Category — Skin Care

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work
—Aristotle

This February, Laura Brown celebrates her 23rd anniversary of employment at the Parker Center. Laura started working for Dr. Parker in 1988, when she was a young mom looking for a part-time job.

“I started as a part-time receptionist in a satellite office. Over the years, I’ve had many different responsibilities, but now I’m a surgical Scheduling Coordinator,” said Laura.

As a Surgical Scheduling Coordinator, Laura’s main responsibility is working with the reconstructive patients, such as those receiving surgery for skin cancers and similar lesions. She schedules the procedures for these patients, handles their paper and lab work, and reviews their prescriptions and the doctor’s instructions with them.

Democratic leaders in the Senate unveiled their proposal for overhauling the health care system, which includes a new 5% tax on elective cosmetic procedures. Senate Democrats argue that the tax, which was a surprise addition to the sweeping 2,074-page bill, will generate $5.8 billion over the next 10 years to be put towards the bill’s estimated $849 billion price tag. However, this tax as discriminatory, arbitrary and ineffective.

A 60 year-old can look 40 and a 40 year-old can look 60. The reason for this is that genetics, environment and an individual’s skin care regimen dictate how quickly the face shows age. This is why Paramus plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul M. Parker says there is no real age requirement for a facelift procedure.

“Whatever the age, when a patient comes to me wanting a facelift, I start every consultation by handing her a mirror,” he says. “Then I say ‘Show me what’s bothering you.’” He goes on to say that if the patient points out sagging jowls and lax skin of the face and neck, a facelift will help the situation. If the patient expresses concern about fine wrinkling of the skin, he recommends non-surgical treatments at The Beaura Spa, the onsite medical spa where Dr. Parker serves as Medical Director.

The most common type of cancer in the United States, skin cancer, is also one of the most treatable if caught early.

As mid summer approaches, it isn’t only beach goers who are in danger of exposing themselves to harmful UV rays- golfers, runners, and anyone involved in outside activities are at risk. One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime, according to skincancer.org

The ABCD’s of detection are vital to self-examination and should be done as a regular routine. The American Melanoma Foundation defines the ABCD’s as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation and diameter. Watching out for these can alert you as to what changes or developments should prompt an examination by your doctor.

While most people think the aging process is solely related to genetics, an interesting study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) now shows that environmental factors such as stress and weight fluctuations also leave their mark on the face.

We felt it was important to share this study with our Bergen County plastic surgery patients, as it shows people must take active and proactive steps to keep their face looking as young as possible.

This study specifically followed groups of twins that happen to share the same DNA, yet were exposed to different stressors such as divorce, antidepressant use and weight fluctuations.

I was born in the Middle East, but have been in the United States for over 22 years. I am fortunate not only because I can make a living at what I love, but that I have been blessed by being surrounded by very hard working, honest professionals. I consider myself a student of the skin. It’s an arena where you have to work to stay on top of all the information, so I stay current by taking courses in New York and reading all the latest journals. Last week I got some advance information on an FDA approved product. This keeps the Beaura Spa at The Parker Center in New Jersey at the cutting edge of a very fast, competitive industry.  As new information becomes available I incorporate it into my client’s regimen. My opinion is if you don’t want to be studying and learning, you can be happy as a facialist working in an average salon with mediocre products. That was never my goal.

Working with dermatologists over the years, you get to know the plastic surgeons that are the most respected not only for their results, but for their approach to people. Dr. Parker always has had a great reputation. His medi spa also carries the products I love—including my favorite—Skinceuticals. When I see patients for the first time I look at their skin and ask their goals. I tell them what they need and work out a program for them. I don’t rely as much on diagnostic tools as I do magnification and my own experience. Whether the client needs Microdermabrasion, IPL, chemical peels or just better skin care products, we are serious about providing results and extra value. In Manhattan, you get a 15 minute laser treatment and you are out the door. Here, we spend 45 minutes or more with you by adding a facial or other treatment to the base procedure. This isn’t a factory.  What you get in our spa is no comparison to those in the city. I teach my patients and go over products with them so they can save money in the long run.

“If you want to be pampered, you can go to a salon for a fluff, steam and cream. But if you are truly serious about taking corrective action for your skin concerns, nothing takes the place of medically based skin care. You wouldn’t eat macaroni and cheese while training for a marathon.  If long term results are important to you, base your product and procedure decisions on nutritional skincare and real science.”

Georgiana Liquori—Aesthetician—Beaura Spa at Parker Center

Most women panic at the thought of a breakout on their big day.  This is especially the case for women with a history of acne or facial impurities that have never truly responded to traditional acne medication.  Fortunately, when it comes to acne treatments in New Jersey, the Isolaz Laser offers a real solution for desperate brides to be.

Isolaz laser treatments work by cleansing and purifying the pores from the inside out.  The system is known to be painless, relaxing and up to 7 times more effective than traditional laser treatments.