Whether you’ve found your own self-care getting lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life or you could use a little pick-me-up after coping with the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, a non-surgical body contouring treatment could be just the ticket.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you might want to fill your stocking with a body contouring treatment or two this year.

1. Enhance Your Workout Results

Do you often feel frustrated that, no matter how hard you try at the gym, you still can’t seem to develop the muscle tone you’re after? Or maybe you’ve been trying to trim down a trouble spot like your abdomen or love handles but to no avail. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to lose exercise-resistant fat in hard-to-lose areas like the belly, hips, and thighs, as well as develop muscle done in these areas.

EMSCULPT is a cutting-edge, non-surgical body contouring treatment that works by causing what are known as supramaximal muscle contractions at a rate that is not possible through exercise alone. The result is a leaner, more toned abdomen without the need for surgery.

CoolSculpting is another very popular body contouring tool that works by freezing targeted subcutaneous fat cells, effectively disabling and eliminating them. Some of the most common areas to get CoolSculpting treatments are your waist, hips, stomach, arms, and thighs, although many other areas can also be treated.

2. Enjoy a Slimmer Physique without Downtime

If you’ve been considering surgical body contouring solutions for a while but haven’t committed yet due to the extensive recovery period, you could be a great candidate for non-surgical body contouring treatments like the suite of options included in BodyWork by Sanctuary.

CoolSculpting, for example, requires virtually no downtime directly following your treatment session. Compare this to the 1 to 2 weeks of initial recovery required after liposuction.

3. Get Motivated to Continue Your Fitness Journey

Lots of people find that by taking a step toward self-care — whether that’s finally scheduling VelaShape cellulite treatments or incorporating yoga into their morning routine — gives them the boost of motivation they need to continue on a path towards healthier, happier living.

Get a jump start on your New Year’s resolution this year with a customized BodyWork package that’s perfect for your unique needs and goals. Schedule a complimentary consultation online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 516-486-9339 for more information.

Everyone wants to look and feel their best for the holiday season, when we gather with friends and family members who we might not have seen for some time. Fortunately, there are a variety of nonsurgical skin treatments that can help you get the brighter, smoother and younger-looking complexion you’re after without worrying about planning for a surgical procedure right before the holidays.

Even better still, you can treat yourself to a skincare glow-up this Cyber Monday while saving more of your holiday budget. Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center will be offering its annual Makeover Monday again this year as a way of thanking our amazing clientele and helping you get ready for the holiday season.

For Makeover Monday, we’re offering special holiday discounts on everything from injectables and laser treatments to nonsurgical body contouring and excessive sweating treatments.

Take advantage of special one-day-only offers by booking your treatment on Monday, November 30, 2020. Treatments can be scheduled for a later date and still get the discount.

Find the best treatment for your specific needs here, then contact our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office to book your discounted appointment today!

Best Treatments for Wrinkles

Injectables like dermal fillers and neurotoxins are some of the most popular choices to treat lines and wrinkles on the face. Fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and others can smooth away lines and wrinkles near your nose and mouth, lasting an average of 6 to 18 months, depending on the brand and type of filler used. Some types of filler can also be used to add volume to your lips and cheek area, providing a youthful appearance. Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport work by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles in the forehead and brow area that cause lines and wrinkles.

Laser skin treatments are another effective option for lines and wrinkles, among other common skin concerns. While there are many types of laser treatments, laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular for wrinkle treatment. It works by causing the outer layer of skin to gently and gradually peel away, revealing the fresh, smooth layer underneath.

Best Treatments for Skin Rejuvenation

Laser skin treatments like laser resurfacing, Halo, and BBL are top-of-the-line nonsurgical treatments used to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, rough texture, acne scars, and redness. While there are slight differences in the way each of these treatments work, they all have a common goal: to stimulate the natural collagen production within your skin in order to achieve a tighter, smoother complexion without surgery.

Skin tightening treatments such as RF microneedling work similarly to laser treatments to address a variety of skin concerns like lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The right skin tightening treatment for you will depend on your specific skin care needs and skin type.

Best Treatments for a Dull Complexion

HydraFacial is also a highly effective skin treatment to brighten and energize a dull, lackluster complexion. Sun damage, stress, lack of sleep and other lifestyle factors can all cause your skin to become tired-looking and lose its shine. Through its three-step process, HydraFacial can leave your skin glowing and looking years younger without any needles or invasive treatments.

Nano LaserPeel is a light treatment that works by safely and gently removing the topmost layer of skin to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. Unlike chemical peels, NanoLaserPeel does not require extensive downtime and is generally a comfortable procedure. Most people see the best results after multiple treatment sessions.

Professional-grade skin care products are a must to recover dull, uneven skin. Work with one of our highly-skilled skincare professionals to assess your skin type and need and develop a customized skincare plan that’s perfectly suited to your skin. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to begin to see the results of your new skincare routine on the surface, so starting as early as you can will help you see optimal results in time for the holidays.

Best Treatments for Stubborn Fat

CoolSculpting is one of the most popular nonsurgical body contouring treatments, offering men and women an effective way to get rid of stubborn fat without having to commit to surgery. CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling technology to target and destroy unwanted fat cells, which are then safely eliminated from your body through natural processes. The result is a slimmer, more toned-looking body shape, gradually developing over the coming weeks.

EMSCULPT tones underlying muscles to help you achieve a slimmer, more toned contour and fine-tune your workout results. EMSCULPT works by causing supramaximal muscle contractions, which are not possible through exercise alone. The result is a slimmer and more toned physique without having to break a sweat.

Best Treatment for Cellulite

Velashape combines the power of heated suction with massage rollers to dramatically improve the appearance of cellulite, which is often difficult or even impossible to achieve through diet and exercise alone. This is a virtually painless procedure that does not require downtime, though you may see the best results with multiple treatment sessions.

Best Treatment for Unwanted Hair

Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution to unwanted hair in areas like the underarms, legs, back, and chest. Laser hair removal is performed as a series of treatment sessions, each spaced several weeks apart. You will see the best results after completing a full round of the recommended number of treatments, based on the size of the treated area and how well your hair responds to each treatment. While there are now laser hair options available for those with darker skin tones, work with a professional laser technician to minimize the risk of pigmentation issues related to laser hair removal treatment.

Best Treatment for Excessive Sweating

MiraDry is the best and most effective treatment for excessive underarm sweating caused by a condition called hyperhidrosis. This nonsurgical treatment works by targeting and safely deactivating overactive sweat glands in your underarm area, essentially “turning off the faucet” to excessive sweat. However, you will still be able to sweat through the many other sweat glands located throughout your body, so you will still be able to properly cool down and self-regulate your body temperature.

If you think that any of these nonsurgical treatment options could be right for you, or if you’d like more information or are ready to book your appointment today, please contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center thought it was an appropriate time to discuss some little-known links between breast and skin cancer, as well as some important melanoma prevention tips and scar removal options for those who have experienced breast cancer treatment.

What’s the Connection between Breast Cancer and Skin Cancer?

Studies have shown that there is a genetic link between breast cancer and melanoma. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop melanoma – a type of skin cancer – than women who have not had breast cancer. The inverse is also true: women who have had melanoma are more at-risk for also developing breast cancer.

Fortunately, we now know much more about early detection of both breast cancer and melanoma than in the past, and there are a number of preventative measures that you can take to help you stay healthy.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Allison Schwedelson explains that “there is a gene called BRCA2 that is known as a breast cancer predisposition gene, where there is an increased risk of melanoma.

“Additionally, carriers of mutations in the melanoma susceptibility gene, called CDKN2A, exhibit a higher risk of breast cancer.”

Thus, if you have had breast cancer, taking care of your skin and protecting it from the sun is especially important in order to lower your elevated risk of skin cancer.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Melanoma?

According to Dr. Schwedelson, following these four important steps can help to lower your risk of melanoma and detect it early so that treatment is most effective:

• Ask your physician about genetic testing for this marker that can be done with a blood test if you think that this may run in your family.
• Wear sunscreen daily, do not get sunburned, and never use a tanning bed.
• Get skin exams once a year from a board-certified dermatologist.
• Do a monthly self skin exam, where you are looking for anything new, changing, or unusual – the ABCDEs of melanoma.

“Early detection of melanoma greatly improves survival,” says Dr. Schwedelson. “Trust your gut and never ignore something that you think needs to be checked.”

Laser Scar Treatment after Breast Cancer Treatment

Following breast cancer treatment, some women are bothered by the appearance of scars. There are many types of laser skin treatments that can greatly improve the appearance of scarring, though not all scars can be removed completely.

Dr. Schwedelson explains that there isn’t a single “best” laser that treats all scars. Instead, “the laser is chosen based on the qualities of the scar. Is the scar red, brown, or white? Is the scar thickened? The details matter, and the laser should be tailored to the scar.”

One of the most common questions that women ask about laser scar removal is, “How long after breast cancer treatment do I need to wait to start laser scar removal?”

According to Dr. Schwedelson, there are different opinions about when the best time to start laser scar treatments is, and scars almost always improve with time. “You should have a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to discuss your options,” says Dr. Schwedelson.

Next Steps

If you don’t already see a board-certified dermatologist at least once per year, you’ll want to find a provider in your area and establish an annual routine to help detect the first signs of melanoma early.

If you are considering laser scar removal after breast cancer treatment, work with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine what type of laser treatment could be best for your specific situation.

Contact Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970 to make an appointment with one of our highly-skilled skincare professionals today.

Whether you’re dressing as a classic ghoul or goblin or something trendy like Carole Baskin or Joe Exotic this Halloween, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to make sure you properly remove your makeup before hitting the hay. Otherwise, you might wake up with scary skin problems that are better left for your Halloween costume.

Take a look at our top ticks and tricks for removing your Halloween makeup the right way and how to nip pesky pimples in the bud before they become a bigger problem.

1. Use Makeup Remover Made for Eyes and Lips

The eyes and lips are often two of the most difficult areas to cleanse after wearing heavy makeup. Resist the urge to scrub your eyes and lips raw, though, so you don’t end up with thin lashes and cracked, uncomfortable lips.

Instead, use makeup removing products that are designed specifically for eye and lip makeup. These are usually oil-based or gel-based products that work by loosening makeup before gently wiping them away.

2. Use a Face Oil before Cleansing

You can also help to loosen heavy foundation and costume makeup on your face by using a face oil before your regular cleanser. Not only will this help to cleanse away waterproof makeup without harming your skin, but it will also impart soothing and moisturizing ingredients on your skin. Just make sure you’re using a non-comedogenic face oil that won’t clog pores.

3. Don’t Rely on Makeup Wipes Alone to Get the Job Done

The trouble with makeup wipes is that you almost always need to use more than one to completely remove your makeup, and this is especially true if you’re wearing heavy Halloween makeup. Instead of using wipes, wait until you have access to a sink and your beauty bag so you can double- or even triple-cleanse with the right cleanser for your skin type.

4. Spot-Treat Pimples

If you notice a pimple or two after taking off your makeup, you can spot treat them with salicylic acid or another professional-grade skincare product that works for your skin type to kill acne-causing bacteria and get rid of pimples quickly. If you’re still struggling with acne after Halloween, talk to your aesthetician about the best acne treatment options to get your clear skin back in time for the holidays.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with one of our highly-trained skincare experts to discuss the best acne treatment or skin rejuvenating treatments for you, contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970.

Wearing daily sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin. But there are so many myths out there about who needs to wear sunscreen, what kind to wear, and when to wear it that it can be hard to filter through to the facts.

We’ve rounded up three must-know facts about sunscreen, as well as two common myths to help you sort SPF fact from fiction.

FACT: All skin tones need SPF

No matter your skin tone or type, your skin is susceptible to UV damage caused by the sun. People of all skin tones should wear sunscreen on a daily basis to prevent sun damage that causes aging and skin cancer.

While you might not see the telltale redness of a sunburn on the surface if you have a dark complexion, your skin can still be damaged by the sun. In fact, missing the first signs of a sunburn can be even more dangerous, as you may be more inclined to stay out in the sun if you don’t realize you’re burning.

FACT: You can layer tinted SPF to achieve your shade

If you’re having trouble finding a tinted sunscreen that matches your skin tone, you can apply multiple layers of your favorite tinted SPF product to achieve your desired shade. Each layer will add an additional layer of color.

If you prefer mineral-based sunscreens, look for either tinted or sheer formulas to minimize white streaking caused by the mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

FACT: Daily sun protection is a must, even when not outdoors

The sun’s longer UVA rays can penetrate glass, so you can still sustain sun damage while sitting indoors next to a window or while driving in your car. This is why it’s so important to wear a daily sunscreen, even if you don’t necessarily plan on being outside.

Keep in mind that UVA rays are responsible for sun damage deeper within the skin, while UVB rays cause the redness and discomfort on the surface. So even if you don’t necessarily burn, your skin can still be damaged by the sun.

MYTH: You can’t get a sunburn on a cloudy day

Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day! Just like UV rays can penetrate glass, they can easily reach your skin through clouds. So even if it is cloudy or rainy, your skin will benefit from sun protection.

MYTH: You won’t get a tan if you wear sunscreen

This is one of the most common sunscreen-related myths out there. Sunscreen is designed and tested to prevent your skin from burning for a specific length of time while exposed to the sun. It does not prevent your skin from tanning, as no sunscreen is able to block 100% of the sun’s UV rays.

However, a tan even with sunscreen on is a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun, so it’s best to avoid deliberate tanning. Accumulated sun exposure can add up to dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging down the road.

Bottom Line

Don’t skip your SPF – it will not only help to prevent signs of aging, but it will also protect your skin from melanoma and other types of skin cancer. All skin types and tones should incorporate a sunscreen into their daily skincare routine.

If you already have signs of sun damage like dark spots, uneven skin tone, or wrinkles, consider an effective treatment option such as laser skin tone correction, laser skin resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.

To schedule a consultation or for any questions you might have, contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970.

As we head into National Skincare Awareness Month, what better time to start planning a skincare treatment or two to put your best face forward? But before you dive right into scheduling a facial or injectable appointment, use this guide to help you pick the best cosmetic dermatology practice in your area so you get the smooth, natural-looking results you’re hoping for.

1. Check Credentials and Experience

First and foremost, alway check the professional credentials of the providers at the cosmetic dermatology office you’re considering. Non-surgical skin treatments still need to be performed by a trained and appropriately certified professional.

Similarly, he or she should have ample experience with the specific treatment(s) you’re considering. Injectable fillers, for example, require not only technical skill but also an artistic eye and delicate hand – so be sure you’re working with a pro to ensure beautiful results and minimize the risk of complications.

2. Ask for Recommendations and Check Online Reviews

When looking for a cosmetic dermatology practice near you, ask friends and family members for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are an excellent way to find the best skincare professionals out there.

Beyond those in your social circle, online reviewers can be a big help when narrowing down your search. Make sure the practice you’re looking at has plenty of positive reviews online, and don’t forget to check the date to be sure they’re recent.

3. Don’t Bargain Shop

Picking a cosmetic dermatologist based purely on price is a big no-no. While reputable practices do offer deals and specials from time to time, prices that sound too good to be true are huge red flags. Instead, make your decision based on credentials, experience, and reputation, then start looking at pricing and specials to find the best fit for you and your budget.

4. Schedule a Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed your search to your top one or two picks, schedule a consultation. While there, take note of how clean and organized the office is, how friendly and helpful the staff is, and see if the provider is a good fit for your personality and preferences.

You should never feel pressured to book a treatment at your consultation. If you do, you might want to take a look at your next top pick.

5. Go with Your Gut

You should feel relaxed and comfortable at your consultation. If something feels off or if you feel like you’re the subject of a sales pitch, you might want to seek a second opinion elsewhere.

For questions or to schedule a consultation, please contact our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-886-0970 or book an appointment online.

Yes, it’s the cellulite treatment that all Victoria’s Secret models rely on to prep before the infamous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. A revolutionary new treatment, VelaShape III can smooth out your dreaded cellulite and give you smooth, silky, camera-ready legs with just a handful of quick, painless treatments.

And who wouldn’t want to zap their cellulite away? An estimated 85-95% of women have cellulite regardless of their size or weight. So, if you’re worried about your cellulite, you aren’t alone.

Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale, Florida, our team of skilled providers is here to cover all of your dermatological and cosmetic enhancement needs. We’ve compiled this helpful guide on how VelaShape III can give you the smooth, cellulite-free legs that you’ve always wanted.

How VelaShape III treatments work

With VelaShape III, we use an applicator to deliver powerful heat to your problem areas. Along with delivering fat-targeting heat, the applicator also uses the combination of massage and suction to penetrate the deep layers of skin and fat.

After the treatment, your fat cells will gradually shrink, your metabolism will improve, your body will use more energy from your stored fat, and your body will drain more of your fat naturally through your urine.

That’s right, in addition to smoothing out your cellulite, VelaShape III treatments also effectively target your problem areas, stored pockets of fat on your body that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

VelaShape III treatments are great because they’re totally non-invasive. There’s absolutely no pain with treatment, and there aren’t incisions, anesthesia, or pain medication, and there’s absolutely no down time. VelaShape III has also been cleared by the FDA, with no short- or long-term side effects reported.

How many treatments will I need?

Although everyone’s individual treatment needs will vary, most people only need about four sessions to see results. You can, however, opt for more or less depending on the results that you want to achieve. We also schedule touch-up sessions as needed in order to proactively target any developing cellulite and to maintain your smooth results.

It’s important to note that VelaShape III is not a weight loss or liposuction treatment. VelaShape III is great for those who are trying to tighten their skin, target their cellulite, and burn off those stubborn pockets of fat that just don’t respond to diet and exercise. If you’re looking for weight loss solutions, talk to us about your options.

To learn more about the numerous benefits of VelaShape III and to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment, call us, or if you’re ready to schedule, book an appointment right on our website today.

“Maskne” is the not-so-affectionate name given to acne breakouts that show up on your skin after wearing a face mask. While this is a bigger problem for some people more than others, nearly all skin types can be affected by the dreaded maskne.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent and treat maskne if you do struggle with this common skin concern. We spoke with Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center Aesthetician Cheryl Staurowsky to glean her professional tips and tricks for dealing with maskne.

1. Always wear a clean mask

As tempting as it may be to keep a face mask in your car or purse and reuse it every time you have to run into the store, this habit will only worsen acne breakouts and other skin problems associated with face masks.

Makeup, dirt, and oil can easily become trapped within the fibers of the mask – no matter the mask type. When you reuse the same mask, these particles and the bacteria that is now thriving on the mask, are transferred to your face. Yuck!

2. Wash your face as soon as you get home

Even if you are using a clean mask every time you put one on, you still need to wash your face with the proper cleanser for your skin type as soon as you get home. If you have to wear a face mask for long periods of time, you can try washing your face in the middle of your shift and putting a clean one on.

This will help to eliminate the sweat, dirt, and bacteria that has built-up under your mask, especially after hours of use.

3. Spot-treat new pimples

If you do notice new pimples popping up on your skin, you can spot-treat them with a Q-tip and a salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) solution. For more severe breakouts, use an AHA cleaning pad after cleansing your skin to help remove dirt and bacteria from your pores and speed up the cell renewal process.

4. Treat your skin to an acne-reducing facial

If maskne has left you with enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and dark spots, consider treating yourself to a Hydrafacial. This popular in-office treatment is a customizable facial that exfoliates the skin and cleanses clogged, congested pores, leaving you with a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion.

Learn more here:

For more information about acne treatment and prevention, or to book an acne facial, please contact us online or call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-486-9339.

Buying beauty products and booking skincare treatments online is a convenient way to find the products and services you want – and sometimes at a great price. But there are a few red flags to watch out for. Follow these three top tips to help ensure the beauty products you’re buying are legitimate and right for your skin type.

1. Beware of counterfeit beauty products

Counterfeit and fake skincare products sold online is a growing problem across the beauty industry. Oftentimes, counterfeit products will appear to be in the right packaging with the right labels, with only slight differences in appearance that distinguish them from the real product. The trouble is that the formula inside the bottle contains unknown ingredients, is expired, or both.

Always purchase beauty products from a reputable cosmetic dermatology office or other trustworthy website to avoid unknowingly buying counterfeit items online. It’s also a good idea to spot test new products before applying them all over your skin, in case you have an allergic reaction.

2. Take advantage of a great deal – but from a reputable source

You’ll often find great deals on beauty products and skin treatments online, but it’s crucial that you accept deals only from a reputable source. While there’s nothing wrong with saving some money by booking online, you do need to vet the provider first.

The best way to snag a trustworthy deal online is to shop from a reputable cosmetic dermatology website. At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale, we offer a week-long Local Love sale every year, which kicks off on Tuesday, August 11th this year.

You can save on a variety of treatments and products, including:

• $50 off HydraFacials
• 10% off all fillers
• 15% off Kybella and SPF products
• 20% off CoolSculpting, Emsculpt, Sculpsure, and UltraShape
• 25% off single toxin injections
• 30% off laser hair removal packages

3. Know who will be administering beauty treatments

Booking beauty treatments like facials, fillers, and laser treatments online can be convenient and might even help you save some money, but you should always know who will be fulfilling that service for you. Choose a reputable cosmetic dermatology office where only fully trained and certified providers administer injections, laser treatments, and other skincare treatments. You should be able to find information about a practice’s individual providers on its website.

4. Don’t skip your office visit

As easy as online shopping for skincare products can be, you still need to make sure you’re shopping for the right products for your skin type and needs. So don’t skip out on your in-person appointment with a skincare professional to discuss your specific skincare needs and goals. Once you know the products and ingredients that will work for your skin, your online beauty shopping spree can begin!

Bottom line

With so many buying options online, it has never been easier to find the beauty products and treatments your skin needs to look and feel its best. However, always triple-check that you’re buying and booking from a reputable provider.

For questions or more information, contact us online or call our Boca Raton office at 561-886-0970.