12.29.09
Food for Thought: Steam and Enzymes
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
The other day I was detoxing in the steam room at my gym… all alone… letting my pores open up, stretching, and relieving some stress…when two ladies walked in and let all the steam out. If you are familiar with a sauna or steam room, you know when you are alone and in a state of meditation, the last thing you want is someone to release the heat by sauntering in the door, forgetting their towel and leaving the door open for you to freeze…
I kept my spirits high and thankfully fresh steam started sputtering out and a cloud of fluffy water droplets surrounded me and I was in the rainforest once again.
Then, the two women proceeded to drip some foul smelling essential oils into the spout, which the sign outside of the steamroom clearly states: DO NOT ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO STEAM.
I calmly ignored the act, although as my contempt crept in I thought… I would love to throw the bottle of oil to the bottom of the pool.
I continued my stretches and the women started to chat with me about the essential oil. I did not let my true feelings about the nausea the oils had created unearth, but I did skillfully change the subject to myself, being an esthetician, the benefits of steam rooms and all the fun things you can do in there.
“We know steam is good for you, but what does it do?”, they wondered. I explained that it has
anti-aging effects . Steam opens up the pores, eliminates the impurities beneath the skin’s surface, rehydrates and balances the skin’s PH. Most importantly, it helps with your circulation. If you have good circulation throughout your body, oxygen and nutrients are being carried through the blood, enhancing your skins ability to heal and regenerate. Nourished, hydrated skin will improve the appearance of fine lines, and give you that supple, dewy appearance.
“Wow, you do this for your work? Tell us more!”, they said. “You should try to steam at least once a week and exfoliate once to twice a week”, I explained. The women looked confused. They said, “Well I scrub everyday, is that not ok?” It is definitely not necessary. In fact, you could be causing more harm than good. The delicate layers of collagen beneath the top layers of your skin could be compromised. As we get older, we stop producing collagen like we did when we were young.
“Oh no, I don’t want to look old! Not yet!”, they exclaimed. Although they looked like Cinderella’s stepsisters, it is important for everyone to look and feel young and beautiful. Preventative measures must be carefully taken to avoid the aging process.
“It is very simple, I said, “to maintain your youthful beauty, I suggest opting for an enzyme method of exfoliation, such as papaya, aloe vera, pumpkin, and other fruits.” An enzyme peel accelerates the cell turnover rate, which is the natural exfoliate process of the skin, a digest dead skin cells like little pac men. Enzymes penetrate the upper layers of the tissue, cleansing pores and improving skin texture, tone, elasticity and tautness. Being gentle with the skin is important.
Also, be sure to get a facial regularly with steam, enzyme exfoliation, massage,and a mask and you will not only take years off of your face, you will prevent those years from building back up. Miracles can happen!
To conclude, they then asked me if I was married… and that’s when I said, “Not yet!” And very quickly bid them farewell.
12.12.09
‘Wrapping Up’ the Year
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
I feel like the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’ from A Christmas Carol is bringing me back to reflect upon my life this year…As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, I realize how much I have learned this year – not only about the medical industry and skincare – but about myself.
AIM has become so multifaceted in the services we offer, we really redefined your average Medi-Spa, and define ourselves in our own category. Our doctors and physicians assistants work really hard to keep our clients healthy and youthful looking, creating “The Total You- Inside and Out”, in a comfortable atmosphere. The compliments I have received from our patients are so flattering… They feel much more relaxed coming to AIM knowing they are going to receive the highest level of service and are assured that we really want to help them. They feel special – and so do we.
I have been exposed to a grand array of exclusive clinical grade skin treatments this year. From Velashape to Dermaroller, to laser treatments like IPL and Fraxel, and injectables like Botox, Juvederm, and Radiesse, last but not least, our skincare line Neocutis– I was able to research and better understand the medical treatments available and the science of the skin. I know more than ever before. I could compare results and see what was most effective. Most importantly, I actually saw results.
This year, I would like to give the world my perspective on things- I am genuinely ecstatic for the changes people are able to make to their physical appearance to have a positive self-image for them selves. It may be considered superficial or vain to some, but to me it is more than that. There is nothing better than be able to look in the mirror everyday and to like what you see. You can wash your face, comb your hair and walk out that door ready to bring on whatever comes your way.
If people are happy and confident, they may work harder, live better lives, and hopefully share their happiness with others. We can make this world a more spiritual, peaceful, and loving place. I wish nothing but the best for everyone
What’s in store for next year? I aim to learn more, share more, and engage more. Our new Physician’s Assistant Ana Torres is brilliant and talented. Hopefully she will train me to be the best medical esthetician in Newport Beach. Our patients can look forward to seeing stronger peels, Acne Laser treatments, and a lot of informative blogs, plus so much more!!
Happy Holidays
The Staff at AIM Medical Center
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
11.25.09
DermaRoller to Replace Laser?
I have to admit, I am a fan of certain laser treatments as a method of treating moderate to severe skin conditions. However, I discovered the damage that could be done to your skin from Fraction Laser (Fraxel), and I realized how potentially contradictory a laser could be.
Think about this – Fraxel uses a hot beam, inflicting a thermal injury, which destroys the stem cells, fuses the capillaries and tissue beneath the skin, and inhibits stimulation for creating new blood vessels. Fraxel creates an upholstering effect giving the illusion of firm, youthful skin and diminished wrinkles.
But in fact, you are suppressing blood flow and stopping the release of growth factors to the blood platelets. You may not know that growth factors are vital to creating new, YOUNGER tissue.
Are you really reversing your signs of aging or are you only temporarily masking it? You be the judge.
Ahhh…How relieving.. There is an advancement in skincare that you don’t typically see at your local medical spa!
Developed by a German scientist in 2001, Dermaroller, is a non-ablative, mesotherapeutic, sterile needling device is used to treat skin conditions such as acne scarring, wrinkles, large pores, hyper-pigmentation, stretch marks, cellulite, hair loss, etc. Dermaroller preserves the top layers of the skin while inducing the body to create collagen and elastin.
For thousands of years, the Far East has used needling devices for therapeutic purposes. So it came as no surprise that the Dermaroller was first introduced to Asian cultures to begin testing. The results are phenomenal. Dermaroller may be a new concept to the USA, but backed with years of research around the globe.
The procedure:
This is a medical procedure that can be performed by trained and licensed skin care professionals. They require medical knowledge that MUST to be performed in a clinical environment.
The area you wish to treat calls for numbing with a medical grade numbing cream for approx. 20 minutes. At that time you can rest and unwind, as the tranquil sounds of instrumentals and nature take you into a deep state of relaxation.
After the removal of the numbing cream is complete, we use a drum shaped roller with 192 fine micro needles, across the area you are treating, repeatedly in multiple directions.
There is little downtime after Dermaroller therapy, you may have a slight redness like a sunburn, which could last from a few hours to a couple of days.
Results: They are what we all want, aren’t they?
Although puncturing the skin may seem a bit discouraging, GOOD things do start to happen. I’m going to get a little technical but here it goes..
Various growth factors are released plus new tissue structures are generated, in the form of COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN fibers and CAPILLARIES. NEW FIBROBLASTS and NEW CAPILLARIES are created and migrate, providing better blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrition to the skin.
Non needled biopsy with normal collagen fiber formation (stained violet)
Six weeks after microneedling, a second biopsy from the forehead was taken. A dramatic increase of new collagen- and elastin fibers are clearly visible (stained violet). They reach into a depth of 0.6 mm. The increase of new fibers can reach 1000% with 1 procedure.
Your skin cannot be repaired over night, so I stress the phrase, “patience is a virtue”. It takes time to transform and you can expect results objectively after 6 to 8 weeks.
Facts After Several Sessions: 1) Significant improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture 2) Skin is fresher, smoother, and more juvenile 3) Scars, acne scarring, and stretch marks can be drastically reduced 4) Pigmentation spots can become more even 5) Increased epidermal thickness 6) Decrease in pore skin and overproduction of sebum and melanin 7) Preservation of the epidermis during treatment, and no permanent damage to the skin
Over 10,000 acne scar treatments have been performed in within the past 3 years with Dermaroller. Acne scars have been found to respond the most positively to Dermarolling.
Depending on the area and the severity of the scars, sever
al treatments may be needed to achieve the best result. The results vary from 30 to 70% improvement.
The best visible results are achieved with Dermaroller on wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) and on
the upper lip – areas where visible skin aging begins. The earlier and 
more often these kinds of wrinkles are treated with the Dermaroller, the better and more lasting are the results.
In conclusion, through research and various trials we have conducted, we have found the Dermaroller to actually be as effective as it claims to be. I tested the Dermaroller on a my own scar and I have noticed a visible change in the pigment of the scar and the texture is much smoother.
We are excited to be able to offer this service at AIM!
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
11.10.09
Down 10 lbs in 10 Days From HCG
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
Recently, the LA Times wrote an article discrediting the hCG diet and its effects. I want to set the record straight, as I myself have tried the diet, and I lost 10 lbs within the first 10 days. It really wasn’t that hard either.
Being the “fat kid” growing up, I have constantly struggled with my weight for years. I was made fun of –called things like a beached whale or the chubby one. I found myself liking boys, but they never liked me back. I could not wear the cute clothes other girls fit into and I hated being in a bathing suit.
When high school came around I thinned out, but I still had those insecurities about my body that came from my childhood. I finally learned that exercise and eating healthy can really help improve your self image perception and I became more confident by having control of my weight.
Before I started the diet, I would exercise an hour or more a day, eat well (except for my fat Fridays), and I worked for a gym, so health and fitness was always on my mind. I was doing everything right for the most part, yet I had the hardest time actually LOSING weight. I maintained the same weight for years, but as I got older I slowly saw the scale going up. I never wanted to go back to that feeling I had as a kid, people judging me because of my weight. That scared me into really thinking… What am I doing wrong?
After taking a body fat analysis test, I found out that my body fat was at 25%. I was shocked. People may have said “Oh, Danielle, you’re in good shape” and I know I have a muscular build, but I didn’t realize how much fat I had on my body. ..Let’s just say 35lbs of it. I had to do something really different to my routine to handle that kind of reality check.
Dr. Schuder, the founder of AIM, had been researching the use of hCG for weightloss, which was a diet created by the physician A.T.W. Simeons in the 1930s. Dr. Simeons conducted experiments on people who were obese and found that if he injected the hcCG hormone into their bodies while consuming a low calorie diet, they would lose about a pound per day. On this diet, the patient would lose abnormal fat deposits, from areas of the body such as your hips, stomach and thighs, without losing muscle.
Was this really possible? I had to find out for myself.
I looked into it on the internet and determined that this is a diet that you did not have to exercise, you did not feel hungry, you would sleep like a baby, and lose 1 lb a day. I found video blogs on YouTube of success stories and saw the dramatic results. Plus, there were no claimed negative side effects that I was able to find.
Once I started, I realized the 500 calorie diet was not that bad. I ate mainly chicken and veggies like tomatoes, celery, and cucumber plus my pieces of toast. Like a good girl, I did not cheat. I found a new appreciation for food that I did not have before. I never realized how big of portions I was eating until I actually started measuring it out. I drank tons of water since it accelerated the weight loss and I felt refreshed and detoxified.
Within that first week and half I was down 10 lbs and my body fat percentage went down to about 20%. The feeling was incredible. I figured it would be best to stop since 10 lbs was my goal. If I were to do it for 30 days, I may have been able to lose the entire 35 lbs of body fat that I was accumulating.
Once you are completely off the diet, it is very possible that you will not gain the weight back. I can not say that for myself unfortunately, as I immediately went back to eating cookies. But, I have been taking weight and measurements for many of our weightloss patients, and they have maintained it so well and their results are phenomenal. Some of our patients have lost 30 lbs pr more!
On the bright side, my feelings about eating have changed. I appreciate food more than ever. The types of food I want to eat are healthy and filling. I have no regrets and there was no doubt that the hcg worked for me and it can work for you too.
For more information, check out our website at: www.aim4weightloss.com
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
10.26.09
Neocutis: A Discovery in Skincare
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
During my mission to find the perfect skin care line to represent AIM, I met many qualified and amazing candidates. I received demo facials, training or samples from the leading industry names like Jan Marini, Epicuren, Murad, and Dermalogica.
I was potentially sold every time by each of their strengths. However, the choice came down to the needs of our patients, first and for most. Secondly, the flexibility on the line’s behalf, was pertinent (That seemed to be our true challenge, minimum orders.. pfft) Lastly, I wanted an EXCLUSIVE product. I wanted something that few could offer. We do have the benefit of being an RX practice, we can offer more than your average spa, give me something strong!
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brings me to my story… One unfortunate day, I ran out of the eye cream I had been loyally using at that time. The light reflective moisturizer claiming to be eye cream didn’t do much, but it did mask my dark circles and subtly smoothed my little lines. That very day, my misfortune actually turned out to be a great find! I had so many samples from other companies’ great marketing skills that I had not even delved into my full size bottle of NEOCUTIS Lumière eye cream (that the reps so generously provided to me). The NEOCUTIS Lumière cream had been resting quietly in my bag of samples for some time, so I gave it a try and continued to use it over a period of about 3 months or so (Yes, it does last that long!) Since then, the elasticity and firmness of the skin around my eyes is much stronger, which has diminished the visibility of my dark circles by about 50%. People have noticed and I am now convinced of its miraculous powers.
Low and behold the skin care line I had been looking for was right under my nose. Out in the lobby at AIM, in our tall glass and wood cabinet, we carried NEOCUTIS all this time and I never gave it the chance it deserved. NEOCUTIS is special. The company itself is a leader in innovative, effective skincare – bringing together Swiss biotechnology and cellular therapy research, presenting scientifically advanced breakthroughs in skincare. The upsides; the products are dermatologist tested, fragrance free, and promote tissue recovery when used post-procedures such as glycolic, laser, fillers, microdermabrasion, and collagen induction therapy. An even bigger plus, the products contain human growth factors, cytokines and interleukins, and the proprietary ingredient, PSP® , which makes it only available from a physician. I like that.
More on the science and clinical studies of NEOCUTIS to come!
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
What is your self perception?
And do you like what you see?
by Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
Our outer appearance influences how we are perceivedby others.It is within our power to update and reinvent ourselves, to create a look that best represents who we are on the inside. Simple changes in your skin care routine will not only make a difference in your complexion, but can have a positive influence on your self image. Imagine you at your best; Balanced and Confident. Discover that it is possible to truly look as good as you feel!
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
Peels are Appealing
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
vasive to my client. When asked, “How do I smooth the texture of my skin, lighten these freckles, and get rid of my acne scars?,” I would recommend a Glycolic Peel Series. I know what works best and what is cost-effective for my clients.A consultation prior to your treatment is necessary, as peels are not made for everyone. I find it interesting that if you are a diabetic, it is not recommended to do a glycolic peel, since it is derived from the sugar cane, your blood-glucose levels could potentially be affected. Anyone with inflamed acne, sunburn, or open lesions should allow a few days to let the conditions subside before attempting a peel. If you are currently receiving microdermabrasion treatments, or are on Retin-A or Accutane , you must be absolutely off of your program for an extended period of time before starting on a peel series.
If you are looking for effective results for an affordable price, getting a peel will provide guaranteed satisfaction! As Dr. Suzie Schuder, our head doctor at AIM puts it, “Peels really are appealing!”
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
Importance of Ingredients
As a result, my mom suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her face and arms. The doctors and plastic surgeons insisted she get a skin graft, but through proper care and utilizing the natural resources from mother earth, she was able to heal with minimal scarring on arms and absolutely no scarring on her face. What a miracle! Witnessing this experience drives me to understand proper skin care and know what’s available to recommend particular products for my clients needs.
There are many natural and even synthetic remedies that may help you attain the complexion you have always wanted. Herbs, plant extracts, and chemical compounds can serve multiple functions, such as being antiseptic, calming, healing, and moisturizing, to name a few.Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
Yankees Are In, Angels Are Out
By Danielle Fisher, Esthetican turned sports commentator 
I am sorry to break it to you Angels fans, but since I’ve been swayed into watching the games, I’ve been rooting for the Yankees. My boyfriend religiously wears his Yankee hat day in and day out and his love for the Yankees and interest in baseball has kind of rubbed off on me. I have even chosen a favorite player. Yankees southpaw pitcher Sabathia, of course! It has been stated that leftys have the natural superiority and I’m not just saying that because I’m left handed myself or anything..?
Last nights game, which was held at the Yankee Stadium, held a sea of blue with a few red blobs floating in the stands, everyone cheering and shouting to coax their team to victory. As I have watched the past couple of games, I could not help but compare the blue and red team colors to the well known gang affiliated colors of the Bloods and the Crypts. I envisioned putting Los Angeles (still Orange County at heart) and New York City out on the field with shanks and gats to battle out who were the crazier fans. Regardless of the intense passion the Angels die hard fans possess, Yankees fans are bad to the bone and will shed blood, sweat, and tears for their team’s triumph.
The Angels fought hard, but the Yankees play tough –they’re in it to win it. Hate me if you must, but we are going to the World Series baby!
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
10.22.09
Hello world!
Advanced Integrative Mind-Body Medical Center (AIM) is excited to share our research and opinions on topics ranging from current events and trends, to health, esthetics, and beauty. Our range of knowledge is wide spread and we are constantly striving to learn more. We are a great source to keep you updated on the latest treatments and products available in the medical esthetics industry.
Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884
