We also offer Wonderful relaxing Esthetician Services

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin

At Dr. Karl Swanson’s office not only do we offer non surgical treatments but we also offer Esthetician services. We do all kinds of Peel, Microderabrasions, and Facials.

At Ultimate image we strive to not only give each patient the best procedure possible,but we also like to take the additional time to educate our patients on each of their treatment needs as well as at home maintenance. Our medical Esthetician’s, Danielle, Joan and Maria would like to take the opportunity to share their knowledge about skin care and maintaining healthy, vibrant skin at any age.

Do Facials Work?

The answer is, if it’s just a soothing one where the aesthetician cleans your skin, applies nice smelling products, pampers you for an hour, then NOT REALLY. These facials are more relaxing than effective. They might give you a glow for the day, but that’s about it. However, if you are talking about facials that include chemical peels, microdermabrasian and facial extractions, then YES. These procedures can help improve skin conditions with a series of treatments accompanied with medical grade skin care products.

At Ultimate Image, our medical estheticians are trained to decide which procedure is best for you.

We offer Light Peelssuch as:

Glycolic Acid ( 35% & 70%)

Salicylic Acid ( 30%)

Lactic Acid (20%)

These peels will exfoliate the top layer (epidermis) to improve skin texture of all skin types. They even out skin tone, improves dryness, blotchiness, pimples, congested pores, blackheads, acne prone skin and fading spots.

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We also have Medium Peels:

Modified Jessner Peel

Retinoic Acid Peel

TCA Peels at 15%, 20% 30%.

Obagi Blue Peel

These peels are stronger than the Superfacial Peels.

They are especially effective for acne-prone skin, acne marks, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles. Environmental aging (80%) can be prevented by you. Use a sunblock at least SPF 15 everyday, Retin A, and products with Vitamin C and Antioxidants.

We extend to all our Fraxel Erbium and Co2 patinets an invitation to come in and receive an updated FREE skin analysis. We Need to See You! Let us continue the great results you achieved with Fraxel. We will offer you a 10% discount on all skin care and Glo Minerals makeup products.

If you would like to make a appointment with one of our Esthetician’sat Dr. Karl Swansons office at Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center 727-799-7000.

A natural solution thats permanent for the Lips!

Posted on November 4, 2011 by admin

Dr. Karl Swanson is one of the few doctors in the Clearwater and Tampa bay area that not only offers the Silikon treatments for the lips but performs it correctly.

What is Silikon 1000? Silikon 1000 is a medical-grade pure form of silicone. Silikon 1000 is not FDA approved for off shelf use however, it has been used as a filler by cosmetic doctors for 30 years with good results.

How does Silikon 1000 work and what are the advantages? Silikon 1000 provides a very natural-looking permanent solution. Utilizing a micro droplet technique, your body forms collagen forms around Silikon 1000 and eventually the desired look is maintained. The amount of collagen formed depends upon your own body’s sensitivity to Silikon 1000. No skin test is required and there is no downtime.

Are results instantaneous or do I need more than one treatment? Results are seen gradually after each treatment however; most patients need about 3 to 4 treatments 6 weeks apart depending upon the person’s level of sensitivity to Silikon 1000. You can expect to experience some swelling after the procedure.

How long can I expect results to last? Result is permanent

For more information about the Silikon treatment for the lips please contact our office Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center in the Clearwater, Tampa bay area 727-799-7000.

Loose the ugly Brown Spots, use IPL

Posted on November 1, 2011 by admin

Karl Swanson MD has been using Intense Pulse light (IPL) to treat patients in the Tampa, Clearwater area for over 8 years.

WHAT IS INTENSE PULSE LIGHT (IPL)?

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) as its name implies an intense burst of light that is filtered to contain specific wave lengths. Intense light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated red vessels or brown spots. Intense light causes damage to the vessel or brown spot, and the body begins to fade and disappear. The brown spots will darken before they fade away. The body reabsorbs the treated red vessels. The treatment also stimulates collage production which reduces fine lines and makes the skin smoother. Treatment can be given as frequently as every two weeks.

Age spots, freckles, sun spots (brown spots), or melanin, birthmarks and melasma are all forms of excess skin pigment. IPL/Laser photo facial removes or diminishes unwanted pigment, fragmenting and dispersing the excess melanin in the skin with light energy. Vessels reabsorb from the specific wave length of the IPL.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE IPL?

No anesthetics needed
No bruising
Fast and easy procedures
No down time
No pain

ARE IPL TREATMENTS SAFE?

Yes, IPL Systems have been used successfully in hundreds of thousands of treatments. IPL allows us to customize each treatment to your specific type of skin and condition treated. This flexible and interactive approach to treatment is one of the least non-invasive treatments on the market.

IPL Treatments Available on the following areas:

Full Face
Neck
Chest
Hands
Forearms
Full arms
Abdomen
Legs

For more information on Intense Pulse Light contact our office in the Tampa, Clearwater area at 727-799-7000.

Have saggy skin, and don’t want Surgery?

Posted on October 26, 2011 by admin

Dr. Karl Swanson at Ultimate Image in the Clearwater, Tampa bay area offers Thermage procedure is the only non-invasive treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen. (Collagen is the building block that provides structure to your skin.) The Thermage procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Your physician is your best information resource for determining how this treatment will most benefit you. The more commonly asked questions about this popular procedure are listed below.

What is the Thermage procedure?

The Thermage procedure uses a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called ThermaCool. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles and rhytids.

How does it work?

The ThermaCool system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip, which delivers a controlled amount of Radio Frequency energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like?

With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the Radio Frequency energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Prior to treatment, an anesthetic cream may be applied to enhance your comfort. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants and/or pain medication.

How long does it take?

The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preparation prior to the procedure.

What will my skin feel like after the procedure?

Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smoother and more youthful. Overtime, you will notice additional tightening.

How many treatments will I need?

Treatments vary patient to patient some only need one treatment some may need 2-3 treatments; Dr. Karl Swanson will be the one to determine that.

Tighter, smoother skin…
Softened wrinkles and lines…
And an overall younger looking appearance.

Areas Thermage can be used:

Face
Abdomen
Inner and outer Thighs
Neck
Chest
Jowl Area

Bio- Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Posted on October 26, 2011 by admin

Dr. Karl Swanson is one of the few Physicians in the Tampa, Clearwater area to offer the Bio identical hormone replacement therapy is the treatment of the symptoms of menopause, peri-menopause and general hormone imbalance. Bio-identical hormones’ differ from synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are produced by large pharmaceutical companies and are not the exact same chemical structure as the body’s natural hormones. Bio- identical hormones are the exact same chemical structure as those produced in a women’s body and are prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy. It has been found the bio-identical hormones are more beneficial than the synthetic hormones which often have unwanted side effects.

Oprah Winfrey and Suzanne Somers are two well known personalities in the media have brought bio-identical hormone replacement therapy awareness to the women of America.

Dr. Karl Swanson the Medical director at Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center approaches each of his bio-identical hormone replacement patients concerns and problems on an individual basis. By individualizing his natural hormone replacement treatment plan to each patient he is able to maximize the patient’s response to hormone treatment. Dr. Karl Swanson begins with laboratory tests of hormone levels. In addition he performs laboratory tests on nearly every organ system of the body. Based on the patient’s symptoms and laboratory results Dr. Karl Swanson then prescribes an individualized dose of needed of bio-identical hormones. Possible hormones include naturally derived estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA that is prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy. Besides hormones other physician grade nutritional supplements may be prescribes to promote optimal health. Each patient is then monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months

Perimenapose and menopause include some or all of the following symptoms:

Hot flashes
Breast tenderness
Worsening of premenstrual syndrome
Decreased libido (sex drive)
Fatigue
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping

Treatment with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy improves the above symptoms, lowers cholesterol levels, decreases the risk of osteoporosis, and decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Do you have embarrassing Acne?

Posted on October 25, 2011 by admin

Levulan treatment for acne is one of the most effective treatments for problem acne.

To be able to provide Levulan treatment the physician’s office must own a special photodynamic light system called DUSA. Many physicians have not invested in this photodynamic light system and cannot provide the Levulan treatment using the DUSA photodynamic light system.

Dr. Karl Swanson is one of the few Doctors that owns a DUSA photodynamic light system and can offer the Levulan treatment for Acne in the Clearwater, Tampa Bay area.

Are you an adult or teenager embarrassed by facial acne? Have you tried every gel, cream, and cleanser on the market? Have you changed your diet to get rid of pimples? Do you avoid social events afraid of what others might think of your acne? Have you become shy, depressed, or lost your self confidence?

Are you afraid of using Accutane to treat your acne? Then you are an ideal candidate for Levulan Photodynamic Light treatment.

Dr. Karl Swanson believes that proper treatment of acne minimizing the acne and thus preventing the scarring that would otherwise come from it. The positive emotional impact of controlling acne is immeasurable.

Dr. Karl Swanson wants you to know that you don’t have to live with acne any longer! You don’t have to hide your face from the world. You don’t have to change your diet or take pills anymore!

Take your life back with the help of Levulan! Used for resistant acne, Levulan with PDT (photodynamic therapy) offers life-altering improvements.

Dr. Karl Swanson now proudly offers those who suffer from moderate to severe cystic acne a new answer. It’s the combination of Levulan topical solutions with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) which uses a natural wavelength of colored light.

The Levulan treatment can be used on the Following areas:

Face
Neck
Jowl Area
Arms
Shoulders
Chest
Back

Although Levulan Photodynamic Treatment produces the greatest improvment in acne at Ultimate Image. We also have estheticians and physician grade acne products to enhance your results.

For more information on the Levulan Acne treatment in out Clearwater/ Tampa bay area please call 727-799-7000.

Get Rid of those Ugly Veins.

Posted on October 21, 2011 by admin

Laser Vein Removal

Dr. Karl Swanson performs Laser vein removal in our Clearwater office. It is a technologically advanced procedure designed to diminish both spider and varicose veins using a highly concentrated beam of light energy. Laser spider vein removal and laser varicose vein removal are popular because they are minimally invasive, virtually pain free, and require no general anesthesia. Dr. Karl Swanson performs Laser Vein Removal not only on the legs but on the face aswell.

Laser Vein Removal Candidates

Appropriate candidates for laser vein removal are those individuals who have spider or varicose veins and the desire to change their appearance. The ideal candidates are non-smoking individuals who are physically healthy and psychologically stable.

Laser Vein Removal Procedures

Laser spider vein removal and laser varicose vein removal allow individuals with unsightly and unwanted veins to have them removed safely, quickly, and effectively. Both laser vein removal procedures are minimally invasive and are performed while the patient is conscious. Because lasers are so precise, there is little to no risk of burns or blisters on the skin.

Laser Vein Removal Results

With laser spider vein removal and laser varicose vein removal, veins fade significantly or clear completely. Skin looks more uniform and youthful. Although laser vein removal may not correct all the imperfections of the treated area, the overall results are successful; most patients are satisfied with treatment. Laser vein removal does not prevent new veins from forming, however. If new veins appear over time, further treatment may be needed to maintain the results of previous treatment.

A Natural looking filler that last up to one year!

Posted on October 14, 2011 by admin

Dr. Karl Swanson is known in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area to perform the most JUVÉDERM injections and was awarded the Blue Diamond reward from Allergen for the most injections performed.

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 gel, you don’t have to just sit back and let it happen! Recently approved by the FDA, JUVÉDERM injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin’s 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).

Dr. Karl Swanson agrees JUVÉDERM is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases JUVÉDERM injectable gel under the skin to provide 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 collagen-based dermal filler. Almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both JUVÉDERM injectable gel and another dermal filler preferred JUVÉDERM! In addition, JUVÉDERM injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

When Dr. Karl Swanson performs JUVÉDERM the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. Plus, there’s minimal recovery or downtime. So you can step into your doctor’s office for treatment and step right back into your life.

Dr. Karl Swanson can use JUVÉDERM to treat problems such as:

Smile lines (nasolabial folds)
Jowls (marionette lines)
Vertical lines above the lip
Cheek definition
Nose shaping
Lip border and volume
Under eye circles, tear troughs
Temples
Chin lines (mental crease)
Facial symmetry

For more information about JUVÉDERM call Dr. Karl Swanson’s office Located in the Clearwater- Tampa Area for more information on this treatment 727-799-7000.

Remove your unwanted hairs permanently!

Posted on October 13, 2011 by admin

Effective and Convenient Treatment

The appeal of permanent laser hair removal stems from its effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience. Laser hair removal can easily treat large areas of hair growth in a relatively short amount of time. For example, an entire back can be treated through laser hair removal and optimum results can be achieved in as little as an hour.

Both men and women seek laser hair removal services to have superfluous or unwanted hair removed. Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.

For lighter skinned type patients use the Candela Gentlelase 755 Laser.
The Gentlelase laser is the fastest most effective hair removal laser machine on the market today.
For dark skinned patients we have the Altus Cool Glide 1064 Laser.
Laser hair reduction requires five to ten sessions for optimal results.

The treatment is much more efficient than shaving or tweezing on a regular basis. While at-home self-treatment may be cheaper, it also takes much more time and effort to remove hair than it does with laser hair removal. Also, tweezing and shaving do not offer permanent results like laser hair removal does.

Permanent laser hair removal also makes it possible to achieve satisfying results without the pain associated with other types of treatments like waxing. While people who undergo waxing often describe the treatment as repeated burning sensations, laser hair removal involves only minor discomfort.

Lastly, laser hair removal provides excellent results with less risk of skin irritation than the use of depilatories, or hair removal creams. The main active chemical in depilatory creams can actually melt away skin cells, causing mild to severe skin irritation. And, while hair removal creams can provide good results, they are only temporary.

Dr. Karl Swanson performs many Permanent Laser Hair Removal treatments on a daily bases and has great success with each and every treatment. For more information feel free to call our office located in the Clearwater- Tampa area 727-799-7000.

No plastic Surgery needed, try the new liqiud face lift!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by admin

Dr. Karl Swanson is one of the few Doctors in the Clearwater, Tampa area to perform this procedure of injecting Sculptra and has been doing it for 7 years now. Being a Anestiologist he makes it almost painless.

Provides a gradual increase in skin thickness.

Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material known as poly-L-lactic acid. Poly-L-lactic acid is biocompatible (a material that does not harm the body) and biodegradable (able to be broken down by the body). Poly-L-lactic acid has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches, soft tissue implants, and other types of implants.

How does Sculptra work?

Sculptra is injected below the surface of the skin in the area of fat loss. Sculptra provides a gradual increase in skin thickness. Visible results appear within the first few treatment sessions.

Do I need a skin test before being treated with Sculptra?

No skin testing is required prior to use.

How many treatments are required?

Dr. Karl Swanson will decide the appropriate number of treatment sessions and the amount of Sculptra you will need at each session. Patients may require 3-4 treatment sessions.The Sculptra filler provides up to 80 percent improvement in the treated areas.

Painful?

As far as pain, There is almost none. Not only do we numb the skin with a topical numbing cream but we injuect lidocaine into the Sculptra vial so as soon as the Sculptra is inject in the sking the area is numb after three seconds. The treatment only takes about 20 minutes and just can leave the office and contiue with your day. You may have some swelling and brusing but that is normal for a couple days, depending on the person.

How long do Sculptra results last?

In Dr. Karl Swanson’s office in the Clearwater, Tampa bay area the treatment results will differ for each person. In a clinical study, Sculptra lasted for up to three years after the first treatment session, in most patients.