Marina Plastic Surgery Unmasks the “Beauty Bandit”

Marina Plastic Surgery Combines Fraxel® Laser and ThermaCool™ TC Technologies to Deal A One-Two Punch to Melasma and the Signs of Aging

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2005 — Marina Plastic Surgery is combining two innovative treatments — Fraxel® Laser and ThermaCool™ — to give back the confidence thousands have had stolen by melasma and aging skin. Melasma, a common disorder affecting approximately 6 million women in the United States, causes a dark brown mask-like skin discoloration across the cheeks and nose, upper lip or forehead. Often called the “mask of pregnancy,” it typically affects pregnant women, but can also be caused by hormonal activity and certain medications.

Melasma can be difficult to treat and, until now, had been unresponsive to laser and pulsed light treatments. Efforts were risky and required significant recovery periods, with minimal results. But Marina Plastic Surgery’s highly effective combination…Fraxel® Laser + ThermaCool™ = ThermaFrax… One highly effective answer to erase discoloration and rejuvenate the skin without the need for invasive surgery or deep skin peels.

The Fraxel® Laser technology speeds the healing process for affected cells and eliminates unnecessary treatment of surrounding cells. ThermaCool™, the other half of the regimen, is a non-invasive type of facelift that turns back the signs of aging. During this procedure, deep layers of skin are treated with radio frequencies that generate new collagen fibers to tighten and firm sagging skin.

“Combining Fraxel® Laser with ThermaCool™ offers our patients a more comprehensive and effective result,” said Dr. Grant Stevens, medical director of Marina Plastic Surgery.

As part of the concentrated effort to combat the effects of melasma and aging, Fraxel® Laser and ThermaCool™ regimens both require a short series of treatments, with a separation of about two weeks between the initial procedures. The treatments typically take little more than an hour and clients can return to their regular routines the same day. As a result, clients look and feel better faster.

Though the combination treatment is most popular among women of childbearing age, it can be used to treat both male and female clients of all ages. Fraxel® Laser is approved for use on all skin surfaces, including the face, neck, chest and backs of hands. ThermaCool™ is ideal for treatment for tightening skin along the jawline, on the forehead and around the eyes.

Dr. Grant Stevens is a California board-certified plastic surgeon and the Medical Director of Plastic Surgery Associates in Marina del Rey. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and has been named one of America’s Best Physicians in The Guide to Top Doctors. Dr. Stevens was nominated by his colleagues, which makes this recognition especially prestigious and rewarding. He is an active member at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital where he is the past Chairman of the Department of Surgery, the past Chairman of the Liposuction Committee, and the past co-director of the Breast Center. He is also on staff at St. John’s Medical Center and the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center.

Marina Plastic Surgery Associates Medical Corporation and The Institute are dedicated to offering the latest advancements in cosmetic plastic surgery and skin care. Marina Plastic Surgery is committed to providing patients with the highest quality of personalized attention.

More about ThermaCool™ and Fraxel® Laser Treatments:

All you want to know is online at www.technologyofbeauty.com.