On March 8, 2010, ABC News reported that “Osteoporosis Drugs, Like Fosamax May Increase Risk of Broken Bones in Some Women” and that “Long-term Use of Popular Class of Osteoporosis Drugs May Have Opposite Effect for Some Women.” (click here to watch the ABC video)

Fosamax and Boniva are the two most popular drugs in this class of drugs called bisphosphonates. They are supposed to make bones stronger, but now there’s mounting evidence that, for some women, taking these medications for more than five years could cause spontaneous fractures.

“We are seeing people just walking, walking down the steps, patients who are doing low-energy exercise,” said Dr. Kenneth Egol, professor of orthopedic surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Very unusual, the femur is one of the strongest bones in the body.”

This entire class of drugs should be withdrawn from the market, says Dr. Hansen. On January 1, 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report from the FDA, which says that the Osteoporosis drug Fosamax may now be linked to cancer. The FDA received 23 reports of esophageal cancer possibly linked to the drug between its October 1995 debut and May 2008. Of these patients, eight have died so far, according to the report. This is worrisome news for the tens of millions of American women that currently take Fosamax for Osteoporosis.

Good News! There are safe and effective Natural Alternatives to drugs like Fosama & Boniva

Osteoporosis affects approximately 25 million Americans. Women know they need to do something to prevent Osteoporosis, but they don’t know what. They are trusting their doctors and the drug companies to give them something to help. Most doctors know nothing about prevention through diet, nutrition and exercise. So by the time the average woman is diagnosed with Osteoporosis, 50 to 75% of her original bone mass has already been lost. Women need answers. Why is Osteoporosis so prevalent in the U.S., while it is almost unheard of in some cultures? What can a woman do to change her risk of getting this common disease without taking risky drugs?

Officials estimate that there are about 1.5 million fractures annually among osteoporosis patients and 300,000 of them die within six months of getting a fracture. Medical costs for osteoporosis treatment exceed $17 billion dollars annually in the U.S. and because of the increasing elderly population, the number is only expected to rise. The incidence of these bone fractures has doubled in the last 30 years, due mainly to nutritional and environmental factors.

Conventional medicine views osteoporosis as an irreversible process associated with aging and menopause rather than diet and lifestyle choices. The emphasis has been placed on slowing down the rate of bone loss by prescribing synthetic drugs that block bone loss, as well as high doses of calcium, increased amounts of dairy and regular exercise. While these therapies do slow the rate of bone loss in some, they do not stimulate bone rebuilding. The best they can do is to keep the already porous bones from losing any more bone density.

The good news is that Osteoporosis is preventable and reversible through diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation and natural bio-identical hormone replacement with plant based Estriol and Progesterone, and natural Growth Hormone precursors.

Dietary Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis

Observations of various populations worldwide show that the countries with the highest consumption of meat and dairy products have the highest incidence of Osteoporosis. Because of this observation, scientists posed this question: Is osteoporosis due to calcium deficiency or excess protein, or acid pH caused by too much protein and dairy?

A study published in the journal Nutrition in 1974, found that eating a low protein diet led to a positive calcium deposit of +31, while a high protein diet led to a calcium loss of -120. This means that at the end of the day, after taking 500 mg of calcium, the low protein diet group was shown to have increased its calcium level by +31. On the other hand, taking 500 mg of calcium while eating a high protein diet actually lowered the level of calcium in the bloodstream by -120.

Epidemiological studies from around the world have shown that in countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, etc, where the people generally eat no dairy at all and less than 50 grams of protein daily and get about 400 mg of calcium per day in their diet, have no osteoporosis; it’s virtually unheard of in those countries. However, if you look on the other extreme, Eskimos who daily consume about 2200 mg of calcium, have the highest incidence of osteoporosis of any population in the world, even though they’re getting 2200 mg of calcium daily. The difference is that they also daily consume 250 to 400 grams of protein in fish, walrus, or whale meats. That high protein content and the acid pH that results are the principal causes of osteoporosis. It’s not simply a deficiency of calcium. It’s the excessive amount of protein that stimulates a hormonal change in the body that causes the body to excrete calcium through the kidneys in the urine.

The average American consumes as much as 100 grams of protein per day and that amount stimulates the parathyroid gland to release a hormone called parathormone that pulls calcium out of the bones to be excreted in the urine. The most important consideration in the prevention of Osteoporosis is not overdoing protein. This can be accomplished by following the Department of Agriculture’s new food pyramid guide. Start at the bottom: eat 6-11 servings of whole grains, 3-5 servings of fresh, steamed, or microwaved vegetables, and 2-3 servings of fresh fruits daily. Meats and dairy should be eaten sparingly in smaller portions than the former foods that are lower in the pyramid. For optimal health you only need a maximum of 40-50 grams of protein daily.

Minerals and Vitamin Cofactors

Calcium is the major mineral in bones. However, you can get too much of a good thing. If you’re eating a high protein diet, even 2200 mg of calcium a day won’t help you. Too much calcium inhibits magnesium, which is essential to the production of the hormone calcitonin. This hormone helps tone down the calcium excretion and keeps calcium in the bones. Magnesium is also essential for the conversion of the active form of vitamin D, which is required for calcium absorption and its deposit into bone. Taking too much calcium actually blocks magnesium and therefore blocks the production of vitamin D in its active form, which prevents calcium from getting into the bone. Calcium should not be taken in excessive amounts.

There are several other nutrients that are very important in prevention and cure of osteoporosis. Three B-vitamins, vitamin B₆, folic acid, and vitamin B₁₂ are essential. These three vitamins are important in the conversion of the amino acid methionine into cysteine. If they are deficient, homocysteine increases. As homocysteine increases in the body it interferes with collagen cross-linking, leading to defective bone matrix. That means, if you don’t have these vitamins, then the bones can’t hold calcium in place in their normal meshwork. Therefore, even though you may be consuming enough calcium, it won’t be held in the bone.

Another vitamin that is often overlooked in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is vitamin K. This hormone-like vitamin is necessary for the production of the active form of osteocalcin which is the major noncollagen protein in the bone. Without sufficient vitamin K and its production of active osteocalcin, calcium will not be held within the bone in its place. Vitamin K is found in deep green leafy vegetables and is one of the most commonly deficient vitamins missing from our diet.

The trace mineral Boron also appears to be an essential factor in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. A study of postmenopausal women given 3 mg of boron daily was shown to reduce their urinary calcium loss by 44%. Apparently, boron is required to activate certain hormones including estrogen and vitamin D. Fruits and vegetables are the main sources of boron and diets that are deficient in these foods may also be deficient in boron.

Plant Cofactors

Certain bioflavonoids found in fruits have been shown to be very important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Certain polyphenol bioflavonoids, especially those extracted from grape seeds, have been shown to stabilize collagen structures. Since collagen is the major protein constituent in bone, stabilization of the integrity of the bone structure or the collagen will help to prevent calcium loss and osteoporosis. For optimal insurance against osteoporosis, I recommend taking a supplement that contains Leucoslect® Grape Seed Extract.

Drug Therapies

In July 2002, researchers at the National Institutes of Health abruptly halted the nation’s largest study on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), because the study found that the long-term use of synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone drugs increase a women’s risk of breast cancer by 26%, her risk of a heart attack by 29%, her risk of stroke by 41% and her risk of blood clots by 113%. (Source: JAMA. 2002;288:321-333).

Several other drugs are now being recommended for Osteoporosis, including the Biphosphanate drugs that include Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel. Tens of millions of women are currently taking Fosamax for Osteoporosis and millions of additional women take Boniva and Actonel, all of which share the same concern.

Evista, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) is also being recommended to prevent and treat Osteoporosis. Evista is approved for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, but works by a different mechanism than the Biphosphanates. Evista stimulates the Estrogen Receptors and appears to prevent bone loss in a manner similar to other synthetic estrogens, like Premarin. Side effects include hot flashes, leg cramps and blood clots.

Natural Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

The ovaries produce three different Estrogens: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3). The two most concentrated and most potent estrogens are Estrone (E1) and Estradiol (E2). These two are both now classified as carcinogens. You should test your estrogen levels to make certain these two are not too high. Even “Bio-Identical” Hormone Replacement Therapy that uses Estradiol or Estrone can and does cause cancer if it gets to high.

Dr. Hansen’s Natural Hormone Rx: Estriol, Progesterone and Growth Hormone

Estriol (E3) has been shown to be protective against cancer. It prevents bone loss, stops hot flashes, thinning of the skin and dryness of the vaginal membranes. It is 1000 times less stimulating to the breast tissue than Estradiol and does not cause harmful build-up of the uterine lining. Estriol inhibits osteoclasts in bone from breaking down and causing bone loss.

Unlike the estrogens, which only help prevent bone loss, taking natural Progesterone helps to increases bone mineral density by as much as 10-15% within 6 months and 20-25% in 3 years (Clinical Nutrition Review, 1990, 10:384-391). Progesterone stimulates osteoblasts in the bone to directly increase bone density.

Growth Hormone (GH) is necessary throughout life to keep your bone density high. GH has direct effects on bone cells known as chondrocytes. A deficiency of GH severely limits bone growth and hence the accumulation of bone mass. You can stimulate you own GH activity by exercising and by getting plenty of sleep. Additionally,

Dr. Hansen prescribes a plant based source of Estriol and Progesterone for the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis. He also prescribes a nutritional and herbal supplement known as Secretropin to boost GH production by the body. These natural products are safe and effective alternatives to synthetic drugs, providing all of the benefits and more, without the negative side-effects.

Testing

DEXA Scan X-Ray

The top standard for measuring bone density is the DEXA Scan, which is an X-Ray of the spine and the hip bone. The measurements taken can be compared to the average for the total population and by age group. The main concern with this test is the fact that it exposes you to gamma radiation that is known to be cancer inducing. For this reason I prefer to recommend an NTX Urine Test for bone density.

N-Telopeptide (NTX) Bone Loss Testing

Approximately 90% of the meshwork or your bones consists of type I collagen that is cross-linked at the N-terminal, hence the name N-Telopeptide. This highly cross-linked collagen structure provides for the basic fabric and tensile strength of bone tissue. The collagen infrastructure of bone undergoes a continuous process of remodeling that involves osteoclast mediated bone breakdown and osteoblast mediated bone formation. Bone breakdown by osteoclasts results in the release of cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTX)of type I collagen. NTX is specific to bone and is found in urine as a stable end product of bone loss.

Levels of NTX correlate with the rate of bone loss. Bone loss rates exceeding bone formation results in a net loss of bone and ultimately osteopenia or osteoporosis. This test is the best way to detct active bone loss or bone building. It is relatively inexpensive compared to the DEXA Scan and free of radiation.

Hormone Testing

All three Estrogens can be measured in Saliva, which gives an accurate assessment of the active forms of the estrogens. Progesterone is also tested in the Saliva. The Estrogen to Progesterone ratio gives a good picture of the relative balance of these two synergistic hormones. Too much Estradiol and Estrone or too little Estriol can cause an increased risk of cancer. Too little Progesterone will inhibit the production of new bone.

Growth Hormone is tested by blood. Because GH is released in short pulsatile bursts in the bloodstream and has a very short lifespan in the blood it is not a good marker for GH activity. Instead, we use IGF-1 to assess the correct level of GH. Ideally, IGF-1 level should be 200-250.

Vitamin D3 (25-Hydroxycalciferol) should be tested in the blood serum. Many experts recommend that the optimal Vitamin D3 level for prevention of osteoporosis and protection against cancers is 50-65 ng/ml.

Recommended Bone Building Supplement: Peak Advantage High Potency Multi-Vita/Min

• Calcium Citrate: Calcium is the major mineral in bones. Calcium Citrate is 2.5 times better absorbed than Calcium Carbonate, even in individuals with low stomach acid. The U.S. RDA for calcium is based on 1968 data using Calcium Carbonate as the standard. According to more recent research published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in November 1999, by Howard J. Heller, MD and his colleagues found that Calcium Citrate is 2.5 times more bioavailable (easier for your body to use) than Calcium Carbonate as demonstrated by measuring the blood level of calcium after a single oral dose (500 mg) of calcium carbonate taken with a meal.

The RDA used to be 800mg of Calcium Carbonate daily for women, which would be equivalent to only mg 320mg of Calcium Citrate. Adequate intake (AI) recommendations published in August 1997 were set at 1000 milligrams for men and women aged 19 - 50 and 1200 milligrams for individuals older than age 50. To get the equivalent benefit from Calcium Citrate you only need to consume 400 to 480mg of Calcium Citrate respectively.

• Magnesium Aspartate: Magnesium is the determining factor of bone strength. 80-85% American women consume less than the RDA. Necessary for the formation of new calcium crystals and the active form of Vitamin D. Magnesium Aspartate is the most useable form.

• Boron: Necessary for the production of natural estrogen and testosterone. Significantly reduces loss of calcium and magnesium.

• Vitamin K: Required for the attraction of calcium to bones. Individuals with Osteoporosis have been found to have 35% less Vitamin K than age matched controls. Overuse of antibiotics kills healthful intestinal flora that produce Vitamin K. Supplementation reduces calcium loss by as much as 18-50%.

• Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, slows bone loss and boosts bone formation. One study on Vitamin D showed that participants who took vitamin D supplements had a 7 percent lower risk of death compared to those that did not. It is now known that virtually every cell in our body has receptors for vitamin D and that vitamin D is not just a vitamin. It also has very powerful hormonal activities and has protective effects noted against certain cancers (particularly breast and prostate), autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, and heart disease. I recommend taking 5000 I.U.s once or twice daily. This is a quantity sufficient to raise your blood level of Vitamin D3 to between 60-100 ng/dl.

• Folic Acid: Decreases homocysteine levels which can cause osteoporosis. Alcohol and Birth Control Pills cause a deficiency. Pregnancy creates a higher demand.

• Silica: Found in high concentrations at calcification sites in growing bones.

• Betaine HCl: Source of hydrochloric acid that is essential for the absorption and assimilation of minerals.

• DigeZyme: Plant enzymes that digests phytates, found in grains that commonly bind to minerals and significantly reduce their availability for absorption.

• GSE Ultra 110: Leucoselect® Grape Seed Extract to stabilize collagen.

Summary

Osteoporosis is preventable and it is reversible. You can take charge of your own health. For optimal results you need to eat more vegetables and grains and less meat and dairy products. The greatest threat to your bones is the high protein diet consumed in the United States. The average American consumes 90 grams of protein daily. You need to cut that amount in half. Additionally, you need a good multi-vitamin and mineral formula, like Peak Advantage that provides the right amount of minerals, vitamins and plant cofactors to prevent or reverse osteoporosis. Finally, you need to test your Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone and IGF-1 levels. With this information you can then correct the hormone imbalances and prevent or reverse Osteoporosis for good.

For a limited time you can get a FREE PAP Smear, plus a FREE HPV DNA Test when you schedule a New Patient Visit.

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HPV Testing

The best way to test for HPV is the Digene® HPV Test. This test is the only test approved by the FDA to test for HPV. It uses advanced molecular technology to detect the DNA (genetic material) of 13 high-risk types of HPV, the virus types shown to actually cause virtually all cases of cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV. About 30 are sexually transmitted and cause genital HPV.

The HPV test is done at the same time as the Pap Smear, so women don’t need to do anything more than ask for it. By combining the HPV Test and Pap Smear, the ability to identify women at risk for cervical cancer is increased to virtually 100 percent. In one study, Digene’s HPV test identified 100% of the women with advanced cervical disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grades 2 and 3), compared to only 58 percent identified by the conventional Pap Smear and 84 percent by the newer, “liquid-based” Pap Test.

Most women who become infected with HPV are able to eradicate the virus and suffer no apparent long-term consequences to their health. But a many women develop a persistent infection that can eventually lead to pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.

Women who have normal Pap test results and no HPV infection are at very low risk (0.2%) for developing cervical cancer. Women who have an abnormal Pap test and a positive HPV test are at higher risk (6%-7% or greater) of developing cervical cancer if not treated.

Regarding the role of HPV testing, randomized controlled trials have compared HPV to colposcopy. HPV testing appears as sensitive as doing a colposcopy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Jun;188(6):1383-92)

A study published in April 2007 suggested that the act of performing a Pap smear produces an inflammatory cytokine response, which may initiate immunologic clearance of HPV, therefore reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Women that had even a single Pap smear in their past had a lower incidence of cancer. “A statistically significant decline in the HPV positivity rate correlated with the lifetime number of Pap smears received.” (J Inflamm 2007;4)

Many doctors do not test for HPV as part of their routine PAP Smear or Pelvic Exam. You should make sure you ask your doctor to do this test at least every two or three years.

PAP Smear Testing

The Pap test, also called a Pap smear, checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer.

Why do I need a Pap test?

A Pap test can save your life. It can find the earliest signs of cervical cancer. If caught early, the chance of curing cervical cancer is very high. Pap tests also can find infections and abnormal cervical cells that can turn into cancer cells. Treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing.

Getting regular Pap tests is the best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular Pap tests have led to a major decline in the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths.

Do all women need Pap tests?

It is important for all women to have Pap tests, along with pelvic exams, as part of their routine health care. You need a Pap test if you are 21 years or older.

Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman’s periods stop) still need regular Pap tests. Women ages 65 and older can talk to their doctor about stopping after at least 3 normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last 10 years.

How often do I need to get a Pap test?

It depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Most women can follow these guidelines:

• Starting at age 21, have a Pap test every 2 years.
• If you are 30 years old and older and have had 3 normal Pap tests for 3 years in a row, talk to your doctor about spacing out Pap tests to every 3 years.
• If you are over 65 years old, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.

Ask your doctor about more frequent testing if:

• You have a weakened immune system because of organ transplant, chemotherapy, or steroid use
• Your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant
• You are HIV-positive

Women who are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are at a higher risk of cervical cancer and other cervical diseases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all HIV-positive women get an initial Pap test, and get re-tested 6 months later. If both Pap tests are normal, then these women can get yearly Pap tests in the future.

Who does not need regular Pap tests?

The only women who do not need regular Pap tests are:

• Women over age 65 who have had 3 normal Pap tests and in a row and no abnormal test results in the last 10 years, and have been told by their doctors that they don’t need to be tested anymore.
• Women who do not have a cervix and are at low risk for cervical cancer. These women should speak to their doctor before stopping regular Pap tests.

I had a hysterectomy. Do I still need Pap tests?

It depends on the type of hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) you had and your health history. Women who have had a hysterectomy should talk with their doctor about whether they need routine Pap tests.

Usually during a hysterectomy, the cervix is removed with the uterus. This is called a total hysterectomy. Women who have had a total hysterectomy for reasons other than cancer may not need regular Pap tests. Women who have had a total hysterectomy because of abnormal cells or cancer should be tested yearly for vaginal cancer until they have three normal test results. Women who have had only their uterus removed but still have a cervix need regular Pap tests. Even women who have had hysterectomies should see their doctors yearly for pelvic exams.

How can I reduce my chances of getting cervical cancer?

Aside from getting Pap tests, the best way to avoid cervical cancer is by steering clear of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer. HPV infection is also one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). So, a woman boosts her chances of getting cervical cancer if she:

• Starts having sex before age 18
• Has many sex partners
• Has sex partners who have other sex partners
• Has or has had a STI

What should I know about human papillomaviruses (HPV)?

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 100 different viruses.

• About 40 types of HPV are spread during sex.
• Some types of HPVs can cause cervical cancer when not treated.
• HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI).
• About 75 percent of sexually active people will get HPV sometime in their life.
• Most women with untreated HPV do not get cervical cancer.
• Some HPVs cause genital warts but these HPVs do not cause cervical cancer.
• Since HPV rarely causes symptoms, most people don’t know they have the infection.

How would I know if I had human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Most women never know they have HPV. It usually stays hidden and doesn’t cause symptoms like warts. When HPV doesn’t go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Pap tests usually find these changes.

How do I prepare for a Pap test?

Many things can cause wrong test results by washing away or hiding abnormal cells of the cervix. So, doctors suggest that for 2 days before the test you avoid:

• Douching
• Using tampons
• Using vaginal creams, suppositories, and medicines
• Using vaginal deodorant sprays or powders
• Having sex

Should I get a Pap test when I have my period?

No. Doctors suggest you schedule a Pap test when you do not have your period. The best time to be tested is 10 to 20 days after the first day of your last period.

How is a Pap test done?

Your doctor can do a Pap test during a pelvic exam. It is a simple and quick test. While you lie on an exam table, the doctor puts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, opening it to see the cervix. She will then use a special stick or brush to take a few cells from inside and around the cervix. The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent to a lab for examination. While usually painless, a Pap test is uncomfortable for some women.

When will I get the results of my Pap test?

Usually it takes 3 weeks to get Pap test results. Most of the time, test results are normal. If the test shows that something might be wrong, your doctor will contact you to schedule more tests. There are many reasons for abnormal Pap test results. It usually does not mean you have cancer.

What do abnormal Pap test results mean?

It is scary to hear that your Pap test results are “abnormal.” But abnormal Pap test results usually do not mean you have cancer. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix.

Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer. But most of the time, these unhealthy cells will go away on their own. By treating these unhealthy cells, almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented. If you have abnormal results, to talk with your doctor about what they mean.

(PAP Testing Source: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pap-test.cfm#pap01)

by Carolyn Anger, East Valley Beauty Examiner

Whether you’re in the mood for microderm or peel or even a plumping dermal filler, Sheila Hansen is the go-to for medical-grade services in a chic, comfy setting.

Seven different types of chemical peels, microdermabrasion, SpectraPulse Photofacials, teen facials, Botox and fillers are available for every skin type.

No matter how many at-home scrubs, tonics and masks I habitually slap on my face, nothing beats a good facial.

After weeks of highly-frequent blemishes and less than glowing skin, I couldn’t wait for a little pick-me-up at Hansen Clinic.

Located within a natural medicine office, I wasn’t sure what to expect but when I walked through their door, I was impressed by the facility’s comfortable vibe and contemporary decor. I checked in with the front desk and sifted through a stack of magazines as I waited on one of the lobby’s large, cushy leather chairs.

Sheila, resident aesthetician at Hansen Clinic introduced herself and led me back to her spacious treatment room alive with soft music, lights and traditionally chic furniture pieces. I sat down on the treatment bed and we discussed my skin issues, allergies and how to get rid of a pesky scar left over from a little bout I had with the bottom of the ocean last summer.

She left the room and I changed into a terry cover-up and placed my bag and clothing into a cute basket that rolled right back under the treatment table.

When Sheila came back she had me lay on the treatment bed and wrapped me up with a sheet. She took off my foundation, cleansed my face thoroughly and placed two cool pads over my eyes.

Next she turned on a bright light to inspect my skin. Besides my scar I had a few problem areas and congestion so Sheila recommended a light microdermabrasion session.

She started the microderm machine on a low setting that would provide results but not irritate or harm my sensitive skin. She ran the rough microderm pen over my face and compared to other microderm I’ve had in the past, this was a breeze.

Right after she finished, my skin instantly felt fresh and less bogged down with impurities. Sheila cleaned off the microderm debris with a warm towel and continued my facial with a massage so good it almost put me to sleep.

She then painted on a cooling mask and while it soaked in, gave me a hand massage then removed the mask with another steamy towel. To keep my skin protected, she applied sunblock, eye cream and yummy mint lip treatment.

Afterward, my face looked plumped up, fresh and was not overly greasy. My scar is almost nonexistent and I’ve noticed increased clarity and my skin looks much healthier since my treatment.

Not only is Sheila a clinical skincare pro, she made my facial relaxing and more like a spa service rather than a quick, medical appointment. I couldn’t be happier with my service and love my newly revived, scar-free skin!

Great News! Taking care of your skin can make you look better, feel better and live longer. New research is showing that wrinkles, thinning skin, varicose veins, and age spots are more than just vanity issues. These are the tell-tale signs of nutritional deficiencies and hormonal decline. It’s your body signaling for help. It’s a call to action. Your body is saying. “I need more vitamin C, E, Carotenes and Bioflavonoids.” Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is a visible barometer of your overall health status. By improving the health of your skin you improve the health of your entire body.

As we age the body’s inherent production of antioxidants that protect the skin decreases. As this happens, your skin becomes leathery and wrinkled; age spots begin to appear on your face and hands, your arteries lose their elasticity, your joints and cartilage stiffen, your vision becomes cloudy, your spine eventually becomes stooped and your brain neurons become hardened and entangled.

Free radicals destroy cell membranes and damage the collagen and elastin that make up the connective tissue matrix of your skin, blood vessels, joints and brain neurons. In fact, free radicals have been implicated in more than sixty diseases, including heart disease, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and cancer.

Antioxidants are molecules that deactivate free radicals and stop the cellular and tissue damage they cause, including DNA mutations. You can compensate for the short supply of antioxidants within your body by eating foods and taking supplements that are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, and Proanthocyanidin bioflavonoids.

At the Hansen Clinic we teach patients which foods to eat to live the longest and be the healthiest. We also prescribe specialized supplements that strengthen and enhance your internal collagen and elastin production. Additionally, we prescribe topical skin care treatments, including facials, peels, photo rejuvenation therapy and injectable dermal fillers to promote collagen production and restore the beauty of your skin and the total health of your entire body.

Nature’s Top Four Antioxidants

Vitamin C is nature’s best known antioxidant. It is also essential to the production of collagen and elastin. Additionally, Vitamin C is the predominant antioxidant in the skin where if it is plentiful and it protects against cancer and photoaging. Internally it also boosts the immune system by protecting White Blood Cells from free radicals released in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C can also extend your lifespan.

A study published in the journal Epidemiology, reported that people with a Vitamin C intake of as little as 300 to 400 mg daily had 42 percent lower overall death rates and 45 percent lower heart disease death rates than people who took less Vitamin C. Dr. James E. Enstrom, an epidemiologist at UCLA who lead the study, said that this amount of Vitamin C daily increases the mean life expectancy by as much as six years compared to the low intake group.

Vitamin E protects all cell membranes and the stratum corneum of the skin. Plants make Vitamin E and C to protect them from damage caused by the sun’s rays. Humans cannot make Vitamin C or Vitamin E, therefore, they must get both from their diet or supplements.

Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol. A study conducted by the World Health Organization determined that a low level of vitamin E is a more accurate predictor of heart disease risk than a high cholesterol level. Taking as little as 200 I.U. of Vitamin E daily over a two year period resulted in a 47% decreased risk of heart disease compared to the group consuming only the RDA level of merely 30 I.U. daily.

Carotene is another potent antioxidant, which is stored in the skin. It provides a natural bronze coloration to the skin and absorbs UV radiation. Research that appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that 8 weeks of supplementation with 25 mg of Carotenes lead to a 29% less intense sunburn response in those who took it regularly. Epidemiological data indicate there is an inverse correlation between the amount of beta-carotene found in the blood stream and lung cancer risk. That means, the lower the level of beta-carotene in the blood, the higher the risk of lung cancer and conversely, the higher the level of beta-carotene in the blood, the lower the risk of lung cancer.

Bioflavonoids are natural plant molecules that strengthen and protect the connective tissue of the body. The connective tissue is the network of collagen and elastin that holds everything in the body together. Bioflavonoids should be considered vitamins because we cannot survive without them and our bodies cannot make them. We must get them from our diet or from supplementation. You find them in the skins and seeds of grapes, cherries, apples, blueberries, and the peels of oranges, grapefruit and the bark of apple and pear trees.

Grape Seed Extract provide the highest concentration of the most active form of bioflavonoids known as Proanthocyanidins. These specialized bioflavonoids protect collagen by blocking collagenase, the collagen destroying enzyme.  

The Fountain of Youth

Ponce de Leon should have looked in the vineyards of his own back yard for the Fountain of Youth. The secret was there all the time, hidden within the tiny seeds of Europe’s finest vineyard grapes. The key ingredient is a substance extracted from the seeds and skins of grapes; a bioflavonoid known as Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complex, or OPC for short.

This remarkable natural supplement may be the most important medical discovery of the century. A deficiency of this essential bioflavonoid leads not only to the aging of the skin, but may lead to the most dreaded diseases of our time, including heart disease, cancer, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, and more. To read some patient success stories that show how effective Grape Seed OPCs can be click here.

Phloretin is another potent bioflavonoid recently found in the bark of apple, pear and grapefruit trees. It has been shown to inhibit nearly 80% of the elastin destroying enzyme elastase. It is a potent antioxidant that inhibits age spots and activates cell renewal. It is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflamatory. It can be found in SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF topical serum described below. 

You Are Only As Young As Your Connective Tissue

To a large extent, youthfulness is determined by the suppleness of your collagen and elastin. Your skin, blood vessels, joints and every membrane within your body are laced together with these connective tissue components. During infancy, these connective tissues are extremely soft and pliable. Over time the collagen and elastin fibers gradually become cross-linked by free radical damage leading to wrinkles, cellulite and baggy skin. Summertime sun exposure can accelerate this process dramatically.

Natural Dermal Fillers for Immediate Results

At the Hansen Clinic we treat the body from the inside and from the outside. In addition to the special nutrients that Dr. Hansen prescribes to nourish your body from the inside, he traveled to Paris, France to learn the art and medical science of natural dermal fillers, including Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse. These natural products replace the hyaluronic acid that is lost as we age and stimulate the production of new collagen.

Hyaluronic acid is produced by the body to provide the soft supple texture of the skin and lips. It is like a carpet pad underneath a carpet. As we age this natural padding becomes oxidized by the sun’s rays and eventually wears thin. By injecting Restylane® or Juvederm into the dermis of the skin we can restore the natural fullness of the padding and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds.

Collagen can be promoted in the body by injecting a natural dermal filler composed of micro spheres of calcium. This compound known as Radiesse is a soft and pliable gel-like material that is injected into the dermis of the skin to create a natural “scaffold” over which new collagen is laid down by the body. The result is a long-lasting correction of wrinkles and the restoration of your natural more youthful appearance.

Dr. Hansen’s Rx for Youthful Longevity

You can push back the clock and even reverse the effects of aging on your body from the inside and the outside, by taking 4 powerful steps:

1) Take Peak Advantage High Potency Multi-Vitamin every day. It contains optimal amounts of the antioxidants Vitamins C, E, and the Carotenes you need every day. (Take 2 Capsules 3 times daily with each meal).

2) Take GSE Ultra 110™ brand of grape seed extract every day. GSE Ultra 110™ contains the highest quality Proanthocyanidin bioflavonoids you can get. In fact the Grape Seed Extract we put in our GSE Ultra 110 is sold as a prescription drug in Germany and France. Many other brands are so watered down that they are virtually devoid of any active antioxidant and collagen protecting activity. If you want to reverse the aging process and look and feel young again, GSE Ultra 110™ is the most potent preventive medicine you can take. (Take 1 Capsule twice daily). To read some amazing patient success stories click here.

3) Apply SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF or CE Ferulic Serum on your face and neck every day. Just 3 drops on your face every day can provide an 8-fold increased protection from the sun’s photo damaging rays. (Apply daily to help prevent or reverse the appearance of photo damage, including age spots and wrinkles).

4) For immediate results allow Dr. Hansen to treat you with the exciting new dermal fillers Restylane, Juvederm and/or Radiesse. You can literally turn back the hands of time with these amazing natural injectable gels.

Sun exposure, environmental oxidation and free radicals, hormones, poor nutrition and high stress levels can lead to premature aging of the skin. Signs of aging include fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and brown spots, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity and firmness and loss of natural skin hydration. Although aging is a natural process in life, The Hansen Clinic believes in combining health and nutrition with an ideal balance of medical skin care products and aesthetic treatments that can slow down and even reverse some of these age related signs.

Here is the Hansen Clinic Top 10 Skin Care Checklist.

1) Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day.
That’s one 8 oz glass every two hours. Double that amount to 8 oz every hour for every hour you are outside. Water forms a major part of our body composition. In fact, two-thirds of your body weight is water. Your blood is 83% water, your muscles are 75% water, your brain is 74% water and your skin is 70% water. Your skin is designed to provide a beautiful soft and supple covering for your body. Hyaluronic Acid in your skin holds 1000 times its weight in water. When your skin gets dehydrated you lose this soft supple padding underneath your skin.

2) Use a physical UV sun block on your skin every day.
UV radiation causes free radical damage to the skin that leads to hyper-pigmentation, age spots, hardening of collagen and elastin, wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. When the skin is excessively exposed to UVB rays, it becomes inflamed (sunburn) and the cells in the dermis stop producing adequate amounts of hyaluronic acid, and increase the rate of its degradation, which prevents healthy skin respiration and repair.

3) Take Dr. Hansen’s Antioxidant Peak Advantage Multi-Vitamin every day.
Peak Advantage contains optimal amounts of the antioxidants Vitamins C, E, and the Carotenes you need every day. (Take 2 Capsules 3 times daily with each meal). Vitamin C is nature’s best known antioxidant. It is also essential to the production of collagen and elastin. Additionally, Vitamin C is the predominant antioxidant in the skin where if it is plentiful and it protects against cancer and photo aging. Vitamin E protects all cell membranes and the stratum corneum of the skin. Carotene is another potent antioxidant, which is stored in the skin. It provides a natural bronze coloration to the skin and absorbs UV radiation. Bioflavonoids are specialized antioxidants that strengthen and protect collagen and elastin in the skin and throughout the body.

4) Take Grape Seed Extract every day.
Grape seed extract is the most potent nutrient that you can take to protect your body from premature aging, disease, and deterioration. Grape seeds contain potent bioflavonoids including proanthocyanidin. Scientific research shows that the antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins is 20 times greater than vitamin C and 50 times greater than vitamin E. Dr. Hansen recommends Ultra GSE 110, the most potent and complete proanthocyanidin formula available. (Take 1 capsule twice daily),

Extensive research suggests that grape seed extract is beneficial in multiple ways because it protects and renews collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It makes up the structural frame work of our skin, blood vessels, bones and joints. Healthy collagen is what makes your skin soft, supple and youthful, your arteries pliable and your joints flexible. Studies have shown that proanthocyanidins help to protect the skin from sun damage and wrinkles, prevent hardening of the arteries, improve vision and prevent cataracts, reduce oxidative damage to the neurons in the brain and prevent stiffening of the joints.

Dr. Hansen recommends that everyone eat plenty of proanthocyanidin rich fruits like grapes, cranberries, plums, apples, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and blackberries. Additionally, he recommends taking a grape seed extract supplement every day to make sure that you have sufficient amounts of this potent antioxidant and collagen protector.

5) Take 1000mg of purified Omega-3 oil daily.
For many women, aging begins to affect the skin, nerves and cardiovascular system at about the same time. Omega 3 oil provides the cellular building blocks to ensure youthful skin rejuvenation. Omega 3 also provides the right type of oil necessary to nourish your hair and nails. When your diet is deficient in Omega 3 oils your nails, hair and skin become dry and brittle and lose their youthful appearance.

6) Apply SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum on your face and neck every day.
Phloretin is another potent bioflavonoid recently found in the bark of apple, pear and grapefruit trees. It has been shown to inhibit nearly 80% of the elastin destroying enzyme elastase. It is a potent antioxidant that inhibits age spots and activates cell renewal. It is antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Just 3 drops on your face every day can provide an 8-fold increased protection from the sun’s photo damaging rays. (Apply daily to help prevent or reverse the appearance of photo damage, including age spots and wrinkles).

7) Get a Microdermabrasion treatment every two months.
Microdermabrasion is a facial skin-freshening technique that helps repair sun damaged, hyper pigmented, rough and aging skin. At the Hansen Clinic we use a Derma Genesis® medical grade microdermabrasion machine to emit a fine blast of sodium bicarbonate crystals (rather than aluminum) across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin known as the stratum corneum and promote the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis.

8 ) Get a Facial/Peel every 3-4 months.
There are several different types of Peels using various herbs/chemical to peel away unwanted age spots and accumulated toxins from the skin. This is a great way to enhance skin rejuvenation. As you age, the accumulated effects of sun exposure, pollutants and poor nutrition can damage our skin and cause us to look older that we are. Peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms hands, and legs.Peels are effective in restoring a more youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged or blotchy skin. They are also used to treat pre-cancerous lesions. Chemical exfoliation is effective in reducing acne breakouts, congested skin, black heads and white heads and lessoning the depth and severity of acne scarring.

9) Get a series of 4-5 Photo facial treatments every 2-3 years or as needed.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial therapy can be used on the neck, chest, arms and hands to remove unsightly pigments, discoloration, and spider veins and to stimulate the production of healthy new collagen deep within the dermis of the skin in order to restore your youthful skin tone and supple texture in these areas.

Treating a pigmented lesion with the IPL results in heating the oxidized melanin in the skin that causes age spots. The damaged lesion is then naturally sloughed as the skin exfoliates. Similar results are seen in the treatment of vascular lesions. The absorption of the light in hemoglobin and the resultant thermal action inside the blood vessels causes coagulation, vasoconstriction, and disappearance of any unsightly blood vessels.

The IPL stimulated dermis induces the formation of healthy new collagen and elastin. Increased collagen production ultimately reduces fine lines, fills in wrinkles in the face and neck, and reduces pore size, while elastin restores the supple elasticity to the skin producing softer, smoother younger looking skin.

10) Natural Dermal Fillers for Immediate Results.
Dr. Hansen traveled to Paris, France to learn the art and medical science of natural dermal fillers, including Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse. These natural products replace the hyaluronic acid that is lost as we age and stimulate the production of new collagen. These natural injectable gels can restore the youthful volume of Hyaluronic Acid and the supple integrity of newly stimulated Collagen back in your skin with immediate results.

As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. But, with Juvéderm™ injectable hyaluronic acid gel, you don’t have to just sit back and let it happen!

Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the way your skin looks, feels, and functions. A natural complex of glycoproteins found in all mammals, it is a major component of the connective tissue matrix in the dermis—the dense, inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis. This important layer of tissue functions like carpet pad under a carpet giving your skin a soft supple cushion-like feel. It consists mainly of hyaluronic acid plus collagen and elastin, the body’s two major connective fibers.

Hyaluronic acid retains water like a sponge, absorbing more than 1,000 times its weight. This helps to attract and maintain water within the extracellular space, hydrating your skin and increasing its volume and density. Hyaluronic acid is also involved with the transport of essential nutrients to the skin’s viable cells. Hyaluronic acid provides volume, helping to contribute to the skin’s overall appearance.

As you age and your skin is exposed to environmental pollutants and the sun’s ultraviolet rays, your cells gradually lose the ability to produce hyaluronic acid. Studies have shown that older skin typically has lower levels of hyaluronic acid than younger skin. As you age, your skin tissue becomes dehydrated and the collagen and elastin fibers lose their structure, resulting in a loss of skin volume and the formation of the facial wrinkles and folds that are common characteristics of aged skin.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvéderm™ injectable hyaluronic acid gel can help to temporarily replace the lost hyaluronic acid and restore your skin’s volume and smooth, natural appearance.

Juvéderm™ gel is gently injected under the skin or into the lips to instantly restore volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm™ provides a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.^†

• Almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ injectable gel and another dermal filler^† preferred Juvéderm™!
• Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

Benefits of JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvéderm™ injectable gel offer a safe and effective nonsurgical option for smoothing facial wrinkles and folds. In fact, they are the fastest growing nonsurgical aesthetic procedure in the United States according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.¹ But all dermal fillers are not the same!

Choosing JUVÉDERM™ injectable gel makes a difference:

• Juvéderm™ is the ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) filler FDA approved* to last up to 1 year. Our unique manufacturing process provides a high concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid for long-lasting results. It also creates a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! Only Juvéderm™ is so smooth—other hyaluronic acid fillers currently on the market are made of granular consistency gels.**
• Juvéderm™ is a “next-generation” non-animal dermal filler that is made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance that plays a vital role in hydrating your skin and replenishing its natural volume. No allergy skin tests are needed prior to receiving treatment.**
• Proven safety and effectiveness: Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler proven safe and effective in persons of color.
• Quick and easy procedure: Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a nonsurgical physician-administered treatment that requires no allergy skin test and minimal recovery or downtime.
• Personalized treatment: Juvéderm™ injectable gel is available in two formulations— Juvéderm™ Ultra for versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds, and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus, a more robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. This allows your doctor to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.

What to Expect During Treatment

Because Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a simple, nonsurgical wrinkle treatment, there is minimal recovery or downtime. So you can make an appointment to stop by your healthcare professional’s office for treatment on the way home from work or the gym, or even while the kids are at soccer practice—and get right back to your life. Here’s what to expect when you visit your healthcare professional’s office for treatment. (Please note that although this experience is typical, the routine at your healthcare professional’s office may be different.)

Before you go: Some doctors recommend that you avoid any medications that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), for at least a week prior to treatment in order to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site. Ask your healthcare professional what he or she recommends.

When you arrive: If this is your first visit, your healthcare professional will ask about your medical history, including any allergies you may have or medications you may take, and will tell you more about wrinkle treatment with Juvéderm™. Juvéderm™ injectable gel does not require an allergy test.

Determining your treatment needs: Your healthcare professional will examine the soft tissue of your face to assess the depth of wrinkles and folds to determine your treatment. Juvéderm™ injectable gel is available in two formulations—Juvéderm™ Ultra for versatility in contouring and volumizing facial wrinkles and folds, and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus, a robust formulation for volumizing and correcting deeper folds and wrinkles. This allows your healthcare professional to better tailor treatment to your unique needs. They may even take pre-treatment photographs so you can see the difference after treatment!

Before the procedure: Although anesthesia is not required, your healthcare professional may use topical or injectable anesthesia to numb the treatment area first.

The procedure: Your healthcare professional will ease the Juvéderm™ injectable gel under your skin to augment, or fill, wrinkles and folds. Following the injection, your healthcare professional may gently massage the treated areas. The procedure is quick and easy. The injection itself usually takes only about 15 minutes.

After the procedure: With Juvéderm™, there is minimal recovery or downtime.

For the first 24 hours following treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun or heat exposure, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in order to help minimize the risks of temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the treatment sites. After the treatment, some temporary injection-related reactions may occur, including redness, pain, firmness, swelling, and bumps. Studies have shown that these are usually mild to moderate in nature and clear up on their own in 7 days or less. If you experience swelling at the injection site, you can apply an ice pack for a brief period. Your healthcare professional will tell you when makeup may be applied after your treatment.

Seeing results: You should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. Most patients need one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing. And one treatment could smooth your lines and wrinkles for up to 1 year! However, results may vary and correction is temporary. Supplemental “touch up” treatments may be required to achieve and maintain optimal results.

Microdermabrasion is a facial skin-freshening technique that helps repair sun damaged, hyper pigmented, rough and aging skin. At the Hansen Clinic we use a Derma Genesis® medical grade microdermabrasion machine to emit a fine blast of sodium bicarbonate crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead, outer layer of skin known as the stratum corneum and promote the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the dermis.

We specifically avoid using the longtime standard aluminum oxide crystals because of the toxicity of aluminum. Derma Genesis® is the global leader in non-aluminum skin resurfacing with over 2,500 systems in leading plastic surgery and dermatology clinics throughout the world. Derma Genesis® is considered the most powerful and clinically effective microdermabrasion machine on the market today.

This simple, quick and convenient procedure has become very popular with patients as follow up to the SpectraPulse® Photofacial, or herbal/chemical peels, or for anyone showing the early signs of skin damage, aging, sun exposure, pigmentation or other skin imperfections.

What You Can Expect

Each microdermabrasion treatment takes about 30 minutes. Immediately after a treatment, y our skin will feel vibrant and healthy and you will notice a softer, smoother feel and a fresher glow to your skin. There is virtually no recovery time, no discomfort and you can return to work immediately. Patients typically experience only slight redness that usually lasts less than an hour after the procedure is completed.

A series of 4-5 microdermabrasion treatments can help reduce the look of fine lines and superficial wrinkles, remove thickened skin areas due to the impact of environmental factors and reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by sun damage. Additionally, microdermabrasion can reduce the appearance of open pores by unclogging sebum (oil) build-up and eliminate white and black heads.

Overview

Professional skin care treatments are necessary especially as we age as our natural ability to shed dead skin cells and produce new skin declines. When we are young, we typically produce a new set of skin every 30 days. New skin cells are born, they work their way to the surface where they are natural sloughed off by oils in our skin. This natural sloughing process is the trigger for new cells to be produced. Poor nutrition and hydration, sun exposure, environmental damage and age begin to slow down this process. Professional Clinical Treatments on a monthly basis helps to keep your skin producing new skin on a regular basis. One time per month is referred to as “maintenance”. Often patients have significant sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots or hyperpigmentation, acne and overall dry dull rough skin. A series of treatments on a bi-weekly basis allows the patient to improve and sometimes reverse these signs of aging and unhealthy skin. Once the results are achieved, then monthly maintenance is optimal.

Derma Genesis® Medical Microderm

Microdermabrasion-Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical, non-invasive treatment that exfoliates the outer layer of skin effectively reducing fine lines, age spots and acne scars. Microdermabrasion polishes and refines the skin while promoting new skin cells with no downtime! Four to six treatments are recommended for optimum results. (Not appropriate for patients with active, pustular or inflamed acne or acne vulgaris, patients diagnosed with “flat warts”, patients with active outbreak of cold sores or herpes simplex on their face and patients diagnosed with rosacea).

Oxygenation Trio- This is an antioxidant therapy to correct and prevent free radical damage as oxidative and environmental stress of skin is one of the more significant contributors to the aging process. This treatment helps stimulate respiration and circulation within the skin, rejuvenation sluggish, stressed skin as it draws oxygen to the skin’s surface, resulting in a radiant healthy look. This is an excellent treatment for Acne and breakout-prone skin as bacteria cannot live in an oxygenated environment. This treatment is safe for pregnant and lactating women.

Micro Oxy Treatment- is the combination of Microdermabrasion and the Oxygenation Trio. This treatment is an excellent way to exfoliate, brighten and smooth your skin without any irritation or downtime. Appropriate for most skin types. Often utilized before special events and is great for dry dull skin and blemish prone skin types.

Dr. Hansen recommends only the best and most natural skin-care products for his patients. These are products that really make a difference – a difference you can feel and see – results that are backed up by clinical trials on real people just like you. At the Hansen Clinic, we will analyze your individual skin type and map the 14 zones of you skin. From this comprehensive evaluation we will determine the optimum skin care program that’s just right for you.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Environmental free radicals, sun exposure, hormones, poor nutrition and high stress levels can lead to premature aging of the skin. Signs of aging include fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and brown spots, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity and firmness and loss of natural skin hydration. Although aging is a natural process in life, The Hansen Clinic believes in combining health and nutrition with an ideal balance of medical skin care products and aesthetic treatments that can slow down and even reverse some of these age related signs.

The Hansen Clinic can develop an Anti-Aging program that integrates all aspects of your skin’s health through education, nutrition and effective skin care products and treatments for your individual needs. Our advanced skin care products and clinical treatments are designed to prevent future damage, protect healthy skin and correct previous damage.

The Hansen Clinic carries several product lines to meet the individual needs of our patients. We offer products designed to address teen/adult acne, sensitive/ allergenic skin, photo damaged skin, dry/dehydrated skin, fine lines/ wrinkles and lax skin for the body and the face. Obagi Nu-Derm â , CLENZIderm MD, ELASTIderm, ELASTIderm Decolletage System, Skin Ceuticals and DDFare hand picked products for reliable results and optimal skin health.

Obagi ® Condition and Enhance - proven therapeutic combination that works at a cellular level to treat the effects of aging and restore the appearance of normal, healthy skin cells by addressing and inhibiting; sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin, hyperpigmentation (discoloration), redness, sallowness (complexion), acne and future skin damage.

CLENZIderm MD™ - is a three-step acne therapeutic system including a liquefied form of benzol peroxide that is clinically proven to penetrate deeply and clear acne fast. This prescription based treatment instantly as early as two weeks. CLENZIderm’s two different formulas, Normal/Oily and Normal/Dry provide our patients with a treatment that is effective without irritation and discomfort.

ELASTIderm™ - is a one of a kind topical eye treatment clinically proven to help restore elasticity to your periorbital skin and reduce visible lines and wrinkles.

ELASTIderm™ Decolletage System - The skin on the neck and chest are particularly vulnerable to visible aging, since it tends to be thinner, less moisturized, and often over looked in the sun protection regimen. The ELASTIderm ä Décolletage System is a unique solution for the aging décolletage. This system is designed to reduce hyperpigmentation (discoloration), fine lines and wrinkles for the chest and neck in as little as 4 weeks.

Skin Ceuticals- Is an advanced skin care line dedicated to improving and maintaining skin health. Skin Ceutical’s effective skincare regime contains three fundamental elements - prevention, protection, and correction. Skin Ceuticals has developed a full menu of super-antioxidant formulas for all skin types - designed to provide the most advanced protection from environmental aging. These multi-action products protect, esxfoliate and hydrate for smooth, radiant, glowing skin.

DDF - is an Anti Aging, Preventative and Restorative skin care line The Hansen Clinic has incorporated for body care. DDF is effective in addressing various skin conditions including acne, dry rough skin, fine lines, hyperpigmentation/discoloration and smooth texture and tone.

FACIALS

Microdermabrasion Signature Facial- All the luxury of a European Facial combined with the clinical results of Microdermabrasion. This Custom Medical Facial consists of cleansing, skin analysis, light enzymes and Microdermabrasion to exfoliate the skin. Enzymes digest and soften surface skin cells to enhance Microdermabrasion effectiveness. Extractions are performed if necessary. Powerful antioxidants & vital nutrients are applied to nourish the skin and fight free radicals. A custom masque & facial massage will be created to address individual needs and skin type.

This treatment leaves the skin smooth, radiant, and soft to the touch while addressing fine lines, congested pores and skin brightening.

Phloretin Facial  $75 ($125 Value)  
This natural fruit peel facial is a potent antioxidant that also improves circulation and dissolves the keratin layers on the skin’s surface without causing any inflammation. This Anti-Aging breakthrough corrects existing damage and protects and revitalizes the collagen and elastin in your skin. It contains Phloretin CF from SkinCeuticals®, which is featured in the June edition of Oprah Magazine.

TEEN FACIAL - This service begins with a consultation on how best to care for Teen’s skin and educate them on proper hygiene. Depending on the type of acne and the severity of their condition, each treatment is personalized for extremely effective results. While the Hansen Clinic does not promote the use of Antibiotics and Birth Control to resolve acne in teenagers, our facial treatments complement prescription alternatives. Often proper hygiene, the appropriate skin care regimen and treatments are enough to improve the frequency of breakouts and number of acne lesions. Treatments may consist of enzymes, Microdermabrasion, light chemical exfoliation, extractions, Oxygenation or any combination of each. The frequency of treatment is one time per week until acne is under control. Sometimes depending on the procedure, The Teen Facial Treatment may be every other week. The cost of each Teen Facial Treatment is $45 regardless of the service provided. This allows The Hansen Clinic to utilize a combination of treatment choices for the best results!

Back Facials- Deeply cleanses and purifies the most frequently neglected area of the body. This treatment will effectively minimize clogged pores and black heads.

HERBAL / CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical Peels- chemical peels are a great way to achieve rejuvenation. Depending upon your concern, you might benefit from a variety of different facial peels. As we age, the accumulated effects of sun exposure, pollutants and poor nutrition can damage our skin and cause us to look older that we are. Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms hands, and legs. Chemical peels are effective in restoring a more youthful appearance to wrinkled, unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged or blotchy skin. They are also used to treat pre-cancerous lesions. Chemical exfoliation is effective in reducing acne breakouts, congested skin, black heads and white heads and lessoning the depth and severity of acne scarring.

Chemical Peels complement many other skin rejuvenating treatments/procedures such as; Botox, Fillers (Restylane/Radiesse), Microdermabrasion, Intense Photo Light Therapy (IPL), Facials, Cosmetic Surgery and skin care products.

Micro Peel- Being the lightest of all chemical peels, micro peels will smooth and soften your skin, brighten your complexion, minimize pore size, reduce discoloration and improve fine lines. The first step involves Microdermabrasion, followed by the application of a light acid solution, usually between 20% and 50%. Mild, temporary burning and itching may be experienced. This treatment is concluded with topical antioxidant serums and a soothing balm that helps calm and rehydrate the skin.

Sensi Peel®- This gentle solution is formulated primarily for ethnic skin, and other extremely sensitive skin types. Sensi Peel® will strengthen and brighten the skin while helping to treat sun damage and other forms of hyperpigmentation. This multi-faceted treatment also provides anti-inflammatory, anti-acne and antibacterial action, making it an excellent choice for helping calm rosacea, as redness and inflammation can subside substantially after treatment.

Ultra Peel I- Specially formulated to treat dehydrated, mature and sensitive skin types. It will help treat pigment disorders, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damaged skin and acne. This treatment especially ideal for sensitive skin, as it produces only mild tingling sensation. Mild to moderate exfoliation will be experienced, depending on the number of layers applied. Overall, the final result will be plump, hydrated and ultra-soft skin.

GEL Peel- Combined Salicylic and Mandelic acid work to exfoliate the skin while decongesting pores and reducing irritation. Penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and cellular debris. This light chemical peel revitalized sensitive skin and helps improve the appearance of problematic skin.

Ultra Peel Forte- Medium depth peel for those with resilient skin who have more dramatic wrinkling, sun damage and acne scarring are the most suitable candidates for this deeper and more active treatment. Ultra Peel Forte will effectively treat aging skin, acne, pigment disorders, smoker’s skin and photodamaged skin. This treatment is ideal for aging skin in need of rejuvenation. Moderate exfoliation will be experienced depending on the number of layers applied.

Ultra Peel II- An advanced hydrating treatment that encourages additional flaking and peeling. May be used alone or on top of any other PCA Skin professional treatment to produce a tightening and brightening effect. This cream mask contains natural phytohormones which plump, hydrate and moisturize aging skin. The retinol (Vitamin A) content helps increase cell turnover to keep skin looking fresh, while vitamin C strengthens the skin by helping to increase skin’s collagen and elastin network. Ultra Peel works well on all skin types and conditions.

Obagi Blue Peel™-The Obagi Blue Peel (Medium Depth Peel) uses Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) as the active ingredient mixed with the patented Blue Base from Obagi. Depending on the strength (10%, 15%& 20%) and depth (# of layers), you will experience light swelling. Within two to three days, your skin will begin to peel. This peeling continues over the next several days. By the seventh to tenth day, your skin should be healed. You will notice a visible improvement in your complexion. Your skin’s appearance should continue to improve for the next four to six weeks becoming firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier and more youthful looking.

*This peel is used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System. To achieve optimal results it is recommended you repeat the Blue Peel in about six months.

Body Peel- This smoothing body peel will even discoloration while smoothing and brightening the skin. This peel’s ingredients will soften and hydrate the skin’s surface. This peel combines pumice, lactic and salicylic acid to affect dramatic changes in the skin’s appearance and texture. An excellent choice for treating rough dehydrated , sun-damaged or acneic skin on the arms, legs, back chest, hands and feet. Improvement in skin’s texture, tone and hydration can be seen after only one treatment. The Body Peel will allow for home care products to penetrate and be more effective in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

Botox Event
August 24th $10/unit
Schedule now to reserve your spot!

$52 Solvere Acne Clearing Kit
Great for teens and adults

35% Off All Obagi Products

Coming in September -
TurboSonic Whole Body Vertical Vibration System
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Ultra GSE 110™ can prevent free-radical damage to collagen and elastin, push back the clock, and reverse the effects of aging on your body.* Ultra GSE 110™ is a super-antioxidant providing 50 times more antioxidant protection than Vitamin E and 20 times more protection than Vitamin C. Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPC), the super-antioxidants in Ultra GSE 110™, are the most active and bioavailable of all the antioxidants.

To a large extent, youthfulness is determined by the suppleness of your collagen and elastin. Your skin, blood vessels, joints and every membrane within your body are laced together with these connective tissue components.

During infancy, these connective tissues are extremely soft and pliable. Over time the collagen and elastin fibers gradually become cross-linked by free radical damage. As this happens, your skin becomes leathery and wrinkled. Your arteries lose their elasticity and become hardened. Your joints and cartilage stiffen. The lens of your eye becomes cross-linked and clouded. Your spine becomes stiff and bent. Even the neurons of your brain become entangled and damaged. In short every part of your body gradually deteriorates.

You can fight back. When taken orally, Ultra GSE 110™ is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and distributed to the connective tissue where it fights free radical damage, inhibits collagen destroying enzymes, promotes new collagen and elastin formation and slows or even reverses the biological process of aging.

By protecting, restoring and strengthening the collagen and elastin fibers throughout the body, Ultra GSE 110™can reduce the unsightly appearance of varicose veins, the tendency to easy bruising, swelling of the legs, aching pains and stiffness of the joints and hardening of the arteries.

Ultra GSE 110™ is the most potent preventive medicine that you can take. If you want to reverse the aging process and look and feel young again, you should try GSE Ultra 110..

The OPC’s in Ultra GSE 110™ strengthens the heart, stomach and intestinal linings, sinus and respiratory membranes and skin and joint tissues. It inhibits destructive enzymes, reduces excessive histamine release, which constricts blood vessels, and prevents its production. It inhibits blood cells from coming together and becoming thick and "sticky", improves capillary blood vessel resistance and reduces capillary leakage, reduces accumulation of fluid in cells and tissues, possesses anti-inflammatory activity, enhances Interleukin-2 production and increases Natural Killer Cell activity, strengthening the immune system. Gallic Acid found in grape seeds has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity and to aid in killing cancer cells, while selectively sparing normal cells.

Ultra GSE 110T contains the highest concentration of the most active, water-soluble Grape Seed Extract available in the world. Other brands may contain higher percentage of OPC, but yield much smaller quantities of effective OPC.

Ultra GSE 110T also contains a highly standardized Grape Skin Extract, containing Resveretrol, which has been shown to block the initiation, promotion and progression of any substance that promotes cancer cells.
Ultra GSE 110             Two Capsules Contain
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)     250mg
Leucoselect® Grape Seed Extract(98-100% Total Polyphenols;80-85% Proanthocyanidins (OPC)
110 mg
Grape Skin Extract (24% Total Polyphenols5% Anthocyanin, 150ppm Reservatrol)
110 mg
Suggested Use:
Take one or two capsules, two or three times per day as a dietary supplement, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Ultra GSE 110 - Grape Seed Extract: UPC Code #: 7-30610-01001-3

*The claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Radiesse is a natural dermal filler composed of calcium hydroxylapatite (a natural mineral compound) that is combined with glycerine and cellulose to produce a soft and pliable gel-like material. Radiesse has been used in the body for multiple applications including cheek and chin implants and most recently for correcting deep wrinkles. Radiesse can be injected into the dermis of the skin to create a natural “scaffold” on which new collagen is laid down by the body. The result is a long-lasting implant comprised of the calcium microspheres and the body’s own natural tissue.

Radiesse is designed to give a longer-lasting correction to deep folds that remains soft and takes on the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. New soft tissue produced by the body gradually replaces the individual components in Radiesse over time. Although the original injected components gradually dissolve over two to three months, the benefits and youthful appearance produced by Radiesse injections can last 2-5 years.

Typical Radiesse treatments include: smoothing and contouring smile lines or nasolabial folds, marionette lines, acne scars, facial defects or recessions, frown lines, restoring volume in and around the cheeks, and providing modest enhancement or correcting asymmetrical features. Most patients treated with Radiesse should look for a correction that lasts around two years although some patients’ treatment will last three years or longer.

Safety

Radiesse has a long history of safe use as an implant material in a wide range of applications. Comprised of calcium and phosphate ions, calcium hydroxylapatite is durable and biocompatible; it also does not calcify or ossify in soft tissue. Thus, the long-term outcome is a soft, flexible implant. Because the adjacent tissues become

Because the material used in Radiesse is a safe and compatible mineral combination that is similar to the calcium hydroxyapatite found in your bones, there is little risk of allergic reaction and no pretesting is necessary to use Radiesse. Radiesse is FDA approved for vocal cord paralysis and urinary incontinence. All other uses are considered off label.

Possible Side-Effects

A mild localized anesthetic is normally used to minimize or usually eliminate the pain associated with this type of treatment. The numbing effects will wear off in 15 minutes to as long as a couple of hours depending on the anesthetic used by your physician. There is no pain reported afterwards. Some bruising and swelling may occur. Swelling will usually resolve within 24-48hrs and the bruising will usually clear up within 4-5 days. Although rare, c lumping, lumping, or granuloma formation can result when Radiesse is injected into the lips.