Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa - Blog

We’re sure you’ve heard it hundreds of times, but wearing sunscreen every day is so important for the health of your skin. Have you ever stopped and wondered why? We are here to give you the inside scoop. Below are 4 reasons why sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine.

• Protects Against UV Rays

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be extremely damaging to your skin. Increased exposure to both UVA and UVB rays is what damages skin cells. Sunscreen, when reapplied throughout the day, acts as a barrier against those harmful rays.

• Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer

A common cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV rays. It is recommended that you wear a minimum of SPF 15 daily, apply about 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours during exposure to the sun.

• Keeps Skin Looking Youthful

Exposure to the UV rays can also cause wrinkles, sun spots, and leathery skin. These signs of sun damage can give the appearance of premature aging. Those who consistently wear sunscreen can prevent this and help maintain more youthful looking skin.

• Helps Maintain a More Even Skin Tone

UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and a change in skin texture. By using sunscreen you are preventing this and maintaining a more even skin tone.

You may think that sunscreen is only for the warmer months, but UV radiation still reaches the Earth on cloudy or colder days. With this in mind, it is important to wear sunscreen year round for the best protection.

Start giving your skin the love and care it needs by booking a complementary VISIA Skin Analysis with one of our medical aestheticians. They will be able to help provide recommendations to skincare treatments and products, including sunscreen, that will best help you accomplish your skin goals. Call us at 208-939-3110 to book yours today!

Related Blog Posts:

• The Best Products For Your Skin This Summer
• Top 3 Reasons You Should Add Vitamin C to Your Skin Care Regimen
• 6 Things You Need to Know About Sunscreen

Struggling with acne can be frustrating no matter what your age. Medication is often a solution to treat acne, but it doesn’t have to be the only one. At Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, we offer a variety of treatments with our medical aestheticians that can help reduce the appearance of acne and get you the skin you’ve always wanted.

Acne LED Light Therapy

At Silk Touch we offer LED, RED, and BLUE light therapies. These treatments have the ability to reduce moderate to severe acne, and have even shown up to 80% clearance rates in clinical studies when used in combination. Light therapy, simply put, is the application of light energy to the skin for therapeutic benefits. When these light therapies are done in combination, they can increase collagen production, accelerate the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, neutralize acne causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and so much more.

This treatment is non-invasive, has no downtime, and is painless. No matter your age or skin type, this treatment can be safe and beneficial for you.

Acne Photo Dynamic Therapy

Acne Photo Dynamic Therapy, or PDT, is a skin treatment that can be highly effective in treating moderate to severe acne. How PDT works is Levulan®, which is a clear solution of 20% Aminolevulinic Acid, is applied to the skin 30 minutes to several hours before the treatment. During this time, the solution is absorbed into active cells, like acne sebaceous glands, which makes the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. The Levulan® is activated by non-UV light in the blue spectrum which in return destroys acne and leaves you with smoother skin. This treatment has made it possible for patients to stop the use of medications such as Accutane® in many cases.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have been shown to reduce the formation of acne and improve skin texture. We offer a variety of chemical peels that can help in the treatment of acne. To learn more read our blog post on chemical peels here.

Say goodbye to your acne and hello to clear, beautiful skin by trying one of our acne treatments at Silk Touch. For more information on which treatment is best for you, call us at 208-939-3110 to book an appointment and a VISIA Skin Analysis with one of our aestheticians.

Most, if not all, women know the importance of receiving a mammogram to check for healthy breast tissue. Mammograms are a vital part of women's health as they begin to age to protect against breast cancer. But did you know that mammograms may be required by doctors prior to breast surgery? 

When receiving elective breast surgery such as a breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast reduction at Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, there are a few pre-surgery preparation steps that must be taken. Depending on your family medical history and age, one of these preparations may be getting a mammogram.

When to Get a Mammogram

According to the American Cancer Society women at an average risk of breast cancer should follow specific guidelines on when to get a mammogram. These guidelines are as follows:

• Women age 40 to 44: optional mammograms annually
• Women age 45 to 54: mammograms annually
• Women ages 55 and older: mammograms every other year or optional yearly mammograms

What is Considered "Average Risk?"

Women who are at an “average risk” include those who have not had breast cancer in the past, who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer or the BRCA gene, and who have not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30. These guidelines may differ for those who are at a high risk.

Breast Surgery at Silk Touch

At Silk Touch, Dr. Nealy follows these guidelines as well as those set by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which state that doctors should only have patients tested when necessary. 

If you do not meet these requirements then it is likely that you will not have to receive a mammogram prior to your elective breast surgery. Any additional questions you may have can be discussed with the doctor at your consultation. For more information on how to prepare for your breast surgery consultation visit our website or call us at 208-939-3110.

Related Blog Posts:

• Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift: Which is right for you?
• 10 questions to ask during your cosmetic surgery consultation

   

When it comes to the summer months, who doesn’t want to feel confident in their skin? But, as the days get hotter, the heat and the sun can do some damage. That’s why we are here to share some of the best products to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all season long.

1. Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen: This sunscreen has broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, and provides the skin with a nice tint to give you color and help you feel your best in your bare skin.
   
   
2. Silk Touch Rx Mini Peel Pads: These retexturizing pads are the perfect exfoliant to help get rid of dead skin cells while smoothing and reducing the texture of the skin.
   
   
3. Epionce Intense Defense Serum: This serum provides your skin with a boost of multivitamins that have anti-aging properties and leave you with healthier looking skin.
   
   
4. Silk Touch Rx Bright C: Our Vitamin C formula is fortified with key antioxidants and skin brightening agents that improve the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more information on the benefits of Vitamin C, read our previous blog post here.
   
   
5. Epionce Purifying Toner: Use this toner to help reduce surface shine and control blemishes all summer long. Another added benefit of this toner is it helps remove any traces of dirt, oil, or makeup. 

At Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa we carry a variety of products to help you love the skin you’re in. For a more customized summer skincare regimen, schedule a VISIA skin analysis with one of our skilled medical aestheticians. Call us at 208-939-3110 or visit our website to book a free consultation today!

Related Blog Posts:

1. 4 Amazing Epionce Products For Dry Skin
2. Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Add Vitamin C to Your Skin Care Regimen

Lip filler is a popular cosmetic treatment that enhances the size and shape of the lips, giving a plumper and fuller appearance. For some, the idea of lip filler might be intimidating because of common misconceptions about the treatment. If you are one of these people, let us clear things up by sharing these 5 lip filler myths that simply aren’t true.

1. Lip filler is permanent.
   The effects of lip filler last about 12 months depending on the filler. Over that time, the filler is metabolized and absorbed into the body. Once the filler is gone, you can either leave your lips as they are or get them redone to maintain the look.
   
   
2. Lip filler won't look natural or feel normal.
   When done correctly, lip filler can both look natural and feel normal. Our goal at Silk Touch is to help you achieve the lips you want when coming in for lip filler. Our skilled injectors have just the touch to give you the perfect pout without making them look too big or fake.
   
   
3. Once you start, you can’t stop due to lip stretching.
   There is no evidence to prove this to be true unless continually plumping the lips as large as they can go. Once your filler fades or is absorbed into the body, you do not need to continue treatments unless you are wanting to. Your lips will return to their normal size with no stretching or sagging.
   
   
4. Lip Filler is painful.
   Getting lip filler is relatively non-invasive and rates low on the pain scale. At Silk Touch we have two different approaches to lip filler injections. The first one requires us to do a local anesthetic block that numbs the lips. We then do a series of multiple small injections that give the lips a more pronounced, full appearance.
   
   The second approach produces a more subtle appearance. We use a small amount of local anesthetic along with ice and a cannula. The cannula is like a needle, but instead of having a sharp point, it has a rounded tip. This tool tends to cause less trama, less pain, less swelling, and a lower chance of bruising. Our patients are often surprised at how well tolerated this approach is compared with treatments they may have received elsewhere. Any bruising, swelling, or tenderness you may experience will subside after a few days.
   
   
5. All fillers work anywhere.
   There are many different dermal fillers on the market that address different areas of the face. Often they can be used in multiple locations, but that does not mean they can be used anywhere. At Silk Touch we like to stick with Restylane, Restylane Kysse, and Juvederm as our lip filler options, with Juvederm being the most popular.

Don’t let misconceptions about the treatment hold you back. A little filler can make a big difference. If you are interested, but still have concerns, schedule a consultation and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our injectors are here to make your goals a reality.

As we begin to age, it’s inevitable that our skin will change. Though there are things you can do to slow the process, you may begin to see sagging, loose skin, loss of facial volume and wrinkles. Many people turn to the surgical route by getting a facelift, but there is in fact another option.

A liquid face lift is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Instead of going under the scalpel for surgery, this procedure is done with the combined use of dermal fillers and botox to tighten, smooth and plump the face. The procedure can be done in less than an hour and has minimal recovery time. Though results are temporary due to filler and botox eventually wearing off, a noticeable difference can be seen almost immediately.

Things that a liquid facelift can help treat include:

• Skin laxity
• Facial volume loss
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Marionette lines
• Jowls

With a variety of dermal fillers available on the market, our injectors can customize treatments for each individual. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on how much and what type of injectables are used. Filler injections can be uncomfortable for some patients depending on the treatment area. If you are one of those patients, we have tools available to help make the treatments more comfortable.

If you are interested in a facelift, but aren’t ready to commit to the traditional surgical procedure, a liquid facelift might be beneficial for you. Call us at 208-939-3110 to book your consultation or visit us online to learn more.

For the month of May get $200 off cheek filler *restrictions apply

Buccal fat pad removal is one of the new procedures we are excited to announce at Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa. With this procedure also being relatively new to the Boise area, there is a lot to learn about what buccal fat pad removal is and what to expect from the surgery—more specifically what you can expect from the recovery process.

Post-op Instructions 

The buccal fat pad removal procedure takes about an hour to complete. Due to the use of anesthesia, you should arrange to have someone drive you home following your procedure. Though there may be swelling and bruising, you should be able to return to most activities within a day, and all activities after 5 to 7 days. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain following the procedure which may be treated with prescribed medication from the doctor. A diet of soft foods and liquid shakes high in protein is recommended for the first week of recovery.

Procedure Downtime

Compared to some of our other surgeries, buccal fat pad removal has little downtime. Most of the swelling should subside within 2-4 weeks, and patients will see continued sharpening of facial contour for up to a year after receiving buccal fat pad removal. Patients may also experience some muscle tightness in the jaw following their procedure. Because the incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks, there are no visible scars.

If you are interested in learning more about buccal fat pad removal visit our website or call us at 208-939-3110 to schedule your complementary consultation.

If you are interested in laser hair removal then there are a few things you need to know. For best results, follow these tips for pre- and post-treatment care.

1. Stay out of the sun. Our lasers are most effective when there is a contrast between skin tone and hair color. Because of this, it is important to not tan or darken your skin one month prior to your laser treatment.
   
   
2. Avoid plucking or waxing hair for 4-6 weeks before your appointment. This is to ensure that the hair is actively anchored in the hair follicles. Shaving however is allowed during this time.
   
   
3. Closely shave the treatment area of unwanted hair the night before. Shaving still allows plenty of hair shaft in the follicle for the laser to work properly, unlike plucking or waxing.
   
   
4. Do not apply lotion or deodorant prior to treatment. This ensures you come with a clean and dry treatment area.

Post-treatment care:

1. Continue to stay out of the sun as much as possible between your laser treatments. This is to avoid any skin darkening for following treatments in order to achieve desired results.
   
   
2. Avoid plucking or waxing hairs between treatments, especially in the days following the treatment. You may be tempted to try because of what looks like growth after your laser appointment. This is actually a good sign because it means that the hair that was in the follicles below the skin is being pushed out and is starting to shed.
   
   
3. Avoid harshly scrubbing the treatment area in the first few days following getting laser hair removal. This is for the same reason as previously stated. What looks like hair growth after your treatment is a good thing. Scrubbing, plucking, or waxing to speed up fallout is not necessary. They will do it in their own time.

Ultimately, the best results are seen in those who keep up on their treatments. For most patients, 6-10 laser hair removal treatments are needed to see desired results. Depending on the treatment site, you should wait 4-8 weeks between treatments.

Ready to give laser hair removal a try? Give us a call at 208-939-3110 or visit our website to schedule your appointment!

This month only, buy any laser hair removal bikini package, get underarms free!

Other posts you might be interested in:

• "5 Laser Hair Removal Myths"
• "Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?"
• "When is the Best Time to Get Laser Hair Removal?"

Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is the enhancement to the shape and size of the buttocks. This is done through a fat transfer procedure using liposuction. Fat is harvested from areas of the body with unwanted excess fat, purified, and then transferred to the buttocks. Such areas include the abdomen or thighs. The incisions that are made are small and are hardly noticeable after healing.

This method of achieving the BBL has replaced the use of implants in popularity mainly due to the customization of the results. Fat transfer for BBL can not only lift, but shape the buttocks to give you the desired curves you are after. 

At Silk Touch our doctors have the artistic skills to achieve a natural looking Brazilian Butt Lift that meets your aesthetic goals. If you are interested in seeing if BBL is right for you contact us to book your free consultation.

Are you wanting to enhance your breasts, but don’t know if you should get a breast augmentation or a breast lift? You’re not alone. It’s important to educate yourself on the different types of procedures offered so you know you are choosing the right one for you.

Why get breast enhancement surgery?

There are many factors that play into a woman deciding to get breast enhancement surgery. As women age, their breasts often lose their youthful shape and begin to sag. This can especially be seen in women who have breastfed their children. Other women may have smaller breasts and want to do breast enhancement surgery to achieve a larger cup size. 

What is the difference between the two surgeries?

Breast augmentation, or mammoplasty, is a surgery where breast size is increased by placing implants underneath breast tissue or chest muscles. This procedure gives the overall roundness and cup size that the patient is desiring. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure that is done by removing excess skin and tightening breast tissue to raise the breast. This can also help with any sagging.

Depending on your goals for your overall breast appearance, one or both of these procedures may be the answer for you.  For those looking for a more natural alternative to breast enhancement surgery, fat transfer to breast might be a better solution. Interested in learning more about the different breast enhancement procedures we offer? Call us at 208-939-3110 or visit our website to book your free consultation today!