BLOG – Wellmedica

Balance Life Out With Bio-Identical Hormone Treatment

Written by Victoria on March 22, 2019. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is an anti-aging treatment that is used to treat hormone deficiencies and imbalances. It has been used since the late 1930s and is considered as one of the most natural ways to deliver hormones to the body because the hormones are structurally and biologically identical to the body’s own.

Why Is It Needed?
The stress that most of us feel from our daily routine is actually due to the lack of circulating cortisol in our blood stream. Cortisol is the stress hormone that is secreted from the adrenal glands atop our kidneys. When production doesn’t meet the demand our bodies need, we start to have some signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue. These range from chronic fatigue, lack of concentration, carbohydrate cravings, anxiety attacks, inability to sleep and the inability to lose weight (especially the lower abdominal area) no matter how hard you work out to name a few.

When our bodies don’t have enough cortisol we start to “rob Peter to pay Paul.” The parent hormone to cortisol and our sex hormones is DHEA. When our adrenal glands request more DHEA to make cortisol, we have a decrease in the amount of essential sex hormones.

When we have a decrease in our sex hormones, the symptoms can be both obvious and subtle. We can start to experience mood swings, agitation, trouble sleeping, mind racing at night, carbohydrate cravings, decreased sex drive, painful sex, vaginal dryness, and more. With proper testing and a detailed history, we are able to stop and even reverse these symptoms using bio-identical hormone therapy and nutritional supplements.

How does it work?
BHRT pellets are typically inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the gluteal or abdominal muscles and function to supplement any hormonal deficiencies. The potency of the pellets are drawn on by the body over time and each BHRT treatment can last between 3-6 months based on individual needs.

Is it safe?
Dr. Dima has been administering BHRT since 1998 and in her experience, it is safe when administered and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Studies demonstrate the use of BHRT has slowed and even stopped certain conditions such as osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

anti-aging, BHRT, hormone therapy, pellets

Love Your Skin with UltraShape Power & Venus Legacy

Written by Victoria on February 11, 2019. Posted in Aesthetic Blog, Body.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1! And so it begins. The beginning of a new year; a fresh start; an unwritten chapter and a chance to smash your goals and make all your dreams come true. If you’re like the rest of us, those goals include some form of healthy resolutions – sleep more, get fit, eat better, relieve stress, travel more, etc. The goal that is almost always on everyone’s list is to lose weight and get fit. You can do both with the combination of UltraShape Power and Venus Legacy.

Let’s Talk About UltraShape Power

UltraShape® Power is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive body shaping procedure to use safe, focused, pulsed ultrasound energy to selectively and permanently destroy fat cells. It is the gold standard in non-invasive body contouring treatments.

So how does it work?

Unlike other fat-reduction procedures, UltraShape does not use heat or freeze fat. UltraShape Power uses gentle ultrasound energy that destroys fat cells in your body which are then released as triglycerides, processed through the liver and flushed naturally from the body.

What is Venus Legacy?

Venus Legacy is a non-surgical, anti-aging treatment used to increase skin tightening, reduce circumference, decrease cellulite and improve the appearance of stretch marks. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen causing skin to appear dull and lose elasticity. Add weight loss to the equation and you run the risk of saggy skin. Venus Legacy to the rescue!

So how does it work?

It uses radio-frequency technology to stimulate collagen production by heating the deeper layer of tissue under the skin. The treatment is a 20-minute outpatient procedure, very comfortable and has no downtime.

Combining the power of Venus Legacy for skin tightening and UltraShape Power for permanent fat reduction is a win-win! Get rid of unwanted body fat, reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks and tighten sagging skin at the same time. Now, that’s a great way to jump-start your New Year healthy resolutions.

Skin Moles 101

Written by Victoria on January 23, 2019. Posted in Aesthetic Blog, Skin.

You wake up one morning and find that there something pesky on your skin. You think nothing of it initially and some time goes by. It must be some kind of bruise but you don’t remember bumping into anything. Meh. It’ll go away on its own. Fast forward to a week or two later, you check again and that pesky thing is still there. Sound familiar?

Moles occur on the skin’s surface when pigment-producing cells cluster together forming a concentration instead of spreading out like they are supposed to. They are very common and sometimes people may have several of them. Moles come in different shapes and sizes ranging from flat to raised to an actual growth on the skin. Typically, moles are harmless. However, you should immediately get them checked if you notice any changes in color or appearance.

Types of Moles

Congenital Moles

Otherwise known as birthmarks, these are moles that you are born with. They can range in size and color. Some birthmarks can be removed with cosmetic or aesthetic surgery.

Common or Acquired Moles

As the name suggests, these moles are acquired or appear after birth and can appear anywhere on the skin’s surface.

Atypical Moles aka Dysplatic Nevi

These moles are irregular in appearance, shape and color. They can appear any on the body but are usually found in torso area. They have a tendency to occur more in fair-skinned individuals.

Causes of New Moles

Science isn’t exactly sure what causes new moles in adults – whether cancerous melanomas or benign. There’s extensive research on melanomas but not a lot on benign moles. Some studies point to genetic mutation as the likely culprit. In a 2015 research study, reports show that genetic mutations of the BRAF gene were present in 78 percent of benign acquired moles.

New moles may occur as a result of:

Aging
Family history of atypical moles
Genetic mutations
Fair skin and light/red hair
A reaction to drugs that suppress your immune system
A reaction to other drugs, such as some antibiotics, hormones, or antidepressants
Sunburn/sun exposure or tanning bed use

Moles that occur in adulthood are more likely to become cancerous. A 2017 review of case studies found that 70.9 percent of melanomas arose from a new mole. If you’re an adult with a new mole, it’s important to have it checked by your doctor or a dermatologist.

What To Look For:

Use this quick melanoma guide developed by the American Academy of Dermatology to check your moles:

Asymmetrical Each half of the mole is different.
Border. The mole has irregular borders.
Color. The mole has changed color or has many or mixed colors.
Diameter. The mole gets larger — more than 1/4 inch in diameter.
Evolving. The mole keeps changing in size, color, shape, or thickness.

Bottom line – conduct regular self-checks on your skin. If you notice anything unusual such as change in size, color, pain or secretion, see your physician immediately.

To book a complimentary consult to see Dr. Dima, call 703.787.9866.

mole removal, skincare

Pucker Up With Restylane Silk

Written by Victoria on December 10, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Full lips and lip augmentation are all the rage now. The “Kylie effect” is in full swing and everybody (well almost everyone) wants in on the action. But how big is too big? What filler is best used? Should you go with a doctor or nurse practioner as your provider? So pucker up (pun intended) and let’s get started.

Research. Research. Research.

Before you go to your first appointment, do your research. Browse the internet, ask friends and people you know about their experience, look up before and after photos. The internet is a great place to find information on the different fillers (Restylane, Voluma, Juvederm etc) available on the market today and compare treatment cost.

Determine How Big You Want To Go

Do you want va-va-voom lips or are you more of a natural fullness kind of person? This is an important question to answer before your appointment. It will help you guide the provider in the direction you want to go and ensure you are happy with your results.

Set Realistic Expectations

Be honest with yourself and set realistic goals. The best way is to begin gradually and incrementally go from there.

Set A Budget

The cost of fillers can range anywhere from $400 and upwards depending on whether a doctor or nurse practioner administers the treatment. Side bar – ensure that whoever performs the procedure is board certified. Keep in mind that most fillers on the market today are hyaluronic acid-based and will be absorbed by the body over time. In other words, there’s upkeep involved to maintain your look.

At WellMedica, we prefer Restylane for patients who want lips that look natural and not overdone. Restylane^® Silk is the first FDA-approved product specifically designed for lip augmentation and the smoothing of wrinkles around the mouth in patients 21 years of age and older.

If you’re interested in plumping up your lips for that perfect pucker, call 703.787.9866 to book a complementary consultation with Dr. Dima Ali.

Big Lips, botox, fuller lips, injectables, juvederm, Lip Augmentation, lip filler, restylane, voluma

Unwrap A Slimmer You with UltraShape Power

Written by Victoria on November 15, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog, Body.

The holiday season brings a lot of joy and excitement. With the crisp winter air, the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine wafting through the air, and jolly cheers all around, the holiday is definitely a festive season. Along with the festivities, also comes quite a bit of hustle and bustle with lots of hosting or attending parties, visiting friends and family as well rounding up the work year. It also a time when you want to look your best while making all these appearances. But let’s face it – in between enjoying all the holiday delicacies and fun-filled activities, who really has the time (or wants) to exercise? Well, UltraShape Power is exactly what you need.

UltraShape Power is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive body shaping procedure to use focused, pulsed ultrasound energy to selectively destroy fat cells. It is the gold standard in non-invasive body contouring treatments.

So how does UltraShape Power work?

Unlike other fat-reduction procedures, UltraShape® does not use heat or freeze fat. UltraShape® Power uses gentle ultrasound energy that destroys fat cells in your body which are then released as triglycerides, processed through the liver and flushed naturally from the body. It doesn’t damage any surrounding tissue, nerves or muscles.

What is treatment like?

For optimal results, a series of 3 quick and painless, 45-minute treatments spaced two weeks apart are recommended. This gives your body time to flush out destroyed fat cells in between sessions. Plus, you can drop up to 2 dress sizes!

Are there any side effects?

No. Besides destroying fat cells, UltraShape® Power is gentle and doesn’t damage any surrounding tissue, nerves or muscles.

How long does it last?

The fat cells that are treated are destroyed and cannot grow back. However, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to sustain results and so that fat cells in untreated areas do not increase.

So this holiday season, instead of worrying about looking good in your little black dress or fitted tuxedo jacket, let your hair down and let UltraShape® Power do the heavy lifting for you.

ab exercise, body contouring, flat tummy, liposuction, mommy makeover, non-surgical fat loss, permanent fat reduction, slimmer thighs, thigh exercises, thigh fat, tummy tuck, ultrashape, UltraShape Power, weight loss

Geneveve for Urinary Incontinence

Written by Victoria on October 5, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Urinary incontinence is somewhat of a taboo subject. People have it but many are embarrassed to talk about it. They assume it’s hereditary or a part of the aging process and therefore a lifelong ailment. The good news is, it’s neither, and most cases can be reversed with treatment. Let’s dive in!

So what is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence basically means the loss of bladder control. It can appear in the form of leaking when you sneeze or cough or the immediate, pressing urge to use the bathroom. Urinary incontinence is not only a physical condition – it can take an emotional, social and psychological toll as well.

Types of UI

Stress Urinary Incontinence

This is perhaps the most common type of UI. It is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles that have stretched over time.

Overactive Bladder or Urge Incontinence

Overactive Bladder is another common type of UI. As its name suggests, it is the urgent need to empty your bladder, sometimes before you have a chance to get to the bathroom. Your brain signals your bladder to empty itself out, even when it isn’t full. That’s what causes the constant “urge” to go.

Functional Incontinence

This is occurs when a mental or physical condition prevents you from getting to the toilet in time. For example, a broken limb can delay your ability to remove your pants in time.

Mixed Incontinence

Experiencing more than one type of urinary incontinence.

When to see a Doctor

Causes you to restrict your daily activities or social life
Is indicative of an underlying problem
Causes related injury (falls, bumps, etc.) while rushing to the toilet

Schedule My Consultation

Women experiencing urinary incontinence need not suffer anymore! The FDA has approved Geneveve – a non-surgical, outpatient, vaginal rejuvenation treatment – to treat urinary incontinence. What’s more, it is also an aesthetic procedure to that rejuvenates vaginal tissue. Win, win! Geneveve stimulates the body’s own renewal response to gradually restore healthy collagen and give soft tissue a youthful tone resiliency. To learn more about the Geneveve treatment for urinary incontinence, please call our office at 703.940.9787 or visit our office at 1801 Robert Fulton Drive Ste 540, Reston VA 20191.

Why We Prefer ThermiVa Over MonaLisa Touch

Written by Victoria on August 7, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Currently, on the market today there are a large number of different non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation technologies including ThermiVa, FemiLift, MonaLisa Touch, Geneveve, and more. Many of our patients come to us asking which procedure is the best and most effective. This is a complicated question that includes several different factors. Keep reading to learn which treatment Dr. Dima recommends for you!

Botox for Facial Slimming

Written by Victoria on July 10, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Botox for facial slimming is a popular treatment option offered here at WellMedica. Botox is a very versatile treatment that can be used to reduce wrinkles, reduce sweating, and even change the shape of your face. Botox for facial slimming is typically known as the non-surgical square jaw reduction procedure. To learn more about Botox for facial slimming keep reading.

PRP for Hair Loss

Written by Victoria on July 5, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

PRP for Hair Loss is a relatively new treatment that WellMedica offers to patients that are experiencing unwanted hair loss. Hair loss can be embarrassing and upsetting, and is much more common than many think. In fact, according to the American Hair Loss Association, by 35, two-thirds of men experience some degree of hair loss, and by the age of 50, about 85% of men have significantly thinner hair.

Non-Surgical Butt Lift

Written by Victoria on June 21, 2018. Posted in Aesthetic Blog.

Many of our patients have been asking us about a non-surgical butt lift procedure that uses the filler Sculptra. WellMedica always offers the latest technology and treatments for non-surgical options, so of course we offer this wonderful treatment! To learn more about a non-surgical butt lift keep reading!