Our staff: Dr. Irma Parra (center), Jacque Wakefield - esthetician (left), and Dr. Kristen Brown (right).

Demystifying Aesthetics
Lakeshore Laser & Aesthetic Center
By Irma Parra, M.D.

Whether it’s sun-damaged or sagging skin, stretch marks or unwanted hair, there are several treatments and procedures that can help you turn back the hands of time. Here’s your guide to understanding common aesthetics treatments.

BOTOX® is an excellent way to minimize wrinkles, particularly for crow’s feet and the forehead. BOTOX works by relaxing overactive muscles that cause lines between the brows to form. The results last up to four months and can be repeated every four to six months.

Chemical Peels improve the texture and appearance of the face. A solution is applied to the skin and exfoliates the topmost layers, which then peel off over several days. Afterward, a new layer of undamaged skin, smoother in texture and more even in color, is revealed. Chemical peels are best for deep pores, scars, acne, dry or sun-damaged skin, fine wrinkles and irregular pigmentation.

Clinical Facials leave the skin firmer, smoother, and more radiant. Treatments last about fifty minutes and include a gentle facial cleansing, exfoliation and toning treatment, followed by a special mask created specifically for each individual’s skin type.

Collagen Enhancements are injected into the skin to provide structural support. They are great for deep lines located around the nose, mouth, and forehead. Results are immediate and last from three to twelve months.

Facial Rejuvenation can help rejuvenate your face, taking away laugh lines, sun damage, irregular pigmentation and large pores. This laser procedure takes three or four treatments and results are visible after the second or third treatment.

Laser Treatments are used to remove hair, small facial and leg veins, wrinkles, port wine stains and warts, as well as treatment of acne, rosacea, stretch marks, psoriasis and rejuvenation of sun-damaged skin. Most laser treatments cause little discomfort and treated skin may be pink for a few hours to a day.

Medical Massage provides relief and healing to those who suffer from various health conditions, including repetitive motion injuries, muscle spasms, neuromuscular conditions, chronic headaches, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, and soft-tissue injuries.

Microdermabrasion safely and carefully removes the outermost layer of the skin, which clears dead skin cells and increases circulation, which helps soften fine facial lines. Afterward, skin will appear pink and feel softer.

Permanent Makeup is the application of permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, eyelash enhancement, lip liner, and full-lip coloring. A numbing cream is applied and a permanent pigment is implanted into the skin. Typically, three sessions are needed to complete this process.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used for treating varicose veins. A solution is injected into the abnormal vein, which causes it to disappear. These superficial veins are safe and easy to treat with minimal discomfort. Results are usually seen within days to weeks. Multiple treatments may be necessary.

Thermage improves the elasticity of your skin. It is a deep, uniform heating treatment, causing structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in a healthier, more youthful appearance. Thermage softens the wrinkles on your forehead and mouth, tightens loose skin under the chin and results in an overall tightening of your face.

Most aesthetics centers will provide a free assessment to help you determine the treatment that is right for you. Ask you doctor about aesthetics treatments or schedule a free consultation with Lakeshore Laser and Aesthetics at 1-888-78LASER.

Dr. Irma Parra, M.D., of Harbour Pointe Medical Associates and Lakeshore Laser and Aesthetic Center in Muskegon, is married with two children. She is board certified in Family Medicine and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Our Staff
Dr. Michael Banka, Dr. Brian Burdo, Dr. Kristen Brown, Dr. Tony Izokaitis, Dr. Irma Parra, Dr. Elaine Schmidt, Nurse Practitioner Marie Ritchard, and Certified Aesthetician Jacque Wakefield.

Free Consultation
The costs of aesthetics treatments vary depending on your desired outcome, skin type and medical condition. Your initial consultation is free. Payment can be made per treatment, or we offer a financing package. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 1-888-78LASER.