How often should I do contrast therapy?
Many people incorporate this practice into their daily routine after their workout routine. Doing this everyday can help you recover fast and train harder than ever before. If you are unable to do contrast therapy everyday, we recommend a weekly session to see the full benefits or after intense exercise
How should I prepare for contrast therapy sessions?
Please come to the facility with a bathing suit or clothing that can get wet and don’t forget to hydrate properly before and after each session. At PUR-FORM we have robes, locker rooms, showers and water sandals so you only have to worry about your wellness!
Do I need a consultation before a facial or peel?
You do not need a consultation for facials, our aesthetician will assess your skin at the office on the day of your appointment. You must have a phone call with our aesthetician to discuss contraindications & determine which peel is right for you before coming in for your peel appointment.
How long is the recovery time after a peel?
Recovery time varies depending on your skin’s sensitivity and which peel you choose. The Sensi Peel expected recovery time is 0-1 days. The Micro Peel Glycolic can take 0-2 days. The BHA Salicylic based peel expected recovery time is 1-2 days.
Is it painful?
Usually patients tolerate the treatment very well without numbing cream with minimal discomfort. However, we do offer number cream to all of our patients should they request it.
How long does it last?
Neurotoxins usually last about 3 months. For best results, maintenance treatments are recommended every 3 months.
Is botulinum toxin safe to inject into my face?
Yes, Botulinum toxin has been approved for therapeutic use since 1989 and aesthetic use since 2002. The product has been highly researched and studied and is safe in injections in the face. The most common side effect is bruising at the injection site.
Is it painful?
Since the area is anesthetized, patients typically report not feeling anything. Most often, a numbing cream is applied at least 20 minutes before treatment.
How long is the down-time?
As with any injection-based treatment, some swelling and/or bruising may occur, but usually resolves in a few days. Patients can minimize this by using ice, arnica and eliminating the use of alcohol, turmeric, zinc, fish oil, NSAID medications and other blood-thinners before and after treatment. Discuss this with your provider.
Which filler do I need?
With many dermal filler products on the market today, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you without a knowledgeable and experienced injector’s guidance. Each filler product is uniquely formulated for certain texture, density, flexibility and cohesiveness that all affect how the product integrates into the skin. It is the expertise and technique that guide the providers’ decision in product selection that will optimize results. Discuss this with your provider.
How does DermaShape<sup>Ⓡ</sup> work?
The desired treatment area is first heated to 41℃ (106°F) to sooth and prime the tissue for the vacuum suction technology. The DermaShape suction device massages the tissue breaking down congested fluids, fats and toxins which can then be filtered out through the lymphatic system.
Why is it so effective?
Allowing for the manipulation of tissue at various depths, this treatment application can be used to target all areas of the body. Results are often visible after just one treatment.
How often should I get treatment?
Depending on your goals, it is typically recommended to do a series of six to twelve treatments, 1-2 times a week for longer lasting results.
Is there any downtime or recovery?
No. Patients can go about their normal business after the treatment. It is recommended to follow a non-fat diet 24 hours following the treatment and drink plenty of fluids after being treated.
What is EBO2?
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBO2) is a game-changing protocol that can be used to fight chronic inflammation in the body and a host of diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases.
What is the EBO2 Protocol?
The EBO2 protocol involves removing a patient’s blood and infusing it with oxygen, ozone, red light, and UV light, then returning it to the body. This process effectively filters the blood to remove heavy metals, fats, cholesterols, and inflammatory proteins.
Does EBO2 Affect Mitochondria?
EBO2 can have a major effect on ATP and NAD+ production, and ultimately on the health and function of your mitochondria.
How is EBO2 different from ozone therapy or 10-pass ozone?
Traditional ozone therapy or ten pass ozone therapy treats only a small portion of a patient’s blood with ozone alone, while EBO2 treats the majority (5-7 liters) of a patient’s blood through filtration, ozonation, oxygenation, and photobiomodulation.
Is EBO2 similar to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
In HBOT, patients are enclosed within a chamber that allows the body to absorb higher levels of oxygen than what is possible at our normal atmospheric pressure. This allows for the health benefits of increased oxygen availability to our body’s tissues. With our EBO2 protocol, oxygen is infused directly into the bloodstream along with the added benefits of filtration, ozonation and photomodulation. While there can be similar anti-inflammatory effects with both protocols, we believe the EBO2 protocol to be a much more effective solution for the majority of our patients due to its’ combination of oxygenation, ozonation, filtration, and photomodulation. For specific patient cases, HBOT can be a wonderful addition to EBO2 as part of the patient’s care. We recommend having a consultation with one of our trusted physicians to learn more about what’s right for you along with a custom-tailored recommended protocol.
What kind of advanced testing do you do?
Unique from traditional care offices, our Functional Medicine Program offers access to specialized advanced testing such as food sensitivities, hormone, thyroid, micronutrient, mycotoxin, organic acids, GI-MAP, and many more.
What does a functional medicine practitioner specialize in?
Our functional medicine practitioner has extensive training in holistic medicine as well as functional disease management. They will prescribe individualized nutrition, sleep, movement, supplement, and mental health plans in addition to prescription medication if necessary.
Do I still need a primary care physician?
YES! Although our practitioners are classically trained in allopathic medicine, we recommend that our members have a primary care physician for urgent and same-day visits and vaccinations, not provided by our office. Regular OB/GYN visits are recommended for our female patients as well for regular pap smears. Our goal is to focus on health optimization. Visit an emergency room or urgent care in the case of a medical emergency.
Are lab tests included?
Some of our packages include specific labs and specialty testing. Testing for our personalized medicine program may vary based on which tests our provider needs to evaluate.
How does lab testing work?
Labs can be collected in our office, or at a preferred draw location discussed with the provider. Once your samples are collected, final results usually complete in 10-14 business days, however, this may take longer depending on specialty testing.
Does your office accept insurance for these services?
We do not accept insurance for services. If you would like to run your labs through insurance, our provider will give you a list of desired testing. We encourage our patients to call their insurance company to inquire about coverage. We cannot guarantee labs processed through insurance will be covered.
What’s the approach to supplements?
Just like prescription drugs, supplements are taken seriously regarding safety, quality, effectiveness, and relevance. Our practice only works with companies that are GMP-certified, professional grade, who use the best raw materials to exceed standards of quality, purity, safety, and efficacy.
How should I prepare for hair restoration treatment?
Prior to hair restoration treatments, it is imperative that you drink ample amounts of water leading up to the procedure to help us yield the highest amount of active blood products from the blood. It is advisable to avoid aspirin, motrin, turmeric, and other blood thinning supplements for 48 hours before the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.
What is the recovery time on hair restoration?
There is no down time with PRF for hair restoration with the exception of no exercise for 24 hours after the procedure. Patients can go right back to work immediately after the procedure. There may be some slight soreness at the injection sites but this is rare and is usually very minimal. While there is no downtime after VSELs for hair restoration, it is a more intensive injection which creates soreness in the injected area.
How long before I see results?
The VSELs treatment typically only requires one full treatment with follow up PRP’s to see maximum results. Patients usually see full results after 2-3 session of PRF.
How long does hair restoration last?
Because we cannot stop the aging process, patients can expect to see results for approximately 8 – 12 months. One maintenance treatment is recommended at least once a year to keep up with the results.
How long is the health coaching program?
Our health coaching program starts with 12 sessions, after the initial 12 sessions you can continue with our health coach or come in for check-in’s when you need additional support.
What does Bio-identical HRT mean?
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy possesses an identical chemical makeup (in terms of molecular structure) to the ones your body naturally generates. As a result, your body acknowledges these bio-identical hormones as its own, leading to a more organic hormonal reaction and reducing the likelihood of encountering undesirable side effects.
How is HRT administered?
At PUR-FORM we utilize different methods of administration such as creams, patches, injections and pills to deliver hormones. Our providers work closely with patients to determine what best options are available. These methods of delivery offer dosing flexibility, allowing our providers to fine-tune dosage to achieve optimal results.
How often should I do hydrogen therapy?
We have a team of providers you can ask for treatment frequency recommendations. We offer packages of treatments, or you can explore our membership options.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment of the entire body that uses highly pressurized oxygen in a controlled environment called a hyperbaric chamber. “Hyper” means increased and “baric” refers to pressure; hence, HBOT treats the body with 100% oxygen at levels roughly two to three times greater than normal atmospheric pressures to increase the amount of oxygen your blood cells can carry. Modern HBOT has been used for more than 70 years to improve healing in tissues deprived of oxygen, where a given patient is placed in a hyperbaric chamber, breathing 100% oxygen while exposed to elevated ambient pressures. This will dissolve oxygen into the plasma (the liquid portion of blood) and into cells, tissues, and fluids up to 10 times the normal concentration. HBOT is helping to resolve a growing number of difficult, expensive, or otherwise hopeless medical problems. There’s no way of controlling how much oxygen gets absorbed into the body, and HBOT is a way to hypothetically “turn up the volume” of oxygen absorption by increasing atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been used in clinical practice to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, clostridial infections, and enhance wound healing. Newer applications of the therapy have been shown to successfully treat even more conditions, including compartment syndrome, burns and frostbite, and even sensorineural hearing loss. What’s most exciting to me personally is this: As time goes on, we’re realizing that HBOT may also provide some highly valuable anti-aging benefits.
What are the Two Main Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen?
The function of HBOT can be roughly divided into two types of effects: physiological and pharmacological, with much overlap. Oxygen can be thought of as both a naturally occurring element essential for life and a drug used to alter disease pathology. HBOT uses oxygen as a drug and, therefore, has proper dosing protocols, a therapeutic index, and side effects that need to be understood in order to be used safely and effectively. Here’s a rundown of the two major effects of HBOT:
What are the Physiological Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen’s voyage in the body starts with the air you breathe and ends up in your individual cells. The oxygen mixed with air enters the lungs, where it goes into the alveolus (tiny air sacs in the lungs), diffuses into the blood, and attaches to hemoglobin. Eventually, the oxygen is released from the hemoglobin and diffuses into the tissue. Ultimately, oxygen enters the cell and interacts with the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. When oxygen is utilized in the mitochondria, the final product is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the body’s energy currency. How the mitochondria utilize oxygen can determine health or disease. This simple fact is at the root of most ailments. Hyperbaric chambers work by providing oxygen that can be controlled. Oxygen is primarily used by the body in the formation of ATP, the molecule responsible for intracellular energy transfer through a process called cellular respiration. Normal air is about 21% oxygen. Under normal conditions, plasma hemoglobin is almost entirely saturated, yet at the same time there’s minimal dissolved plasma oxygen. With hyperbaric oxygen, there’s a significant increase – approximately 30% to 40% – in the overall oxygen content in the body. This increase from baseline is due almost entirely to an increase in oxygen dissolved in plasma. HBOT allows for oxygen to be dissolved in the blood, body fluids, cerebral spinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal column), bone tissue, and lymph nodes. Oxygen-rich fluids in the body can then travel to areas where blood circulation is either blocked or diminished. The extra diffused oxygen is responsible for a phenomenon called vasculogenesis, which occurs when blood vessels are formed where there were previously no vessels. This can be very important in circumstances such as stroke, traumatic head injury, and general recovery. A similar process to vasculogenesis is called angiogenesis, where essentially new blood vessels are made from pre-existing ones. Another physiological effect of hyperbaric oxygen deals with vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels). Hyper-oxygen content in normal tissue causes vasoconstriction, but this is compensated by increased plasma oxygen content and microvascular blood flow. This vasoconstrictive effect does, however, reduce post-traumatic tissue edema, which contributes to the treatment of crush injuries, compartment syndrome, burns, and traumatic head injuries including strokes. As you may know, swelling typically impedes healing. The mechanism by which hyperbaric oxygen causes vasoconstriction is as follows: Increased levels of oxygen cause a decrease in local nitric oxide (NO) production, thereby leading to vasoconstriction, as NO is a potent vasodilator. Conversely, increased levels of carbon dioxide, the byproduct of respiration, promote NO production and vasodilation.
What Are the Physics Behind HBOT?
When all is said and done, the physiology of hyperbaric oxygen comes from principles of physics – namely Boyle’s law and Henry’s law. In Boyle’s law, bubbles that have been formed in the body are made smaller by hyperbaric chamber pressure. Divers may acquire bubbles in their bodies when they ascend to the surface too rapidly or stay underwater too long, thereby developing a condition known as decompression sickness (the “bends”). Decreasing bubble size is a primary therapy for decompression sickness. Hyperbaric chamber pressure can reduce the size of the bubbles as well as bubbles from other sources. Decreased bubble size will allow better penetration of oxygen. On the other hand, Henry’s law states that increasing pressure will result in more gas entering the solution. Normally, most of the oxygen circulating in the body is carried by the hemoglobulin molecule found in a red blood cell. Hyperbaric oxygen dissolves any extra oxygen into the plasma (Henry’s law). The reason for this is that the more pressure that’s exerted on a gas, the more that gas will go from gaseous to liquid form. The total oxygen carried to the tissues is about 10 times more than breathing air at sea level. Bottom line, hyperbaric therapy supplies more oxygen. Here’s a real-world example to drive home the point. At high altitudes, even that of high-flying jets at 10,000 meters, oxygen percentage is only 21%. So why the hypoxia, headaches, and unconsciousness? Because oxygenation and gas exchange are driven by pressure, not by the percentage or fraction of the gas. This is essentially where most clinics stop in their explanation of how hyperbaric oxygen works. The mechanisms of HBOT are much more complicated and rely on their pharmacological aspects and their effects on various signaling pathways in the body.
What Are HBOT’s Effects on Mitochondria?
Mitochondria consume roughly 85% to 90% of the oxygen we breathe and are the major source of ATP production (ATP being the body’s energy currency). Typically, the more active the tissue, the more mitochondria that tissue contains. HBOT has a multitude of protective effects on the mitochondria, including alterations in oxidative stress, altered brain metabolism, and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. Apoptosis is a type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps leads to a cell’s demise; this is one method the body uses to get rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. In a nutshell, HBOT increases the health, well-being, and absolute numbers of mitochondria. Healthy mitochondria results in a healthy patient.
Can you use an infrared sauna every day?
When starting out, it’s best to give your body a few days to recover from using any kind of sauna or new heat treatment. If you tolerate every other day, work up to four days a week. If that goes well for you, then you can use the infrared sauna every day.
Does an infrared sauna get as hot as a traditional sauna?
The infrared sauna itself does not get hot at all. It stays close to room temperature. The infrared lights, however, warm and penetrate your skin, which will induce sweating and your feeling of warmth. You’ll get a similar sensation and sweat as you would in a traditional sauna, without the entire sauna being warm.
What are the main benefits of using an infrared sauna over a traditional sauna?
While both forms of sauna induce rest and relaxation, because an infrared sauna doesn’t rely on treating an entire enclosed area with extreme heat, many people say they are able to enjoy the sauna longer with the infrared lights, which increases your core temperature. In addition, some people find traditional saunas uncomfortable. Many find that they are able to tolerate the infrared light panels without any discomfort.
What is Intermittent Hypoxia Training?
Intermittent Hypoxia Training is a therapeutic approach that involves subjecting a person to repeated episodes of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) interspersed with normal or hyperoxic oxygen levels.
How does IHT work?
This therapy aims to stimulate the body's natural adaptive responses to hypoxia, which can benefit various physiological and biochemical processes.
Is IHT safe to use regularly?
Yes. Our expert staff will constantly monitor your performance and adapt the treatment to best suit your training goals and overall health.
Do any supplements compliment IHT treatment?
Yes. Dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10, NEO40 and Ginkgo biloba can increase oxygenation through improved blood flow while branched-chain amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids aid maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2 Max).
What Does IHT Therapy Look Like?
At PUR-FORM, we use an intermittent hypoxia machine that utilizes a face mask, and the device will vary oxygen concentrations from 9%-40%. The duration, frequency, and intensity of the hypoxic episodes can differ depending on the specific treatment protocol and the individual's needs and condition.
Is it painful?
Usually numbing cream is not necessary. The treatment is very quick and can be described as a rubber and snap against the skin.
Will I peel after the treatment?
Sometimes there is a peeling/flaking of the superficial skin (particularly in areas where pigment was treated), however, this does not always occur and is not an indicator of a “successful” treatment.
What are the most common areas to treat?
The face, neck and decolletage are the most common areas treated with IPL to help reverse years of sun damage. Other common areas include the hands, surgical scars, acne scars, etc.
Is it painful?
Usually numbing cream is not necessary. The treatment is very quick and can be described as a rubber and snap against the skin.
Will I peel after the treatment?
Sometimes there is a peeling/flaking of the superficial skin (particularly in areas where pigment was treated), however, this does not always occur and is not an indicator of a “successful” treatment.
Does the Morpheus8 Treatment Hurt?
Although Morpheus8 uses needles, it's not usually painful. Any discomfort that is felt during the treatment is often very tolerable. Most patients report a warm sensation like a sunburn during the treatment. Our team will also apply a numbing cream to ensure optimal comfort during your session. PUR-FORM also offers Pro-Nox (aka laughing gas) to all patients for additional pain relief during the procedure.
Is there any downtime from Morpheus8?
Downtime after a Morpheus8 session is minimal. We advise patients not to exercise for 24 hours after the procedure. Patients should expect redness, mild swelling for 2-3 days. Commonly, the redness dissipates by the next day. Patients are instructed to stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours and to use sunscreen thereafter.
Can Morpheus8 really get rid of acne scars?
Yes. Morpheus8 is super effective for acne scarring and all kinds of scars actually. Because Morpheus8 is actually a micro-needling treatment, it makes tiny abrasions in your skin in order to stimulate a wound healing response that gets your body to produce collagen and elastin and to turn over new healthy skin cells. Furthermore, it selectively delivers the radiofrequency heat to just the tips of the needles causing less trauma to the skin than traditional microneedling. It reduces the appearance of scars and other textural irregularities, especially following a course of treatments.
How many treatments will I need to see great results?
Most patients report they notice a difference after their first treatment. For optimal improvement, however, a minimum of three treatments one month apart should be completed. Because we cannot stop the aging process, maintenance treatments are recommended every six months.
Which filler do I need?
With many dermal filler products on the market today, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you without a knowledgeable and experienced injector’s guidance. Each filler product is uniquely formulated for certain texture, density, flexibility and cohesiveness that all affect how the product integrates into the skin. It is the expertise and technique that guide the providers’ decision in product selection that will optimize results. Discuss this with your provider.
How Does NAD<sup>+</sup> Affect Aging?
NAD<sup>+</sup> is present in the mitochondria of each cell and has been shown to decline steadily over time, reaching about 50% decline by ages 40-60. The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and make ATP or energy within the cell. Without sufficient NAD<sup>+</sup> our mitochondria struggle to make sufficient energy, which can be very taxing to our vital organs and causes many of the symptoms of aging. With NAD<sup>+</sup> modulation, we are able to stimulate a group of anti-aging genes called sirtuins, which activate mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing the quality of the mitochondria and creating an age reversal effect. Because of this, NAD<sup>+</sup> stores can lead to improved performance, slow the process of aging, and revitalize our hard working organs. NAD<sup>+</sup> plays a key role in metabolism and DNA repair, which is very important in the prevention of chronic illnesses and even cancer. The organs with the highest concentrations of NAD+ are the heart and brain, so the lack of NAD<sup>+</sup> can put these organs at risk for degenerative conditions (ie. Alzheimers). For this reason, NAD<sup>+</sup> can potentially be very effective in preventing dementia, Parkinsons, and even multiple sclerosis. For many, the early signs of aging include periods of brain fog, forgetfulness, reduced athletic performance, fatigue, and changes of the skin. Supplementation of NAD+ has been shown to revitalize the body from the inside out, which results in reducing each of these symptoms and much more.
Can NAD<sup>+</sup> Increase Brain Health?
There continues to be increasing evidence that suggests NAD<sup>+</sup> and NADH play an important role in multiple biological processes in the brain such as neurotransmission, learning, and memory. It may also mediate brain aging and the tissue damage in various brain illnesses. This means that NAD<sup>+</sup> may be able to signal the growth, repair and development of brain/nerve tissue. In other words, NAD<sup>+</sup> may be able to virtually help the brain regenerate and reverse aging to some degree, allowing patients to feel like they did before the brain tissue was damaged either from injury, stressful events, brain disease or the regular aging process. It has been shown that reduced NAD<sup>+</sup> levels play a pivotal role in brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, NAD<sup>+</sup> replenishment improves mitochondrial function and mitochondrial biogenesis and reduces accumulation of damaged mitochondria in both premature aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Lautrup S, Sinclair DA, Mattson MP, Fang EF. NAD<sup>+</sup> in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metab. 2019;30(4):630-655. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2019.09.001 Ying W. NAD<sup>+</sup> and NADH in brain functions, brain diseases and brain aging. Front Biosci. 2007 Jan 1;12:1863-88. doi: 10.2741/2194. PMID: 17127427
How should I expect to feel during an NAD<sup>+</sup> treatment?
NAD<sup>+</sup> is administered via intravenous infusion and takes about two to four hours depending on each patient's tolerance of the drip. During the drip, most patients experience some symptoms of chest tightness and/or butterflies in their stomach, but everyone is different. These symptoms are completely benign, and will go away within 20 seconds of slowing the drip. We like to think of the sensation of these symptoms as our cells getting the boost of energy that they'd been working so hard for! Typically, our areas of issue or disease are the areas of the body in which NAD<sup>+</sup> is lacking, thus we typically feel the symptoms in those areas. In short, you'll feel it where you need it!
How many NAD<sup>+</sup> treatments do you need?
As with all treatments, everybody is different and has different needs based on their health status and lifestyle. We highly recommend booking a consultation to get one of our providers’ professional recommendations based on your condition. With that said, for those generally healthy individuals who are starting to see early signs of aging, degeneration, or just feeling like they could use a boost, our recommendation is to start with a “loading dose”, 3-4 consecutive days of 500mg of NAD+. After this, we typically recommend coming in for one treatment every 4 weeks. In our experience, this is how our patients receive optimal results with NAD<sup>+</sup> therapy. However, if you are interested in just trying one treatment, we encourage you to do so as you will likely still feel a difference.
Are there any side effects associated with NAD<sup>+</sup>?
As stated in “How should I expect to feel during an NAD<sup>+</sup> treatment?”, some patients feel temporary symptoms of chest tightness and/or stomach discomfort during treatment. These symptoms are completely benign, and will go away within 20 seconds of slowing the drip. After the treatment, there have been no negative side effects reported.
Can NAD<sup>+</sup> help with addiction?
Generally speaking, as a person abuses drugs or alcohol, they deplete the natural stores of NAD+ in their body, making it more difficult for them to break down energy from food and creating a dysregulation of endocrine factors, circadian rhythms, dopamine neurotransmitters, and oxytocin signaling. It is also known to increase neuroinflammation and impair mitochondrial function. Unsurprisingly, it is also speculated that people who naturally produce less NAD+are more likely to develop addictions or co-occurring disorders (anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.). Because of this, there have been many studies conducted to determine if intravenous NAD+ supplementation can aid in addiction recovery. While much more research needs to be done, studies show that raising intracellular NAD+ levels may be a potential solution for managing and treating addictive behavior, as well as reducing cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. By flooding the brain with NAD<sup>+</sup> via IV to replenish stores of the co-enzyme, the below key effects may be provided.
Substances can be flushed out of the user’s system more efficiently.
Difficult and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can be reduced.
Physical and mental cravings for alcohol or substances can be reduced.
The body’s ability to produce energy more naturally can be restored, without the need for stimulants or other substances like caffeine.
Braidy N, Villalva MD, van Eeden S. Sobriety and Satiety: Is NAD+ the Answer?. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(5):425. Published 2020 May 14. doi:10.3390/antiox9050425
Why do I have to take supplements as part of the NAD<sup>+</sup> IV?
The supplements we provide and instruct patients to take before, during and after infusion are to increase the absorption rate and effectiveness of the NAD+ IV. All documentation with nutritional information will be provided to you upon receiving the supplementation for transparency.
What role does NAD<sup>+</sup> play in cellular respiration?
NAD+, is the oxidized form of the coenzyme. When a molecule is in an oxidized state, it means it can accept the tiny negatively charged particles, called electrons, from another molecule. After it receives the electrons, it has a negative charge, so it also picks up a hydrogen atom from the surrounding environment, because hydrogen atoms are positively charged. Now, it is turned into the reduced form, also known as <em>NADH</em>. The molecule acts as a carrier for electrons during cellular respiration. At various chemical reactions, the NAD<sup>+</sup> picks up an electron from glucose, at which point it becomes NADH. Then NADH, along with another molecule known as f<em>lavin adenine dinucleotide</em> (FADH2) will transport the electrons to the mitochondria, where the cell can harvest energy stored in the electrons. One can think of the NADH as a cargo truck, transporting electrons like trucks transport goods to a factory. Once at the factory, the workers, or in our case proteins in the mitochondria, take the raw goods and make something useful, in our case, ATP. For this reason, many biologists refer to ATP as the 'energy currency of life.' By providing more ATP to the cells as they differentiate, we are able to increase the efficiency of regenerative cells in the body.
What does compression therapy feel like?
During your compression therapy session at PUR-FORM, you’ll have the sensation of a very tight squeeze that works its way up the chambers of the device you’re using. It’s very relaxing, much like a massage, as it soothes your sore and tired muscles.
What should I wear?
Thin, comfortable, and snug-fitting clothes are best. If your clothes are too loose, as the device compresses, the fabric can bunch and be uncomfortable.
How are peptides administered?
Peptides are administered by injections, and capsules. Working with your provider, they will determine what the best method of administration is for you.
How long have peptides been in medical use?
Peptides have been in use for centuries, but their therapeutic potential was not fully realized until the early 20th century. The first peptide drug, insulin, was isolated from bovine and porcine pancreas in 1921 and was used to treat diabetes. So, peptides have been in use for about 100 years.
How long does the treatment take?
The treatment usually takes about one hour as there are several sequential steps of spinning, heating, and cooling of your blood required to yield the biofiller.
How long does it last?
Since the results are dependent on your body's own growth factors and stem cells to produce collagen and improve the skin quality, maximum results are usually seen approximately 1 to 3 months after the last treatment. The results are semi-permanent, in that it does not dissolve. If the treatment is done for purposes of volume restoration, the volume usually lasts about 4-5 months.
How often should I get bio-filler done?
For maximum improvement, a minimum of 2 treatments are recommended about 4-6 weeks apart. To maintain the results, additional treatments are recommended every 6 months. Unfortunately, we cannot stop the aging process, so maintenance treatments are recommended every 6 months for maximum results.
Is it painful?
Since there are no additives like calcium or heparin in the blood collection tubes, the procedure is very tolerable for patients. Usually no numbing cream is required as patients do very well and report little pain.
How long does it last?
Since the results are dependent on your body's own growth factors and stem cells to produce collagen and improve the skin quality, maximum results are usually seen approximately 1 to 3 months after the last treatment. The results are semi-permanent, in that it does not dissolve. If the treatment is done for purposes of volume restoration, the volume usually lasts about 4-5 months.
How often should I get PRF done?
For maximum improvement a minimum of 2 treatments are recommended about 4-6 weeks apart. To maintain the results, additional treatments are recommended every 6 months. Unfortunately, we cannot stop the aging process, so maintenance treatments are recommended every 6 months for maximum results.
What Does Red Light Therapy Do?
Many times, regenerative medicine physicians favor methods that are non-invasive – like red light therapy, which, as the name implies, utilizes red light technology to reduce inflammation and speed healing without touching the skin. Red light treatments may also augment stem cell and PRP procedures. Red light therapy can also help reduce pain and inflammation, treat nagging injuries, and serve an important role in your anti-aging regimen.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
There are a number of physiological interactions that occur with red light therapy. One important thing to realize is that compromised cells and tissues respond more readily to red light therapy than do healthy cells or tissues. This is one reason why red light therapy has such great potential in the anti-aging field — because it can allow us to heal structures that have been damaged over many years.
How Do Red Light Panel Treatments Work?
Red light panels can be used on a wide variety of injuries and different parts of the body. The bed panel is a whole-body treatment typically done for 20 minutes per side, while the red light panel can be placed over any number of areas including the face. Red light treatments typically last 5-30 minutes per treatment area and are normally administered a few times a week over the course of 3-5 weeks. Patients are able to resume normal physical activities immediately following red light procedures. Patients often describe the feeling of the treatment as “soothing warmth.”
What’s the difference between store-bought handheld devices and what's offered in the office?
While commercial red light devices can be beneficial for small areas of treatment, they do not have the benefit of treating your whole body in one relaxing treatment and most do not emit the same spectrum that professional in-office units can. The LightStim® LED red light therapy bed and floating panel utilize patented technology to emit multiple wavelengths of light to relieve full body post-workout soreness, injuries, back aches, stiffness and skin conditions. The multiple wavelengths of light work together to sooth the body and increase blood circulation, which aids in the body's pain-relieving process and healing. The LightStim® LED red light therapy bed is FDA cleared to relieve arthritic pain, relax muscles, reduce a variety of minor aches and pains and increase local blood circulation.
Can The Regenerative Cells Heal The Tear (Labral, Meniscus, Etc) or Regrow Cartilage?
While there are no guarantees, but we have seen many patients come in with diagnosed tears come back after regenerative cell procedures with no visible tear in their MRI and/or greatly reduced pain. In some cases it can aid in regrowing new tissue including cartilage. We recommend consulting with the doctor about your specific case to determine if he thinks it may help.
How Does The Regenerative Medicine Procedure Work To Improve My Condition?
Regenerative cells work to repair and potentially heal damaged tissue, build new tissue, reduce inflammation and prevent scar tissue from forming in the injured area. Depending on your condition, regenerative cells can work to heal an injury, reduce the effects of osteoarthritis, or reduce chronic pain.
Do I Need To Take The Supplements After And For How Long?
healing effects. For maximum results we recommend patients take the supplements for 6 months post procedure. The added stresses imposed during the healing process can deplete your levels of certain key nutrients. Supplements may help speed your recovery, in some instances.
How Much Pain Will I Be In Afterwards?
Pain level varies for everyone. The most pain will be the night of the procedure, as the numbing agent wears off, as well as the next 2-3 days. We recommend patients plan to be in a comfortable environment and not do anything too strenuous for a few days following the procedure
How Many Visits Will I Have After The Initial Treatment?
If you are getting a MaxxStem procedure, we typically recommend you come back for two follow up PRP treatments to maximize healing effects. Beyond this, we recommend coming in for follow up consultations based on your condition. Your patient coordinator will follow up with you to book accordingly. You can always call the office with any questions.
Will I Be Able To Drive Myself Afterwards?
We highly recommend that patients do not drive home if they do a bilateral MiniStem or bilateral MaxxStem. If the patient does choose to drive home, they will simply be asked to sign a release of liability form.
Is it painful?
The procedure is very tolerable. We use topical numbing cream in addition to the local anesthetic that is in the sculptra being injected.
How long does it last?
Initially, there will be a notable but temporary increase in volume that usually subsides in 1 to 2 weeks. Results begin to appear at approximately 3 months and max results are observed at 6 months. These results last about 2 years.
What Does VSELs stand for?
Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELs) are a special type of regenerative cell that act similar to embryonic stem cells, without the disease risk and ethical issues.
What Makes VSELs special?
VSELs are pluripotent, so they’re able to form into virtually any other type of cell in the body. As a result, VSELs have shown to be effective not just for musculoskeletal conditions, but also some autoimmune diseases and pulmonary issues.
How Are VSELs linked to anti-aging?
VSELs produce the enzyme telomerase, which works to stop the shortening of the telomeres at the ends of our chromosomes. This is hugely important, as telomere shortening decreases cell function in the body and contributes to the negative effects of aging. Keeping the telomeres long essentially slows the aging process.
How do VSELs treatments work?
VSELs treatment protocols involve cutting-edge technology to activate the cells, combine them with growth factors from a patient’s own body, and return them back to the bloodstream to go to work in areas of high inflammation or in need of repair.
What are the expected results of VSELs treatment?
Patient results vary drastically with VSELs, as everyone has unique causes of inflammation within the body. A few common results we hear from patients are decreased joint pain, increased energy, improved metabolic function, and improved cognitive function
What types of treatments are involved?
From diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, to cutting-edge treatment modalities, supplements and medications, we have many different resources available. Your provider will work together with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. There are no cookie-cutter approaches to this.
What is Ozempic aka Wegovy?
Ozempic® (generic name: semaglutide) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is typically administered once a week via a subcutaneous injection. Here at PUR-FORM, we take a conservative approach to using Ozempic by practicing the following: Thorough Assessment: Before prescribing Ozempic, our healthcare provider will complete a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history, including any underlying health conditions and current medications. This assessment helps determine if Ozempic is suitable for the individual. Proper Dosage: The provider will prescribe the appropriate dose of Ozempic based on the patient’s needs and response to treatment. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over time can help monitor the patient’s tolerance and minimize potential side effects. Patient Education: Our provider will educate the patient about the proper administration technique, storage requirements, and potential side effects of Ozempic. This ensures that the patient understands how to use the medication correctly and can identify any adverse reactions. Monitoring and Follow-up: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and periodic check-ups allows our provider to assess the effectiveness of Ozempic and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Close follow-up helps ensure the patient’s safety and helps address any concerns or questions that may arise. Individualized Approach and Health Coaching: Each patient’s situation is unique, so a conservative approach takes into account their specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. With our weight loss program, patients also work with our health coach, focusing on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle factors. We want to ensure our patients are provided with long-term tools and resources to maintain overall health and wellbeing.
How often do I get to meet with the provider?
Our provider will sit with you once for an initial consultation at the start of your weight loss program, and then will schedule at least two follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Our health coach will check-in with you once per week.
Can you help me with my diet?
Absolutely! Our experts specialize in making patient-specific diet recommendations based on your symptoms, bloodwork, and the information gathered throughout your consultations. You don’t have to do this alone.
How do I make sure not to regain weight?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions and often a major concern for patients looking to lose weight long-term. Habits affect every aspect of your life. Together, we will understand and create sustainable habits that will positively shape our attitudes, actions and decisions – in addition to helping you initially take the weight off.
What exactly is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy involves either immersing the body in a cold chamber, or spot treatment of certain body areas, with vapors at extremely low temperatures ranging from -110 celsius to -160°C celsius (around -160° F to -220° F)
What do people wear to cryotherapy?
When in the cryogenic chamber, individuals are undressed with the exception of underwear, socks, and gloves to protect the extremities. For localized cryotherapy, patients just need to expose the skin at the site of treatment
How long are typical cryotherapy sessions?
In the beginning, you may only last 1 or 2 minutes in a whole body cryo chamber, but many patients work their way up to 3+ minutes to receive the maximum benefits. Localized cryotherapy lasts 8 – 12 minutes.
What does it feel like after cryotherapy?
Some people report feeling a bit of an energy boost or mood boost. Many people say they sleep better that evening. Often, localized cryotherapy patients report pain relief, faster healing and increased range of motion.
