Why Does an Ophthalmology Practice Offer Aesthetics?

Since Kalon Medical Spa is inside the Vance Thompson Vision practice, clients often wonder how advanced eye surgery, facial filler, and skin treatments could possibly be related to each other.

The connection may puzzle those outside the eye care and ophthalmology industries. However, this common pairing across the nation stems from a natural intersection in the two spaces. Our doctors’ expertise and patient requests in the eye care space for aesthetic treatments come together to create an opportunity for special care, the Kalon way. There’s a more technical reason, too: the technology and lasers used in vision correction procedures are much like those used in skin-rejuvenating treatments.

For any of Kalon’s services, knowing the anatomy of the face and eye area is so important for achieving optimized, beautiful results. And who knows the delicate structure around the eye better than an ophthalmologist? That’s why we draw from the expertise of Vance Thompson Vision surgeon Dr. Zac Keenum, who is trained in cosmetic and plastic surgery specifically around the eyes, like blepharoplasty (repositioning droopy lids) or surgical brow lifts.

“As doctors, we’re trusted with our patients’ well-being,” Dr. Keenum said. “They are not only looking for expert vision care, they are also asking about fixing a droopy eyelid or making their eyes look lifted and awake. I love working with aesthetic patients to make those desires a reality for them.”

“As doctors, we’re trusted with our patients’ well-being. They are not only looking for expert vision care, they are also asking about fixing a droopy eyelid or making their eyes look lifted and awake. I love working with aesthetic patients to make those desires a reality for them.”

Truly, oculoplastic surgery is a broad discipline that specializes in the anatomy and physiology of the eyes, lids, and middle of the face — not just the inner workings of the eyeball but the whole outer area as well! Doctors at Vance Thompson Vision, including Dr. Keenum, are experts in caring for the delicate skin around the eyes, especially during surgical procedures.

Vance Thompson Vision always takes a patient-centered approach to care. This mission makes it the obvious choice to support patients’ goals for both quality vision and a confident outer glow. All the while, the teams at both the eye care and aesthetic sides of the practice provide friendly, competent services using their range of knowledge and skill.

Dr. Keenum joining the team at Kalon in Sioux Falls continues to give our patients the opportunity to see, and look, their best.

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Introducing the RHA Collection of Dermal Fillers

Please join us in welcoming the latest addition to the Kalon team, RHA filler.

Our love for this line runs in our D.N.A. Well, not literally. But with its Dynamic, Natural, and Adaptable qualities, this award-winning filler holds a special place in our hearts.

The first — and only — FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers, the RHA collection improves and repairs dynamic lines, wrinkles, and folds, all of which can gradually lead to the loss of both facial volume and skin elasticity. RHA fillers effectively target a variety of depth levels and patient needs while also providing a natural, glowy finish.

With their dynamic strength and stretch, RHA fillers maintain their structure throughout all of the smiles, frowns, and kissy faces. Their hyaluronic acid formulas closely resemble the natural hyaluronic acid found in your skin, which supplies the skin with  volume, moisture, and structure.

If your skin goals include a natural, supple outer glow, RHA is the filler for you.

The RHA collection of fillers features Redensity™, its most well-known, and three more formulations all designed to target specific goals. After discussing your goals, your Kalon provider will determine which filler is right for you.

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Skin Refresh with MOXI

The waiting has been killing us, but we can finally say it: Kalon now proudly offers MOXI®! Pardon us if we SHOUT a bit, but this is shout worthy news. Here’s why:

If you want a service that’s deeper than a BroadBand Light treatment but not as intense as a Halo, consider MOXI. MOXI is a noninvasive, gentle laser technology that resurfaces the skin with minimal downtime. On top of smoothing texture and evening skin tone, MOXI boosts overall skin quality, prevents signs of aging, and corrects superficial sun damage.

“It’s the ideal treatment for a wide range of skin needs and there’s no downtime. MOXI is going to be a total game changer for our patients.”

“We’re really excited to serve patients better than ever before. It’s the ideal treatment for a wide range of skin needs and there’s no downtime. MOXI is going to be a total game changer for our patients,” Anne Hayden, Kalon Director said.

How does it work?

  • MOXI evens texture by making microcoagulation zones in the skin.
  •  Your body can then naturally repair these zones and replace damaged cells.
  • This process encourages collagen production which smooths rough skin textures.

As a non-ablative laser, MOXI uses controlled heat that doesn’t injure the skin’s surface. Throughout the treatment, you may feel an intense warmth and slight prickling sensation, but our providers will apply a topical numbing cream to the targeted area. The actual laser treatment only takes 30 minutes for the face, but it’s just as effective on your neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.

For several days after your MOXI treatment, your skin may feel like sandpaper. This temporary grainy texture signifies the mends (dermal debris) coming to the skin’s surface. However, you can still wear makeup 24 hours after treatment.

MOXI is a great treatment by itself, but if you’re looking for something to combat summer skin, combining MOXI with a BBL or ZO’s concentrated serums are sure ways to even out skin tone and texture.

Reclaim smooth, glowing skin with MOXI. To schedule your appointment, call Kalon at (605) 983‑SKIN (7546).

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Revitalize Your Collagen Production

When you think back to your teenage years, do you find yourself reminiscing about natural, glowy skin? Amidst the battle of acne and excess oil production, young skin manages to hold an appreciable bounce. Fortunately, that youthful glow can be rejuvenated by our body’s most abundant protein: collagen.

The word “collagen” stems from the Greek word “kolla,” meaning glue. As a fibrous, structural protein, collagen is responsible for being the “glue” of the body. Collagen connects cells and tissues and helps build skin, tendons, tissue, and bones.

Aside from holding us together, why is collagen so important? Kalon Medical Spa’s own Chelsey Ahlers, FNP-BC says collagen’s role in skin elasticity, flexibility, and firmness gives an overall youthful and healthy appearance. Because the majority of the body’s collagen is found in the dermis, the protein adds a supple volume to skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.

However, with the aging process comes decreased production of collagen. This reduction is largely due to the decrease of tissue regeneration that results from age. Around age 20, your current collagen levels begin to thin. At the age of 40, the elastin fibers start to break and lose elasticity.

Aging is unavoidable, but you can still look great while you do it. To help preserve your collagen, practice some of these wellness acts:

  • Incorporate collagen peptides into your vitamins to help restore some of the lost protein.
  • Always wear sunscreen to avoid damaging UV exposure.
  • Make sure to consume a nourishing diet that avoids inflammation — high amounts of sugar can damage collagen and lead to premature skin aging.

Kalon is here to help restore your youthful glow. With advancements in skin rejuvenation, there are multiple treatments available to rebuild the collagen we gradually lose in our skin over time. These treatments include: medical grade skin care, chemical peels, dermal fillers, Sculptra®, microneedling, and laser treatments. For more information on these services, stay tuned for our next blog.

We recognize your inner beauty. Now, let’s refresh your outer glow. To start your collagen revitalization journey, call Kalon at (605) 983-SKIN (7546).

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SkinPen: Effective for All

We haven’t talked specifically about SkinPen before, but this treatment is so popular among Kalon’s clients that it’s high time we share its praises.

According to one client, “SkinPen has done absolute wonders for my skin’s overall texture. And it isn’t only me who’s noticed. People are constantly commenting on its smoothness.”

According to another, “I’ve struggled with acne almost as long as I can remember. SkinPen has cleared it up, and my skin is now better than I could have ever imagined it could be.”

A microneedling procedure, SkinPen stimulates collagen and elastin production. It’s effective on all skin types, and thanks to the numbing cream providers apply beforehand, the post-procedure discomfort is equal to a sunburn. A serum is applied after your treatment to give your skin the nutrients it craves.

Since the procedure is minimally-invasive, SkinPen is an ideal way for those who aren’t ready for chemical peels or lasers to begin rejuvenating their skin. The procedure specifically targets:

  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Hyperpigmentation

We typically recommend three treatments 6 to 8 weeks apart, but a consultation with one of our providers is needed to determine your specific needs and treatment plan. Providers can also recommend complimentary services to maximize your results.

You can return to  your normal activities after your treatment; however, your skin will be discolored for 24 to 48 hours.

Schedule your SkinPen consultation today!

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Find Your Outer Glow with Halo

Between the blowing winds and dropping temperatures, summer seems like a distant memory. You’ve been seeking something—anything, really—to bring back that sunkissed feeling. Though we can’t bottle up the sun, we can still help you achieve a healthy glow with one of our most innovative technology treatments.

Meet Halo™, the World’s Only Hybrid Fractional Laser

Halo is the first fractionated laser to use both ablative and non-ablative technology. The ablative laser creates tiny pathways in the skin, while the nonablative laser pokes thermal injuries into the skin. The laser pulses signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, both of which work to minimize wrinkles.

Compared to past laser treatment options, Halo offers multiple levels of treatment in one procedure with less downtime. A Halo procedure offers a wide range of benefits by improving the color, texture, and tone of skin (brown spots, be gone!). Halo even targets damage that you can’t observe from the skin’s surface and minimizes the size of your pores.

The Treatment Process

A Kalon specialist will begin by asking you a set of questions to determine your eligibility for the Halo procedure. Though Halo works for most patients, the procedure may not be ideal for clients with darker skin tones. Instead, specialists may recommend microneedling or chemical peels, both great alternative options.

After they’ve determined if Halo is the right fit for you, the specialist will apply a numbing cream to your face. Once the cream has been properly absorbed, they will begin by rolling the Halo wand over the skin.

You should expect redness and swelling following treatment, along with intense peeling. Around day two or three, you will begin to notice tiny dark spots. These spots are parts of unhealthy tissue called MENDS. Halo pulls the unhealthy tissue to the skin’s surface, and the MENDS peel off on their own. The peeling skin will subside, revealing radiant new skin underneath. It’s important to avoid sun exposure while the skin is healing, which makes the winter months ideal for trying this treatment. Total downtime for the treatment lasts from five to fourteen days.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Winter is the perfect time to treat sun spots. Schedule an appointment with a Kalon specialist to determine if Halo is the right treatment for you!

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