper approach should be taken that targets the layer of the dermis, where some lotions just can’t reach. We offer the innovative Fotona Laser treatment to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, diminishing their size, depth, texture, and color.

In essence, stretch marks are scars. Laser treatments have proven very effective at reducing or even eliminating some scars altogether and Fotona is the latest, most innovative of all these treatments. The Fotona fractional laser has shown to improve the color and texture of stretch marks, as well as their size and depth, from the very first treatment without serious side effects. Some inflammation or redness may appear in the areas that are treated, but this subsides in 24 hours or less.

The technique associated with Fotona involves a minimally invasive laser producing microscopic wounds on the skin that triggers the production of collagen and the skin’s own reparative and restructuring properties to heal the scars. The Fotona laser is recognized as the leading laser technology around the word, using the highest single-pulse energy laser to treat the affected areas. Two wavelengths – Er:YAG and Nd:YAG – are used in combination to dramatically improve skin’s texture and appearance. The result is smoother skin and a drastic improvement in stretch marks.

If you are sick and tired of dealing with stretch marks and desire smoother, more even skin, contact Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan at Valley Aesthetic and Laser today to schedule a consultation and see the difference Fotona can make for you.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of fatty cells from various parts of the body where they tend to accumulate and stay without response to exercise or diet. The treatment can target nearly any area on the body, including the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, neck, and chin and both women and men can undergo the procedure. But with so many Los Angeles liposuction treatments available, how will anyone know which one is best? Some people are hesitant to undergo liposuction because they are afraid of invasive procedures or fear going under general anesthesia, but at the Valley Aesthetics and Laser Center, we have had an exciting response to a new, innovative method of liposuction known as SmartLipo™.

Smartlipo is an excellent choice for patients who prefer a minimally invasive treatment. The procedure involves the use of laser-assisted lipolysis to target stubborn fat and eliminate them permanently. Regardless of how much these areas failed to respond to traditional fat loss methods, Smartlipo produces dramatic results without the pain and downtime associated with traditional liposuction.

However, the benefits of Smartlipo don’t just stop at fat loss. The procedure also tightens the skin as the fat is being removed, so patients never have to worry about sagging or dimpling skin. Our innovative Smartlipo MPX procedure allows Los Angeles lipo patients to obtain the best treatment with the fewest side effects possible. The MPX technology, exclusively offered by Cynosure, delivers an optimal blend of two laser wavelengths to maximize fat removal while maintaining the patient’s safety and health.

The way it works is simple. Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, will make a small incision, no larger than the size of a pen tip, in the target area. The Smartlipo laser fiber will then be inserted through a very small tube known as a cannula and the fat cells will be destroyed and gently suctioned out.  Because of its laser technology, the Smartlipo procedure results in significantly less bruising and swelling for the patient, and in turn, a faster recovery. There are also fewer complications with Smartlipo because local anesthesia is used instead of local. Patients are awake throughout the entire treatment, so the fear and dangers of going under general anesthesia are eliminated completely.

Patients can see results right away, but the best effects will be noticed in about a week. Continued improvements in the patient’s physique will be seen over three to six months, unlike traditional liposuction which does not keep working after the procedure is completed. Los Angeles Smartlipo patients can expect their skin to keep getting tighter, promoting not only a slender, contoured physique, but healthier, more youthful skin.

To see if you are an ideal candidate for Smartlipo, contact Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, today and schedule a consultation. 

While extremely contagious, some people are more prone to nail fungus than others. People who wear closed shoes on a regular basis, the same shoes and socks for long periods of time, or people with poor hygiene are at a greater risk of developing toe nail fungus than others. Once a fungus starts to grow, the nail begins to turn yellowish and coarse, gradually losing its color and smooth texture. Oftentimes, the nail can turn brownish, and starts to become thick, distorted and brittle. If the infection is not addressed, it can spread to other nails. Although toe nail fungus is unsightly, it also poses health risks. If left untreated, the infection will become worse and spread to the nail matrix, skin and blood stream, causing ulcers, sores, athlete’s foot, and even gangrene. Not to mention, the nail can become so thick, it can cause the patient pain and difficulty walking. The infected toe nails can also become ingrown, causing even more pain and discomfort to the Los Angeles nail fungus victim.

It can take a very long time for nail fungus to become cured, but it is not impossible. Some people prefer to be treated with anti-fungal antibiotics, including Lamisil and Sporonax. However, these treatments can take six months or longer to fully kick in and for nails to start growing out healthy. Others prefer to have the infected nails completely removed, but this doesn’t necessarily treat the fungus problem. Many people who have opted to remove the infected nail are disappointed when the new nail grows back with fungus as well. All of these treatments can take time and may not be 100 percent effective at eliminating toe nail fungus. At Valley Aesthetics and Laser, we understand patients’ frustration, and offer a state-of-the art Los Angeles nail fungus laser treatment to remove the fungus and prevent it from coming back.

Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan targets fungus with the unique European Fotona Laser XPMAX  treatment, killing all fungal elements that are embedded in the nail matrix. The procedure works by using heat to eliminate the fungus from the infected nails. Patients will usually require four treatments spaced one to two weeks apart. The treatment is non-invasive and patients should not feel pain. Some people report some discomfort, but since the treatment lasts only 10 minutes, the discomfort is minimal and resolves quickly.

For more information on our laser toe nail fungus removal, contact Dr. Pankaj Karan today and schedule a consultation.

While most people who suffer with varicose and spider veins are women, men can also develop them. An estimated 30% to 60% of adults suffer with varicose and spider veins, however, several factors can influence their appearance and recurrence. Individuals may be predisposed to developing these veins due to genetics, poor circulation, hormones, and weight. Some occupations that require a lot of standing can also increase the risk of developing varicose and spider veins.

Although spider veins don’t usually cause symptoms, many Los Angles varicose vein victims suffer from pain, which has been described as cramping or aching. Some individuals feel a burning, tingling or throbbing sensation due to the varicose veins, which can often be relieved with support garments. However, most of the problems relating to varicose and spider veins centers on their appearance. These veins can lead individuals to avoid wearing short skirts, shorts and bathing suits, and spend hundreds on concealers to cover up veins that appear on the face. However, there is a solution to treating both these kinds of veins.

Los Angeles cosmetic physician, Dr. Pankaj Karan, uses the innovative Fotona XPMAX Nd;Yag laser to treat both superficial and large veins up to 4 mm in size anywhere on the body. The laser destroys the veins and they are expelled by the body naturally. Depending on the individual, it can take a few days to a few months for the veins to completely disappear. The treatment is safe and non-invasive, so patients don’t have to worry about going under general anesthesia or having surgery performed. The laser also works on individuals of any skin tone.

Unlike some surgical procedures, Dr. Karan’s Los Angeles laser vein removal treatment is quick and results in virtually no downtime. The procedure can be as short as 15 minutes long, depending on the areas that are affected, and patients can resume normal activity right away. However, exercise and hot baths should be avoided for about three days. Once the veins are gone, they do not come back. If patients were to develop new veins, they can have the laser procedure performed again.

If you are sick and tired of struggling with unsightly veins, contact LA plastic surgeon Dr. Pankaj Karan to see if you are an ideal candidate for the laser treatment.

There are many factors that affect cellulite development, including hormones, genetics, diet and lifestyle, and even clothing. As far as hormones are concerned, many experts believe high levels of estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin contribute to the development of cellulite. Genetics also play a huge role in who will get cellulite and who will be spared of the dreaded “cottage cheese” syndrome. A person’s race, metabolism, circulation, and distribution of fat are all affected by genes, which in turn, can lead to higher predisposed chances of getting cellulite.

In addition, a person’s diet plays a huge role in cellulite. Eating too many fats, carbohydrates and salt all increase a person’s chances of developing cellulite. People who do not exercise regularly or who tend to have jobs in which they are either sitting or standing in one position for prolonged periods of time also have a greater tendency of developing cellulite. A person’s clothing choices can also affect cellulite levels. Wearing clothing that is too tight and limits blood flow has a contributing effect on the distribution of fat cells.

Living in Los Angeles, California, cellulite can be even more difficult to deal with. The city’s active lifestyle, beaches and warm weather all affect how people dress and how they feel about themselves. No one wants to cover up to hide cellulite, and now, you don’t have to.  Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, offers a revolutionary treatment that will reduce cellulite and smooth out the texture of affected areas.

The treatment is called Reaction, and it combines two mechanisms of RF energy and vacuum therapy that work with the body’s own regenerating properties to target stubborn fat cells under the skin and reduce their volume. The treatment increases circulation in the areas affected by cellulite and encourages  lymphatic drainage. The result is smoother, firmer skin.

Each treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with effects visible from the very first treatment. The procedure is non invasive and safe. There are no needles, no anesthesia and no scarring. Most patients describe the treatment as feeling similar to a deep tissue massage. Depending on the areas affected, Los Angeles Reaction patients may require between four to eight sessions.

If you are tired of hiding your body because of cellulite, turn to Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Pankaj Karan, today to schedule a consultation.

However, Dr. Pankaj Karan has a solution that will not only eliminate inches from your body, but you will not have to experience any discomfort, swelling or bruising, nor will you have any incisions, scars or have to be placed under general anesthesia. The innovative treatment is called ZERONA™. You may not have heard of the ZERONA procedure before, but we assure you, once you have gotten a taste of how it can change your life, you will never forget it.

ZERONA is the first non-invasive procedure for body contouring to effectively remove stubborn, unwanted fat without the need for surgery. Not only can you expect to experience ZERO pain, swelling, or downtime, but the entire process allows you to expel fat naturally, so you never have to worry about incisions, scars, health complications, or taking time off of work.

For many years, Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon Dr. Pankaj Karan has worked to give patients their ideal aesthetic results that go above and beyond their expectations. With ZERONA, that is precisely what you will get. Using a low-level laser, the treatment takes place over the course of two weeks in six sessions, approximately 40 minutes long. The laser works to stimulate fat cells without heat, emulsifying them so the fat is liquefied without actually causing damage to the cells themselves. The liquefied fat is then eliminated safely by your body naturally. The treatment is applied externally, and can give you the same results traditional Los Angeles liposuction can without the dangers of surgery. You will be awake the entire time and can even remain active during the treatment.

Right after your ZERONA laser treatment is finished, you can resume your normal activities. But while ZERONA can dramatically improve your life and the way you feel about your body, it is important to remember that since the procedure does not destroy fat cells, maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine is key to ensuring results last and can even help you lose additional inches.

So what are you waiting for? The slender physique you have always wanted is just one phone call away. Contact Valley Aesthetics and Laser today to schedule a consultation with California plastic surgeon Dr. Pankaj Karan and experience the difference of ZERONA firsthand.

]]> http://valley-aesthetics.com/liposuction-effects-without-the-surgery-try-zerona/feed/ 0 http://valley-aesthetics.com/zerona-from-los-angeles-laser-liposuction-specialist/ http://valley-aesthetics.com/zerona-from-los-angeles-laser-liposuction-specialist/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:48:02 +0000 http://valley-aesthetics.com/?p=346

Zerona is a noninvasive laser treatment that helps melt away unwanted fat in various areas of the body. Men and women use Zerona treatments as an initial step to losing weight. Your Los Angeles laser liposuction specialist performs these treatments often, seeing as they are so desired.

When you go in for Zerona treatments, you will undergo six treatments in two weeks. Each treatment is about forty minutes long. This time frame will also depend on what area of the body is being treated with Zerona.

During your sessions, you will be able to exercise and act as you always have. Zerona is painless and noninvasive so there is no need for recovery time. You will, however, need to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise. This will help keep the weight from coming back.

Zerona is not a permanent solution for weight loss, but it is a great and effective starting platform. It will get the bulk of the weight off so that all you have to do is maintain the weight loss.

Do you still want to know more about how Zerona treatments work? Call your Los Angeles laser liposuction specialist for a consultation.