Point Lumineux

Contemporary Holistic Wellness Center


 941.217.6828

2206 Jo An Drive Sarasota, FL 34231

Point Lumineux Fights Wrinkles with BOTOX and Juvederm Injections

by

The aging process, environmental factors, and genetics produce the unwanted skin and collagen damage that cause wrinkles.  Here at Point Lumineux we strive to provide the most natural look with an array of services to help you realize your beauty and health potential.

BOTOX is a purified version of Botulinum Toxin A and when used properly should temporarily weaken and not paralyze the facial muscles that cause wrinkles.  A tiny needle (30 gauge) is used to inject minute amounts of BOTOX solution into the small muscles of the face reducing their ability to create wrinkles.

About one week after BOTOX injections, you will experience about a 60 percent reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Quarterly treatments can diminish wrinkles to completely unnoticeable and turn back the hands of time! The procedure is a minimally invasive, less expensive, and a safer alternative to plastic surgery with no down time and 90 percent customer satisfaction!

Many of our patients choose to combine dermal fillers with BOTOX injections for a fresh, young and more natural look.  As we age, we lose facial volume and as light falls on our face, unwanted shadows are cast making us look old and tired.

The dermal filler Juvederm is composed of Hyaluronic acid which is a natural component found in our cell matrix and skin.  When injected strategically under the skin, it’s a non-surgical way to provide an immediate resolution of deep lines such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, frown lines, and other unwanted deep crevices.  The hyaluronic acid products may also be used to add volume to lips giving women or men the full pout they desire.

Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic (water loving) so it naturally draws water to the area injected, allowing for a more voluminous and youthful look for nine months to two years.  When used in conjunction with BOTOX, the product will last longer and the youthful appearance you desire will be achieved and maintained.

Please call Point Lumineux today at 941.217.6828 for an appointment with our board certified nurse practitioner and injection therapy specialist, Jamie Yost.

FDA-Cleared CoolSculpting Procedure Removes Fat with No Surgery or Downtime *

by

We interviewed Dr. Sera Balderston regarding the CoolSculpting procedure available at Point Lumineux in Sarasota.

What is CoolSculpting and how does it work? CoolSculpting is a FDA-cleared non-surgical and non-invasive procedure developed by two physicians at Harvard Medical School. It eliminates fat safely with no downtime by targeting precise parts of the body with excess fat. The targeted cells are crystallized (frozen) and then die. The human body eliminates the dead cells naturally resulting in a more sculpted area such as your chin, abdomen, thigh, and flank (love handles).

What is the underlying science? Fat is more temperature-sensitive than your skin and it goes through the cell death process more quickly. CoolSculpting reduces the thickness of the fat layer.

Is it like gastric bypass surgery or liposuction? CoolSculpting involves no surgery and it’s not a weight loss solution for severe obesity. It’s a non-invasive alternative to liposuction.

Is the procedure safe? CoolSculpting is cleared by the FDA. More than one million CoolSculpting treatments have been performed worldwide in more than 70 countries.

How many treatments are necessary? It depends on the part of the body being targeted and the specific goals of the patient. Most patients do a series of treatments over multiple months to get the best results.

Are there any side effects? Patient feel the suction on their skin and the cooling sensation. The targeted area eventually goes numb. Some patients experience pulling, tugging, pinching, redness, and swelling, but few report any level of pain. The procedure is not a treatment for obesity and it’s not appropriate if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.

Does the treatment result in a loss of weight? CoolSculpting is not a weight loss program. It’s focused entirely on destroying fat cells in target areas. The best way to lose body weight is through good nutrition and regular exercise like walking, jogging, swimming or other healthy activities.

When will I see results? You may see changes as quickly as three weeks after your first treatment and the more dramatic results are evident after two or three months. It’s helpful to schedule your sessions three to six months in advance of planned vacations or special events like a family wedding.

Do you offer a consultation? Yes, we can provide a demonstration at our center at no cost. We also welcome questions at 941-217-6828.

*Disclaimer: Patient results and experience may vary.  Results are not guaranteed.
In the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, upper arms, and underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll). In Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure is cleared for the breakdown of fat in the flank (love handle), abdomen, and thigh. Outside the U.S. and Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is available worldwide. ZELTIQ, CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo, the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2017. CoolSculpting is the treatment doctors use most for non-invasive fat removal.

Dr. Sera Balderston Introduces Point Lumineux Holistic Wellness Center *

by

Note: Dr. Sera Balderston recently opened Point Lumineux in South Sarasota to provide patients and clients with contemporary holistic wellness. Learn more at PointLumineux.com.

What does Lumineux mean and how does the word relate to your vision for your wellness center? It’s a French word that means light point or luminous. It’s pronounced loom-in-o. Our foundation is built on providing the best natural healthcare to promote optimal body functioning and health at its purest state. The word Lumineux is a good fit since modern science has proven that light (biophotons) are the basis for all cell communication and function.

What does contemporary holistic wellness mean? Optimum health and wellness can be experienced through various treatments and modalities from around the world. Chinese Medicine has been helping people for thousands of years, and newer technologies can lead to breakthroughs for many conditions. What makes holistic wellness contemporary at Point Lumineux is we are open to approaches that can help our patients and clients.

You are a Licensed Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. What are the credentials of the other team members at Point Lumineux? We have a Medical Doctor, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, two Licensed Massage Therapists, two Licensed Estheticians, a Sound Healing Therapist, and an Intuitive Guide. All the professionals on our staff are experienced and highly credentialed in their respective fields.

What are the four main categories of services offered at Point Lumineux? They include Holistic General Practice, Cosmetic Care, Weight Management, and Sports Medicine.

What are the various treatments provided under these key areas? We offer many treatments including: Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Lab and Genetic Testing, Intuitive Guidance, Sound Healing, Massage Therapy, Cupping, Energy Healing / Reiki, Organic Skincare, CoolSculpting Body Contouring, Nufree Hair Removal, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Hair Removal, BOTOX and JUVEDERM Filler Injections, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Cold Laser Therapy, Homeopathic Injections, Dietary Counseling, and Vitamin Injections. We also offer classes like yoga with Michelle Roy at noon Tuesday and 9am Friday, as well as special programs.

What are your education credentials? My formal education includes an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Pennsylvania State University and a graduate degree in Oriental Medicine from the East West College of Natural Medicine with an intensive study program at Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hang Zhou, China. I’ve earned post graduate certifications in Functional Medicine, Acupoint Injection Therapy, Cosmetic Acupuncture, and Nutrition. I’m also a Reiki Master, Matrix Energetics Practitioner, and I’ve also studied Brennan Healing Science and Vortex Healing.

Please call Point Lumineux at 941-217-6828 to learn more or to set up a consultation.

*Disclaimer: Patient results and experience may vary.  Results are not guaranteed.
In the U.S., the CoolSculpting procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, upper arms, and underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll). In Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure is cleared for the breakdown of fat in the flank (love handle), abdomen, and thigh. Outside the U.S. and Taiwan, the CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is available worldwide. ZELTIQ, CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo, the Snowflake design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2017. CoolSculpting is the treatment doctors use most for non-invasive fat removal.

Does Sugar Cause Wrinkles?

by

By Dr. Jenna Peterson

In short, the answer is yes. I’m not making this up to be a nutrition meanie. Wrinkles, deep lines and sagging skin are a partial by-product of the process known as glycation. Sugar and other high-glycemic carbohydrates (breads, starches, potatoes, baked goods, pastas, desserts, and soda are rapidly converted to glucose in your bloodstream (glycemic spike/sugar rush). This overload can cause a reaction called glycation, in which the excess sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibers, making them weaker and less elastic.

Excess sugar attaches to your collagen fibers, making them weaDr. Jennak and stiff, which accelerates aging in your face and your entire body. Glycation occurs when a glucose (sugar) molecule binds to a protein molecule without the influence of enzymes, which are proteins that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions. In scientific terms, we refer to these sugar/protein bonds as AGEs, an appropriate acronym for Advanced Glycosylation End-products. This causes your collagen to lose its strength and flexibility, so the skin becomes less elastic and more vulnerable to sun damage, lines and sagging.

What about artificial sweeteners? Recent studies have shown that not only do artificial sweeteners raise your glycemic index (blood sugar), they do so by disrupting the gut-flora that enables digestion and protects you by providing 70 percent of your overall immune system’s strength.

To protect your health and to slow the acceleration of the aging process, its best to limit if not avoid all forms of refined sugar as well as artificial sweeteners.  There are natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables that should be our only source of sugar. These foods are high in nutrients and anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants, which help stabilize blood sugar and promote beautiful skin and a healthy body.

How Else Can I Slow or Reverse the Signs of Aging? What you put on your body in terms of skincare can complement your decisions about food choices, I specialize in Cosmetic Acupuncture Skin Treatments, and I use organic, food-grade skincare products loaded with beneficial essential oils. I also do acupressure and acupuncture.

Please call Point Lumineux at 941-217-6828 for more details or to set up a consultation.

Beauty Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

by

By Dr. Jenna Peterson

Looking and feeling your best at the Holidays is the goal, yet stress, late nights, abundant sweets, and alcohol can work against our best intentions. Here are a few tips to help you feel and look your best:

Make your first beverage a water. We can feel excited, or anxious, when we first arrive at a gathering. The purpose is to quench your thirst, give your hands something to do, and ready your stomach for snacks. We’re more likely to overfill our stomachs when we misinterpret thirst, or nervousness, for hunger. I personally love sparkling water. The bubbles add entertainment value, and many carbonated waters come with an essence of flavor, too. Water will help hydrate your system, especially your skin and intestines.

Have “Mocktails” in place of Cocktails. Tonic water and cranberry juice with a squeeze of lime tastes, looks, and feels like an ‘adult beverage.’  I call it the “Mock-squito,” a nod to when we flavored tonic water with quinine as an anti-malarial treatment. Basil-Lemonade is a crowd-pleasing blend for hosting:  2 parts Lemonade, 1 part seltzer water and about 12-18 fresh basil leaves. Muddle or rip the basil into the lemonade. Top with seltzer when the guests arrive. Basil-Lemonade has a lovely presentation in a spigot carafe, too.

Eat your veggies! Remember that scene in Gone with the Wind? Even Scarlett O’Hara had to eat before she went to a party. Have a salad or a protein shake before your party. Knowing you’ve met your nutritional requirements is satisfying and it will also help protect you from sugar spikes and less nutritious treats. Too much sugar damages our skin collagen, making it less elastic and leading to lines and wrinkles.

Bring or serve a veggie plate. Colorful, crunchy vegetables with dip offer a healthier alternative to tortilla, pita or potato chips.  Remember, just because something is savory or salty doesn’t mean it’s not a carbohydrate/starch that will quickly convert to sugar. Check out Pinterest or Facebook for veggie plate presentation ideas that will wow the crowd.  Vegetables will also balance those meaty appetizers that are more difficult to digest. Negative impacts to our digestion reflects in our faces as puffy bags under eyes, dark circles, a heavier, puffy look, uneven skin tone, and pale or splitting lips.

Know When to Go; Plan your Exit.  As much fun as it can be to stay out late for the revelry and festivities, chances are you won’t miss the best memories of the night. Between Facebook and Instagram, they’ll be there in the morning for your review. My grandma wisely advised to leave the party on a high note. Late nights take a toll on our entire system.  Our bodies repair and heal while we sleep, and we’ve all seen how throwing our sleep cycles off shows on our faces the next day.

Call Point Lumineux at 941-217-6828 to set up a consultation to learn how acupuncture, supplements and skincare treatments can bring out your luminous glow for the holidays and throughout the year. Dr. Jenna received her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DOM) from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas.