ReFreshpa - Richmond's Premier Day Spa

Polaris Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation: Wrinkles Be Gone!

2007-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Many non-invasive procedures are offered today for cosmetic enhancement and skin rejuvenation, but the Polaris Treatment is gaining increasing popularity for many reasons. Most especially the belief that it can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Polaris from Syneron fights aging and skin problems through use of radio frequency, combined with a deep penetrating diode laser. Polaris is non-ablative, and is a skin rejuvenation device using dual technology, both RF (or radio frequency) and a diode laser for an effective and quite unique treatment.

Patients Should Keep Expectations Realistic

While patients should have realistic expectations, Polaris does provide hope for vast improvement of skin. As a non-ablative laser however Polaris doesn’t provide all of the benefits provided by ablative lasers. They utilize resurfacing procedures using carbon dioxide and erbium lasers. With that in mind patients should expect improvement in their wrinkles through reduction, but may wish to speak with a physician to determine if their particular situation is best served by Polaris or by another method.

Technically Speaking

Technically speaking, the Polaris system uses a combination of bi-polar RF up to 100J/cm3, and a 900 nm diode laser up to 50J/cm2, providing improvements to overall skin tone and skin texture, and improvements in tissue laxity. Polaris uses a scientific principle in that deep dermal heat penetration will provide benefit without damage to healthy tissues, and without negative effects on the surface of the skin. Polaris, like other non-ablative techniques, creates just the right amount of thermal or heat stimulus to initiate the growth of collagen. Non-ablative simply means that it affects the middle and lower layers of skin, and that it causes little or no damage to the top layer of skin.

The makers of Polaris recommend that it be used only in consultation with a physician and by specially trained technicians. During the procedure an anesthetic cream may be applied and then removed prior to beginning of the treatment. The heating process causes a tightening of the existing collagen under the skin, and stimulates the formation of new collagen. An optional device on some machines is a cooling spray which cools the treated skin after the RF treatment.

The Attractions of Polaris

Many anti aging products work well. One of the attractive features of Polaris is that it combines treatment methods to utilize the best of both worlds. The concurrent use of lasers and high frequency radio waves are an innovative use of two separate energies that combine to improve sagging skin and get rid of wrinkles. This is accomplished through ELOS technology, or electro optical synergy.

Recognized by the FDA as a safe treatment, Polaris doesn’t burn the epidermis, and effectively transmits energy to dermal layers. Discomfort is minimal and the procedure takes very little time. The effects of Polaris treatment last from six months to two years, and one treatment may be effective for some people. Others may have from three to five treatments, recommended at intervals of three to four weeks. Almost nothing in the way of side effects and no daily life interruptions make this a very attractive procedure. By using Polaris, youthful and elastic skin can be had as well as a visible reduction in lines and wrinkles.

Learn more about Polaris treatment today at Refreshpa

You might also want to compare Polaris to other wrinkle and anti-aging treatments such as Botox, Restylane and Microdermabrasion.

Waxing is so Passe: Laser is the 'IN' Method for Hair Removal

2007-02-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

How Does A Laser Remove Hair?

Lasers are everywhere in the news these days. Lasers are used for delicate eye surgery, for bouncing radio signals off of satellites, for telemetry, and even for removal of unwanted hair.

What Is A Laser Anyway?

Laser is an acronym. It stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers first became popular in the 1960’s and at first were thought of as weapons to be used in some far flung future for battles in space. Little did we know then that they would become a major tool of healthcare professionals in improving the lives of people.

How Does The Laser Remove Hair?

In essence the laser produces heat in the proper location and like the science fiction ray gun many thought it to be at one time, it vaporizes the target. There are several different types of lasers, which produce varying types of light absorbed by the structures of the skin. These structures are carbon, hemoglobin and melanin. While each procedure is different, they do all operate on similar principles. That principle is that light is absorbed through the follicle of the hair, and is then converted into heat energy to destroy the follicle and prevent regrowth of the hair. The laser machine creates a highly concentrated beam of light, which is emitted and absorbed by the melanin, the carbon or the hemoglobin. The very short duration of intense light, transmitted into heat energy, causes the vaporization mentioned earlier. The procedure is quick and painless for most people. However, different parts of the body do have different sensitivity levels, so at times a topical anesthetic must be used.

Does the hair ever grow back?

Hair can grow back, but it depends on skin type, hair texture, and the type of laser treatment used. When the hair grows back it is very much finer and much easier to get rid of with follow up treatments.

IPL: A Non-Invasive Treatment for Hair Removal and Damaged Skin

2007-02-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

Intense pulsed light, or IPL is a very commonly used method of treatment for removal of blemishes and improvement of damaged skin. It is also used for hair removal and treatment of damaged pigmentation of the skin.

As a treatment method, intense pulsed light technology covers a wide range of symptoms or conditions in a noninvasive fashion. Poikiloderma of civatte (erythema associated with a mottled pigmentation), acne, rosacea, broken capillaries, and vascular birth marks, pigmentation birthmarks, mild scaring and of course sun damage. Dual mode filtering, an important advance in IPL is used, resulting in a treatment that is far superior to older methods.

Unlike lasers which use a narrow band of light, IPL uses broad spectrum of light applied to the skin’s surface by use of a hand held wand, or by use of an articulated arm. The intense pulses of light will travel through the skin’s tissue and in hair removal will strike the hair shafts or root of the hair, where the highest concentration of melanin is located. The light will be converted to heat when it strikes the shaft, and the hair bulb and shaft are vaporized. Hair producing papilla is also destroyed, and quite often the entire hair follicle is as well. Direct light-heat conversion also occurs directly in darker colored capillaries and brings nourishing blood into the follicle.

Light pulses produced by IPL machines are of short duration leading to less discomfort and minimal damage to areas that are not targets. In fact, most clients who undergo intense pulsed light therapy experience only a sight discomfort or irritation that seems to be akin to minor sunburn. At worst minor blisters can occur, but they are rare and only happen under extreme circumstances.

Men tend to report more irritation with the procedure than women do since male body hair is usually thicker than a woman’s body hair. Of course intensity and instrument sensitivity, as well as the areas that are being treated will have a great deal to do with this. There is no danger of ultra violet light damage however since the IPL is filtered to remove UV rays.

As a method of hair removal, IPL has increased in popularity. Reasons are the low cost of the procedure and the rapidity of completion. IPL compares favorably to laser hair removal, but costs less and takes less time. While some disagree, most professionals believe the two methods are equivalent in hair removal or more accurately permanent hair reduction.

As a treatment method for foto facials, IPL has come a long way in winning converts as a method of improving appearance through removal of crow’s feet, lines, wrinkles and other blemishes.

Do You Have Age Lines? Botox Can Help!

2007-02-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

Do you have lines on your face caused by aging?

No need to be embarrassed... most of us do.

Many of the lines we have on our faces come from being happy. Oh yes... smiling eventually causes lines around the eyes and on other parts of the face. While it may seem odd, it is a natural function of the facial muscles. Frowning can also cause lines on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth. These days, we don’t have to live with facial lines because we have Botox available.

Botox was originally developed to treat eye spasms and misalignment, but the FDA approved it as a cosmetic agent in 2002, and since that time hundreds of thousands of men and women have benefited from Botox applications. Small quantity applications improve the appearance of the eyes, get rid of superficial wrinkles and fine lines, and take the frown out of smiling. If you are one of those happy people who smiled so much that lines and wrinkles have started to form, then Botox may just be for you. Static wrinkles, those that stay put and don’t move, become less noticeable. Botox is a natural substance and since it is FDA approved, is safe in the low dosages used for cosmetic purposes.

Botox Treatments

Botox does its "line and wrinkle removing magic" when it is injected using a very tiny micro needle into the guilty facial muscles. A muscle may need only one injection, or as many as four or five, but it doesn’t take long regardless. Usually about thirty minutes per visit. Most people say that there is either no pain or very little discomfort wit the injections because the needles are so small. Within a few hours (and for some people a day or two) the effects of your Botox treatment will be noticeable, and most people report being very happy with the improvements they see in their appearance.

Most commonly used on the upper part of the face, specifically the forehead creases and crows’ feet that form around the eyes, and other common wrinkles, such as those that form on the lips and around the corners of the mouth can be treated as well. The great thing about Botox treatment is that you can still smile all you want. In fact, you can even still frown if that is what you prefer. The difference is that the related muscles don’t move and therefore, do not cause lines and wrinkles.

Many people have heard of Botox, especially since so many movie stars and celebrities have talked about how their use of Botox has improved their own appearance. Lulu, the 1960’s pop singer in fact is one of the most recent celebrities to sing the praises of Botox. The good news is that you don’t have to be a rockstar or movie icon to reap the benefits of Botox. It’s available and affordable for all to benefit from today.

Need more information? Contact Refreshpa today!

In a Perfect World... We Would all Age Gracefully

2007-02-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever met someone in their 60’s or 70’s who looked 50 or 60? We have all met women (and men) who aged gracefully and looked very young for their age. For most of us, however, this is just not the case. It just doesn’t seem fair, but then no one ever claimed that life was fair. Fortunately for all of us, there are now highly effective med-spa treatments that will most certainly even out the fairness factor for the rest of us; helping us look younger and feel more alive using safe, non-invasive procedures.

Medical spa treatments such as Botox, Restylane, Collagen, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels can all help you look better and feel better, increasing self-esteem and generally providing a more positive outlook on life.

Botox also is a popular and effective treatment. Everyone has heard of Botox by now since it has been used by so many Hollywood celebrities. Med spas, such as Refreshpa Medical Spa, are able to offer this method of improving personal appearance to non-celebrities just like you! Through stopping the movement of selected facial muscles, Botox offers only a temporary solution for wrinkles and age lines.

Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, makes up 25% of the protein in our bodies. The use of collagen for cosmetic enhancement is actually the use of something already present in our bodies. Most certainly, the use of something that our bodies already produce, just not in adequate quantities as we age, appeals to a lot of people – who view collagen treatments as putting back something that is missing from the body – instead of injecting a foreign or chemical solution to treat lines and wrinkles.

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion have a lot in common. Both remove the outer layer of skin to varying degrees, getting rid of the layer that is damaged and aged and providing an opportunity for the underlying healthy skin to be seen. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are often used as treatment for wrinkles, acne, facial scarring and blotches that may have been caused by sun exposure, smoking, wind, or other aspects of a harsh environment.

Restylane is a fairly new and very popular method of treating facial wrinkles. We all get wrinkles of various types as we get older, and Restylane has gained popularity as a treatment due to the positive results so many people have received.

Any one of these cosmetic enhancement treatments may not make the world perfect, but they go a long ways towards improving our appearance, improving our attitude, lifting our spirits and making the world seem a better place.

So... the next time you meet someone who looks exceptionally young for their age, don't assume that they were just dealt a great hand in life. It just may be that they had a helping hand from modern science and the expertise of a talented medical spa center!

Don’t Forget Your Smile When Considering Cosmetic Enhancements

2007-02-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

A Bright Smile Takes Years Off

Is your smile aging you? Everyone wants to look good and feel good, and cosmetic treatments to get rid of wrinkles and blemishes of the skin, and other anti-aging methods are great, but have you taken a good long look in the mirror at your smile lately? No matter how well you look after your skin, if your teeth are not bright, white and optimal, it is all for naught. Many people find that their smile does age them. A lifetime of using your teeth for eating can take its toll. Drinking coffee, tea and soft drinks can stain teeth, as can smoking or use of tobacco products. Crooked or missing teeth can make that once beautiful smile something that no longer contributes in a positive way to your overall appearance.

One of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your smile is to make sure that your teeth are the whitest that they can be. Just brushing doesn’t cut it, no matter what the toothpaste commercials tell you. Tooth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching, is a very common procedure these days. First, don’t be embarrassed by your teeth becoming darker. That is normal with age. We’ve all seen the perfectly white teeth of children. Adult teeth are always darker because they are denser. Changes in our teeth as we grow older include mineral structure changes, with the enamel of the teeth becoming less porous.

Whitening teeth is easily done with an oxidizing agent, such as carbamide peroxide which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide itself. These procedures are best done by a professional for optimum results. During the procedure a concentration of the chosen oxidizing agent is applied to the teeth. This is called office bleach. It produces fast results, and the gums are protected with a protective coating that is applied before the bleaching agent. The agent itself will be a gel which contains about 35% peroxide.

Another popular whitening method is through the use of a mouth guard; a strip that contains low concentrations of the oxidizing agent. It is a slower process, but preferred by many people because the gums do not need protection with this method. The bleaching agent used will contain less than 10% of hydrogen peroxide. The only drawback to this method is that it takes from five to fourteen days to fully accomplish its whitening effect, but the results tend to look fabulous.

It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore

Whitening is just one of the many cosmetic dental corrections that can be used to give you back the beautiful smile you once had. If your teeth are crooked, then wearing braces may help to straighten them out. You heard me correctly - braces aren’t just for children any more. More adults are using braces every year to correct the imperfections of nature and time, and the newer generation of orthodontic braces are invisible!

Veneers, dental implants, tooth caps and filing all work to bring your smile back to its youthful radiance.

Smilfidence: "the ability to smile with confidence"

If you want to recapture a whiter, brighter and healthier smile, you should talk to a cosmetic dental specialist. If you have questions about the state of your teeth, let us know. For more information on cosmetic dentistry, or to talk to Dr. Martin about his revolutionary Dentaissance, contact the Richmond Smile Center today.

Finally! A Real Treatment for Cellulite Is Here… VelaSmooth

2007-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Cellulite, ugh!

No one likes to talk about it, but we all want to get rid of it. Cellulite, the close to the skin surface fat deposits that make many of us cringe when we look in the mirror, and make even more of us avoid wearing swim suits. Over 80% of all women have cellulite, and it’s a sure bet that no one wants it.

Many people refer to cellulite as “cottage cheese” because it does resemble the dairy product. Cellulite is a dimpled appearance that forms on the skin where fatty deposits are found near the surface of the skin. While men can have cellulite it is more common in women. Many people think that cellulite comes from being overweight, but that is a misconception. Many people who are not overweight suffer from cellulite, and loosing weight doesn’t help the situation, and neither does liposuction.

Fortunately, there is now a way to reduce cellulite, a revolutionary treatment called VelaSmooth, that is proven effective in reducing and eradicating cellulite.

What is VelaSmooth?

VelaSmooth is a treatment that uses a laser, radio frequency waves and mechanical massage to break up the fat that cause cellulite. This mobilizes the water from your tissues, providing a safe and very effective way to recontour the surface of the skin, most especially in the areas where cellulite occurs.

It Really Works!

The best thing about the VelaSmooth treatment is that it works. Equally good news is that VelaSmooth takes less time and causes less pain than endodermlogy treatments, and the results are far superior.

Most people who have had VelaSmooth treatments report very positive results in just 10 treatments of 30 minutes each.

Unlike many other procedures, there is no downtime involved with VelaSmooth. You can go about your normal daily life and activities right after treatment.

If you have cellulite, whether it is on the stomach, the abdomen, upper arms, hips, thighs, the buttocks or those famous love handles, the VelaSmooth technique may just be the ticket for a cellulite free silhouette.

Over the years, many have claimed to have miracle cures for cellulite, and almost all have been disappointing. That is not the case with VelaSmooth. In a 1998 study conducted by two well known and respected plastic surgeons, VelaSmooth successfully treated cellulite in 91% of the women who were treated. Thousands and thousands of women since that study have reported outstanding results in using VelaSmooth to rid themselves of unsightly cellulite.

Treatment with Benefits

An extra benefit of VelaSmooth treatment is that most people say the treatments are relaxing, almost like getting a massage. It is common for patients to fall asleep during treatment due to deep relaxation.

Imagine an enjoyable massage, and waking up to reduced cellulite, or better yet, no cellulite at all!

Not Your Garden Variety Wrinkles: Understanding Your Face

2007-02-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

We all age… it is just a fact of life. We live fast paced lives and we deal with a multitude of personal and professional stresses every day. Ask yourself one question:

Is your stress and hectic lifestyle written all over your face?

Wrinkles on the face, those inevitable signs of aging that everyone gets eventually can be one of three different types of wrinkles. Knowing which type of wrinkles you may have allows you to understand what type of medical spa treatments will work best for you.

Essentially, wrinkles are broken down into three categories: dynamic wrinkles, wrinkle folds, and static wrinkles.

Dynamic

Dynamic wrinkles, the most common form of wrinkles in middle aged people, are caused by contractions in the muscles that lay beneath and are attached to the skin. With each contraction, the skin bunching together and over time, dynamic wrinkles will appear. The most common location for this form of wrinkle is between the eyebrows, on the cheeks near the corner of the eyes and in bands across the forehead. Crow’s feet are in fact dynamic wrinkles. Relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles can be effectively accomplished with Botox injections, and the skin can then be smoothed and wrinkles diminished with microdermabrasion or a chemical peel.

Static

Static wrinkles form as the aging skin loses elasticity and resilience. Many factors cause this type of wrinkle, including poor nutrition, smoking, damage from too much sun exposure, or even genetics. In other words, if your mother and father had static wrinkles chances are good that you will have them as well. They are aptly named ‘static’ because they are present and apparent, whether you are contracting your muscles or are in a relaxed state. Static wrinkles can creep and cross hatch, most especially on the cheeks and around the eye areas. Increasing thickness of the skin by stimulating dermis growth is an effective way to treat static wrinkles. Chemical peels remove damaged skin and allow new collagen to form, drastically improving elasticity.

Folds

Wrinkle folds, the third type of wrinkle are a result of slackening and sagging of the facial structure. This often results in folds or grooves between nose and mouth, which is called the nasolabial groove. Restylane, Collagen and Perlane are safe and effective injectable treatments that can help with this type of wrinkle.

Most people have more than one type of wrinkle, and many of us have all three types of wrinkles. While we may not be able to avoid getting them, we don’t have to live with them.

Taking the wrinkles out of your life can improve your appearance and make you feel a whole lot better!

The Tangible Benefits of a Chemical Peel

2007-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Chemical peels have provided many people with solutions to skin problems that have nagged them for years. Through the use of a chemical solution, a chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin, getting rid of damaged skin and allowing the new skin to take its place. This is helpful for treating wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation and blemishes. The methods used are chemicals that include phenol (deep peel), trichloroaceetic acid (TCA - medium peel) and alphahydroxy acid (AHA – superficial, light peel), all adjusted for the individual patient and administered by a medical professional.

Considering a Peel?

When thinking about having a chemical peel, determine your personal reasons for wanting a peel. A common reason for considering the procedure is enhancement of personal appearance for self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition, valid medical reasons include treatment of acne, the softening of facial scars left by acne and even removal of pre-cancerous skin growths. Consulting a dermatologist or esthetician is always recommended to determine in a chemical peel is right for you.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS):

"The procedure is meant to diminish imperfections by peeling away the skin’s top layers. It has proven to be a very popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure."

Superficial Peels with AHA

Alphahydroxy acids are commonly used, and are milder peel agents. Alphahydroxy acids produce lighter peels and can provide brightened and smoother skin. AHA include fruit acids, glycolic, and lactic acids. The recovery time from these agents is less than that required from phenol, making it a good choice for those who have limited time for recovery. Many of these light agents can also be mixed with facial cream or facial wash and become part of a person’s at-home daily skin care regimen, resulting in skin texture improvement.

Medium Intensity Peels with TCA

Trichloroacetic acid is another option, considered a mid-level peel that may be used by a professional medical spa technician in various concentrations, but tend to be not as long-lasting or deep effecting as a phenol-based peel. Multiple peels may be required when using trichloracetic acid. But, the recovery time is much shorter, making it very popular in use.

Deep Peels with Phenol

Naturally, many people have questions about the chemicals used. Of the common agents, the strongest chemical solution is Phenol, which produces a deep peel. If you have coarse facial wrinkles or damaged, blotchy skin due to pre-cancerous growths or sun exposure then phenol may be right for you. Phenol lightens treated areas and is often used on the face.

Restylane - An Injectable Solution to Wrinkles and Skin Folds

2007-02-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

What is Restylane?

Restylane, the trade name for hyaluronic acid, is an FDA approved and effective treatment for wrinkles and age lines, or crow’s feet on the fact. Injected subdermally into the facial tissues, Restylane can remove forehead wrinkles and fill in age related hollow areas on the face and around the eyes, and also be used for lip augmentation. Of course, someone considering use of Restylane should consult a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist to determine if this treatment is right for them. But, most people who undergo Restylane treatments are pleased with the results.

Why Restylane is an injectable favorite

As a person grows older aging signs become noticeable, especially on the face. Wrinkles and folds make a person look older. With baby boomers all approaching the golden years, a generation that has always thought of itself as youthful now has to cope with outward signs of age, leading to the desire on the part of many people to beat the clock and look as young as they feel. With that in mind, using a treatment like Restylane is thought of by many people as just another part of the process of taking care of yourself. Restylane is transparent and fills in areas, making a smoother appearance.

Restylane is preferred by many people over traditional fillers used to remove wrinkles, such as fat and collagen. Restylane is a non-animal based gel, biodegradable and derived from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance our bodies naturally produce. Results tend to last longer than many other treatments, up to 12 months, and since it was approved by the FDA in 1996, Restylane has done nothing but gain in popularity. An added reason for the popularity of Restylane for wrinkle treatment is the fact that most people need only one treatment for an effect that can last from six to 12 months.

Restylane is not for everyone

Like any medical treatment there are some people who should not use Restylane. They include patients with severe allergies or a history of hypersensitive reactions to ingestion or injection of a drug or protein; those who have multiple severe allergies; or those with several allergies to bacterial proteins. Restylane should also not be used for breast augmentation, implantation into muscle, bone, ligament or tendon, or should not be used in implantation into blood vessels as that could restrict blood flow. But, for treating facial or nose area winkles, age lines or crow’s feet, many people put their trust in Restylane and have not been disappointed.

A New Era in Total Beauty: Introducing the Dent-Med Spa Concept

2007-02-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

It's about time! For years, cosmeticians, spas and plastic surgeons have tended to the beauty and cosmetic needs of patients, while totally ignoring a key component to looking younger, feeling more confident and exuding natural beauty… a healthy, bright smile! In the recent past, a few dental spas have opened up, catering to destination holidays for those people who wanted a full spa experience that including dental enhancement and care. However, now there is no need to go on vacation to access these integrated and innovative services, thanks to Dr. Martin and the Richmond Smile Center in Richmond, Virginia.

In a single, well appointed facility, the Richmond Smile Center blends seamlessly with the Refreshpa Medical Day Spa. Offering a diverse range of med-spa services from long lasting cosmetic enhancement procedures such as Botox and Restylane, to the innovative VelaSmooth and IPL treatments – complemented by a complete dental center that offers dental transformations and complete smile makeovers.

Dr. Charles Martin, DDS, MAGD, DICOI, FIADFE – Richmond Smile Center/Refreshpa

"Refreshpa is a natural extension of our work with patients to help them look their best, feel great and have a healthier, fuller life. We know that this spa helps complete the transformations we do on an everyday basis. Our patients are thrilled to have this available as it’s all part of our best look and best life program. This is a new concept that we believe will become the new aesthetic gold standard for those wanting not only therapies that work, but also the pampering that makes it feel "oh, so special" at the same time."

A splendid urban oasis environment that combines the convenience of an internet café and high-end coffee bar, to a self-playing baby grand piano… the combination of dental care and med-spa services blends into an magnificent setting that offers clients results as well as relaxation.

Richmond Smile Center, together with their med-spa Refreshpa, has successfully redefined the concept of total beauty and health. It is all part of the experience of personal transformation - from the renaissance of the smile to the renaissance and age-defying therapies of the med-spa.

Check out the Richmond Smile Center and Refreshpa

Skin Rejuvenation: Results in One Treatment

2006-12-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wow! One of our Refreshpa clients who is having Skin Rejuvenation Treatments noticed that after just one treatment the hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage had started to fade. She was so excited as she thought that there was no hope for any improvement! This is why we love what we do!

Foto Facial: Effectively Treats Rosacea & Spider Veins

2006-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know that we have a treatment that will safely and comfortably fade the appearance of rosacea, spider veins, skin imperfections caused by sun damage, age spots and uneven skin tones created by brown and red spots?

The treatment is called Skin Rejuvenation or Foto Facial. We are proud to offer elos, the first and only technology that uses combined energies to effectively and gently restore and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin. Want to know more? Come see us at Refreshpa!

VelaSmooth: Proven Cellulite Non-Invasive Treatment

2006-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about VelaSmooth - the ULTIMATE cellulite reduction treatment?

VelaSmooth is the first non-surgical, non-invasive, no down time cellulite reduction system that is FDA cleared. It is completely safe and has been proven effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite and re-contouring the body. Through a new technology called elos, short for electro-optical synergy, this breakthrough technology combines four kinds of energy working together at the same time.

VelaSmooth is safe and effective on all skin types and all skin colors and the non-invasive, non-surgical approach causes no harmful side effects of any kind. Some patients have even reported other benefits from the VelaSmooth treatments such as skin tightening, improved circulation, decreased muscle aches and pains and overall better health. So what are you waiting for?! Have a look around Refreshpa.com and make an appointment today.

Refreshpa.com - Richmond Virginia's Premier Med Spa

2006-12-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Whether you live in the Richmond, Virginia area or are visiting our fine city, make sure you pay us a visit at Refreshpa.

Part of the Richmond Smile Center, Refreshpa is the first of its kind - combining the positive, lasting effects of a Medical Spa, with the relaxing treatments of a traditional Day Spa in a glorious environment, complete with an Internet Cafe and a baby grand piano. Refreshpa offers everything from our Signature Facial to Microdermabrasion, Skin Rejuvenation treatments (Foto Facial), Hair Removal, Skin Tightening Treatments, Cellulite Treatments by VelaSmooth and even Botox. We carry products that work hand in hand with these treatments to assure the best possible result! Make an appointment today!

Welcome to ReFreshpa.com - Medical Spa Services

2006-11-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome! This is the first post and we are excited to introduce the Premier Richmond Day Spa. The brand new Refreshpa is now open for business. Enjoy a day of pampering like no other. High tech anti-aging treatments and professional certified estheticians on staff to answer your questions and concerns.

Visit this Blog often to see new tips and techniques for relaxation to make you look and feel younger and more vibrant.

See you soon,

All the Staff at ReFreshpa - Richmond Virginia