Putting on a bathing suit is like wearing your underwear in public, and even if you’re not intending to reveal that much skin, all those hours of harsh summer sunlight make us more self-conscious. Suddenly arms, legs and even midriffs are on show, which means there’s no better time to indulge in a little pep me up pampering, be it a clarifying facial or one of the latest no needles, no down-time cosmetic treatments. Here is the skinny on the best ones out there.
New “Lunchtime” Procedures
The latest cosmetic technology delivers fast results in pain-free procedures that can be performed literally in a lunch break.
Ultherapy: The only FDA approved procedure to non-invasively lift the skin around the eyebrows, neck and under the chin, while also improving fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. It delivers ultrasound energy to the skin’s foundational layer, typically addressed in cosmetic surgery, without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin. The treatment jumpstarts your body to start producing collagen, and results are seen over two to three months.
CoolSculpting®: A non-invasive procedure, an alternative to liposuction, to reduce unwanted fat tissue in areas such as the abdomen, flanks or upper arms, where fat cells are frozen and naturally eliminated from your body. The body naturally processes and permanently removes the destroyed fat over a period of eight to 12 weeks.
Clear & Brilliant Facial Laser Treatment: A gentle laser that creates microscopic holes in the skin, which stimulates collagen and allows antioxidants to penetrate deeper. In just 10 to 20 minutes your skin has a smoother texture, improved tone and smaller pores.
Laser Genesis: A relaxing treatment with no side effects, this laser stimulates new skin cell growth and collagen to smooth fine lines, shrink pores and even out skin texture, including redness. Six to 10 treatments are typically needed, but results, which you see after three or four treatments, last up to 12 months.
Shine Day Spa
Where to Be Treated on Your Lunchbreak:
Sculpting Center of New Orleans
The center, run by Dr. Robin Bone and her team of registered nurses, has a beautiful spa ambience and is one of the few places offering Dual Sculpting. Patients can have CoolSculpting treatments on two areas at the same time, reducing overall treatment time. Patients slip on a robe and make themselves comfortable in their suite, enjoying a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and refreshments while the technology does the hard work. 4500 Clearview Parkway, Suite 202, Metairie, 309-9456, SculptingNola.com
CHRONOS
A 24-hour members-only center, Chronos is a whole body health and wellness center offering fitness, nutrition and spa services. It also boasts a medi spa, run by Drs. Scott and Aguilera, who offer the latest cosmetic treatments including Botox, fillers, facial lasers and chemical peels. 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 267-4549, ChronosBHW.com
Audubon Dermatology
The cool cream and blue tones of this beautifully designed Uptown practice make you feel like you’re in good hands as soon as you step through the door. While offering comprehensive dermatologic services, Drs. Hooper and Jackson, with their team of aestheticians, offer the latest treatments as well as “Rejuvenation Days” when fillers and Botox are available at discounted prices. Sign up for their e-newsletter to keep up to date. 3525 Prytania St., Suite 501, 895-3376, AudubonDermatology.com
Khoobehi & Associates
Plastic surgeon Kamran Khoobehi, M.D., who recently opened a new Uptown practice on Magazine Street to complement his Metairie center, is held in high regard for his numerous cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries for the face, breast and body for both men and women. Khoobehi also offers non-invasive “lunch hour” treatments as well as “Health and Beauty Seminars,” which consist of a two-hour overview of the latest procedures and techniques, and a chance to meet him and his team of doctors. 4500 Magazine St., Suite 1, 304-1248, Khoobehi.com
La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center
Whether you’re concerned with unattractive spider veins or worrying about bulging, twisted varicose veins, this Covington center run by Dr. Randall Juleff offers minimally invasive solutions to both. The clinic offers fast and virtually pain-free treatments so you quickly return to your normal life. Fillers, Botox and other aesthetic procedures are also performed. 1431 Ochsner Blvd., Suite B, Covington, (985) 400-2621, LaBellaVitaVein.com
Southern Aesthetics Medical Spa
Plastic surgeon Dr. Penelope Treece opened this spa in 2000 to complement her surgical practice and to focus on providing products and treatments that are pharmaceutical grade and contain no harmful or toxic ingredients. The spa is truly full service, with services ranging from makeup to the latest laser rejuvenation techniques. 3815 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 779-7749, PenelopeTreece.com
Audubon Dermatology
Opting In
Feeling confused by all options? We have deciphered the scientific terms so you can don’t have to:
Chemical Peels: Peels reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve texture and tone using natural and synthetic acids and other ingredients to achieve a dramatic improvement. Light peels are good for exfoliating dead skin and can be used every three to four weeks; there’s no downtime. Deeper peels will work harder on wrinkles and skin tone, will cause redness and skin sloughing for seven to 10 days afterward.
Microdermabrasion: This is a small sandblaster for your skin that loosens and exfoliates dead skin. It also stimulates collagen growth and enables lotions to penetrate more deeply. Recovery is just one to two days, and you can incorporate this into your regular skincare routine.
Dermaplaning: A quick exfoliating procedure that helps with rough and dry skin, mild scarring and pigmentation. It also removes fuzzy facial hair and is a great way to have a deep exfoliation without using chemicals. Afterward skin is healthier and products can penetrate more deeply. You can repeat this procedure when you feel your skin needs to freshen-up or when you want a healthy glow for a special occasion.
Dermabrasion: Used to treat deeper skin scars, marks and lines around the eyes, nose and cheeks, this procedure purposefully injures the skin to stimulate it to produce new tissue. The outer layers of skin are removed and within seven to 10 days, new, fresher, smoother skin will replace it. Results can last up to a year.
My Spa By The Park
Ultimate Indulgence
Sometimes, the best way to get our glow back is pure indulgence with added benefits. Here are two of our favorites:
Ultimate Surrender: Four hours of pure heaven. A 60-minute body polish with Himalayan salt stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow while improves the skin’s tone and texture. A body soufflé hydrates and is followed by an aloe soothing treatment. Next, a massage using an exclusive London-based line called Elemental incorporates several massage modalities and prepares you for the Bio Nutrition Age Support Facial, which uses cold stone facial massage techniques. 421 N. Carrollton Ave., Suite A-4, 486-0999, ShineDaySpa.com
My Spa By The Park Warm Stone Massage & Vegan Nail Treatments: This treatment begins with 50 or 80 minutes of deep heat therapy with smooth polished stones to loosen tight muscles, roll out tension and ease away stress. You can complement it with an aromatic therapeutic foot treatment that includes soaking, exfoliating, moisturizing and pampering with vegan products. 6312 Argonne Blvd., 482-2219, MySpaByThePark.com
Ceremonies at Stone Creek Club & Spa: This 4,500-square-foot spa designed with natural materials and wetland areas offers a first class spa experience. On the menu are “Ceremonies of Earth, Sea or Fire” that incorporate treatments such as Vichy showers, scalp treatments and hydrating body masques. You can also book into the Covington spa for a Creekside Retreat for a half- or full-day for as little as $225. These include two 60-minute massages, facials or body services, a spa lunch and gratuities. All you have to do is relax and enjoy. 1201 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, (985) 801-7100, StoneCreekClubAndSpa.com
Want to be frizz free? Keratin could be your summer solution
Perhaps you’ve found the perfect smoothing cream or straightening iron to keep your locks smooth and shiny despite the sweltering summer temperatures. However, if you’re still battling the fight against frizz, consider a Keratin treatment. One treatment and your hair becomes not only smooth. but healthier and shinier as well. The treatment only takes an hour and results last for at least three to four months. Salon M, a hair and nail salon in a beautifully renovated shotgun house on Canal Street, is offering a Keratin Express treatment for $150. Salon M, 4336 Canal St., 304-6525, SalonMNo.com
