Yes! Anyone can benefit from Lutronic LaseMD Ultra’s cutting-edge technology!  

You will feel some heat and tingling as the laser is passed over the skin. The number of passes and procedure time will depend on the depth of treatment, lasting anywhere from 5-20 minutes. For mild treatments, the discomfort is very minimal. For more aggressive treatments, your physician may apply a numbing cream 30-45 minutes before the treatment to maximize your comfort.  

Immediately following the treatment, you will notice some redness, which will lessen over the next day or so. The following 5-6 days, your skin will have a dry, sandpaper-like texture. This is normal and will resolve as your skin exfoliates, revealing fresher, clearer skin.

While there will be some visible redness right after the treatment, you will be able to immediately resume your normal activities.  

The silhouette Instalift procedure is a relatively new breakthrough technology that uses clear threads with tiny clear cones on them placed precisely under the skin to lift up the skin of the mid face including cheeks, nasal labial folds, marionette lines, jowls, and jawlines without surgery or incisions, and with far less downtime.

These threads are made out of the same substance that is used in the product Sculptra. That substance known as PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) is famous for building collagen in the skin like almost nothing else. The substance was first used in medical patients with conditions such as AIDS and cancer where their faces had hollowed out and left these patients looking gaunt. This substance became famous when safely injected into those hollow areas, it was able to stimulate the body's own collagen production and build back up the skin allowing their faces to look full and healthy again.

Using this PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) in lifting threads is really a completely different concept from the thread lifts of old. Instead of permanent threads lifting the skin, these threads slowly dissolve but leave a collagen matrix in their place that continues to lift the skin as well as rejuvenate the skins' texture and appearance giving a twofold effect.

In general the collagen created by PLLA is thought to last for 18 to 24 months. That said, some have found that the lift effect lasts much longer. The reason thought to be behind this longer duration of lift is the fact that when your skin is held in a lifted position for a long period of time, other dermal attachments to the skin will often form holding that skin in that lifted position indefinitely. That said, to manage expectations properly we generally like to say the Silhouette Instalift procedure lasts anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 years.

Again, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients rate the procedure as a 3 to 4 out of 10 on a 10-point pain scale. Most of the discomfort patients actually say is the discomfort of the local anesthetic being administered itself which again is rated on that pain scale as a 3 to 4 out of 10. After the anesthetic has been injected, the patients generally find the procedure reasonably comfortable and tolerable.

The Silhouette Instalift procedure gives a beautiful and always natural lifting effect. It is not a surgical facelift and cannot give as extreme a lifting result. That said, where a facelift in some can appear overly taut and unnatural for a period of time or longer, the Silhouette Instalift always looks natural and rejuvenating. This procedure fills the void for patients that have some mid to moderate facial drooping, heavy smile lines, jowls, and loose skin but are not really ready or far enough along to need a facelift. Or, for patients that really prefer to stay away from going under the knife altogether, the Silhouette Instalift procedure can be repeated in more heavily problemed areas of the face months later to achieve more profound results.

The other advantage of the Silhouette Instalift procedure is the beautiful collagen-building skin effect the threads have on the face that one does not get with a surgical facelift alone.

This technology is also being used in relatively young patients to correct early, often inherited problem areas to stave off the signs of early aging. There are many who believe that used in this way along with other aesthetic technologies, many in the future may never need to go under the knife at all.

The downtime after the Silhouette Instalift procedure is generally 5 to 6 days if you want no one to know that you had it done. Generally, people will look most noticeably done for the first one to two days after which the lifting effect will settle in nicely and very naturally.

For 1-2 weeks we ask that you rest your face and go into what we call our "Resting B. Face mode" where you avoid as much facial expression as possible while your results settle in and collagen builds so as to optimize the amount of lifting that occurs. For this reason, we discourage heavy exercising and grimacing at the gym, and ask patients to try and use a donut pillow and sleep off of their faces as much as possible.

Most common side effects include bruising, and for the first 2 days puckering, and draping of the skin that has almost always completely resolved by DAY 3. These side effects always resolve, and having performed the second highest number of this procedure in New England, I have yet to ever see anything but an incredibly soft and natural result, which has made this procedure so satisfying to perform. Approximately 10-15% of patients get a significant bruise usually up in the hairline region which can last longer than the usual 5- to 6-day recovery time but is generally easily covered up with makeup.

The procedure generally takes approximately 45 minutes to perform. It is performed under simple local anesthesia without the need for general anesthesia. A two-hour appointment is booked for you and the remainder of time is often not entirely needed, but generally used to take before and after pictures, go over the procedure a final time, carefully mark where the threads are going to be placed, clean and sterile drape the facial areas, and go over your aftercare instructions.

Unless we are just correcting a simple problem area in a younger patient where only a few threads may need to be used, we are generally using 3 to 4 threads on each side of the face, or 6 to 8 threads for a face in total. The cost of this generally ranges between $2.250 and $2.800 at our facility, but at other facilities can range as high as $500 per thread or $4,000.

If this is something you are interested in and want to learn more about, book your free consultation today to see if you are a good candidate and if the Silhouette Instalift procedure is right for you.

Warmest Regards,

“Dr S.” (Craig Schacher, MD)

of Bella MedSpa 

Dermaplaning is a treatment that uses a medical scalpel to gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells and remove fine facial hair commonly known as “peach fuzz,” technically called “vellus” hair. 

It can be used as an alternative to laser treatments and microdermabrasion or along with them for an enhanced result. This procedure will give your skin a more radiant appearance. Following the treatment, makeup application is smoother and other skincare products are able to penetrate deeper in turn making them more effective.

The ideal candidate for Dermaplaning has aging, dry, rough, or uneven skin tone. Dermaplaning can also help reduce the appearance of shallow acne scars, fine lines and superficial hyperpigmentation.

This treatment is extremely safe when performed by our properly trained skincare professionals. There is no more risk to the skin than when you shave your legs. There is also no downtime associated with this procedure.

Dermaplaning is effective by performing a gentle scraping motion across the skin’s surface. With hair removal such as waxing and threading, most people have the idea that all hair removal is painful, but Dermaplaning is entirely painless. There are risks of cuts on the skin, however they are small and very minor as the pressure used for Dermaplaning cannot cause a deep cut. These nicks and scrapes heal within 24-48 hours.

No. There are different types of hair that grow on the body; vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is found on most areas of the body except palms, soles, lips and genital areas, whereas terminal hairs are found on the scalp, underarms and pubic region. The soft and fine vellus hair grows back at the same rate and texture.

Hyperkeratosis is a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. By removing this initial layer, a chemical peel is able to penetrate deeper into the dermis resulting in a more-effective treatment. The conjunction of dermaplaning and a chemical peel leaves the skin refreshed and rejuvenated. Together they promote new skin growth and target problems such as aging, sun spots and environmental damage.

Dermaplaning takes anywhere between 30-45 minutes and can be performed every 3-4 weeks. The treatment itself removes approximately 21 days' worth of dead skin so it is important to let your skin rejuvenate before your next appointment.

Both options are a form of physical exfoliation. Dermaplaning removes vellus hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells from the skin, microdermabrasion also exfoliate the surface of the skin, but not as thoroughly or deeply as Dermaplaning does.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you are ready to try Dermaplaning, contact the experts at Bella MedSpa in Massachusetts to learn more. Our team is always ready to meet your cosmetic dermatology needs. Book your free consultation today!

Secret RF is a novel approach to regular micro needling (see below) which delivers fractional radio frequency (RF) energy to deeper layers of the skin with minimal damage to the skin’s surface. The multi-layered treatment is tailored to each individual and addresses their unique skin concerns.  It is regular microneedling delivered more precisely with a computer-controlled delivery system of needles that delivers a computer-generated radio frequency energy down the needles to further amplify the results.

The Secret RF treatment is ideal for improving aging skin, photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, scars (including acne scars), skin quality and striae. The treatment is safe and effective, and suitable for all skin types in patients seeking skin revitalization. 

Secret RF uses precise, computer-operated delivery system of microneedles to cause a controlled injury to the skin akin to regular micro needling but with much more precision of depth.  It also delivers radio frequency energy into varying levels of the skin including the deeper layers where treatment is most beneficial. 

Unlike other devices which only deposit energy in the upper layer of the skin, the Secret RF delivers radio frequency energy below the surface where it is needed most to help revitalize and regenerate the tissue. This unique delivery of energy allows us to achieve optimal results with little to no downtime on all skin types.

The microneedling injury to the dermis of the skin stimulates the skin to repair itself by producing more collagen. The RF component stimulates even greater collagen production, but also remodels the collagen that is already present further tightening the skin. The energy delivered also photocoagulates as it goes leaving the patient less red and with a shorter downtime than regular micro needling.

Secret RF is an easy, safe, and effective procedure that can be performed usually in a quick 15-30 minute treatment session. During the treatment, you will feel a slightly warm sensation, and some pressure in the areas where the treatment proceeds. Prior to the treatment, numbing cream is applied to the involved area, making the treatment reasonably comfortable for the patient.

Secret RF is an easy, safe, and effective procedure that can be performed usually in a quick 15-30 minute treatment session. During the treatment, you will feel a slightly warm sensation, and some pressure in the areas where the treatment proceeds. Prior to the treatment, numbing cream is applied to the involved area, making the treatment reasonably comfortable for the patient.

Patients typically need 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Most patients report seeing improvement after the second treatment however results are optimized 3 months after the last treatment. 

Results vary based on the individual. To maintain results, maintenance treatments are recommended every 12-18 months.

After the treatment, an ointment will be applied to the skin and you will be asked to refrain from wearing make up for several hours. Any minor redness or swelling resulting from treatment will subside within 12-24 hours. After the treatment, you can expect to return to normal activities. 

Microneedling is a process involving using a pen-like device, stamper device, or rolling device which uses needles to puncture hundreds of tiny holes in the skin. These controlled injuries to the skin turn on the body’s own healing processes and allow various products to be delivered to deeper layers of the skin.

These cutaneous micro channels lead to the following benefits: 

• Collagen and elastin creation 

• A firming and rejuvenating effect on skin

• Improvement in the appearance of scars and

       stretch marks 

• Reduction in pore size  

• Hair growth stimulation especially when coupled with platelet-rich plasma 

Microneedling is used to treat everything from wrinkles, skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin, to other concerns such as scars, stretch marks, and cellulite. 

First, your aesthetic medical expert applies a numbing cream to the patient’s skin. Next, the practitioner will use the microneedling roller, pen, or stamper over the skin areas of concern on the face, neck, decolotte, stretch marks and areas of cellulite.

The whole process takes normally around 30 minutes depending on the number of areas treated, and despite it involving needles, it is generally very well tolerated and reasonably comfortable. Some redness can be expected for up to two days afterward which can give the appearance of having gotten a bit too much sun.  This generally resolves by 1-2 days post-treatment. To get maximal results, you will usually require 3-4 treatments 4-6 weeks apart, as the results are cumulative. 

In order to avoid infection, it is VERY IMPORTANT to use STERILE and ASEPTIC products. You have to keep in mind that this type of treatment produces small wounds through skins' surface. Therefore, the application of non-sterile products on the patient’s skin increases the risk of such infections. 

In addition, the additives, preservatives and perfumes added to various non-sterile products suppose a higher risk of allergic reaction because such products are able to penetrate deeper through the microchannels created. 

Microneedling treatment generates microscopic, controlled injury channels that stimulate the creation of collagen and elastin. These lesions or microchannels are not visible to the naked eye. What the patient will notice is immediate skin redness, which will significantly lessen in a few hours and generally resolve in 1-2 days.

Do not have the procedure done on inflamed or irritated skin, flares of rosacea or eczema, or other active blemishes. 

Contact Us Today to Learn More 

If you are ready to try Secret RF Microneedling, contact the experts at Bella MedSpa in Massachusetts to learn more. Our team is always ready to meet your cosmetic dermatology needs. Book your free consultation today!

Considered a "tummy reducer" treatment, BTL Vanquish ME allows you to reduce the circumference of your abdomen without surgery. This treatment uses a patented Selective RF technology to disrupt the fat cells that add girth and width to your abdominal area by selectively heating your adipose tissue. As a result, fat cells shrink and disappear. 

The specific heat type and delivery used with this procedure ensure that fat will be destroyed without any other cells or skin structures being impacted.

It's important to note that this treatment emphasizes fat elimination over weight loss. That means that you're losing pockets of stubborn fat in a specific area instead of shedding weight. 

That said, it's possible to lose inches of fat from your body with BTL Vanquish ME. In addition to eliminating fat deposits from your midsection, this treatment contours your body to help you achieve a slimmer shape. It's not uncommon for patients to reduce their dress, pant or belt sizes following BTL Vanquish ME treatments. 

Many find that they feel more comfortable both in and out of their clothing after getting BTL Vanquish ME treatments.

Yes, BTL Vanquish ME is a fantastic companion treatment for Coolsculpting. In fact, many people have BTL Vanquish ME treatments done prior to Coolsculpting as a way to "debulk." 

This creates a great opportunity for simply sculpting away specific fat pockets for more detailed, precise results during your Coolsculpting treatment. Many people find that this is a very effective way to get rid of stubborn fat without using pricier, more invasive procedures..

BTL Vanquish ME is a contactless, non-invasive fat-removal technology that uses an instrument offering the largest treatment area in the industry. That means you're reducing more fat in less time with added comfort and safety. In fact, the large "spot size" offered by this technology is one of the reasons why it works so nicely in conjunction with Coolscupting to help you reduce areas of bulging or fat prior to being sculpted.

While BTL Vanquish ME is an effective treatment for removing fat from your midsection, it does not "suck" fat from your body the way that treatments like liposuction or surgical reductions do. This is actually a contactless procedure that uses carefully applied heat to shrink and eliminate fat cells in specific areas. You never have to deal with incisions and wound healing.

BTL Vanquish ME heats fat cells strategically using a radiofrequency device. During this noninvasive, painless procedure, your doctor will carefully monitor your skin and tissue to ensure total comfort and safety. The heat that is administered destroys fat cells. Next, the fat cells are naturally metabolized and expelled. Your body's own lymphatic system will actually do the work of eliminating the destroyed fat cells from your body in a very gentle, symptom-free way that will not be noticeable to you as it's happening. 

Within a few weeks, you will begin to notice that your abdominal area is reducing.

Typically, patients see results from their fat-reduction treatments within two weeks. It often takes four treatments scheduled roughly one week apart to produce the best results. However, an individual plan will be developed based on your goals.

This high-tech, highly effective procedure is actually a noninvasive treatment that requires zero recovery time! In fact, this is a popular "lunch break" treatment for people looking for fat reduction without any downtime or healing periods. 

You'll be able to get right back to life following your treatment! Each BTL Vanquish ME treatment takes around 45 minutes to be completed.

No, you won't typically feel pain with this shaping treatment. Patients undergo the procedure lying down to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation. Most patients experience a very subtle "warm" sensation in the area being treated. 

In some cases, this sensation can last for a few hours after your treatment. However, it is should not be painful or disruptive.

No! There are no requirements for following any type of special diet or exercise plan before or after being approved for BTL Vanquish ME.

BTL Vanquish ME is a treatment that is generally a good fit for most people looking to reduce fat without surgery. It is commonly used by people who would like to minimize the risks and recovery time that are associated with other fat-removal options like liposuction or surgery. 

BTL Vanquish ME can be used by people of any gender, age, skin type or skin tone. As part of your initial consultation, your health history and personal aesthetic goals will be reviewed as you decide if this is a good fit for you.

What makes BTL Vanquish Me unique among fat-reduction and sculpting treatments is that it is not limited to patients with lower body mass indexes (BMIs). This is a viable option even if your BMI is above 30. Of course, a number of factors regarding your personal health history and aesthetic goals will be looked at during your consultation to help determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.

Bella MedSpa is proud to offer BTL Vanquish ME to our clients at our state-of-the-art medical spa in Westfield, MA. Contact us to book your consultation to learn more about this non-invasive procedure for eliminating fat today!

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary way to non-surgically remove fat. CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to take advantage of the fact that fat is more sensitive to cold than other structures such as blood vessels, nerves, muscle and skin. 

This fact allows a computer-controlled cooling unit that monitors temperatures and makes fine adjustments to keep the perfect and safe temperature that injures fat cells without injuring other tissues.

It is FDA-cleared and the No. 1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure in the world. It has been used in over 7 million people worldwide and has a 11-year track record in our country and a 13-year track record in Europe with no long-term side effects to date. 

It is non-surgical so there are no incisions, no bleeding risks, no infectious risks, and no anesthetic risks. So not only is it remarkably safe but compared to the risks and downtimes associated with surgical alternatives, CoolSculpting becomes very appealing.

As the procedure starts, you will feel some tugging and pressure as the treated area is pulled into the applicator. This is followed by a progressively increasing cold sensation that quickly dissipates as the area becomes numb. At that point, most people become very comfortable and can read, text, do work on their laptop or nap until the procedure is completed. 

When the applicator is removed, the area is massaged while it is still cold which injures the fat cells more now that they contain frost crystals in them making them more fragile with mechanical stimulation.  You can even watch television during the treatment.

The fat is removed naturally from the body by a process called apoptosis. This simply means that when any cell in the body is injured, in this case, stubborn fat cells, it gives off various chemical signals, called cytokines, that signal the body's inflammatory cells to move to that area and remove the injured cells and process them out of the body through our lymphatic system. 

This is the way we remove all other old and injured cells from the body. This is very different than heating or frying the cells until they burst or break open as with the heat of laser.

The results are gradual which seems to be a large part of the reason why the skin has time to adjust and tighten with the fat loss. You will see results as quickly as three weeks, but the majority of results will be seen by 3 to 4 months, with some residual results occurring up to six months out.

Redness initially appears immediately after the procedure and lasts from minutes up to a few hours. Mild to moderate localized swelling then can appear with or without some short-term bruising. 

That said, short-term bruising that lasts one to two weeks is more the exception than the rule. Numbness or a dull feeling in the area can occur and also is not common. When it does occur, it usually resolves in the first few weeks. Less commonly, mild to moderate nerve pain can occur and is usually well tolerated and controlled with simple Advil or Aleve. 

The good news is, these are all short-term and temporary side effects and do not require time off from work or downtime.

Each treated area takes 35 minutes to treat. As at Bella MedSpa, many clinics have multiple machines so they can apply two applicators to two different areas at the same time. This has been coined “Dualsculpting.” 

There is also some marking and preparation prior to your procedure as well as some before pictures that will be taken so that you can compare these to your final results.

A 20%- to 30%-reduction in the fat layer, in the areas treated, can be expected. It is generally not for overall obesity where you need greater percentages to get significantly visible results. That said, there are many people who will treat a given area a few times to get closer to a 40%-reduction in the fat layer in that area.

The results are considered permanent. Just like with surgery, those fat cells are permanently removed from the body. In fact, the number of fat cells we have is generally set by the time we are in our adolescence and does not change in number except for a few exceptions. 

Those cells from our adolescence swell when we gain weight and shrink when we lose it. So, you can make the remaining fat cells in that area swell if you gain a lot of weight. That said, usually with weight gain, you put on the inches in other areas more than you will in the treated areas where there just are not as many fat cells present any longer.

There is no required downtime. You are allowed to return to work and your exercise routine as soon as you like. Some people may feel sore like they already did a bunch of sit ups or crunches, but you are allowed to return to your usual activities whenever you wish.

It can be used on anyone with pinchable pockets of fat. However, the ideal candidate is someone who is relatively fit, but has some mild to modest size fat pockets. (Those stubborn ones that are hard to get rid of with diet and exercise). 

It's really not intended as a weight loss replacement or for moderate to morbid obesity. That said, there is a lot we can do with this technology so I encourage you to come to Bella MedSpa for a free consultation to see if this may be right for you.

All four products block neurological signals that cause muscles to contract. With your facial muscles frozen, you're temporarily unable to make facial movements that cause wrinkles. 

The answer depends on what you're trying to achieve. For frown lines that appear between your eyebrows, Xeomin and Dysport are considered very effective. For general wrinkles and lines throughout your face, Botox and Jeuveau are considered more effective. 

Yes! There's no need to stick with one type of injectable just because you've used it in the past. 

Yes! There's no need to stick with one type of injectable just because you've used it in the past. .

While Botox, Xeomin, Dysport and Jeuveau all come with comparable costs per injection, it's hard to make a generic judgment about which one is more affordable. You'll really need to consider your complete plan for managing lines and wrinkles when factoring in cost. While one option may be more affordable than another per visit, it might require more visits to sustain the same results as the more expensive option. Factors like how many injections are needed, the number of return visits needed and your desired results will all impact cost.

Yes, generally you can use different types of injectables simultaneously to achieve a tailored look. For instance, someone who wants to address very deep frown lines between the eyebrows may want to add Dysport or Xeomin to their regular Botox routine to get better results. 

Dysport and Jeuveau tend to last longer than Botox and Xeomin. Dysport often maintains results for four months to five months. It's not uncommon for Jeuveau to keep results for five to six months. With a results period lasting four months, Botox falls right in the middle. Xeomin's results typically last three months. 

While all four can begin to produce results in one to two days, Jeuveau is the fastest in terms of producing full results. Most people will see the full results of Jeuveau within 96 hours!

Botox is used to treat forehead lines, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, frown lines between the eyebrows, facial folds, facial lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Because Botox uses a neurotoxin to paralyze muscle movement, it is popularly prescribed to treat excessive sweating. 

Introduced in 2019, Jeuveau is considered a cosmetic treatment, while Botox is considered to be both a cosmetic and therapeutic treatment. While Jeuveau is often used for frown lines, it can replace Botox for some patients. Both treatments are very similar in price, effectiveness and duration. 

Botox requires zero downtime. In fact, people commonly have Botox done on their lunch breaks. Most people begin to see the smoothing effects of Botox within 24 hours of their appointments. Full results will continue to form for about 30 days. 

Botox results can last for up to four months.

Some people can develop antibodies in reaction to the proteins used in Botox. If this happens, switching to Xeomin may be beneficial because Xeomin is not formulated with the same additives. 

While both will begin to show results right away, Jeuveau will give you complete results in 96 hours compared to the 30 days it can take for Botox to work fully.

Regular Botox users sometimes switch to Jeuveau after noticing that Botox is becoming less effective over time.

Many people see Jeuveau results last for five to six months. 

Jeuveau creates full results within two to three days after an injection. 

Xeomin is almost exclusively used to treat glabellar lines that show up as deep frown lines between your eyebrows. While some patients see a drastic softening of these lines, others will see them disappear completely. 

Xeomin results take between a week and a month to take full effect. 

Most people see results for three months.

This is somewhat true. Xeomin doesn't contain the additive proteins that are used in the formulation for Botox. 

Like Xeomin, Dysport is used to treat glabellar lines that are the deep frown lines that appear between the eyebrows. 

While Botox is used to correct many different types of lines and wrinkles, Dysport is primarily used on frown lines. 

Like Botox, Dysport offers results for four to five months. 

Most people see Dysport's results two to three days after injection. Full results can be noticed within three weeks. 

At Bella MedSpa, we provide injectables in a clean, pampering environment. Let our team help you decide if Botox, Xeomin, Dysport and Jeuveau are right for you based on your skin needs. We also offer dermal fillers that can be combined with popular injectables like Botox to create fresh, long-lasting results! Contact us today to book your appointment! We offer free initial consultations!

Cutera Limelight IPL is a non-surgical option that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to improve pigmentation and tone.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy undoes visible damage caused by everyday living and exposure to damaging elements. During treatment, a tool is used to send wavelengths of light deep into the skin. Once the wavelengths penetrate the skin, they target hemoglobin and melanin. When hemoglobin and melanin are destroyed by the wavelengths, they get absorbed back into the body. The result is a clearer complexion!

Cutera Limelight IPL is a breakthrough in intense pulsed light treatments because it utilizes an upgraded technology featuring three different wavelengths that can be adjusted for specific skin conditions! The laser used for Cutera Limelight IPL is capable of seeking out specific pigments to provide custom results.

Yes! Any treatment that reverses the visible damage caused by the sun (photoaging) is considered a photofacial treatment. Cutera Limelight IPL fits the bill for its ability to help reverse sun damage. 

This laser treatment is commonly used to tackle complexion issues. Clients seeking clearer, brighter complexions that give them the confidence to leave the house with a bare face are using Cutera Limelight for reducing:

• Patch spots
• Brown spots
• Redness
• Acne scarring 
• Sun damage
• Sun spots 
• Signs of rosacea
• Broken blood vessels 

Yes, many people seek out this treatment specifically to get rid of the tiny veins that pop up on the face.

While Cutera Limelight IPL is a non-invasive skin treatment, you can expect to feel the sensation of laser pulses moving through your skin. Most people compare the feeling of the laser to small elastic bands being snapped against the skin. However, most would describe the experience as being only mildly uncomfortable. 

A consultation is the first step to determining if this treatment is the right option for correcting your skin concerns. During your consultation, you'll also learn about the process behind how Cutera Limelight IPL works. 

Most people will get their desired results using just one Cutera Limelight IPL treatment. However, patients with more severe skin blemishes may benefit from several treatments. It's impossible to determine how many sessions are needed without having your skin evaluated! Once you've determined that Cutera Limelight is the best option for you, you'll be able to create a treatment schedule that works for you!

Most treatment sessions take 30 minutes. Clients should set aside at least 45 to 60 minutes for the full experience. The length of your appointment will come down to several different factors that can include what your specific treatment plan looks like, the severity of your skin condition and the type of skin condition you're treating. 

While this photofacial treatment is primarily used on the face, it can also reverse sun damage and blemishes on the neck, hands, décolletage and chest.

If you feel like your hands are making you seem older than you are, Cutera may be a good option for smoothing skin, improving tone and getting rid of spots.

While you won't need to invest the downtime that's required after some surgeries or deep chemical peels, you will need to look after your skin following a Cutera Limelight IPL treatment. Generally, it is recommended that people who undergo this photoaging treatment avoid activities that will place them in direct sunlight for at least two weeks. You'll be instructed on the best practices for sun protection when you visit for your appointment. It's also recommended that people who undergo Cutera Limelight IPL sessions avoid intense sweating for at least two weeks following treatment. Bruising can occur in some people.

You'll be told to avoid using your everyday skin products for about five days after your treatment. You should also avoid any products containing powerful ingredients like retinol, benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin that can be astringent. In general, any skin irritants should be avoided for several days following your treatment.

No, your face won't be raw. However, many people do experience some redness immediately following treatment that lasts for up to two hours. Most people find that they can return to work or other obligations immediately following their appointments without any visible signs that they've just had a treatment done.

The longevity of your results can vary based on the severity of the skin condition you're treating. Most clients enjoy results for an entire year! However, some find that coming in again after six months helps them to maintain peak results. Scheduling an appointment every 12 months is recommended even if your treatment appears to be producing long-lasting results because this will help you to avoid a visible regression.

Many people find that this treatment creates a youthful glow while also enhancing skin tone!

During your consultation, you will be given instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming visit. This treatment requires clean, bare skin. You'll also be asked about any medications you're currently taking because some medications are known to increase the likelihood of bruising following Cutera Limelight IPL treatments. Here's a rundown of how to get ready for your laser treatment:

• Show up to your appointment with a makeup-free face.
• Avoid using any self-tanners for four weeks leading up to your treatment.
• Avoid sunbathing or tanning for four weeks leading up to your treatment. 
• Avoid any intensive, abrasive or potentially irritating skin treatments in the one to two weeks leading up to your appointment. This includes waxing.

Yes, many patients find that IPL treatments help to make skin appear younger, smoother and fresher.

Most people see visible results within the first week. However, it can take up to three weeks for full results to be seen.

Peeling isn't typical after Cutera IPL treatments. However, you can expect dark spots to flake off before fading away if you're being treated for spots. 

While Cutera Limelight produces good results for most people, the results aren't necessarily permanent. Spots and redness can reappear due to new sun damage. Repeated treatments can help you to catch up with renewed damage. 

It's impossible to cure rosacea using laser treatments. However, this treatment is an excellent option for drastically reducing the appearance of rosacea. 

The best way to prolong the benefits of having this laser treatment done is to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily!

Anesthesia and pain medications are not typically used with Limelight IPL treatments. Cooling gels can help soothe the skin. If you have any concerns about pain or discomfort, have a discussion about options during your consultation! 

Not necessarily. Many medical spas with trained medical aestheticians offer this cutting-edge laser treatment in comfortable, pampering environments where you can enjoy a number of beauty and relaxation treatments.

Bella MedSpa proudly offers Cutera at our luxurious, state-of-the-art center in Westfield, Massachusetts. Rest assured that you'll be in the best hands when you book an appointment for this skin-transforming treatment with our staff! If you're booking a complete spa day, we can also introduce you to a variety of treatments for beauty and relaxation that you can try out during the same morning or afternoon as your Cutera treatment. It's so easy to book an appointment with us! Reach out to the Bella MedSpa team today to schedule a consultation to discuss what the revolutionary Cutera Limelight IPL treatment can do for your confidence!

VI Peel Precision Plus is a medical-grade skin peel designed to address pigmentation issues, general skin issues and age-related skin issues. However, it really is viewed as a powerhouse for correcting pigmentation. VI Peel Precision Plus uses intense exfoliation to reveal fresh, new skin. Exfoliation can improve your skin in several ways. It increases collagen production and can reduce the risk of breakouts from acne. 

The Vi chemical peel can promote rapid turnover of your skin cells for "young" skin while suppressing the production of the melanin pigment. 

While this treatment is often recommended for pigmentation issues, it can help to correct many common skin issues. This includes:

• Hyperpigmentation
• UV-induced pigmentation
• Acne/acne scarring
• Uneven texture
• Uneven tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Sagging skin
• Sunspots
• Sun damage
• Melasma
• Enlarged pores

This is a skin treatment that's considered suitable for all skin types! It is equally perfect for skin affected by acne as well as aging. 

The risk of developing skin discoloration is highest for those with darker skin. Therefore, if you have dark skin, please contact us for a consultation before your appointment for information on how to best avoid complications. 

Most people see noticeable results within seven days of having the peel applied. In most cases, improvements can continue to be seen for six weeks or longer. 

No. The Vi chemical peel is considered a medium-depth peel. Medium-depth peels are noninvasive, "superficial" skin treatments that penetrate the upper and middle layers of the skin. 

This peel uses two products called the Lighten Booster and Brightening Booster designed specifically to suppress a process called melanogenesis that's responsible for the production of melanin pigment.

Yes! This peel uses the intense exfoliation of a medium-depth peel to help reverse textural damage that causes the skin to look dull and tired.

Yes! In addition to providing some tightening, this peel may also help to reduce lines in the neck.

No! Deeper peels typically mean greater discomfort with more downtime. The fact that this is a medium-grade peel means that there's no extended downtime. This is actually considered a painless peel.

Just one treatment is enough to produce results! That healthier, younger-looking glow can be yours with just one peel! However, people with skin issues like extensive sun damage and acne scarring may find that results become richer with several peels. 

There's no requirement to have skin blemishes to have VI Peel Precision Plus treatments done. In fact, many people who are generally satisfied with their skin will use VI Peel Precision Plus as a preventative measure to keep skin in top condition while staving off skin aging caused by slowed cell turnover. 

Most people who enjoy the results they get from VI Peel Precision Plus have the peel done up to four times per year to maintain the beautiful results. The fact that skin is in a perpetual state of "turning over" means that a noninvasive treatment like a medium-depth peel can never create permanent results. However, peels are fantastic for creating long-term benefits because they promote cellular turnover and regeneration while encouraging the release of collagen that keeps skin looking taut and youthful. Using a good routine for nourishing and protecting your skin daily with high-quality products is the best way to prolong and preserve the results of a chemical peel!

If it's been a few years since you had a skin peel done, you may remember the way that old-school peels required skin preconditioning in the months leading up to the peel. This isn't the case with a modern peel like VI Peel Precision Plus. You'll be provided with some simple instructions on how to prepare your face in the days leading up to your peel for best results.

Like all medium-level peels, VI Peel Precision Plus will result in peeling. This particular treatment typically produces what can be considered light and fluffy peeling. Peeling is primarily concentrated on days three and four following your peel. While some people have noticeable peeling, others have what are considered "invisible" peels. Both are equally as effective! 

The full peeling cycle can last for up to ten days. The majority of the peeling occurs within the first five days. 

The easiest way to hide peeling after getting this peel is to apply a high-quality moisturizer. This will also prevent you from picking the skin, which can cause irritation and redness. 

No! There are no restrictions after getting this peel done. However, you should limit sun exposure for at least four days to reduce the risk of sensitivity following a peel. 

Makeup should be avoided in the days following a VI Peel Precision Plus treatment. It should only be applied again after the skin has fully peeled. 

While the full treatment consisting of cleansing and application of your peel takes 45 minutes, it's advised that you set aside one to two hours for your appointment. 

Side effects are usually mild with the Vi chemical peel. Minor redness may occur immediately following treatment. Minor burning or stinging, allergic reactions, and swelling are also possible.  For a complete list of Vi peel side effects, please speak to one of the practitioners at Bella MedSpa.   

We invite you to experience the VI Peel Precision Plus at Bella MedSpa in Westfield, MA. 

Our skin aesthetics medical spa offers a comfortable, pampering setting. You will be in the care of professionals qualified to treat your skin with medical-grade peels. We also offer a wide variety of custom aesthetic treatments to help you nourish your skin. Book a free consultation today to learn more about how VI Peel Precision Plus can help you glow like never before!

HydraFacial MD is a gentle, quick treatment that involves three different actions in one simple 30-minute treatment. First, is a cleanse and peel, which helps exfoliate and resurface the skin. This process helps uncover a new, healthier layer of skin. Next, impurities that cause the skin to appear dull are removed from the skin with a light suction. Finally, the surface of the skin is infused with hydrating antioxidants and peptides.

This treatment aims to create more beautiful skin by exfoliating, suctioning and infusing the skin. The process helps to remove dead skin cells from the skin and pores before penetrating the skin with illuminating, hydrating serums for an ultra-fresh look.

The result is skin that appears more firm, with fewer wrinkles and fine lines, and a more even skin tone. HydraFacial MD also eliminates brown spots and reduces the appearance of pores for healthy skin that looks and feels great.

Yes, the Hydrafacial MD treatment involves a gentle peel. Unlike some of the more irritating peels out there, this peel will not leave your skin feeling overly raw or irritated. In addition, there is no post-treatment peeling with a Hydrafacial MD treatment. The peel solution included with this treatment acts to very gently loosen the dirt and impurities that are emended deep within your pores. This is essential for clearing the pores enough to allow for the hydrating serums to penetrate your skin.

This treatment uses LED light therapy to promote wound healing deep within your skin. This can awaken cell activity to promote the growth of new, young tissue in your face!

Absolutely! While the treatment is meant to produce extraordinary results on its own, many clients opt to use customized serums to address specific skin concerns. Many people opt for serums designed to address fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne and blemishes. 

Virtually none! HydraFacial MD is a quick procedure that does not involve downtime outside of the appointment itself, which is usually less than one hour. You can get back to your normal makeup routine almost immediatel

No! This is a gentle facial treatment. While you may be aware of the hydradermabrasion tool on your skin, you won't feel pain.

Unlike many beauty treatments and peels, Hydrafacial MD produces visible results right away for many people! While you may notice improvements in your skin right away, this treatment also offers many long-term, time-released benefits due to the fact that the LED light promotes tissue growth that can be seen months down the line. Don't be shocked if your face keeps looking fresher and fresher. 

The treatment itself takes just 30-45 minutes. In most cases, you can be in-and-out of the office in around 60 minutes. 

Technically, this treatment doesn't require downtime. However, some clients do find that their skin feels very sensitive following a Hydrafacial MD treatment. This is perfectly normal. It's also common for skin to look pink immediately after treatment. This pinkish tone usually disappears within an hour. However, we recommend that you wear sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 50 on your skin whenever you leave the house for the first two weeks following treatment. 

While most people get Hydrafacial MD treatments done on the face, this deep-cleansing skin treatment can also be done on the neck, chest and back. We encourage clients to extend the treatment to the neck when having a facial done to help decrease telltale signs of aging below the chin.

There are just three steps to this treatment. 

Step 1: The process begins with deep cleansing and exfoliating. During this stage, a spiral exfoliating tip washes away dead skin cells as we apply cleansing serums to the skin.  Next, a gentle peel is applied to loosen dirt from the pores. 

Step 2: The next step involves using vacuum suction via the HydraFacial MD® tool to pull all dirt, debris and impurities from the skin and pores. 

Step 3: Finally, your skin is ready to receive a blend of peptides and antioxidants designed to create smooth, plump and hydrated skin via the HydraFacial MD tool. If you have specific skin concerns, we can also apply targeted serums at this stage of the process. 

When you call to book your treatment, be sure to discuss any prescription or over-the-counter topicals that you are using. You may be advised to discontinue use three to five days before your treatment.

HydraFacial MD treatments can help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The hydrating and nourishing components of the treatment can also help to prevent skin aging.

Yes, this treatment is excellent for balancing out oily skin without dehydrating the skin. It helps relieve oily, congested skin by extracting impurities that cause the pores to become clogged. 

Yes, thanks to the antioxidants and peptides used in the final step of the process, the HydraFacial MD is perfect for restoring your skin's natural moisture balance using deep hydration. 

HydraFacial MD is designed to be compatible with all skin types. Even clients with sensitive skin find that this treatment is very tolerable. However, it's crucial to bring up any concerns you have about sensitive or easily aggravated skin. In some cases, tailoring the serums used for sensitive skin may help to reduce the likelihood of irritation. A skin evaluation can also help you to determine if this is an appropriate skin treatment for you!

First, the HydraFacial MD is a beauty treatment that you can get done regularly to maintain the smoothing results on your skin! However, it's recommended that HydraFacial MD treatments are not done more frequently than once a month. 

Bella MedSpa in Westfield is proud to offer the HydraFacial MD skin treatment at our world-class location at 53 Court St. If you'd like to book an appointment, contact us today.

At Bella MedSpa, we use the Emage Image Pro 3D to provide you with a clear picture of the true health of your skin. This state-of-the-art technology was featured on The Doctors. With this quantitative skin assessment, we can help you choose skin treatments that will help your skin look and feel its best.  

This machine provides you with an accurate 3D scan of your face. It scans intimate, multilayer details of pores, sun spots, fine lines, depressions and more to generate a comprehensive skin report. Using intense magnification in an environment with normal, polarized and ultraviolet light, this machine is capable of creating multiple high-intensity snapshots of your face. During the process, the machine maps and measures every inch of your face to analyze each dermal layer. In addition to providing personalized results, your skin's condition is analyzed in comparison to your demographic to provide a baseline.

This imaging technology delivers instant HD results! During your consultation, our team examines every image generated through the system's triple-spectral imaging technology to provide you with a detailed, personalized report. 

Offering an intimate, triple-spectral view of your skin's true state, this system allows us to recommend precise treatments, procedures and products that will provide your skin with the greatest benefits. Also, we'll be able to use the findings to make personalized suggestions about the type of skincare products and protocols your skin needs to be nourished and healthy!

Want to know your true skin age? This technology provides a multilayer look at the state of your skin beyond the appearance and texture you can perceive in the mirror. Beyond just letting you know the state of your skin, this technology provides you with insights to target what is causing signs of aging, breakouts or dullness. 

Emage Image Pro 3D provides a targeted analysis of your skin's wrinkles, pores and roughness level. We can also analyze pigmentation and sun damage at a level not possible with the naked eye while evaluating your skin age and vascularity. Also, it's possible to measure your skin's proper hydration levels. This helps us determine if your skin is being depleted of moisture that is setting you up for dullness and wrinkles. For people dealing with complex skin issues, the insights provided about sebum levels, and concentrations can hold the key to finally formulating the right treatment. One of the most beneficial aspects of this technology is that you can pinpoint wrinkle formation. 

If you're considering a MedSpa treatment like Botox, Coolsculpting or the BTL Exilis Ultra treatment, you don't have to simply wonder how the results will work with your skin. This machine can create a lifelike, highly accurate depiction of the projected results following specific treatments. This is much more accurate and detailed than other programs that "simulate" procedures because the results are based on 3D mapping of your facial features and skin. Our clients find that this is much more helpful than simply seeing before-and-after shots of strangers! 

In many cases, the visible results that come from getting the right skin treatments are proof enough! However, the beauty of the Emage Image Pro 3D is that you can do before-and-after scans to measure your progress using side-by-side images.

Absolutely not! There is no commitment for having a MedSpa procedure done when you come in to get a skin analysis done. This is simply a resource to help you better understand your skin. However, many of our patients use this analysis because they are interested in skin rejuvenation and tightening treatments. 

Somewhat! This machine can reveal bacteria and excess oil captured in your skin.

Yes, this is considered the best way to measure the extent of sun damage present on your skin. While some people have obvious signs of sun damage like freckles and sun spots, others don't. This imaging technology reveals sun damage under the skin's surface that may not yet be causing "trouble" even though your skin has been compromised. Many of our patients in their 20s and 30s who are being proactive about suspending and reversing signs of aging appreciate being able to spot the issues that may cause wrinkles, lines and loss of elasticity in a few years while they can still take proactive corrective measures. 

The skin-imaging machine used on the "Doctors" was the Emage Image Pro 3D.

Not at all! A scan is a very fast, comfortable experience that doesn't create any type of sensation on your skin.

Overall, this machine helps you save time and money by not focusing on procedures and treatments that aren't optimal for your skin! You'll also get better results because you'll be using products and treatments based on your skin's unique background of damage, nourishment needs and moisture levels. 

We offer skin imaging using the Emage Image Pro 3D at Bella MedSpa here in Westfield, Massachusetts. We believe that beautiful skin begins with a personalized consultation that addresses all of your unique concerns and goals. A skin analysis allows us to view the deepest layers of your skin to help you discover the best treatments for reversing damage, improving texture and firmness and eliminating lines and wrinkles. If you're interested in having your skin analyzed, please reach out to Bella MedSpa in Westfield today for your consultation by messaging us or calling (413) 562-3552!

For under-eye hollows known as “tear troughs”, there are specially engineered dermal fillers and specially designed injection devices knowN as microcannulas. When we look at someone, our eyes are drawn to shadows. A tear trough hollow is such a shadow, which draws our focus such that we see that person as tired and weathered looking. Tear troughs distract us from seeing the brightness and beauty of one’s eyes.

By choosing a filler with the correct properties of thickness, cohesiveness, and light-reflecting properties, and placing the filler meticulously in the correct layer of the skin, your physician can correct the cause of your hollow in a way that raises the hollowed area to a level that matches that of the surrounding skin. The result is rejuvenated and less tired-looking eyes.

This is a bit of a loaded question, because the answer depends on what type of tear trough you have. There really are two types of tear troughs. A "true" tear trough and a "pseudo" tear trough.

True tear troughs can be genetic, and often start at a much younger age. A true tear trough results from the thin skin under the eye adhering to the underlying muscle beneath.

On the other hand, pseudo tear troughs occur when the mid-cheek loses volume or fat usually from aging or weight loss revealing a hollow where the fat previously gave support.

Which filler to use depends on which type of tear trough you have. Some patients have both a "true" and "pseudo" tear trough and need two different filler products to correct the defect properly.

In general, pseudo tear troughs are filled more deeply with a thicker filler where the usual fat has disappeared. Conversely, true tear troughs are filled more superficially between the skin and underlying muscle layer using a thinner filler. Such thinner fillers must be very smooth and moldable. By specially cross-linking the filler molecules together in a certain pattern, the filler can be inhibited from reflecting various wavelengths of light and giving off an unwanted color (known as a “Tyndall effect”). My favorite filler designed in this way is Restylane Silk.

A few tests in the office can help determine if yours is a pseudo tear trough, true tear trough, or a combination of both. Having an experienced physician determine the type of tear trough you have and the best approach to correcting it is very important in achieving extremely satisfying and long-lasting results.

The speed at which fillers are metabolized varies from person to person. In general, under-eye fillers usually last between 9-12 months. Those who are very active, such as long-distance runners and triathletes, tend to have their filler last less and sometimes see it lose effect as quickly as 6 months.

Under-eye filler treatments are statistically very safe but still are not without possible side effects and complications. These include overfilling of the area, puffiness, bruising, noticeable lumps or bumps, improper placement, embolization of blood vessels and unusual discoloration from the filler. Many of these side effects have been lessened or eliminated by developing better fillers and better injection techniques using a microcannula.

Fillers that are thin, moldable, do not attract a lot of water to cause puffiness, and are cross-linked in a way that they do not give off any color or hue are now available for safe and very effective superficial filling of this area.

Injecting with a microcannula instead of a needle has made what used to be a procedure fraught with frequent bruising and “black eyes” now a procedure with minimal to no downtime. Microcannulas have also made this procedure extremely safe and comfortable.

A microcannula looks like a needle but instead of having a sharp end, has a rounded end with a hole for product to go through near the end. Because it wiggles its way through tissue without cutting things as a needle does, it decreases side effects and makes this procedure far more satisfying for the physician and the patient.

Generally, people with severely crepey and loose skin under the eye are not good candidates for under eye filler. Also, patients with a large amount of fat that has herniated though the underlying muscle to cause “fat bags” under the eye, are also not candidates for this treatment.

On the other hand, this is a procedure that can be performed in both young and older patients alike. If you have reasonably good skin under the eye, with only mild crepiness, and a pronounced hollow or tear trough, then this treatment can erase those tired eyes and make you look and feel refreshed.

Under eye filing can be performed safely with little to no downtime and give people that rested and refreshed look that they are wanting. It, however, requires more skill and expertise than just about any other area of the face that can be injected. For this reason, it is highly recommended that it be performed by a physician with a great deal of experience and expertise who is also very proficient in the use of microcannulas to make this procedure as safe, effective and comfortable as possible.

Here is to seeing those tired eyes looking bright and refreshed again!

Warmest Regards,

“Dr S.” (Craig Schacher, MD)

of Bella MedSpa by Dr S., PLLC