What is Dysport?
Dysport is a natural, purified protein used to soften the appearance of overactive muscles.  Dysport is FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles.

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
While both are forms of botulinum type A, Dysport is a smaller molecule than Botox which is why the “units” it is sold by is different.  Both products are FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles. Although Dsyport only recently received FDA approval, it has been used in other countries since 1991.  Outside of the U.S., it was approved for aesthetic use in 2001.

How does Dysport work?
Dysport blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles, resulting in a reduction of muscle activity which temporarily prevents contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines. 

What is a Dysport treatment like?
A Dysport treatment generally takes approximately 15 minutes. Most clients say that the injection feels like a sting from an insect. Once the injection is done, there is usually no residual stinging. Below is an example of five points where Dysport may be injected (injection sites vary per person depending on their wrinkle severity and the area(s) which are being treated):

How long does Dysport last?
Dysport typically lasts 3 to 4 months.

Are there side effects to using Dysport?
The most common side effects are injection site pain, eyelid swelling, eyelid drooping, headache, nose or throat irritation. Eyelid drooping or eyelid swelling may be prevented if the injection is done by a skilled clinician.

How do the “units” of Dsyport compare to the “units” of Botox?
Dysport is a smaller molecule than Botox, so the units are approximately 3 to 1. For example, 60 units of Dysport is equal to 20 units of Botox.

How much does Dysport cost in San Jose?
At Blu Cocoon MedSpa, Dysport is $4.67 per unit. From time to time, the manufacturer of Dsyport runs a rebate offer.  In fact, if you receive a Dysport treatment at Blu Cocoon between May 1st and June 30th, 2012, you can receive a $50 check from Medicis. Visit this page for complete info on Dysport savings.

How do I make an appointment for Dysport at Blu Cocoon?
Call Blu Cocoon at 408.295.2580 to schedule an appointment for Dsyport in San Jose. 

THE POWER BROW. The perfect brow can help frame your eyes and add dimension to your face. This Spring we saw a lot of larger, thicker brows.
Tip: Now that the brows are more prominent, don’t neglect them! Keep them brushed and use your favorite gel to keep them in place.
Blu Cocoon Recommends: For fuller, longer lashes to make the eyes pop against thicker brows use Latisse (thanks for the suggestion from Blu Cocoon girl Susan, RN!). Colorescience: Get Framed Brow Kit (pictured) can highlight and enhance brows.

THE SEXY LIP. Color is everywhere, including on the lips. Pink, red, or coral lipstick colors will make a statement on a luscious pout!
Tip: Keep your lips young and fabulous by using a lip color with an SPF which will fight discoloration and fine lines. Keep your lips plump with fillers.
Blu Cocoon Recommends: Perfect Pout Lip Collection (with an SPF of 35) from Colorescience.

NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP LOOK. Fresh, dewy skin is a go-to classic look and who doesn’t want to aspire to have gorgeous looking skin every morning?
Tip: Peels will help slough off the dead wintery skin and bring a natural, healthy-looking glow (thanks for the tip from Blu Cocoon girl, Teresa!).
Blu Cocoon Recommends: Make an appointment by calling us at 408.295.2580 for a free consultation to find the perfect facial peel for you. Colorescience: Beauty On the Go Kit face palette has five flattering shades for a natural look.

THE 80′s ARE BACK. Don’t worry! The electric blue mascara (and matching eye shadow) are staying firmly in the past but the metallic sheens that eyeshadows had in the 80′s are making a comeback!
Tip: Use a “natural” metallic sheen to lightly dust the top of your cheekbones or create a warm glow with a nude metallic eyeshadow.
Blu Cocoon Recommends: Loose Mineral Eyeshadow Shimmers (in a variety of colors) by Colorescience to achieve this look.

Colorescience mineral makeup and Latisse are available at Blu Cocoon MedSpa in San Jose. Don’t miss the next edition of our newsletter - sign up on our homepage!

What is Restylane?
Restylane is a dermal filler (you may have also heard of Juvederm or Radiesse – also fillers by other manufacturers) that is made from hyaluronic acid which is a substance that gives the skin volume. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in your tissues and skin.

How does Restylane work?
Restylane is a clear gel that is injected into the skin in tiny amounts and provides instant volume. It is injected under wrinkles and other skin depressions to provide immediate lift and smoothness.

Are Restylane treatments safe? Are there side effects?
Restylane has been used worldwide since 1996 by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. It is non-animal-based and biocompatible so allergy testing is not required. The most typical side effects are temporary redness and/or swelling at the injection site which resolves in two to three days.

Where can Restylane be used?
Restylane can be used to add volume and correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. We often use it to fill in the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds), fill in lipstick lines (the area just below the nose and above the upper lip), lift the corners of the mouth (where the mouth may extend downward), lift and fill the area that extends downward from the covers of the mouth to the jawline (marionette lines), and also for lip enhancement.

When will I see results?
Instantly! Immediately following the treatment, you will see results.

How long does Restylane last for?
Restylane has been shown to last six to twelve months.

Can anyone use Restylane?
Most everyone can use Restylane without an adverse effect. Those who should not use it are people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in patients under 18 years (for nasolabial folds) and under 21 years (for lips). We recommend discussing your health history with a qualified medical professional before getting a Restylane treatment.

What is the difference between Restylane and Botox?
Dermal fillers and Botox / Dysport are sometimes mistakenly thought to be the same and used in the same way. This is not the case and we have blogged about the differences in an earlier post . . . read the entire post here.

How do I schedule a Restylane service?
Schedule a Restylane treatment in San Jose at Blu Cocoon MedSpa by calling 408.295.2580.

What is VelaShape?
VelaShape is the only FDA cleared device that effectively shapes and slims the body with no downtime. VelaShape Cellulite Treatment features the unique elōs™ technology combination of Bi-polar RadioFrequency, Infrared Light Energy plus vacuum and mechanical massage to deploy targeted heat to adipose tissue.

How does VelaShape work?
The technology of VelaShape increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of actual fat cells and fat chambers.  This results in the gradual smoothing of skin’s surface with a noticeable cellulite reduction and, often, a circumferential reduction as well.

What areas does VelaShape treat?
VelaShape is not a weight loss treatment, but rather a “spot treatment” for those problem areas that just won’t reduce despite consistent exercise and a healthy diet. The treatment is great for inner and outer thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, saddlebags, and love handles.

When will I see results from my VelaShape treatment?
We have clients that see results in four treatment sessions but this varies from person to person. Weekly treatments are recommended to get the best result.

How do I know if I am a candidate for a VelaShape treatment?
The ideal candidate is someone with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of less than 30 who has Stage 1 or Stage 2 Cellulite (according to the Nurnberger-Muller cellulite classification schedule). Stage 1 is no dimpling while standing or lying down, but pinching of the skin reveals an “orange peel” appearance. Stage 2 is “orange peel” dimpling that appears spontaneously when standing up, but not when lying down.

Do VelaShape treatments hurt?
No. They are virtually painless with not downtime. They are safe and effective. Clients can return to daily activities immediately after following the treatment.

How do I schedule a San Jose VelaShape treatment?
Contact Blu Cocoon MedSpa at 408.295.2580 to schedule a VelaShape Body Contouring Treatment in San Jose.

Is Botox safe?
Botox has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use (to treat wrinkles and excessive sweating) since 2002. Prior to that, Botox had been used for almost 20 years to treat certain muscle disorders. Last year over 5.7 million people had Botox or Dysport treatments done. If you are receiving true Botox (made by Allergan) from a reputable business by a skilled clinician, you will most likely love the results!

How exactly does Botox work?
Frown lines are created by overactive muscles. Botox has the ability to very precisely relax the muscles to which it is applied. Less Botox can partially relax the muscle, while more Botox can totally relax it. It just depends on the result you want.

How long does Botox last?
Anyone who’s had Botox will tell you that they wished it would last forever! Unfortunately that is not the case. Typically Botox will last a person 3 to 4 months.

Do Botox injections hurt? Will I bruise?
Most clients feel minor irritation similar to an insect sting. The discomfort is minimal and the procedure does not take a long amount of time (approximately 15 minutes). You may have a bit of redness at the injection site and bruising is possible – it depends on the person.

Will Botox leave my forehead numb?
No, Botox does not affect the nerves responsible for sensation so you will not have numbness.

How much does Botox cost?
Botox at Blu Cocoon MedSpa is $14.00 per unit. Depending on the individual, we may used about 20-24 units in the frown lines between the eyebrow, 10 to 14 unites in the forehead region, 10-14 units around the eyes for “crow’s feet”.  The amount needed truly varies by person.

I’ve seen Botox for cheap elsewhere. How can there be such a big price range?
We strongly believe that you get what you pay for. At Blu Cocoon, you are not only paying for the product, but you are paying for the service by a highly-trained clinician. In fact, we blogged about bargain Botox and why it is not worth it … read the entire post.

How do I make an appointment for Botox in San Jose at Blu Cocoon?
Call us at 408.295.2580 or fill out our appointment request form online.

Do facial chemical peels fascinate you and frighten you at the same time? If so, we understand! At Blu Cocoon MedSpa in San Jose, many of our clients are initially a little uncertain about getting a peel, but once they get one, they’re hooked.  Why does this happen? Because a chemical peel is one of the fastest ways to improve your skin’s texture and clarity and diminish fine lines. Truly!

If gorgeous glowing skin isn’t incentive enough for you to try a peel, then read on. We hope to de-mystify facial mask peels, tell you what to expect and what they have to offer.

What does a peel do?
Facial mask peels provide the skin with rapid exfoliation in a short amount of time and the change in your skin is twofold.  First, to the visible eye, you will see smoother, more clear skin.  Second, what you can’t see, is the increase in collagen and elastin that is produced.  Collagen and elastin production goes down as we age (due to environmental damage and a natural decrease in cell turnover) which leaves us with thinner, less plump skin.  A peel helps to remove sun damage and keeps you ahead of the aging process.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
Getting regular facial mask peels will keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. You will also see texture and pigmentation issues improve because the peel helps to get rid of superficial damage (sun spots and age spots). Sloughing of the surface skin will leave your skin brighter and the increase in elastin and collagen production will help to tighten and plump your skin.

Will my skin really peel off?
Depending on the strength of the peel, you may see light flaking to more aggressive peeling of the skin.  Most peeling occurs for about 2 to 5 days.

What is a chemical peel good for?
Besides treating the skin to a thorough exfoliation, which is good for anyone, we see facial peels help clients who have acne and hyperpigmentation issues. We also see peels help clients who have fine lines and dull skin.

What peels are offered at Blu Cocoon?

• The Salicyclic Acid Peel helps to normalize cell function and clean out clogged pores in acne-prone clients.
• The Glycolic Facial Peel also helps clear acne, fade sun spots and blemishes through the shedding of the superficial layer of skin.
• The Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE is a great choice for all skin types and results in overall improvement in texture and tone. There is little to no downtime with this peel.

If you’re thinking about trying a peel, one of our clinicians can give you a thorough skin analysis and advise what peel would be best for you. If you’ve already had a peel but are due for another, there is no time like the present!  Call us at 408.295.2580 to schedule an appointment.