Total Skin Care Chart

Multiple types of anti-aging treatments are required to address the various etiologies of facial aging. Soft-tissue augmentation provides a minimally invasive option for patients seeking to look younger. However, due to changes in facial skin, musculature, fat and bone, anti-aging treatment requires a multifaceted approach. Injectable fillers may be combined with neurotoxins to resolve superficial wrinkles and restore facial volume. These modalities may be used with laser resurfacing or chemical peels to address epidermal and superficial dermal problems. Combining injectable soft-tissue augmentation treatments allows clinicians and patients to take advantage of the benefits of each modality and to address the multiple effects of facial aging. This review is based on clinical experience and a MEDLINE search for articles about volume replacement and soft-tissue augmentation. It provides a rationale that supports the use of combination techniques/products for soft-tissue augmentation.

Changes to the aging face result from a dynamic process involving thinning of the skin and loss of collagen, fat redistribution, muscular recontouring and bone remodeling. (1-3) The rate of change differs in the major facial compartments (skin, muscle, fat and bone) and changes in one compartment affect all compartments. (1), (3) With increasing age, more prominent wrinkles, folds and furrows arise due to further loss of skin elasticity and structural organization.

Many patients require more than one type of aesthetic treatment to address these multiple etiologies and maximize treatment outcomes. (2), (4), (5) The variety of available treatments has greatly expanded the ability to reverse the visual signs of facial aging. Because each modality has its own strengths and limitations, combinations of products may be required to achieve optimal outcomes. The purpose of this article is to briefly review available soft-tissue augmentation modalities and to discuss relevant clinical experience with possible combinations of products.

Head-to-head comparisons have not been identified for most combinations mentioned in this review. Further combinations of anti-aging treatments described herein have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Anti-aging Treatments

Numerous treatments are available for soft-tissue augmentation (Table 1). Each treatment, used appropriately, can help restore the youthful appearance of the face; the selection of treatments with complementary modes of action may produce a synergistic effect. Furthermore, application of different modalities can be varied either spatially or temporally, potentially optimizing outcomes and improving tolerability.

Table 1

Comparison of Injectable Anti-aging Treatments and Their Benefits

Treatment	Treatment   Indications/Symptoms	Mode of   Operation	Effect Timeline
Radiofrequency	Protuberatn   jowls, neck skin, nasolabial folds, eyebrows	Collagen   contraction, collagen systesis	4-12   weeks
Intense Pulsed   Light	Lentigines,   telangiectasis	Wavelengths   between 550nm and 1100nm	1   month
Ablative Laser	Fine   and some coarse wrinkles and overall dyspigmentation, dark discolored   under-eye circles, and skin texture	Thermal   in superficial dermis; wound-healing response	1-2   weeks
Non-ablative   Laser	Fine   wrinkles and skin texture	Primarily   thermal, focused in dermis
Chemical   Peels	Superficial:  mild actinic damage, wrinkling, dyschromia,   actinic keratoses, and active acne.    Medium depth:  sever dyschromia,   moderate thytidosis, laxiity, photo-aged skin, actinic keratoses	Chemical   exfoliant	Depends   on depth of peel
Neurotoxins	Dynamic   lines and wrinkles, mostly in glabella	Muscular   relaxation	3-4   days
Collagens	Soft-tissue   contour deficinecies, including wrinkles and acne scars	Volume   and collagen replacement	Immediate
Hyaluronic   Acid Derivatives	Moderate   to sever facial wrinkles and folds    including nasolabial folds	Water   retention	Immediate
Calcium   Hydroxylapatite	Moderate   to sever facial wrinles and folds    including nasolabial folds, lipoatrophy in people with HIV	Hypothesized   collagen stimulation	Immediate
Injectable   PLLA	Shallow   to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles	Hypothesized   foreign-body reaction, collagen stimulation	Gradual
PMMA	Deep   defects, glabella, nasolabial folds	Collagen   component gets absorbed oer short term.    PMMA microspheres form permanent scaffold	Rapid   to gradual

KEY:
AEs=adverse events; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; PLLA=poly-L-lactic acid; PMMA=polymethyl methacrylate.

Treatment	Duration of   Effect	Benefits
Radiofrequency	Several   months	Genrally   safe, limited downtime, depending on specific device
Intense Pulsed   Light	6-9   months	Imrovement   of skin texture and irrecular pigmentation
Ablative Laser		Imporved   appearance of phot-induced rhytides and dyschromia
Nonablative   Laser		Limited   downtime.  Superficial layers spared
Chemical Peels	Variable	Imporved   skin texture
Neurotoxins	3-4   months	Rapid   results
Collagens	3-6   months	Bovine:   reliable, contains lidocaine, ease of administration.  Human:    no allergy testing required
Hyaluronic   Acid Derivatives	3-12   months, depending on formulation	Reliable,   well tolerated, no allergy testing required.    Longer lasting than bovine collagen
Calcium   Hydroxylapatite	12   months	Lon-term   resuls, no allergy testing required, no concern for antigenic or inflammatory   reactions
Injectable   PLLA	Up   to 2 years	Safe,   long-term results
PMMA	Permanent	Longevity

KEY:
AEs=adverse events; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; PLLA=poly-L-lactic acid; PMMA=polymethyl methacrylate.

Adverse Events:

Treatment	Adverse Affects
Radiofrequency	Common:  pain; Rare:    fat atrophy
Intense Pulsed   Light	Slight   erythema and edema, immediately after treatment
Ablative Laser	Oozing,   bleeding, inflections.  Downtime.  Potential serious AEs:  Post-inflammatory pigmentary changes,   scarring
Nonablative   Laser	Inconsistent.   Common AEs usually transinet:    erythema, periocular edema, skin bronzing
Chemical Peels	increased   downtime with deeper peels
Neurotoxins	Common:  headache, respiratory infrctions, and   blepharoptosis
Collagens	Bovine:  hypersensitivity or allergic reactions,   skin testing prior to use, reactivation of herpes possible with lip   injection.  Huma:  rare but can inlude bruising, erythema, and   swelling
Hyaluronic   Acid Derivatives	Common   injection site AEs:  temporary pain,   induration, bruisin, tendersness, itching, edema, and erythema.  Serous AEs are rare.
Calcium   Hydroxylapatite	Injection   site bruising, edema.  Nodules rarely   develop if injected superficially.
Injectable   PLLA	Most   common AEs are injection related.    Serious AEs infrequent;
PMMA	Reports   of persistent erythema at injection site.

KEY:
AEs=adverse events; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; PLLA=poly-L-lactic acid; PMMA=polymethyl methacrylate.

(a) References (4), (6), (13), (14), (17), (18), (21), (23-28), (35), (36), (44), (47-50).

Botulin Toxin Type A

Injection with botulin toxin type A (BTX-A; Botox [R], Al-lergan, Irvine, CA, and Dysport [R] [abobotulin toxin A], Medicis, Scottsdale, AZ) results in temporary denervation and relaxation of injected muscles and reduction in dynamic furrows and lines. (6), (7) BTX-A has been used widely to treat the glabellar area, crow’s feet and forehead. (4) Overcorrection must be avoided, as the full effect may not be apparent for seven to 10 days post-injection and persists for 90-120 days with BTX-A; (4) and up to 180 days with abobotulin toxin A. (7) The safety record of BTX-A is good and most adverse events (AEs) are reversible without long-term consequences; (6) an AE profile similar to placebo was noted with abobotulin toxin A. (7) Botulin toxins may be used with volumizing treatments to enhance outcomes.

Chemical Peels 

Glycolic, trichloroacetic and salicylic acid peels are commonly used for treating photodamage and other superficial skin problems. (4) Superficial chemical peels exfoliate the top layers of skin, where they are generally well tolerated and require little, if any, recovery time. Deeper peels stimulate epidermal growth, and dermal synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers; (8) they are used primarily to treat severe dyschromia, moderate rhytidosis, actinic keratoses, moderate to severe skin laxity and photo-aged skin. Deeper peels require at least five days for recovery and require post-peel home care. (4) Peels are very effective at improving overall skin appearance; their effect lasts for weeks to months, depending on the depth and chemical used. (9)

Short- and Long-acting Dermal Fillers

Availability of the treatment options listed in Table 1 increased the opportunities for clinicians to correct age-related contour deficiencies. Preclinical studies showed that, in addition to physically occupying space, dermal fillers stretch fibroblasts, stimulate growth factors, and inhibit collagen breakdown, leading to formation and deposition of new collagen. (10), (11) Typically, dermal fillers avoid many of the risks of surgery while restoring volume, providing a more relaxed, natural facial appearance compared with traditional “face-lift” surgery. (5), (12)

Collagen loss is a cardinal feature of aging skin. Collagen replacement can restore a more youthful appearance. Bovine-derived collagen requires skin testing before use due to possible hypersensitivity reactions. (13), (14) Collagen-based fillers have been used to correct facial lines, wrinkles and contour deficiencies, (14) with immediate effects that last three to five months. (15)

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin that provides structure and volume; (16) its loss leads to dermal dehydration and wrinkle formation. (16) Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are commonly used in mid to deep dermal implantation for correction of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds. (17), (18) The effect of hyaluronic acid injection is immediate, with an average duration of approximately nine months. (19), (20) The most common AEs are injection-site related; (17) hyaluronidase can quickly correct many AEs. (17), (21)

CaHA is a biocompatible mixture of an aqueous gel carrier and synthetic CaHA microparticles. (15), (22-24) After injection, the gel is absorbed and the microparticles form a scaffold for collagen formation; (23), (25) the effect is immediate and lasts for approximately 12-14 months. (23) It is indicated for sub-dermal implantation for correction of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds, with a wide variety of off-label facial aesthetic applications and is generally well tolerated. (23)

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA; Dermik Laboratories, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC) contains microparticles of PLLA, which is a biocompatible biodegradable synthetic polymer. (22), (26), (27) Implantation of solid particles in pre-clinical studies indicated that PLLA may induce a foreign-body response that is hypothesized to lead to gradual collagen formation with effects lasting up to two years. (28) Injectable PLLA must be reconstituted with 5 mL sterile water, allowed to hydrate for at least two full hours before use, and used within 72 hours. (26) Reconstitution volumes of up to 10-12 mL have been utilized for some off-label procedures, such as hand and neck augmentation. (29), (30) In clinical practice, it is also relatively common to add 1-2 mL of lidocaine with epinephrine with 3 mL of diluent to increase patient comfort during the procedure. (29) However, reconstitution of injectable PLLA with volumes greater than 5 mL, and with lidocaine, is considered off label. Reconstituted product should be agitated immediately before and during administration to maintain an even suspension throughout the procedure. (26)

Injectable PLLA is approved for use in immune competent people as a single regimen for correction of shallow-to-deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles in which a deep dermal grid pattern injection technique is appropriate. (26) It has been used off label to increase volume and to reposition several facial areas, and on the hands, chest and neck. (31), (32) The most common AEs are injection-related;(26), (33) serious AEs are infrequent and include injection-site nodules and papules. (26), (33)

Injectable polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, Artefill [R], Suneva Medical, San Diego, CA) is a suspension of 20% PMMA smooth microspheres in bovine collagen. (21) The collagen is degraded within about three months post-injection, after which collagen forms around the permanent microspheres. (21) Injectable PMMA is indicated for treatment of nasolabial folds, but has been used off label for glabellar frown lines, radial lip lines and mouth corners. The most common AE in clinical trials with injectable PMMA was unevenness at the Injection site that continued for more than one month. (34) Other AEs included persistent (more than 48 hours) swelling or erythema, increased skin sensitivity, and rash and pruritus. (34)

Ablative Therapy

Ablative laser devices are considered the non-surgical standard for improving clinical features of aging. (35) Techniques vary by type of laser, amount of energy emitted, pulse mode, and number of passes. (4) In general, ablative laser resurfacing vaporizes the epidermis and portions of the papillary dermis. Induced wounds promote a healing response, resulting in collagen formation and deposition. (35) After re-epithelialization, wrinkles, scars and blemishes are removed. (4), (35) Prolonged downtime for healing may be problematic, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and tolerance of the effects.

Non-ablative Laser and Other Treatments

Non-ablative therapies have become popular as patients and clinicians look for procedures that avoid the complications and downtime associated with ablative lasers. Non-ablative lasers induce dermo-thermal injury through a cascade reaction of molecular repair, collagen formation and deposition without epithelial damage; there is minimal healing time. (4), (35) However, aesthetic results are less consistent and predictable than with ablative devices, (35) although modest improvement in fine wrinkling and skin texture has been reported. (4)

Fractional resurfacing creates microscopic thermal zones that represent columns of photocoagulation spatially distinct from areas of unexposed skin that assist in rapid re-epithelialization. (36) The procedure has been used for a variety of indications, including facial and non-facial photo damage, atrophic acne scars, hypopigmented scars and dyspigmentation. (36) Common AEs are usually transient and include erythema, periocular edema and bronzing of the skin. (36)

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses broad-spectrum (both visible and infrared) light to treat pigmentation and vascular problems associated with chronic photo damage. (35) Vascular lesions such as rosacea, erythema, flushing, telangiectasias and postlaser erythema respond well to IPL therapy. (4)

Radiofrequency (RF) devices use impedance to convert electrical energy into heat. (35) Therapeutic energy levels are unknown (35) the critical temperature for collagen shrinkage and repair ranges from 57-75[degrees]C, depending on duration of application. (35) The epidermis is cooled before RF administration to preserve superficial skin layers. (35) RF devices have been used for treatment of periorbital rhytids, as well as therma-lifting of the face, neck and brows. (4)

Recently, infrared technology has proven safe and effective in reducing facial and neck skin laxity. In one study, mobile delivery of infrared (1100-1800 nm) light significantly improved skin laxity (P<0.0001), with all subjects grading the procedure as “painless.” Erythema, which subsided within one to three hours, was the only reported AE. (37)

Combining Anti-aging Therapies

When considering combination therapy, it is essential to formulate criteria for determining which combinations may benefit specific patients. This includes evaluating areas affected by the aging process, the extent and location of volume loss and/or severity of rhytids in each target area, and the AE profile of each considered agent. Equally important in the treatment plan is assessment of the patient’s goals and expectations, timeframe, and tolerance for therapy; budgetary constraints should also be discussed and addressed before initiating treatment. (28)

BTX-A has been used in combination with chemical peels, various dermal fillers and fractional resurfacing. (8) One common combination is BTX-A injections for the upper face (including fine horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet) plus soft-tissue augmentation for the mid and lower face. Combined use of BTX-A and filling agents can restore facial appearance by complementary modes of operation; relaxation and volume enhancement. (5) The devices are used in the same facial area, for example, to treat marionette or lipstick lines. (38), (39) BTX-A has been used in addition to fillers for adjustment of brow height, smoothing of forehead lines and nasojugal folds, and resetting of facial contours. (5) The effect of combination of abobotulin toxin A with hyaluronic acid (Restylane) is shown in Figure 1, and combination with fractionated laser resurfacing and hyaluronic acid is shown in Figure 2.

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

Non-ablative lasers, IPL and RF devices immediately following BTX-A injection have proven effective for treatment of either the glabellar area or crow’s feet without loss of efficacy or other apparent negative effect. (40) BTX-A has also been used with laser resurfacing, RF and fractional ablative ([CO.sub.2) resurfacing. (4), (6)

CaHA and hyaluronic acid have been used synergistically to replace facial volume. (41) In one study, CaHA was used in the nasolabial folds, perioral and vermillion lip borders, while hyaluronic acid was used to complement the effect of CaHA as well as to augment the upper and lower lip body adjacent to the wet-dry border. (41) Overall, subjects in the combination group tended to have higher immediate and overall treatment satisfaction scores than those receiving monotherapy. (41) Combination of hyaluronic acid, collagen and injectable PLLA has been used to correct nasolabial folds, lips, the bridge of the nose and corners and body of the mouth. (14) Combination of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (Juvederm) and CaHA in a patient from this practice is shown in Figure 3.

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

Another combination for soft-tissue augmentation may be injectable PLLA–which provides a more gradual onset and greater longevity of effect–together with agents that provide immediate but short duration of effect, such as hyaluronic acid or collagens. In a case study, (42) injectable PLLA was used as a foundation for correcting mid-facial and temporal atrophy; hyaluronic acid was used to augment the lips, oral commissures and nasolabial folds and BTX-A was used to reduce mid-facial vertical compression. (42) Unfortunately, this report focused on the technique, and did not include outcomes. The effect of combination of injectable PLLA and a nonanimal-source hyaluronic acid is demonstrated in Figure 4. Injectable PLLA also may be combined with chemical peels; because the modalities stimulate collagen differently, synergistic effects are theoretically possible.

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

Dermal fillers combined with laser, IPL and RF treatments have the potential to restore tissue volume and improve facial firmness and texture. (43) Some physicians administer laser therapy before injecting filler material due to concern that the laser will degrade the filler. However, a small study in 36 patients suggests that laser, RF and IPL therapies may be administered immediately after hyaluronic acid injection with no AEs. (43)

Similarly, a small study was designed to assess the safety of RF treatment in six subjects recently treated with both hyaluronic acid and CaHA in their upper inner arm. (44) One subject served as a control and did not receive any RF treatment. After two weeks all except the control subject received two non-overlapping passes of RF treatment; three days later several assessment techniques were unable to distinguish between active and control treatments. (44) Subjects who received fillers plus RF noted a significant short-term tenderness, whereas the control subject did not. (44) Additional studies are required to assess the potential impact of more passes, lower fluence and lidocaine, and the short- and long-term efficacy.

Potential Disadvantages of Combined Anti-aging Treatments

For combination treatments, it is generally recommended that individual procedures be performed at least one week apart to allow for resolution of any AEs. Reactions that may leave the skin tender and sensitive to further manipulation, for example, could interfere with post-procedure recommendations (e.g., deep facial massage) following injection of CaHA or injectable PLLA. It is also recommended to wait at least one or two days between a chemical peel and injection of BTX-A to minimize complications, although some practitioners may administer both treatments simultaneously. Superficial glycolic acid peels are generally administered in six sessions at four-week intervals; the specific timing of peels in conjunction with fillers or BTX-A injections depends on the patient’s responses and the practitioner’s level of experience. (3)

One potential concern with combination of multiple products is the increased risk of AEs, and increased difficulty of determining causality when events do occur. Injection-site reactions (e.g., pain, bruising, erythema, swelling) and papule and nodule formation have been reported with all fillers; bovine-derived collagen is also associated with a risk of hypersensitivity reactions. (14), (15), (42), (45) Although there is currently no clinical evidence demonstrating higher rates of AEs in patients receiving combination treatment versus single therapies, it is good clinical practice to ensure that patients are informed about all possible AEs associated with each treatment and that appropriate steps are taken to minimize any such effects. (46)

CONCLUSION

The availability of an ever-increasing variety of injectable agents has made selection of facial anti-aging treatments more complex. Patients appreciate the minimal invasiveness and shorter recovery times, while physicians appreciate the versatility of modalities and the multitude of areas that can be corrected. Combining modalities can enable physicians to take advantage of the benefit of each modality and address the entire spectrum of facial aging. In the hands of an experienced clinician, and in appropriately selected patients, prudent use of combination treatment for soft-tissue augmentation can tailor therapy to optimize aesthetic outcomes.

Perfect skin can be easy.

Aging can be one of the most dreadful diseases which can give a feeling of helplessness. In olden times there were stories about the way people used to maintain their skin texture. Even though many say that beauty is skin deep, people would still thrive to have a younger look. Having a clear skin and then maintaining can be a very tedious task and one should take good care of their skin.

Taking care of your skin by doing some facial exercises can be very helpful. Wrinkles are a depiction of your lifestyle. The food you eat and the stress and other activities which lead to causing blemishes on your face as well as wrinkles. Proper care has to be taken if one has to make their face clear as ever. After a certain age your skin starts sagging which is due to the less care taken when the time you were young.

Some of the good skin care steps should be followed routinely which would involve cleaning, toning, moisturizing, sunscreen, skin treatments if needed. Protecting your skin from sun and avoiding oily foods can help you in creating a clear skin. You will find many products which claim to be anti-wrinkle creams and new product that is getting very high marks for AMAZING RESULTS IS HAULRONIC ACID FOUND AT WWW.PHOTOFACIALMACHINES.COM This anti-aging cream are very huge in the skin care market and the results are AMAZING.

Eating fruits and vegetables are very important as these fruits and vegetables have the necessary ingredients to help you in clearing your wrinkles slowly and steadily. It is said that one should have juices which are high in carotene and try to spice up your normal dish into something very interesting. Mangos, Papaya are the tropical fruits which can be a very interesting ingredient to your recipe. Broccoli is also very good for your skin.

Using LED Therapy found at www.PhotoFacialMachines.com can greatly increase your skins ability to produce new collagen. Thus eliminating wrinkles.

General Skin Care for all ages

Taking care of your skin should not be confusing nor should it require you to use a large multitude of products just to make your skin feel cleaner. In spite of all the sales hype that we see on TV and in print trying to persuade you that you need all different kinds of products most people only need a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer with anti-aging ingredients included. With that said, there are exceptions that may have a type of skin needing special care so it is important to know what kind of skin you have.

Begin by assessing what your skin type is. If your face feels dry and tight with possibly some rough patches or redness you probably have dry skin. You may even suffer from flaking and irritation. The best treatment for this type of skin is to use rich moisturizers and never use cleansers that strip oil from your skin. You should also add Omega-3 oil to your diet.

If your skin is shiny or feels slick, especially on your forehead, nose, and chin then you probably have oily skin. Although, you may not think of it as a blessing when you are young it is actually a blessing in disguise because it naturally guards against wrinkles and the effects of aging. With oily skin, you want to use cleansers that will clean the skin without removing this natural anti-aging oil and use LED/PHOTON Treatments to renew the skin.

Skin that is prone to acne and those who are older are more unique and will require more specialized treatment. Mild cleansers are still best and moisturizers should be oil free but formulated for the specific condition you may have. Follow up with LED Blue Light from a Professional LED PDT Machine. As found on PhotoFacialMachines.com.

Amazing Microcurrent Treatments and Injuries

New Injury Case Report

The patient was a 19 year old male driver of a vehicle rear-ended by another vehicle travelling approximately 60 miles an hour. The injuries expected from this magnitude of collision would have been significant and the patient would have been symptomatic for approximately three to four months. He was treated with Frequency Specific Micro-current within five hours of the accident using the frequencies for new injuries. The next day he was almost pain free with full range of motion. A second treatment the next day reduced the pain to 0-1/10 on a visual analogue scale. On the fourth post accident day, when the pain would have been at its worst had he not been treated with FSM, he was pain free.

This information can be verified by Dr. Michael Hatrak, the patient’s father. ( 001 – 770 940-9200 )

The Four Hour Window

In over 100 cases, collected by the 300 FSM practitioners in the US and the 100 in Australia, new injuries produced by trauma, accidents, falls, or surgery respond dramatically to the effects of FSM. If FSM can be applied in the first four hours after the injury it is almost as if the inflammatory process never sets up. The current increases energy production in the cells and restores the normal bioelectric activity of the tissue. The frequencies that produce the most profound effect are the ones thought to reduce bleeding from torn or injured tissues and reduce inflammation. One hour of treatment, using these and many other frequencies, seems to be adequate to eliminate or greatly reduce the pain and greatly reduce the amount of time needed for healing. In most cases the patient is pain free within two to three days as long as there is no fracture. Fractures improve and heal at a rapid rate if treated within this four hour window. Soft tissue injuries are pain free in one to two days. The new injury protocols include frequencies thought and observed to improve concussion and cognitive function. At this time, only case reports document these effects but animal and functional MRI studies are planned.

Is there any one FSM does not work on?

Patients who are dehydrated cannot benefit from FSM. It has been observed that patients who are dehydrated athletes with large muscle mass and inadequate water in take and patients over 70 who are chronically dehydrated have the most problems. Every patient is advised to drink at least one quart of water in the one hour preceding treatment. Patients who are chronically dehydrated may need more.

No technique is 100% effective and FSM is no exception. The effectiveness of FSM depends almost entirely on an accurate diagnosis. Shoulder pain can come from muscles, tendons, bursa, discs, nerves or joints. FSM will treat all of these pain generators effectively. But, if you are treating for muscle and the shoulder pain is from nerves or the bursa you may change the muscle but you won’t change the patients pain since it is not coming from the muscle.

Risks and Side Effects

FSM is delivered by battery operated device and provides sub-sensory current. It cannot be used through a pregnant uterus or in patients who have pacemakers. Patients must be well hydrated for optimal current flow and optimal results. The only common side effect occurs following treatment for chronic muscle pain when some patients experience what appears to be a detoxification reaction approximately 90 minutes after treatment. This reaction can be prevented by consumption of adequate water and an anti-oxidant supplement. There are no other known side effects or risks.

FSM for Contact Sports

The benefits of FSM for the players of contact sports are obvious. In the U.S. the physicians who treat professional athletes have requested a special seminar, a special program for trainers, and an automated treatment unit designed specifically for athletes.

Frequency Specific Micro-current and the National Football League

Frequency Specific Micro-current was discovered by the American NFL in 2003. Bill Romanowski brought FSM to the Oakland Raiders with his chiropractor. Tony Parrish and Terrell Owens were treated along with eight linemen from the San Francisco 49ers in August 2003 by Dr. McMakin. Now, NFL teams and athletes from other sports are using FSM in record numbers. The results are impressive and consistent. Chronic injuries clear up in record time. FSM can remodel scar tissue in one sixty minute session that would take months to do manually.

New injuries heal in record time. In animal studies, FSM increases the rate of ATP production by 500% and has been shown to reduce inflammation by 62% in four minutes. Imagine these benefits applied to new injuries and you can see why Jeff Spencer takes his FSM training and his FSM units with him when he treats the US Postal team on the Tour de France. When Terrell Owens was injured in December 2004 and wanted to be able to play in the Super Bowl 6 weeks later, FSM was there when he got out of surgery and was a part of the team who made his amazing recovery and spectacular performance possible in Super Bowl 2005.

Everyone said the injury needed 13 to 18 weeks to heal and remodel. FSM, Terrell and the treatment team did it in 6 weeks.

The National Qualification in Frequency Specific Microcurrent includes frequencies and protocols that are useful in all types of conditions including those particular to athletes.

What is the difference between the microcurrent and a laser?

Microcurrent provides electrons and in published studies increases ATP production in cells. Lasers provide photons. I am not aware of any research suggesting that laser treatment increases ATP production. Lasers oscillate at set frequencies and provide beneficial results. They are doing it by some other method than frequency specific resonance and ATP enhancement.

What is the difference between microcurrent and TENS?

Microcurrent is approved in the category of TENS devices determined by the U.S. FDA. TENS devices deliver milliamp current and block pain messages that are tying to get up the spine to the brain. Microcurrent delivers microamperage current which has been shown in published studies to increase ATP production in tissues.

What is the difference between microcurrent and ultra sound?

Ultra sound creates ultrasonic vibrations and creates heat by vibrating the water molecules in the tissue. It does not provide current nor does it change ATP status. It provides beneficial results it is just completely different than micro-current.

Your Skin Care Guide

As the largest organ in your body, your skin deserves a lot of attention. Understanding your skin’s unique needs is an important part of receiving the right skin care and treatment. Learning about medical skin concerns, aesthetic skin concerns, and treatment options for both will help you make the right choices when it comes to your skin.

Medical Skin Conditions

One common medical skin condition is psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common, chronic, non-contagious, skin condition where red, scaly, thickened areas appear on the skin’s surface. Many people suffer from psoriasis throughout their lifetimes, but there are options of managing the symptoms. Multiple treatments, including topical medications, oral medications, over-the-counter, and light therapies, are available for the treatment of psoriasis. Another common skin condition. Vitiligo is a disease in which the skin loses pigment, resulting in white patches. This irreversible lightening of the skin can be embarrassing, and a particular concern to patients with naturally darker complexions. Treatment options include topical steroid therapy, psoralen photochemotherapy, and depigmentation.

Aesthetic Skin Concerns

Because of exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, pollution, genetic factors, and skin type, individuals develop folds, bags, creases, and lines as they age. These fine lines and wrinkles can appear more or less defined, depending on the factors causing them. Since everyone develops wrinkles as they age, there are a multitude of treatment options available. Botox is one popular treatment for wrinkles, that stops wrinkles from forming by temporarily immobilizing the muscle causing the wrinkle. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and fotofacial treatments are also effective in treating wrinkles and other aesthetic skin concerns like age spots and freckles. These treatments work by damaging the surface layers of the skin in a controlled way, allowing deeper, healthy skin to be revealed.