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Here are some general tips before a cosmetic procedure. It is important to follow these guidelines prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure and choosing the physician who will provide it:

1. Choose a physician with extensive experience doing a variety of aesthetic treatments such as Botox and filler injections and laser skin resurfacing, so he or she can recommend the one that's best for you. Dr. Ourian^™ has more than ten years of cosmetic dermatology experience and treated thousands of patients. This is Dr. Ourian^™'s passion and his goal for every patient is to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
2. Don't ask your doctor for a specific treatment. Rather, explain what issues you'd like to address and let your doctor offer the solutions. It is important to remember that what you should expect from a physician is not only their physical skill in administering a treatment but their judgment and discernment. You know how you want to look; allow the physician to determine the safest and most effective way to achieve that goal.
3. Regulations vary from state to state, so ask your doctor who will be administering your treatment, and if that person permitted to do so under your state's laws. At Epione, Dr. Ourian^™ personally administers all Botox and filler treatments. We have no nurse-injectors. And only Dr. Ourian^™ offers and administers the Coolaser and Coolbeam treatments.
4. Have realistic expectations. While aesthetic treatments can be beneficial, no reputable physician can guarantee results. We are committed to 100% patient satisfaction. To that end, we offer unlimited FREE follow-up appointments. If a patient is unhappy with the cosmetic results of their treatment we do all we can in a safe manner to make them not just a happy client but a dazzled one.

At Epione we consider patient education one of our primary purposes. We believe that one key to patient satisfaction is aligning the results we can offer, and do our best to achieve, with the expectations of our patients. Patient education is fundamental to this relationship. And an educated patient typically has a better understanding of the post-procedural at-home aftercare that is often key to maximizing their results.Dr. Ourian^™ is a big proponent of combining Botox injections and fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane and Juvederm to achieve optimal results for the patient who wishes to address the wrinkles on her face and obtain a more youthful look.Why Botox AND fillers? It is important to understand and distinguish between two types of facial wrinkles: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles occur in people of all ages. The creases that you see between and around your eyes when you squint are examples of dynamic wrinkles. They appear temporarily when a muscle contracts and causes the overlying skin to crease like an accordion. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle weakens. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear.Static wrinkles are always visible, even when all the facial muscles are at rest. Static wrinkles cause the deep grooves between the nose and mouth known as naso-labial folds, or smile lines, and tend to develop in skin that has thinned and stretched as a result of the aging process. Dr. Ourian^™ uses fillers to plump up the groove from beneath.There are even some anecdotal reports suggesting that Botox helps slow down the breakdown of the filler due to less movement in the area by reducing muscle contractions.

Now that summer is over, it's time to reverse the signs of sun damage and reveal healthier, beautiful skin! At Epione, we offer two revolutionary laser options to improve the overall quality of your skin, while helping eliminate damage the sun left behind this summer.Coolaser is a procedure developed by Dr. Ourian^™ and is only available at Epione. It treats wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and is safe for all skin types. Dr. Ourian^™ can fine-tune the depth of treatment in accordance with each patient's needs. The Coolaser will penetrate only as deeply as needed, allowing Dr. Ourian^™ the ability to remove wrinkles and refresh your overall skin appearance. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin will quickly regrow in its place. Unlike other laser treatments, the Coolaser does not require a long recovery period, and the results are long lasting!An additional option for erasing the damage done to your skin this past summer is CoolFractional Laser treatment. CoolFractional Laser treatment is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin, by affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots. This triggers the body's natural healing process, accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.Call today (888.931.3366) and ask about our Fall Specials on Coolaser and CoolFractional Laser treatments. Leave the summer sun damage behind, and start fall with luminous, healthier looking skin!

The easiest way to get glowing, luminous skin this fall is by exfoliating. Exfoliation is an essential component of skin care. When you exfoliate, you are sloughing off dead skin and exposing fresher, brighter, younger skin beneath.Exfoliate up to 3 times a week with a gentle exfoliating cleanser for best results. After exfoliating, it's very important to moisturize your skin. Exfoliating helps the moisturizing products penetrate more deeply into the skin, boosting their effectiveness. This can make the skin feel softer and give it a look of greater radiance.Get rid of the summer damage and hydrate for the coming winter months ahead by exfoliating to unveil beautiful, glowing skin.

Have you ever worn an elegant dress or an amazing shirt out to a special occasion, only to look down in to see immense, embarrassing sweat stains?You may have a personal problem called hyperhidrosis and we at Epione can help you by using Botox. The procedure is quite straightforward. First, your problem area is numbed using a special topical cream, and then a few drops of Botox are injected with a tiny needle. That’s it!Botox was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) that is inadequately managed with topical agents. The Botox injected into the underarms inhibits the release of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, from nerve cells, blocking the signals that stimulate the eccrine glands to produce sweat. Botox blocks the nerve impulse from reaching the area and, as a result, the sweat glands are inactivated.So go out, be yourself at that big presentation or stressful event and feel self-confident that you’re sweat-free!This is intended to provide general information only. If you require additional information please contact our office at 888.931.3366. For details please consult your physician.

Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralizing external forces (such as damage from the sun, pollution, wind, and temperature) and internal factors (for example, emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen). Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene. These special chemicals assist in skin repair and the strengthening of blood vessels.

Which foods are rich in antioxidants?

Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains and some meats, poultry and fish. The list below describes food sources of common antioxidants.

• Beta-carotene is found in many foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.
• Lutein, best known for its association with healthy eyes, is abundant in green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale.
• Lycopene is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods. Estimates suggest 85 percent of American dietary intake of lycopene comes from tomatoes and tomato products.
• Selenium is a mineral, not an antioxidant nutrient. However, it is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. In the United States, meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Brazil nuts also contain large quantities of selenium.
• Vitamin A is found in three main forms: retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3). Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese.
• Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, and can be found in high abundance in many fruits and vegetables and is also found in cereals, beef, poultry and fish.
• Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

This is intended to provide general information only. If you require additional information please contact our office at 888.931.3366. For details please consult your physician.

There are many different causes for dark circles, or bags under the eyes. Dark circles are often hereditary, they tends to run in families so if one of your parents have them, chances are so will you. The skin under the eye is very thin, as blood passes through tiny capillaries close to the surface of the eyes, it creates a bluish tint. As you age your skin becomes thinner and the blood vessels or dark circles more visible. Lack of nutrients in a diet can also cause dark circles to appear. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may also develop dark circles below the eyes because extended exposure to the sun can weaken the skin.What can you do to minimize the appearance of dark circles under your eyes? Be sure to drink enough water. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 to prevent skin weakening caused by sun damage (EPIONE Sunblock – Protect & Correct). You may be surprised to learn that fatigue usually isn't the cause of dark circles. But it is still important to get plenty of rest because the lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin, which allows the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear more blue or darker.Give Epione a call at 888.931.3366 to discuss the other treatment options we offer to treat dark circles under your eyes.

Everyone has dealt with acne at one point in their lives. There are plenty of myths out there about the causes and cures for acne.Does greasy food really cause acne? Have you passed on that chocolate bar because you were scared of breaking out? Fear no longer. Scientists have been unable to find a correlation between diet and acne. Don't overindulge though – a poor diet can result in many other health problems.Tanning has long been heralded as a solution for acne. While it may work in the short-term, tanning may actually lead to more breakouts in the future because sun damage dries out and irritates the skin. Washing your face too much and scrubbing the skin can result in dryness and irritation as well resulting in more breakouts.For great looking skin always wear sunscreen, such as our EPIONE Sunblock - Protect & Correct

Healthy foods can help with much more than a tiny waistline. Below we will highlight certain foods that will not only help you stay trim, but will keep your hair, skin and eyes looking fabulous.Dying to get super shiny hair? Don't want to pay all that money to get hot oil treatments? Eating foods that are rich in iron with give you not only shiny hair, but healthy looking skin as well. Shellfish, breakfast cereals and lentils are all a good source of iron. Vitamin E is also essential in getting that desired shine. By including sunflower seeds, olives and papaya in your diet, you'll be sure to have the shiniest hair in the office.Who doesn't want healthier looking skin? Avocados are a great source of essential oils and B vitamins that will help nourish your skin. Got leftover avocados from dinner? Use them to make a great facial mask. Mangoes can also be extremely helpful in obtaining that fresh look. Rich in anti-oxidants, mangoes will help fight off free radicals – one of the primary causes of premature aging.We all know the cucumber trick to get rid of those pesky bags under the eyes. Did you know that those bags under your eyes can be caused by a deficiency in essential vitamins and proteins? Eating foods like carrots, that are rich in beta carotene, will be excellent for the skin and eyes, and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C will strengthen the blood vessels and clear up your skin. Consider adding oranges, strawberries and even cashews to your diet to increase your intake of Vitamin C.

What is more sexy than a pearly white smile? Here are some tips to make sure your smile stays dazzling.

• Avoid staining drinks like coffee, tea, and soda. If you absolutely need your caffeine fix in the morning, use a straw.
• Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, or after eating staining foods, such as berries. Be careful not to overbrush though, as this may strip away the enamel and allow staining more easily.
• Easy whitening options are available that you can do right at home. Brushing your teeth with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (being careful not to swallow) will act as a whitening agent. Lemon juice mixed with a teaspoon of salt also has a whitening effect. While these techniques may not taste good, your smile will thank you.
• A good diet will always prove beneficial. Make sure to get plenty of calcium, as it is vital for strong teeth. Crunchy foods that require lots of chewing—carrots, celery and apples—will help remove built-up plaque as you chew.

A question that gets asked regularly is, 'What am I going to do about my cellulite"? At Epione, we have the solution. It's a revolutionary treatment called OptiLipo Los Angeles, which combines mesotherapy and ultrasound acoustic waves that selectively break down fat cells and flush them away. A series of treatments may be necessary, but the best news is that results may be permanent if a patient remains the same weight after treatment? All without a single incision!

The American Society of Dermatological Surgery has reported that botched laser skin procedures has increased 41% over the last year, and medical spas who offer laser treatments have grown 160% over the past three years. However, the number of people properly trained in the use of lasers has not kept up with the increased demand for laser treatments.Epione, which was founded in 1998 by Dr. Simon Ourian^™, is one of the most experienced laser and cosmetic surgery practices in the world, performing more than 2,000 laser procedures a month. More than 20 different lasers are utilized for different skin types, and some of the laser techniques used around the world were pioneered and perfected by Epione physicians.Therefore, you know you are in experienced hands when you want to take care of your skin.

Coolaser

This procedure was developed by Dr. Ourian, and it's available only at Epione. With this procedure, Dr.Ourian can fine-tune the depth of treatment in accordance with each patient's needs. The Coolaser will penetrate only as deeply as needed, allowing Dr. Ourian the ability to remove wrinkles, sun spots, and refresh your overall skin appearance. New skin quickly takes the place of the old, damaged skin, promoting changes in skin tone, texture, and color.

Fraxel

This laser is designed to target aging and sun damaged skin, treatment of fine lines, acne scars, surgical scars, melasma, and skin irregularities. Just as a damaged painting is delicately restored one small area at a time, or a photographic image is altered, pixel by pixel, the Fraxel Laser treatment improves your appearance affecting only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots.

Every time you turn on TV and watch a cosmetic infomercial or walk through the cosmetic section of a department store, you are told what to use to hide dark circles under your eyes.Many factors can cause the appearance of dark circles. These include: food allergies, particularly dairy products, kidney disorders, cardiovascular insufficiencies, toxicity and, of course, the aging process. Aging can cause the thinning of the skin around the eyes and loss of "fat padding" in the face, both of which can result in dark circles.The combination of fillers and a fine laser which is used to fragment and destroy the pigments in the darker areas of the skin result in a more youthful, less tired appearance. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and may heal within a few days.

Most of us have had blemishes or acne at one time during our lives. Unfortunately, severe acne can lead to scarring and embarrassment. These scars can vary in shape, type and color. Laser resurfacing is the best recommended treatment for most of these scars. The process is like sanding the surface of a damaged table so that the scars are less deep. However, if you have deeper scars, they can be treated by injections under the skin with collagen, silicone and one's own fat. This procedure is recommended for men and women 18 and above who have no other medical complications.

Perlane, the Latest filler from Europe

Perlane, part of the Restylane family, was approved by the FDA in May 2007 and has just come on the market. At Epione we are pleased to be among the first offices to make Perlane available to its patients. The difference between Restylane and Perlane is the hyaluronic acid gel particles in Perlane are larger than those found in Restylane. This means that you will get even better contouring and added volume for those deeper facial wrinkles and folds and lips. Perlane treatments should last about six months.

Radiesse

Radiesse is made of smooth, calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel. The product works to stimulate your body's own collagen production for a soft, natural look. After a short series of treatments, Radiesse has shown to last between 3 and 7 years, giving it a serious edge over other fillers, which usually fade after 6–9 months.

Juvederm

Juvederm is a new hyaluronic acid gel. Hyaluronic acids play an important role in the way your skin feels and functions. As you age, your skin tissue becomes dehydrated and the collagen and elastin fibers lose their structure. Hyaluronic acid gels, like Juvederm, can help to temporarily replace the lost hyaluronic acid and restore your skin's volume and smooth, natural appearance. It lasts about six months.

We all want to get that extra golden tan, but we don't want to pay for it afterwards. Choose one of our skin care peels to keep your skin looking healthy.

Organic Peel

The Organic Peel is a medically designed method for skin peel developed purely on a plant-based formula. It does not contain any chemical additives and accelerates blood circulation of the treated area and effects peeling of the upper skin layers. It's great for wrinkles, premature aging of the skin, acne, enlarged pores, sun damaged skin, skin discoloration, etc.

Particle Skin Resurfacing

The New Skin Restoration Procedure: This procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical. It uses a highly controlled spray of oxide crystals under pressure and vacuum. These crystals erase imperfections and sun damage, allowing younger, softer skin to move to the surface. It's also great for blackheads and whiteheads, fine wrinkles, acne, superficial age spots, etc.

Chemical Peels

This type of peel can bring about a significant improvement in your skin. In this procedure a small concentration of Trichloroacetic Acid is mixed with a special base prior to application. Once the mixture is applied, the upper, dead layer of skin slowly peels away. In a few weeks, you can have healthier skin.So start taking care of your skin now to keep that healthy glow forever.

Rebuild the architecture of your body through diet, exercise, and a few secret weaponsWhether it is shorts, skirts, or bathing suits, everyone wants to look their best summer body during the summer. Epione Medical Spa offers a new arsenal of weapons in the battle against sunspots, stretch marks, spider veins, and cellulite.

Erase stretchmarks

The Coolbeam procedure, developed by Dr. Ourian^™ and performed at Epione Beverly Hills, uses a laser to resurface the superficial layers of the skin while stimulating collagen production deep within the dermis. The result is smoother, tighter skin on the thighs and buttocks, and a significant reduction in the appearance of stretch marks and sunspots.

Zap spider veins

Blue Light therapy uses a series of intense light to zap redness on the surface of the skin. The tiny capillaries that create spider veinsare heated and either absorbed or evaporated. The blue light is also used in conjunction with Sclerotherapy (the injection of a solution into larger veins) to reduce and eliminate the unsightly varicose veins which keep too many women from showing their legs. Epione uses a combination of Blue Laser and sclerotherapy.

Kill cellulite

Cellulite does not discriminate. It doesn't care if you are fat or thin. And it often won't go away with diet and exercise alone. Now Epione offers a solution: a combination of Mesotherapy, which uses a series of micro-injections to break down stubborn fat deposits, and Lipotherapy, a virtually painless procedure using trans-dermal acoustic waves to break up connective tissueand thicken the dermis, significantly reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Clear away unwanted hair

Now that your body is firm and bikini-ready, why not go for perfection, and enjoy the freedom of laser hair removal? At Epione, we offer wonderful laser hair removal packages for the legs, underarms, face and bikini areas, and all of our LHR procedures are performed by registered nurses. In fact, we have performed more laser hair removal than most other doctor's offices.Be the first one on the beach this summer!

When Make-Up is Not Enough and Surgery is too much

There comes a time when make-up can only do so much to hide the dark circles, bags, and sun damage that inevitably come with age. But maybe you're not ready for your grandmother's facelift. You fear looking stretch and pulled, not to mention the downtime.Enter the One-Hour Facelift: a non-surgical alternative to going under the knife. Dr. Simon Ourian^™ invented the One-Hour Facelift, and he performs them at Epione in Beverly Hills. Dr. Ourian^™ custom designs the perfect combination of Coolaser treatments, Botox, and injectable fillers for each patient.The result? A natural-looking glow that will have people convinced that you just came back from a fabulously restful vacation. After all, you want to feel sunny, not Cher.