Lip Augmentation

There are dermal fillers that are not particularly for anti-aging purposes. Some women get injections to have bigger lips.  Clients who have extremely thin lips seek fuller lips, and even women with good-sized lips seek even plumper lips to get that desirable pout.  Below you can watch Suky get her lip injected with Juvederm Ultra by our nurse Rhonda.

Rhonda has been a nurse for twenty years and told us what some of the biggest fears are when it comes to getting lip augmentation via dermal fillers.  Pain is perhaps the biggest concern, but lidocaine is applied to numb the lips before injection.  (The Juvederm also contains a little lidocaine.)  Our aesthetician Morgan had some filler injected to the corners of her upper lip and said that apart from feeling some pressure, she didn't feel pain.  You can watch her little clip below.  The other concerns are getting duck lips and lips that are too big and fake-looking.  Rhonda assures her clients that this doesn't happen because she injects a little at a time -- more can always be added later.  The results last for about 6 months.

Skin Brightening

Here is Morgan, one of our star aestheticians

Summer just ended last week and now some of us may be dealing with the aftermath of its effect on our skin.  Sun spots can be zapped away with a few IPL (intense pulsed light) sessions along with Green Peel.  The peel will cause your skin to shed a couple layers, bringing younger, newer skin to the surface.  IPL does not work on melasma or genetic freckles.  Ask us for other procedures regarding those skin concerns.

Dark spots and hyper pigmentation can also be treated with products such as our private label Bright Now Cream and Pads.   The cream contains lactic and kojic acids, which work in synergy to naturally lift the darker spots; it can be applied 1-2 times daily.  The exfoliator pads contain lactic and azelaic acids and are used once weekly; it is similar to doing an at-home chemical peel.  Smooth the pad over areas to be treated.  On first use, rinse off after approximately 15 minutes and then gradually increase contact time to overnight.  After assessing your skin type, we can give you personalized instructions to maximize the efficacy of the products.

Botox & Dermal Fillers

What’s the difference between Botox® and dermal fillers? Botox® is generally for the top half of the face and dermal fillers are for the bottom half. Botox® is an injectable that relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles such as the elevens (lines between your eyebrows), crow’s feet or the ones in your forehead. [FYI, Botox® is also used for medical reasons, such as relaxing the masseters of people who grind their teeth (bruxism) and for people who suffer from migraines.]

When there are other wrinkles that may be caused by loss of volume in your face due to natural aging, dermal fillers may be injected. As we age, our faces may seem like they are caving or sinking in; dermal fillers can help to add volume, which makes for a more youthful appearance. Some people like to get injections in their hands for that same purpose. 

At SOLUX we have Juvéderm®, Juvéderm Ultra®, Juvéderm XC®, Juvéderm Ultra Plus®, Radiesse®, Restylane®, and Voluma®. Many people are electing to have Botox and dermal filler injections because they are a quick procedure that is non-invasive and has no down time. Most dermal fillers are temporary and are repeated months or even over a year after to regain the desired results. Schedule a consultation to see where Botox® and dermal fillers can help you.

Say Goodbye to Shaving

Razor bumps, ingrown hairs, nicks and cuts are no fun.  Why not consider laser hair removal for your unwanted hair?  SOLUX specializes in laser hair removal of arms, legs, underarms, back, bikini, hairline, lip, face, etc.  Depending on the coarseness and quantity of hair, you can be hair-free after a few quick sessions at our spa.  With summer dwindling down, now is a great time to begin your journey to becoming hair-free since you should avoid the sun for some time after the procedure. Exposure to sun can cause some discoloration of the area that was treated; make sure to wear SPF regardless.

We recommend for you to come to our spa with your area shaved to cut down on time, especially if you have a lot of thick hair. However, we do have razors on hand at the spa.  We will give you a consultation before your first session, but call our spa 312-755-0088 to get a general idea of what to avoid and how to prepare should your first session occur immediately after the consultation. Again, depending on the area, quantity, and coarseness of the hair, you may need a few sessions to see permanent results. Additional sessions can be spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Breast Implants

Have you always been self-conscious of your breasts, or lack thereof?  Perhaps you were curious about breast augmentation, a boob job, or implants, but never really thought about it seriously...until now. Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Michael Horn is one of the best in the industry and will give you a consultation and personalized recommendation. There are many options to consider when moving forward with breast implants -- it's not just the size.  Yes, size may be the most important, visible decision in the entire process, but there are several other things to consider.  Saline or silicone? Under or above the chest muscle? Conservative, moderate, or high-profile?  We can explain the procedure, different cup sizes, different materials and other questions you may have. 

Determining size is actually not that easy.  If you are are going by your bra size and want to go up, say 2 cup sizes, the results may not be what you expect, since many women are wearing the incorrect bra size. Depending on your body frame, proportions, and preference for natural-looking or high-profile, we can help you make the decision.  

Depending on your body type, amount of breast tissue, and appearance goals, we can also help you decide on saline or silicone implants.  Saline implants, which are generally rounder and more natural-looking, are inserted and positioned, and then filled with saline to the agreed size.  Silicone implants are pre-filled implants and are inserted.  If you have a smaller frame, silicone implants may be a better choice since saline implants can wrinkle and fold more visibly.

Breast implants can be placed under or above the chest muscle.  Our surgeon usually places them below the chest muscle for medical and aethestic reasons.  There's less chance of scar tissue forming around the implants if it's under the chest muscle; it also looks more natural.  The surgery is an outpatient procedure with general, not local anesthesia. Some bruising and swelling may occur initially, but most patients are back at work within a week or two.  Dr. Horn is a renown Chicago plastic surgeon, and has mastered the breast augmentation procedure.  He has appeared in several publications and TV shows and was also named a Top Beauty Doctor 2015 by New Beauty Magazine.

Modern Luxury BRIDES Fall/Winter 2016 Release Party

Last Tuesday, we attended the invitation-only Modern Luxury BRIDES Chicago Fall/Winter 2016 Issue Release Celebration. Editor-in-Chief Andrea Mills and Group Publisher Amy Allen hosted the elegant event in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.  We enjoyed live swing band music, libations, and light bites including decadent mini cupcakes and hors d'oeuvres such as crab cakes, empanadas and scallop ceviche.  Beautiful people including Chicago movers and shakers and our BRIDES advertising counterparts filled the room.  We saw an elaborate sample wedding cake, and mock seat assignment and dinner table place settings.  The view overlooking Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park wasn't too shabby, either!

You can find us in the advertising section of BRIDES, since we offer a Bridal Bootcamp through our Camp Gorgeous Program for ladies.  SOLUX Med Spa Bridal Bootcamp packages are customized to fit the brides' skin and body needs, and are accommodating to fit the busy bride-to-be's busy pre-wedding schedule.  We are proud to partner with other professionals in the beauty, fashion and health industries to add additional services to custom bridal packages. From nutritional and physical fitness plans to hair and beauty makeovers, fashion styling, boudoir photography, sought-after skin therapies and cosmetic surgery options, we have the treatments and resources you need to have you feel and look your best on your wedding day.

Fountain of Youth in a Bottle

Up until now, we've mostly covered the customized services that our spa offers.  Today, we put a spotlight on one of our hottest-selling products: Teoxane RHA Serum.  It is for dull, aging, and tired skin that has lost its glow.  RHA (resilient hyaluronic acid) stimulates the skin to regenerate, by cell turnover and tissue restructuring.  The serum "visibly transforms the skin within 14 days," but even upon its first use, you feel it working for your skin.  Skin instantly feels moisturized and tightened. Results after a couple weeks include a brighter complexion and plumper, toned skin.  Overall, a more youthful skin is noticeable.

We love the graphic above which shows a syringe injecting the RHA Serum bottle; this shows that similar if not same ingredients used in practitioner-administered dermal filler injections are found in this topical product suitable for home use. Our CoolSculpting ambassador Jen, absolutely loves the serum and swears by it.  She told us that when she went to visit a friend this summer, her friend pointed out the positive difference in her skin. Our co-founder Angelica proudly recommends this product to many of her clients; however, the serum sells itself.  In the boutique we also sell other products from the Teoxane line including the RHA Prime Solution and Deep Repair Balm.  Come into the spa and see these and all the other skincare products that we carry.  We can assess your complexion, and make personalized product and treatment recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.

Photos obtained from Teoxane's website.

Peel Me

There are many different personalized peels that we offer to our clients to address various skin concerns.  Read through the brief description of each to gain a sense of what you are looking for and which skin type you may fall under. Additionally, you are more than welcome to come into our spa for a complimentary consultation where we will assess your skin and make a recommendation for the best treatment for you.

The SUPER PEEL is comprised of a microdermabrasion with a light peel that refines pores, combats pigmentation, and promotes cell turnover.  The SENSI PEEL is perfect for sensitive, ethnic, acne-prone, rosacea and red skin.  The OXYGENATING PEEL is a non-chemical peel which involves a 3 step oxygen-infused solution cocktailed with potent antioxidants for ultimate revitalization.  The OXYGEN TRIO stimulates circulation deep in the skin resulting in an immediate glow.  It brings new, fresh skin cells to the surface; this 3-in-1 facial treatment is suitable for all skin types.  The JESNER PEEL rebalances natural oil production and is recommended for acne-prone skin, melasma, non-sensitive skin types, and brown spots.

The GREEN PEEL is one of most popular peels, and actually one of our most popular treatments at the spa.  It is our number 1 organic treatment option, and is derived from over 11 natural botanicals that have enzymes, plant hormones and vitamins. There are 3 different levels (Classic, Energy, and Fresh Up), but the most intense and well-known level is the Classic, which will start with the application of the herbal peeling mixture to activate peeling.  (This is definitely not something to do right before a huge social event such as your wedding!)  You will peel for a few days, after which you will notice fresh, new skin! The Green Peel is used to address various skincare concerns including: large pores, blemishes, scars, and even stretch marks. Below is a before and after of the Green Peel applied to our Co-Founder Angelica's mother.  Not only does this show that we truly do believe in the safety and effectiveness of this treatment, but you can also see the vast improvement in her skin!

We Love our Men

SOLUX Med Spa is not just for the ladies.  We offer most of our treatments and procedures to men, as well. A man's appearance is just as important as a woman's appearance, if not more.  In this competitive world, a man's face can help him land a deal, secure a relationship, or maintain an image. Real men take care of their face and bodies.  Here at SOLUX, our male clientele range from the average 'Joe' to corporate executives.  They come in for services such as laser chest and back hair removal, Coolsculpting, Brotox, facials, dermaplane, and IPL.

Our Upcoming Ad Campaign in Men's Book/Modern Luxury

Come to SOLUX and we will take an assessment of your skin, using our high-tech Visia Complexion Analysis.  We'll show you underlying skin issues, bacteria in your pores, wrinkles, pigmentation, and other problems invisible to the naked eye.  It's best to start sooner than later to address your skin problems.  Some things can be prevented with the use of an SPF.  After examining your complexion, we will recommend treatments and/or products for your specific skin needs.  Perhaps you normally zone out when you hear 'IPL,' 'retinol,' or other skincare terms; we can disillusion the world of skincare for you and explain in simple terms what various procedures or products can do for you.

Apart from the neck up, we can also address your skin and body issues from the neck down.  We offer non-invasive treatments with no down time -- meaning, you can go back to work right after.  Zap away unwanted hair with a few sessions of laser therapy, apply Green Peel to get rid of stretch marks, or freeze that last bulge of fat in your midsection that diet and exercise have failed to rid. The options are endless for you.  We also offer surgical procedures under the direction and administration of a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon.  If there is any surgical procedure you'd like to know more about, do set up a consultation with us.

Social SOLUX

This past week was a fun-filled week for the SOLUX staff.  Modern Luxury/Chicago Social Magazine invited us to a private party at the new Loews Hotel deck last Wednesday evening. The vast space was serene and filled with beautiful people enjoying Grey Goose cocktails and live acoustic music.  The grassy center was set up with cornholes, and representatives from Tommy Bahama showcased their new line.  It was fun seeing familiar faces and popular social media personalities.  And of course, the view of the city was spectacular!

On Friday night, some of us attended Marco Foster's White Party at Untitled.  The event raised funds for One Hope United, an organization that protects children and strengthens families.  We wanted to do more than just buying tickets and showing up; we supplied 29 SOLUX gift certificates to include in their raffle.  The lucky winners will enjoy a skin analysis, deluxe facial, IPL, microdermabrasion, or even a Coolsculpting treatment!  We were happy to contribute and had a blast dancing and letting loose for such a great cause.

Last night, we attended Tuesday Toast at Le Colonial.  CS Magazine's Editor David Zivan was behind the bar mixing up delicious Ticked Pinktinis and Peach Mango Bellinis for this event organized by Tickled Pink, an organization that helps raise funds for Bright Pink.  We supplied SOLUX Med Spa gift certificates to the attendees who came out to support those affected by breast cancer.  We were proud to contribute to this cause, especially since the mother of our aesthetician Morgan is a breast cancer survivor.  Below is David, with Le Colonial's resident bartender Nikki.

Freeze that Fat Away!

Love handles, muffin top, pouch, whatever you may call it.  You work out and try to eat well, but some of that fat on your sides, thighs, and gut just won’t budge no matter what you do! Coolsculpting is a non-invasive procedure developed by Harvard scientists that freezes stubborn fat, which is released naturally by your body over time.  This treatment has no down time -- you can go back to work right after!  Earlier this year, New Beauty Magazine named Coolsculpting as "Best Fat-Reducing Treatment."  It only makes sense that SOLUX offers the best; we are a Coolsculpting-certified practice.  

Check out our website devoted to Coolsculpting at SOLUX, where you can see before & after photos, watch videos of testimonials, and learn more about it.  Call us to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Coolsculpting ambassador Jennifer.  If you are not a candidate for the procedure, we can help you explore your other options, including liposuction by our Board-Certified plastic surgeon, the HCG diet with our Certified Lifestyle Educator Mark, or other treatments and procedures.

IPL Guru at SOLUX!

Intense Pulsed Light, better known as IPL, is technology used to address various skin problems, such as hyper-pigmentation due to sun damage and vascular conditions.  Our founder Angelica is Chicago’s IPL guru. She has been performing this procedure for about 10 years and can confidently say that she’s one of the best, if not the best, in the city. While other aestheticians may be timid about changing the settings in the top of the line, state of the art Palomar Icon platform, Angelica has no fear and makes the adjustments to accommodate each individual’s skin type. She has attended several medical forums and lectures to perfect her method. And as a Laser Safety Officer, she is licensed to teach this procedure. Here she is demonstrating the procedure.

For someone who has never had IPL done before, they may be a little nervous or scared about the procedure. Angelica is highly professional yet warm, and will explain what to expect, what is happening, and what to do post-care short-term and long-term. She is truly passionate about skincare and takes pride in improving the appearance of her clients’ skin. Many clients are highly satisfied with their IPL treatments that they have referred their friends and have gone on to solely trust SOLUX Med Spa for their other skin and body treatments.

Skincare

Summer is finally here and most of us are spending as much time outdoors as we possibly can. Sure, the sun is great to increase our Vitamin D levels, but it can also cause some severe sun damage. Just a few minutes of sun exposure each day can add up and develop into stubborn discolorations on your facial skin's superficial and underlying layers. Our SOLUX boutique carries COOLA Organic Suncare SPF Spray, which has been featured as a pro athlete favorite in June’s issue of SELF Magazine.

If you already have sunspots and age spots, some of the skincare products that we carry, including our own exclusive line, may help with lightening. However, if your sun damage is extensive, serums and creams may not be enough to lighten them out. Our Visia Complexion Analysis system takes several images of your face and studies spots, wrinkles, variation in skin tone, pores, sun damage, subsurface pigmentation, vascular conditions, and bacteria in pores. Call us at 312.755.0088 to schedule your complimentary skin analysis and consultation to see what kind of personalized treatment plan would be of benefit to your specific skin type.