Westlake Magazine Covers Ruth Swissa & Sarmela Sunder M.D PRO™ Lift Treatment

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transcription of the article below:

Unifying the principles of fine arts and medical science has created a new platform for personal aesthetics. The partnership between Ruth Swissa and Dr. Sarmela Sunder has introduced a radiant approach to reconstructive and enhancement treatment. The collaboration between these two professionals has not only brought upon advancements in new treatments, but has fostered an entirely new procedure of their own, one they like to call PRO LiftTM.

Ruth Swissa is a certified medical micropigmentation artist and skin care specialist whose family has been in the aesthetic field for three generations. With an extensive background in art practice, Swissa attended a fine arts school abroad for eight years, mastering various mediums of art­ making. This background in artistic practice is quite pronounced in her permanent makeupprocedures, for she treats every client like a project of its own. Swissa not only works thoroughly in enhancement procedures, but donates a substantial amount of her time to burn victims and breast cancer survivors. Coalescing her reconstructive and enhancement practice provides her with the skills needed to troubleshoot more complex micropigmenation scenarios.

Owner of an esteemed medical spa, Swissa’s business operates from two locations and ensures discretion and care from both herself and her colleagues. Additionally, Swissa is also an esteemed member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and the American Academy of Micropigmentation.

What sets Swissa apart from other skin care specialist is her belief in procedural modification. “I have never understood how skincare brands or even other skin specialists could provide clients with a formulaic, set ­in­ stone procedure. Everyone is different, everyone should have their own custom treatment,” remarks Swissa. She also makes note to spend ample amounts of time researching and studying all the contents in the products she sells. Having that comprehensive knowledge of a product’s chemical makeup truly allows Swissa to tailor a treatment that is best suited for her clients. Allotting to a one­size ­fits­ all procedure is against Swissa’s practice and work­ ethic.

Dr. Sunder is a double­ board certified facial plastic surgeon, one of few women in the nation with the designation of dual­board certification. She is also fellowship trained specifically in Facial Plastic Surgery, having received additional training in advanced facelift, mini lift, and rhinoplasty techniques.  Having been educated and trained at the Johns Hopkins University, Cornell and Stanford, she moved to Los Angeles to be close to family. She is in practice with Dr.Michael Persky in Encino and also sees patients in Agoura Hills, at Ruth Swissa.

Although initially introduced through Dr. Persky, the two women have formed a great friendship. Dr. Sunder states “I feel like I have know Ruth my whole life. We are very much in sync, when it comes to how we evaluate patients and treatment approaches. We are critical when it comes to new procedures and technologies, on really do our due diligence to research a product before we offer it our patients. We both share a passion for art and a reverence for science and technology. This comes thru in the results that we are able to offer our patients.” Dr. Sunder and Ruth Swissa work together on many patients. This collaboration is exemplified in a new procedure that Dr. Sunder and Ms. Swissa offer, called the PRO LiftTM. As part of this procedure, the a couple of teaspoons of the patient’s blood is drawn and purified so that all that remains are growth factors and cytokines that assist in tissue healing. Some of this serum is then injected into areas of the face that require rejuvenation. The remaining serum is then applied over the face, and infused into the top­most layers of the skin using a micro­needling procedure. Micro­needling creates multiple channels in the skin through which the serum can penetrate. Microneedling, in and of itself, creates tiny perforations in the skin which encourage the body to lay down more collagen. An oxygen infusion incorporated into the treatment ensure that the treated area has even more of a glow. Patients can repeat this treatment every 4­6 weeks as part of an effective anti-­aging maintenance program.

“Dr. Sunder is astute and very invested in her work. She is always up to date with advancements in the medical field, which is very important when working in a setting like medical spa. Our merged interest in science and art really idealizes our affiliation for personal advancement and clientele interest.”

“Dr. Sunder is very patient and has a very caring touch that is quite complimentary to her work ethic.”

“She has a deep caring for all her patients, and like myself, she really sets time to help troubleshoot and ensure a promising result.”

When asked how their partnership has been important in the success of the PRO Lift, Dr. Sunder responds, “Microneedling really has its roots in permanent make­up. That’s where the concept of the microneedle came about. And Ruth Swissa is the gold standard in permanent make­up. She is so knowledgeable and well­ educated about needling techniques. She knows more about micro needles than the majority of surgeons that I know. I have been involved in stem cell research in the past, during my time at Stanford. And for over a decade, I have been keenly interested in the concept of using one’s own growth factors and stem cells to enhance one’s face and body. So this was just a very natural collaboration and our patients have definitely benefited from it.”

Based on the overwhelming response to the PRO Lift, Dr. Sunder developed the Butterfly LiftTM, a scar­ free and minimally invasive procedure to restore volume to the face, as well as improve skin quality. This proprietary procedure involves capitalizing on a patient’s own body’s ability to regenerate collagen and fat.

Dr. Sunder came up with the idea for this procedure because a significant number of her patients have been looking for natural alternatives to rejuvenate themselves. While fillers are a great way to add volume and lasers are a good way to improve skin quality, some patients had reservations about using synthetic products in their bodies. The Butterfly Lift relies on a patient’s own fat cells, stem cells, growth factors, and healing cytokines, as well as the body’s ability to regenerate collagen to achieve the final result. The procedure takes about an hour and may be performed with the patient awake without the need for anesthesia. There are no incisions.

When asked what makes this a popular treatment among her patients, Dr. Sunder states “Patients love the idea that this is a natural procedure, where they are relying on their own body to fight the effects of aging. It’s actually empowering in a way…to be able to fight the effects of time and gravity without the assistance of synthetic fillers and lasers. They also absolutely love that it is a quick procedure, with minimal downtime, without any incisions, and without the need for anesthesia.”

Flowers for Beautiful Skin: Lavender

Lavender is amongst one of the flower MVPs. It is the it-boy in the flower squad. Not only is it great for skincare, but the list goes on from hair-care to headache remedies. Lavender has antiseptic and antifungal properties which helps reduce scarring and speeds up the healing process. The conventional use of lavender comes in the form of Lavender essential oil — with this you can treat skin problems such as acne, eczema, wrinkles, heal burns, insect bites, chapped lips, and even as a toner.
This magical bloom is the jackpot in the skin-care industry.

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Flowers for Beautiful Skin: Rose

Unlike most skincare remedies, the Rose is a solution for all skin types. It can be used to cure chronic oily skin, tone normal / dry skin, soothe irritated / inflamed skin, and prevent wrinkles with its hydration properties. Utilizing the power of this flower can be as easy as throwing a handful of petals in your bath.
It’s okay to be romantic — your skin deserves it.

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Flowers for Your Face ~ The Ultimate List

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Here’s a list of flowers/herbs that will work wonders on your skin


AlfalfaMedicago sativa
High in calcium and magnesium, vitamin C, E, K and beta-carotene, alfalfa is a superfood for body and skin.

AloeAloe vera
Aloe gel is a “first aid” for many skin conditions, including burns, wounds, inflammations. Cools, tones, moisturizes skin and enhances overall immunity.

AshwagandhaWithania somnifera
Indian Ginseng or Winter Cherry, this herb has tonic and immunity building properties. Tones skin, soothes inflammation and irritations.

BasilOcimum basilicum
Uplifting, refreshing and invigorating for skin and mind

Blackcurrant LeafRibes nigrum
Astringent and antioxidant, leaves also contain vitamin C, beneficial for strong immunity, healthy blood circulation and strong capillaries. Tonic for skin and body.

CalendulaCalendula officialis
True skin-healer with anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial qualities. Able to heal rashes, inflammation, scars.

CamphorCinnamomum camphora
A fragrant compound from an evergreen tree in China and South East Asia, that cools, disinfects and soothes skin.

ChamomileAnthmis nobi
Calming, Soothing, Healing

Coriander Coriandrum sativum
Stimulating and detoxifying, good for clearing skin

CornflowerCentaurea cyanus
Astringent and anti-inflammatory, corn flower is soothing for skin around eye area.

DandelionTaraxacum officialis
Tonic and cleansing yellow flower and leaves are one of the key remedies to detoxify liver and kidneys. Very helpful in relieving skin conditions such as eczema, skin irritations, acne.

EchinaceaAsteraceae
With strong anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, echinacea build’s skin’s resistance to harmful environment, strengthening its immunity

FennelFoeniculum vulgare
Sweet and protective, detoxes and deep cleanses skin

FrangipaniPlumeria cuba
Intoxicating, sweet and exotic, this tropical flower is a jewel of South Pacific. It is soothing, relaxing and calming for nerves, while toning and firming for skin.

Gotu kolaCentella asiatica
High in antioxidants, the herb promotes wound healing and enhances skin’s elasticity and tone.

Green teaCamellia sinensis
contains high doses of Vitamin E, C and B, essential for health and beauty, natural anti-oxidant and protector from bacteria

HibiscusRosa sinensis
a wonderful and versatile ingredient for skincare. They moisturize and soften skin, improving complexion and natural glow. Hibiscus relaxes face muscles, keeping wrinkles at bay. Also the flowers has shown some natural sunblock properties.

HoneysuckleLonicera
High in vitamin C and biofavonoids (antioxidants), honeysuckle has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, soothing effect on skin

JasmineJasminum officinale
Romantic and Aphrodisiac, sweet, floral aroma and balancing, calming and moisturizing effect on skin

JiaogulanGynostemma pentaphyllum
It is used in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammation properties, in skin care and beauty industry for its anti-oxidant and anti-aging effect on skin.

Kaffir LimeCitrus hystrix
Astringent leaves with cleansing and purifying properties

LemongrassCymbopogon citratus
Antibacterial and refreshing , great for balancing oily skin

LindenTilia
Linden flower blossom is nerve tonic, with calming and gentle properties. Excellent as an infusion for eye compress

Milk ThistleSilybum marianum
Pink Flower has a strong detox and cleansing properties, particularly beneficial for healthy liver function. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which inhibit skin aging and damage from UV rays.

MintMentha piperita
Refreshing, Antimicrobal and Invigorating

Monoi de TahitiGardenia taitensis
Monoi de Tahiti is an infusion of pure virgin coconut oil and the flowers of Tiare Tahiti or Tiare Mahoi

NettleUrtica dioica
Tonic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory nettle is full of vitamins, iron and calcium and amino acids. Taken internally as tea / infusion, detoxes, builds immunity and prevents inflammatory processes. Soothing and detoxing for skin, when applied externally and very helpful for reliving eczema, acne, skin irritations.

ParsleyPetroselinum crispum
Fragrant and refreshing, parsley has strong diuretic and expectorant properties. It detoxes and brightens skin, especially beneficial for eye area to reduce dark circles and puffiness

PeonyPaeonia
Peony activates the natural defense mechanisms of skin, tonifying and firming the epidermis. The extract of petals has a regenerative, softening, moisturizing, firming, anti-inflammation effect.

White Lily Lilium candidum
Used in TCM as a nourishing ingredient, white lily bulb moistures, softens and brightens skin.

(source: delicious-skin.com)


 

Ruth Swissa will be sharing her knowledge about the most beneficial flowers for your skin in the upcoming blog posts. Stay tuned!

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Not Coconut Water, Coconut Kefir **

We’ve all heard of coconut water and it’s benefits, but if you’re a risk-taker and are interested in the swanky lifestyle, I highly recommend Coconut Kefir. This is the opulent counterpart to coconut water, and is made through the process of fermentation. While fermenting the coconut water, beneficial bacteria are introduced into the beverage. Just one shot of coconut kefir will enrich your essence with 15 billion CFU probiotics (which is 3x more than Activa yogurt, or any commercial yogurt for that matter). These beauty-bouncing bacteria help keep your skin clear by basically residing where pathogenic microbes (the cause of your zits) would be residing.

Just to top everything off, Coconut Kefir is naturally sweet — boom, your set. Beat out those sugar cravings and rejuvenate your body with magic coconut juice. 

Ruth Recommended Dosage: Drink coconut kefir in the morning on an empty stomach so the beauty-breeding bacteria can penetrate your stomach first thing, unconcentrated.

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Chocolate = Beautiful Skin #what?

This year don’t regret those Valentine’s Day chocolates, your skin needs ’em. Ruth Swissa is gonna let you in on a little beauty secret: beauty doesn’t mean a life sentence of leafy greens. Indulge in some sultry dark chocolate chunks and reap the benefits.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Chocolate Reduces Blood Pressure
Dark Chocolate relaxes blood vessels. This in turn will reduce blood pressure. Chocolate is perhaps the natural-born chiller; a ‘feel-good inc’ opiate.

Wrinkle Reducer
Chocolate is an organic stress reliever –  it reduces the formation of stress hormones. Consequently, this will promote less collagen breakdown in your skin and ultimately leave you with fewer wrinkles in the long run.

Flavonols
Chocolate contains Flavonols, antioxidants that help your skin combat UV damage, fight free radicals, and increase  blood flow. So in other words, fewer wrinkles, fewer sunspots, and an irresistible dewy glow.

~*Keep Label in Mind*~
Even though the chocolate seal may read “70% Dark Chocolate”, if the first ingredient reads “Milk” or “Sugar”, you know your bar does not contain 70% or more cocoa content. Also, to achieve these beauty benefits, make sure you’re indulging in a chocolate bar that contains 70% or more cocoa content. No glacé milk/white chocolate allowed. Portions do come into play as well; make sure you’re not eating more than one ounce of this gushy-good stuff.

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Has Winter Given You Dry, Painfully Chapped Lips?

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How to mend those dry, painful chapped lips this winter season? Here are some of Ruth Swissa’s top lip balm picks that will do the service at utmost potency.

  • Burt’s Bees® Lip Balm (Ruth personally suggests the SPF because there’s nothing worse than sun-damage to your skin). What can we say, this little fella works wonders! Not to mention, it’s made of 100% natural ingredients (so no Oxybenzone or Menthol!)

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  • Vaseline® Lip Therapy® Advanced Formula is definitely one of Ruth’s favorite. “Vaseline is the best invention since sliced bread,” Ruth says. It can literally be used for everything and anything. Nevertheless, this lip treatment protects and replenishes your cracked lips with moisture. This balm is actually the longest lasting moisturizer in comparison to the other products.

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  • Rosebud Perfume Co.® Lip Balm  Not only is it aesthetic and cutesy with its vintage-inspired facade, this tin contains a combination of rich balm that leave your lips moisturized with just one application.

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