Author: Stefani

Keep feeling like you look tired all of the time? Have your upper lids all but disappeared? Is that under eye concealer failing you day after day? Do you look in the mirror and worry that you look older than you are? If heavy lids and eye bags are weighing you down, Simply You by Stef MedSpa is here to help.

Why Are My Eyes Looking Old?

You might be thinking, “why am I cursed with these unsightly bags?” You’re not alone. Sadly, we all suffer with this phenomenon sooner or later. When this will affect you depends on a number of factors. The most common of these is genetics. Fat pads surround and protect our eyes. These pads are held in place by a tissue that acts like a strong Saran Wrap. As we age this tissue weakens, and the fat is able to bulge forward causing under eye bags to appear. Another contributing factor towards developing under eye bags is the loss of bone around the eye. This creates a loss of support resulting in a shadow which enhances the appearance of under eye bags.

Have you stopped wearing your favorite eye shadow because your eyelids have vanished? This too is pretty much a not if, but when issue. Our skin retains its structure through the production of collagen and elastin. Cells called fibroblasts produce these proteins and work like crazy for the first few decades of life. However, as we get a bit older our fibroblasts get super lazy and slow down. Before long they can even stop working all together. This is what causes the eyelid skin to get thin and loose contributing to a crepey look.

So there you have it, structural changes that occur as a result of age make themselves known in our eyes. What’s especially frustrating is that no amount of rest, hydration or sleep will help them look better. What is a girl or guy to do?

What Can I Do About It?

Treating the skin around your eyes takes a delicate and conservative approach. The skin is some of the thinnest on your entire body, so it reflects the signs of aging first. The good news is there are more options than ever before to keep your eyes fresh and bright. Here are some of our favorites!

Filler

The shadow produced by structural changes beneath the eye (tear trough) exacerbates both eye bags and dark circles. Tear trough filler might seem like the obvious solution, and in fact, many providers approach it as such. This treatment has the ability to improve the appearance of your undereye area by filling it with a dermal filler like Restylane. However, this area is very tricky and should only be filled by a provider who regularly focuses on the undereye area. 

In addition, filler will not address the crepey skin that accompanies most age-related eye issues. Too much filler can look unnatural or puffy in this sensitive, thin area. In overfilled tear troughs, you can actually see the filler underneath the skin, so proceed with caution. It’s not a no for us, but it does require an honest assessment of the facial structure by a skilled injector.

Microneedling with Radio Frequency

Combining microneedling with radio frequency is a safe and effective way to improve the overall health of the skin which then looks better and more youthful. Heat via radio frequency is placed deep into the skin to kick the lazy fibroblasts into action. Production of collagen and elastin gets ramped up resulting in the improvement of the overall health,  texture, appearance,  and density of the skin. The microneedling aspect of the treatment stimulates remodeling of the skin in the more superficial layer resulting in a rapid improvement in texture.

This treatment is very safe, effective, and has zero downtime. Typically three treatments are needed to achieve maximum results.

Plasma Pen, Specifically Subnovii

We have arrived at our top recommended treatment for aging eyes – the Subnovii Plasma Pen.

First, it is important to note that not all plasma pens are created equal.  The Subnovii Plasma Pen is superior to other plasma pens as it uses a patented wavelength and power combination to deliver a more precise treatment with less downtime.

What does the Subnovii Plasma Pen do? This device uses energy to vaporize a very precise and superficial spot on the skin. A sealed wound is created and heat (energy) is delivered below the skin to kick the fibroblasts into action. Remember these are the cells that stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The stimulation of these in turn creates tighter, smoother, and healthier skin. This treatment is typically a one and done, meaning a series of treatments is not necessary. However, this treatment does come with approximately 5-7 days of downtime. Small scabs form where the energy is delivered and may take 5-7 days to fall off. Once this occurs the new skin may appear slightly pink for a few days. Specific instructions and products are provided to expedite the healing process. Since this treatment works at a cellular level, results continue to improve up to 6 months after the procedure.

So are you ready to revive those tired eyes? Book an appointment at our Winter Park MedSpa today!

It’s officially summer! Hope all of you are applying your sunscreen and enjoying longer days and some well-protected fun in the sun. In the last few months we’ve talked a great deal about filler and Botox. But as we age, other pesky skin concerns can weasel their way to the top of our gripe list. One of those dreaded concerns is loose, sagging skin. 

Skin laxity used to be a tough one. Traditionally, we’ve had to Botox and fill it out with all our might until the day we’re considering aggressive skin tightening lasers, deep chemical peels or even a facelift — all of which have considerable risks and significant downtime. But recent advancements in technology have brought us an array of amazing new treatments, and you know we can’t wait to share!

If you’re seeing increased skin laxity in your face and neck, or if you’re concerned about deeper wrinkles, crepiness around your eyes, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or other skin issues, RF Microneedling is here to brighten your day and your complexion. 

What is RF Microneedling?

Radiofrequency microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles and radiofrequency waves to rejuvenate facial skin. The needles combined with RF waves cause micro-wounds in the skin that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks that hold the skin and subdermal tissue tight. In other words, the magic ingredients vital for youthful skin. 

RF microneedling is safe and effective, and it treats many skin concerns including loose, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores, acne scars, and a variety of other concerns. Simply put, this cosmetic treatment tightens your skin while also reducing wrinkles. We’re obsessed!

Candidates for RF Microneedling

Nearly anyone experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity is a candidate for RF microneedling. You should avoid the treatment if you’re pregnant or if you’re having active acne breakouts, rashes or cold sores. Avoid blood-thinning medication and supplements for 10 days prior to your treatment.

About the Procedure

Here at Simply You by Stef, we use VirtueRF microneedling, the most advanced and effective platform available. We recommend a minimum of three RF microneedling treatments spaced every three to four weeks apart to achieve significant results. Upkeep is every one to two years. Lasting results without downtime? Tell me more, you say!

Virtue RF technology is so advanced that it bypasses nerve-endings therefore not requiring numbing agents. We use the microneedling device to create tiny wounds in your skin while the RF waves penetrate deep into your subdermal tissue layers, tightening and smoothing while you relax in our Winter Park Med Spa.

The total treatment time is approximately 30-40 minutes but may vary based on your individual needs or treatment areas. After the VirtueRF treatment, a Microcurrent Dual Face Mask is applied to soothe your skin and eliminate redness. The innovative sheet mask uses patented technology to deliver antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties deeper into the skin with an ion-induced current. This promotes healing and immediately calms your skin.

Healing and Aftercare

Your skin may look flushed immediately following the treatment, but any redness should resolve by the next day. The treatment area may feel slightly rough or irritated for two to three days.

You can wear makeup 24 hours after the procedure and return to your normal skincare routine once your skin is completely healed (usually about a week). Similar to most cosmetic treatments we offer at Simply You by Stef Medspa, we recommend you take it easy for 24-48 hours to ensure proper healing.

The Results of RF Microneedling

RF microneedling is a step beyond Botox and filler. You’re actually improving your skin from the inside out. Because of this, you’ll have to be a little patient for the results. 

RF microneedling causes your skin to produce new collagen and elastin and rebuild damaged cells, so while most patients see results quickly, they do depend upon the speed at which your body repairs itself. 

You will begin seeing your results six to eight weeks post-session. You’ll notice gradual but significant improvements in your skin. Expect to see optimal results three to six months after you complete your treatment series. And remember, those results continue to improve over time. Hooray!

Ready to Tighten Things Up?

It’s really hard to argue with the clinical results of RF microneedling. This is truly a skin health treatment that tightens your skin and reduces wrinkles, creating the clear, lifted, youthful complexion we all desire.
We’re so happy to offer this exceptional treatment to our clients, and we know you’ll love the results.

Special Offer!

For Summer 2021, we are offering a special of $750 for your first VirtueRF microneedling treatment, and in addition to your face, we will treat your neck for FREE! Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

We all want full, beautiful lips and a sensational smile but not all of us were blessed with Angelina Jolie’s perfect pout. That doesn’t mean we all can’t have a million dollar smile though.

Lip injections are one of the most popular requests at our Winter Park medspa and across the country, and it’s easy to see why. Lip injections can help you look younger and sexier in a matter of minutes, and they can easily correct thinning lips due to aging, wrinkles around the mouth, or an uneven lip shape. They can also simply boost the plump factor on your already amazing lips. And here at Simply You by Stef Medspa, we DON’T do duck lips, our specialty is a natural-looking, healthy smile.

Considering lip injections? You’ve probably got some questions.

Lip Injections: A Snapshot

Hyaluronic acid filler is the preferred treatment to enhance lips. Common brand names of this type of filler include Restalyne and Juvaderm, and these products are excellent at achieving a subtle, natural look.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in your body so there’s no need to stress about what you’re putting into your lips. It naturally absorbs over time, but the beautiful fullness you crave can be maintained with a touch up at approximately every six months. Simple!

There is really no preparation needed other than avoiding blood-thinning medications and alcohol for a couple of days prior to your appointment. Aftercare consists of taking homeopathic arnica montana tablets to reduce swelling and bruising. Your picture-perfect pout is just a few days away! 

Now let’s break down some of the key benefits of lip injections.

Volume and Shape

Our lips thin as we age, but it’s not only lost volume that’s to blame for an aged appearance. Often the lip shape is affected as well leading to a double whammy. No bueno! The good news is there is no need to let it bother you a single second longer because lip fillers are a quick, virtually painless, and relatively low-maintenance solution to aging lips.

Stefani at Simply You by Stef MedSpa is a skilled injector who will help you contour your natural lip shape along with increasing volume to ensure your lips are pillowy plump with a defined edge.

Wrinkle-Free Ready

Fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth are incredibly aging. And they’re hard to avoid since we use our mouths for literally everything! Even everyday activities like eating, talking and using a straw contribute to the formation of wrinkles around our mouths. 

Luckily, just a few painless pokes stand between you and a smoother smile. Botox freezes the muscles that cause wrinkles and eradicates them in an instant. When combined with filler, the results are even more dramatic. Adding volume in the lips also helps fill in fine lines, creating a more youthful pout.

Correct and Customize

Struggling with uneven lips or an unbalanced smile? Fret no more. One of the wonderful advantages of lip injections is the highly pliable and customizable nature of hyaluronic acid fillers.

For example, you may want to plump up or redefine only the upper lip or add volume to one or two specific lip areas. We’ll listen to your concerns and gently guide you through different treatment options to address them, ensuring the best results.

Youthful Pop

Wanna know a Hollywood secret? Ask for a Botox lip flip when you visit our Winter Park medspa! The lip flip is just a couple of units of Botox in the upper lip to reduce the gummy area when you smile, creating a perfect lip line above your teeth and a more stunning smile.

Ready for a Plumper Pout?

Now that you know how beneficial lip injections can be for your overall appearance, let’s get you scheduled for an appointment! Stefani, our expert injector at Simply You by Stef MedSpa, will ensure we take the time to understand your individual goals and desired shape and fullness prior to any treatment.

Since lip injections are totally customizable, there is no need to go too big too fast. Try a mini plump for an introduction to lip injections. You can always decide to go bigger later with no worries of looking overfilled or unnatural. You can also see how your lips react and heal before making a full commitment.

At Simply You by Stef MedSpa, we’re here to take the stress out of it. Whatever your ultimate lip goals, we’ll work together with you to create the seriously sexy pout you’ve always dreamed of. Give us a call to get started!

Dermal fillers and Botox work exceptionally well together to smooth away wrinkles, restore lost facial volume and plump and shape the lips. In addition to using a medical grade anti-aging skincare routine, making healthy lifestyle choices can have a considerable impact on your skin’s health and appearance, which helps to prolong your filler results.

While age, genetic makeup and metabolism may affect your injection maintenance schedule, certain lifestyle factors also impact how long your injections last. And those babies are an investment, so let’s get straight to protecting your nest egg, your beauty!

Use That Sunscreen 

We’re huge proponents of SPF, but it’s not just to keep those spots at bay. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can reverse the benefits of your filler. Yikes! Not only does sun exposure speed up the aging process, those UV rays may also cause some fillers to break down faster and be absorbed by the body more quickly. While sunscreen is always your best friend, making sun protection a priority after getting dermal fillers is especially important. Use a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen like the ones we offer at our Winter Park Medspa, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and wear a hat whenever possible. 

Stay Hydrated

Another lifestyle component you know we preach is hydration. After all, your skin is 64 percent water! Moisturizing daily and drinking plenty of water not only helps you stay hydrated, but it also enhances the absorption of hyaluronic acid-based fillers. In addition, hydrated skin is plumper, making lines less visible. 

Eat Your Veggies

What you eat can directly affect both the appearance and health of your skin. Eat fresh fruits and veggies, which are packed with water as well as the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your skin loves. Stay away from processed foods and limit sugar. Both of these cause inflammation, which impacts your skin’s overall health. 

Reduce Your Stress

Stress is part of life, but it shouldn’t control yours. Stress increases the release of cortisol and other hormones that accelerate the aging process. You can significantly reduce stress by meditating or doing gentle yoga. When you calm your mind and gently exercise your body, your stress is reduced. And that relaxed mindset is reflected all over your face.   

Invest in Professional Skincare 

We just can’t understand why anyone who invests in their anti-aging routine with dermal fillers and Botox would use cheap drugstore products on their skin. Many drugstore lines are drying, irritating and aging. Why? They are largely watered down versions of quality skincare lines and have a small percentage of the active ingredients in comparison to the amount of byproducts they contain. 

They often contain alcohol, which is obviously drying for your skin. But even worse are the harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which are not only toxic, they’re also terrible for your skin, your fillers and your health. Remember, what you put on your skin is absorbed into your body, so choose wisely. 

Or you could relax and let us handle the thinking for you! It’s our job to know ingredients and how they impact your skin, so trust the skincare experts at Simply You by Stef MedSpa to help you find the products that have the best ingredients and formulations for your specific skin needs.

Stop Smoking Already

Nicotine narrows blood vessels, which prevents moisture from getting in or staying in the skin. The smoke makes you squint, which leads to wrinkles over time. And it will kill you, so there’s that. 

Rest Up, Babe

No amount of filler or Botox can erase a truly tired face. If you don’t get enough rest, your injections will most certainly not last as long as if you got a solid seven to eight hours a night. Put down your phone, turn on some binaural beats, take some deep breaths and drift off. Your face will thank you in the morning.   

You’ve made a smart choice to invest in your beauty with dermal fillers and Botox, some of the best treatments to keep your face looking fresh, plump, and smooth. Embrace healthy lifestyle practices like eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, using daily UV protection, reducing stress, getting enough rest, and using a medical-grade skincare routine, and you’ve got the lease on life for making your injections last.

Injectable products like Botox and dermal fillers are a fantastic way to reverse common signs of aging. They’re a worthwhile investment in your anti-aging routine to get rid of wrinkles fast, perfect your pout, and sculpt youthful cheekbones. But what can you do to maximize the results of your injections?

Here at Simply You by Stef MedSpa, our goal is to ensure you look amazing in between touch ups in our Winter Park medspa office. So we’re going to share our best aftercare tips for Botox and dermal filler that will keep you smooth, contoured and ready to wow. 

What to Expect

Immediately following your injections, experience some swelling and bruising, both of which are totally normal. Gel ice packs and arnica are your BFFs for a few days. Keep in mind, it can take up to 14 days to see your final result.

Before Your Treatment 

First, let’s start with what to do before your procedure to help minimize the chance of bruising/swelling.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment. 
• Avoid blood thinning over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve) and supplements (ginkgo biloba, primrose oil, flaxseed, fish oil, ginseng and vitamin E) for ten days prior to your treatment.
• If you are prone to cold sores, injections can contribute to an outbreak so please let us know prior to your treatment.

Day of Treatment 

On your procedure date, arrive at the office with a clean face — washed and makeup free, if possible.

We may use a topical anesthetic or inject a local numbing medication to maximize your comfort. 

Aftercare Tips: Extending the Life of Your Botox and Dermal Filler

Congratulations on making your self-care a priority! Let’s get straight to what you should NOT do after injections. 

• Do not rub or massage the injected area for 24 hours. Avoid any pressure on the treated areas. 
• Avoid strenuous exercise such as weightlifting, running or yoga for 24 hours. It can contribute to increased bruising and migration of your Botox/filler to unintended areas. 
• Wait 24 hours before consuming blood thinning medication.
• Avoid facials, facial massages and exfoliating scrubs for at least 24 hours, unless you are seeing Desiree.
• Avoid hats and helmets for a minimum of 24 hours as the weight and pressure can disperse Botox and flatten filler. 
• For lip injections, avoid puckering the lips for 24 hours. No straws, water bottles, popsicles and definitely no cigarettes or e-cigarettes. A sweet kiss is ok but keep the passion to a minimum for 24 hours!
• Avoid sun exposure for at least four hours. Avoid hot showers or baths, saunas, hot tubs and tanning beds.

All of those don’ts are a real drag, so let’s talk about what you SHOULD do after injections:

• Stay upright for a minimum of four to six hours. This is a great time for getting some work done or watching a movie, not so much for scrolling on social media.
• Take arnica supplements to minimize bruising or apply arnica gel. 
• Gently apply gel ice packs for 10 minutes every hour to help with pain and swelling. Remember, don’t press anything onto the area or you risk dispersing Botox/filler.
• Use Tylenol for any discomfort.
• Drink plenty of water. Hydrating your skin from within will bind to hyaluronic acid-based fillers, keeping you plump! 
• On the night after your treatment, elevate your head with an extra pillow to minimize swelling.
• Though extremely rare, call us immediately if you experience pain at the injection site or blanching of the skin. 

One of the most important things you should do after Botox and dermal fillers is to use quality skincare products like those we offer here at Simply You by Stef MedSpa. It’s nearly impossible to undo in the office the harmful things you do to your skin at home every day. Using medical grade skincare makes a whole lot of sense when you’re already investing in your anti-aging routine. 

Finally, sunscreen! It protects your skin and the life of your filler. Use SPF 30 or higher. Every. Single. Day.

Botox paired with dermal fillers is the secret to turning back the clock in minutes. One smooths out wrinkles and the other provides volume and contour to restore lost facial volume. Incorporate a medical-grade skincare routine, and you’ve got the winning combination to get the most out of your injections.

It’s finally spring and this year, more than ever, we are experiencing a feeling of rebirth as we emerge from the pandemic madness. The world is bright, fresh and lovely. Why not greet the season with bright, fresh and lovely skin and a renewed complexion? Here at our Winter Park Medspa, our goal is to help you achieve the renewed, fresh skin you desire.

In the world of anti-aging light treatments, the gold standard is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacials. We use an optimized, medical grade intense pulsed light system which, unlike lasers, uses many wavelengths of light. As a trained Physician’s Assistant, Stef is able to customize your treatment with special filters that deliver the best wavelengths to treat your specific aesthetic conditions. Here at Simply You by Stef Medspa, we are all about the IPL, and we’d like to share five ways we can help YOUR skin with this targeted treatment.

5 Ways IPL Revitalizes your Complexion

1. 1. Remove age spots. Ah, Florida sunshine.  It’s why we’re able to enjoy year-round beach days and ice-free winters, but it really can do a number on your skin. Age-revealing brown spots, red spots and veins are usually harmless, but they can be so annoying. IPL emits wavelengths of light that are absorbed by brown spots, red spots and veins. After the treatment, they darken and then fade away, leaving you with even skin tone. Many of our clients say they don’t even need foundation anymore after IPL removes all of their skin irregularities!
2. 2. Help older skin keep working like younger skin. Our chromosomes control the constant state of renewal and repair in our bodies. Gene expression is the complex code that resides in our chromosomes, controlling the structure and function of our genes. Stanford scientists recently demonstrated that treating older skin with a form of IPL transformed the skin’s patterns of gene expression to that of a person 5 to 10 years younger.
3. 3. Treat acne. In the last year, ‘maskne’ became a real struggle for many of our patients, and for some it led to persistent acne. It’s a perfect storm, as the masks keep moisture and bacteria close to the skin, blocking hair follicles with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum). These blocked follicles cause pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.  IPL is a very effective treatment option for acne, reducing oil production and the surface area of the sebaceous glands. The anti‐inflammatory effects of IPL also help reduce acne lesions. 
4. 4. Reduce pore size. Are you plagued by large pores that keep your makeup from applying smoothly and constantly collect oils and dirt? An IPL Photofacial at our Winter Park Medspa can help reduce the appearance of large pores. Enlarged pores are often reduced after IPL treatment as the light waves penetrate deeply into the skin.
5. 5. Stimulate collagen and elastin production. Your skin repairs itself after an IPL, shedding its dull, damaged outer layer to form supple, vibrant new skin. Collagen and elastin are skin-firming proteins that are produced in abundance during the healing process. This makes IPL a great way to counter the effects of age-related collagen loss.

Preparing for your IPL Treatment in Winter Park

Want to try IPL for yourself? First, make sure to stay out of the sun and avoid self-tanning or tanning beds for 3 to 4 weeks before an IPL treatment. The reason is that tanned skin interferes with the IPL light. The light will be drawn to the pigment, and it can’t distinguish between brown spots that are permanently on the skin and the pigment from a suntan. This will make your treatment less effective. We recommend wearing a hat and using sunblock any time you are outside in the weeks leading up to an IPL treatment. We also recommend a series of 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. You’ll want to get started as early as possible so you can complete your treatment before the heat of summertime.

Skincare after your IPL Treatment

At Simply You by Stef, we offer a wide range of treatments that improve the appearance of the skin. We often combine IPL with other treatments to provide total skin rejuvenation. Our new VI Peel works beautifully when combined with an IPL and administered 2-3 weeks later. We offer a special price of $499 for an IPL and VI Peel combination.

To keep the glow going, we recommend following your IPL treatment with a daily antioxidant like the 30% Vitamin C Lotion from Revision Skincare. This powerful treatment contains a full line-up of antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 to brighten dull skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Squalane hydrates for healthy, smooth skin. The 30% concentration, time-released formula is one of the most potent and effective Vitamin C products available. This spring, when you buy the 30% Vitamin C and Revision Intellishade, you can get a travel size Brightening Facial wash for free!

Get Sensational Skin This Spring with an IPL Treatment from our Winter Park Medical Spa

Make IPL a part of your spring skincare routine. It’s the perfect way to get an instant refresh with no downtime and enjoy healthy, beautiful skin all year long. To learn more about how you can benefit from IPL treatments and other cosmetic procedures, contact Simply by Stef to schedule a consultation.