By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician


I feel like the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’ from A Christmas Carol is bringing me back to reflect upon my life this year…As the end of the year is rapidly approaching, I realize how much I have learned this year – not only about the medical industry and skincare – but about myself.

AIM has become so multifaceted in the services we offer, we really redefined your average Medi-Spa, and define ourselves in our own category. Our doctors and physicians assistants work really hard to keep our clients healthy and youthful looking, creating “The Total You- Inside and Out”, in a comfortable atmosphere. The compliments I have received from our patients are so flattering… They feel much more relaxed coming to AIM knowing they are going to receive the highest level of service and are assured that we really want to help them. They feel special – and so do we.

I have been exposed to a grand array of exclusive clinical grade skin treatments this year. From Velashape to Dermaroller, to laser treatments like IPL and Fraxel, and injectables like Botox, Juvederm, and Radiesse, last but not least, our skincare line Neocutis– I was able to research and better understand the medical treatments available and the science of the skin. I know more than ever before. I could compare results and see what was most effective. Most importantly, I actually saw results.

This year, I would like to give the world my perspective on things- I am genuinely ecstatic for the changes people are able to make to their physical appearance to have a positive self-image for them selves. It may be considered superficial or vain to some, but to me it is more than that. There is nothing better than be able to look in the mirror everyday and to like what you see. You can wash your face, comb your hair and walk out that door ready to bring on whatever comes your way.

If people are happy and confident, they may work harder, live better lives, and hopefully share their happiness with others. We can make this world a more spiritual, peaceful, and loving place. I wish nothing but the best for everyone

What’s in store for next year? I aim to learn more, share more, and engage more. Our new Physician’s Assistant Ana Torres is brilliant and talented. Hopefully she will train me to be the best medical esthetician in Newport Beach. Our patients can look forward to seeing stronger peels, Acne Laser treatments, and a lot of informative blogs, plus so much more!!

Happy Holidays !

The Staff at AIM Medical Center

Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884

DermaRoller to Replace Laser?

By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician

I have to admit, I am a fan of certain laser treatments as a method of treating moderate to severe skin conditions. However, I discovered the damage that could be done to your skin from Fraction Laser (Fraxel), and I realized how potentially contradictory a laser could be.
Think about this – Fraxel uses a hot beam, inflicting a thermal injury, which destroys the stem cells, fuses the capillaries and tissue beneath the skin, and inhibits stimulation for creating new blood vessels. Fraxel creates an upholstering effect giving the illusion of firm, youthful skin and diminished wrinkles.
But in fact, you are suppressing blood flow and stopping the release of growth factors to the blood platelets. You may not know that growth factors are vital to creating new, YOUNGER tissue.
Are you really reversing your signs of aging or are you only temporarily masking it? You be the judge. Ahhh…How relieving.. There is an advancement in skincare that you don’t typically see at your local medical spa!
Developed by a German scientist in 2001, Dermaroller, is a non-ablative, mesotherapeutic, sterile needling device is used to treat skin conditions such as acne scarring, wrinkles, large pores, hyper-pigmentation, stretch marks, cellulite, hair loss, etc. Dermaroller preserves the top layers of the skin while inducing the body to create collagen and elastin.
For thousands of years, the Far East has used needling devices for therapeutic purposes. So it came as no surprise that the Dermaroller was first introduced to Asian cultures to begin testing. The results are phenomenal. Dermaroller may be a new concept to the USA, but backed with years of research around the globe.

The procedure:

This is a medical procedure that can be performed by trained and licensed skin care professionals. They require medical knowledge that MUST to be performed in a clinical environment.
The area you wish to treat calls for numbing with a medical grade numbing cream for approx. 20 minutes. At that time you can rest and unwind, as the tranquil sounds of instrumentals and nature take you into a deep state of relaxation.

After the removal of the numbing cream is complete, we use a drum shaped roller with 192 fine micro needles, across the area you are treating, repeatedly in multiple directions.

There is little downtime after Dermaroller therapy, you may have a slight redness like a sunburn, which could last from a few hours to a couple of days.

Results: They are what we all want, aren’t they?

Although puncturing the skin may seem a bit discouraging, GOOD things do start to happen. I’m going to get a little technical but here it goes..
Various growth factors are released plus new tissue structures are generated, in the form of COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN fibers and CAPILLARIES. NEW FIBROBLASTS and NEW CAPILLARIES are created and migrate, providing better blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrition to the skin.

Non-needled biopsy with normal collagen fiber formation (stained violet)



Six weeks after microneedling, a second biopsy from the forehead was taken. A dramatic increase of new collagen- and elastin fibers are clearly visible (stained violet). They reach into a depth of 0.6 mm. The increase of new fibers can reach 1000% with 1 procedure.

Your skin cannot be repaired over night, so I stress the phrase, “patience is a virtue”. It takes time to transform and you can expect results objectively after 6 to 8 weeks.

Facts After Several Sessions:
1) Significant improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture
2) Skin is fresher, smoother, and more juvenile
3) Scars, acne scarring, and stretch marks can be drastically reduced
4) Pigmentation spots can become more even
5) Increased epidermal thickness
6) Decrease in pore skin and overproduction of sebum and melanin
7) Preservation of the epidermis during treatment, and no permanent damage to the skin

Over 10,000 acne scar treatments have been performed in within the past 3 years with Dermaroller. Acne scars have been found to respond the most positively to Dermarolling.

Depending on the area and the severity of the scars, several treatments may be needed to achieve the best result. The results vary from 30 to 70% improvement.

The best visible results are achieved with Dermaroller on wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet) and on the upper lip – areas where visible skin aging begins. The earlier and more often these kinds of wrinkles are treated with the Dermaroller, thebetter and more lasting are the results.

In conclusion, through research and various trials we have conducted, we have found the Dermaroller to actually be as effective as it claims to be. I tested the Dermaroller on a my own scar and I have noticed a visible change in the pigment of the scar and the texture is much smoother.



We are excited to be able to offer this service at AIM!

Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884

Down 10 lbs in 10 days From HCG

By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician

Recently, the LA Times wrote an article discrediting the hCG diet and its effects. I want to set the record straight, as I myself have tried the diet, and I lost 10 lbs within the first 10 days. It really wasn’t that hard either.
Being the “fat kid” growing up, I have constantly struggled with my weight for years. I was made fun of –called things like a beached whale or the chubby one. I found myself liking boys, but they never liked me back. I could not wear the cute clothes other girls fit into and I hated being in a bathing suit.
When high school came around I thinned out, but I still had those insecurities about my body that came from my childhood. I finally learned that exercise and eating healthy can really help improve your self image perception and I became more confident by having control of my weight.
Before I started the diet, I would exercise an hour or more a day, eat well (except for my fat Fridays), and I worked for a gym, so health and fitness was always on my mind. I was doing everything right for the most part, yet I had the hardest time actually LOSING weight. I maintained the same weight for years, but as I got older I slowly saw the scale going up. I never wanted to go back to that feeling I had as a kid, people judging me because of my weight. That scared me into really thinking… What am I doing wrong?
After taking a body fat analysis test, I found out that my body fat was at 25%. I was shocked. People may have said “Oh, Danielle, you’re in good shape” and I know I have a muscular build, but I didn’t realize how much fat I had on my body. ..Let’s just say 35lbs of it. I had to do something really different to my routine to handle that kind of reality check.
Dr. Schuder, the founder of AIM, had been researching the use of hCG for weightloss, which was a diet created by the physician A.T.W. Simeons in the 1930s. Dr. Simeons conducted experiments on people who were obese and found that if he injected the hcCG hormone into their bodies while consuming a low calorie diet, they would lose about a pound per day. On this diet, the patient would lose abnormal fat deposits, from areas of the body such as your hips, stomach and thighs, without losing muscle.
Was this really possible? I had to find out for myself.
I looked into it on the internet and determined that this is a diet that you did not have to exercise, you did not feel hungry, you would sleep like a baby, and lose 1 lb a day. I found video blogs on YouTube of success stories and saw the dramatic results. Plus, there were no claimed negative side effects that I was able to find.
Once I started, I realized the 500 calorie diet was not that bad. I ate mainly chicken and veggies like tomatoes, celery, and cucumber plus my pieces of toast. Like a good girl, I did not cheat. I found a new appreciation for food that I did not have before. I never realized how big of portions I was eating until I actually started measuring it out. I drank tons of water since it accelerated the weight loss and I felt refreshed and detoxified.
Within that first week and half I was down 10 lbs and my body fat percentage went down to about 20%. The feeling was incredible. I figured it would be best to stop since 10 lbs was my goal. If I were to do it for 30 days, I may have been able to lose the entire 35 lbs of body fat that I was accumulating.
Once you are completely off the diet, it is very possible that you will not gain the weight back. I can not say that for myself unfortunately, as I immediately went back to eating cookies. But, I have been taking weight and measurements for many of our weightloss patients, and they have maintained it so well and their results are phenomenal. Some of our patients have lost 30 lbs pr more!
On the bright side, my feelings about eating have changed. I appreciate food more than ever. The types of food I want to eat are healthy and filling. I have no regrets and there was no doubt that the hcg worked for me and it can work for you too.
For more information, check out our website at: www.aim4weightloss.com

Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical • 901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 • Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884

NEOCUTIS, A Product I Can Swear By

By Danielle Fisher, Esthetician

During my mission to find the perfect skin care line to represent AIM, I met many qualified and amazing candidates. I received demo facials, training or samples from the leading industry names like Jan Marini, Epicuren, Murad, and Dermalogica.

I was potentially sold every time by each of their strengths. However, the choice came down to the needs of our patients, first and for most. Secondly, the flexibility on the line's behalf, was pertinent (That seemed to be our true challenge, minimum orders.. pfft) Lastly, I wanted an EXCLUSIVE product. I wanted something that few could offer. We do have the benefit of being an RX practice, we can offer more than your average spa, give me something strong!

Which brings me to my story… One unfortunate day, I ran out of the eye cream I had been loyally using at that time. The light reflective moisturizer claiming to be eye cream didn't do much, but it did mask my dark circles and subtly smoothed my little lines. That very day, my misfortune actually turned out to be a great find! I had so many samples from other companies' great marketing skills that I had not even delved into my full size bottle of NEOCUTIS Lumière eye cream (that the reps so generously provided to me). The NEOCUTIS Lumière cream had been resting quietly in my bag of samples for some time, so I gave it a try and continued to use it over a period of about 3 months or so (Yes, it does last that long!) Since then, the elasticity and firmness of the skin around my eyes is much stronger, which has diminished the visibility of my dark circles by about 50%. People have noticed and I am now convinced of its miraculous powers.

Low and behold the skin care line I had been looking for was right under my nose. Out in the lobby at AIM, in our tall glass and wood cabinet, we carried NEOCUTIS all this time and I never gave it the chance it deserved. NEOCUTIS is special. The company itself is a leader in innovative, effective skincare - bringing together Swiss biotechnology and cellular therapy research, presenting scientifically advanced breakthroughs in skincare. The upsides; the products are dermatologist tested, fragrance free, and promote tissue recovery when used post-procedures such as glycolic, laser, fillers, microdermabrasion, and collagen induction therapy. An even bigger plus, the products contain human growth factors, cytokines and interleukins, and the proprietary ingredient, PSP® , which makes it only available from a physician. I like that J.

More on the science and clinical studies of NEOCUTIS to come!

Advanced integrative Mind-Body Medical

901 Dover Dr. Ste 204 •Newport Beach, Ca 92660• 949-722-9884

AIM Spa Menu Updated

Our outer appearance influences how we are perceivedby others.It is within our power to update and reinvent ourselves, to create a look that best represents who we are on the inside. Simple changes in your skin care routine

will not only make a difference in your complexion, but can have a positive influence on your self image. Imagine you at your best; Balanced and Confident. Discover that it is possible to truly look as good as you feel!

Menu of Facials

AIM Anti-Aging
Packed with essential Vitamin C,

your complexion will transform,

creating a more youthful
appearance. $75

Detoxify
By infusing extracts of Seaweed,

we offer a natural approach to

eliminate pollutants above and

beneath the skin’s surface. $65

Firm & Lift
Feel your skin pulsate as we apply

an Aloe Vera enzyme to tone and

tighten your face and neck. $65

Acne Control
Acne is a medical condition that

requires potent ingredients and

gentle care. This proper treatment

will balance your skin and heal your

breakouts. $75

Glycolic Resurfacing
Attain the flawless skin you desire with

a progression of peels. Consultation is

required. $ 65
Ask About Our Glycolic Series Special!

Quick Cleanse
A brief, yet personalized, facial refresher

for in-between treatments. $40

VelaShape

Here at AIM, we are an advanced anti-aging mind-body medical center, introducing the latest clinical esthetics services and weightloss programs on the market. One of my favorite treatments we offer to our patients is Velashape by Syneron.
You may have heard of it on Keeping Up with the Kardashian’s on the E! channel. In one episode, Kim Kardashian’s family jokingly tells her she has “cottage cheese thighs”, so she goes into a medical center and gets a “Vela” (as one of my patients and I have nicknamed it) on her well known backside.

Check out the video clip of Kim getting the procedure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tep8cT6XBH4

What is Velashape?
Velashape is a scientifically proven, non-invasive procedure, designed for cellulite and circumference reduction, as well as skin tightening.
How does it work?
The Velashape machine acts on 3 components- Infrared Light, Radio Frequency, and Suction. The infrared light and radio frequency work together: Infrared penetrates beneath the surface of the skin and the radio frequency targets and attaches the fluid that accumulates in the pockets between your fat cells. Suction, which feels like a deep tissue massage, helps the lymphatic drainage and elimination of the toxins in your body.

Only after 4 treatments, you can expect to see:
Smoother, more contoured surface of your skin
Inches lost around your arms, legs, and midsection
Tightening of sagging skin


If you recently have done HCG diet (offered at AIM), Vela is perfect for firming any loose skin you might have from rapid weightloss. It works really well after plastic surgery to reduce rippling caused from liposuction. For those who diet and exercise, but still can’t quite lose the cellulite, it may be hereditary, and Vela may be the solution.

Check out our ad on Craigslist for the VERY AFFORDABLE offer to try out Vela for yourself!
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/com/1353400310.html

Danielle Fisher, Esthetician
AIM Medical Center
Advanced Integrative Mind-Body Medical Center
901 Dover Drive Suite 204
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.722.9884

Importance of Ingredients

When I was 10 years old, my mother was deep frying homemade French fries in a pretty shallow pan on a gas burning stove. The flames jumped and caught fire to the oil, which before we had a chance to gasp, was an out-of -control blaze. I watched my mom grab the flaming pan to try to put out the fire, but the hot oil spilled onto her arms and the flames braised her face.
As a result, my mom suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her face and arms. The doctors and plastic surgeons insisted she get a skin graft, but through proper care and utilizing the natural resources from mother earth, she was able to heal with minimal scarring on arms and absolutely no scarring on her face. What a miracle! Witnessing this experience drives me to understand proper skin care and know what’s available to recommend particular products for my clients needs.

There are many natural and even synthetic remedies that may help you attain the complexion you have always wanted. Herbs, plant extracts, and chemical compounds can serve multiple functions, such as being antiseptic, calming, healing, and moisturizing, to name a few.
Post laser resurfacing, glycolic peel, or waxing, using products with healing and soothing ingredients such as aloe, azulene, and tocopherol (Vitamin E). Aloe is not only healing and hydrating, it is an anti-inflammatory and an anti-microbial. Azulene is derived from the chamomile plant and is deep blue in color; it is very gentle and soothing, perfect for sensitive skin types. Vitamin E used topically is claimed to prevent scar tissue from forming and is an anti-oxidant that will help with protecting your skin from free radicals (pollutants, UV rays, drugs) that cause skin aging.

For all of my male counterparts out there- do you ever experience razor burn or ingrown hairs? Shaving can be quite abrasive, so men will need more calming and healing products. Some steps for prevention include exfoliation prior to shaving to open the pores and clean out any contamination and as they say, “go with the flow!’ Using tea tree oil, an antiseptic, will aid in clearing dirt and pollutants beneath the skin’s surface. Follow up your shave with a calming aftershave lotion containing allantoin, which helps heal wounds and stimulates the growth of healthy skin tissue.

Being knowledgeable on the ingredients available can be very helpful. When you know what type of ingredients function well with your skin, you will find it much easier to choose the facial you may want or what products to use in your home care. There are many to learn and understand, so let me know if you need any help!

Danielle Fisher

AIM Medical Center

901 Dover Drive Suite 204

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949.722.9884

Peals are Appealing...

It has been brought to my attention that many people are afraid of a getting a superficial peel, the process of removing dead skins cells by means of chemical methods. They often take it very literally and imagine the skin flaking off of their face like a bad sunburn. However, this is not always the case. The art of chemical exfoliation an age-old practice and you can be assured it is safe and effective.

Estheticians can administer light peels which only penetrate the upper layers of the skin. These procedures include lactic acid, glycolic acid, enzymes, and Jessner’s solution. You will not experience intense skin shedding with a light peel. I would never recommend a procedure that is damaging or invasive to my client. When asked, “How do I smooth the texture of my skin, lighten these freckles, and get rid of my acne scars?,” I would recommend a Glycolic Peel Series. I know what works best and what is cost-effective for my clients.

To begin your transformation, purchase your peels in a series of 6-8 sessions. You slowly acclimate your skin to the acids, and then you can begin using higher percentages as you progress. Combined with your peel you will experience a non-cosmetic face lift with our Protein- Enzyme mask, completed with a soothing aloe vera crème that will speed up the healing process and reduce any redness. What you can expect to see within a few treatments is a more youthful complexion: Elimination of hyper-pigmentation caused by acne, sun damage, or hormonal changes; a bright, porcelain-like tone and texture; and a temporary lift to sagging, aged skin.

A consultation prior to your treatment is necessary, as peels are not made for everyone. I find it interesting that if you are a diabetic, it is not recommended to do a glycolic peel, since it is derived from the sugar cane, your blood-glucose levels could potentially be affected. Anyone with inflamed acne, sunburn, or open lesions should allow a few days to let the conditions subside before attempting a peel. If you are currently receiving microdermabrasion treatments, or are on Retin-A or Accutane , you must be absolutely off of your program for an extended period of time before starting on a peel series.

If you are looking for effective results for an affordable price, getting a peel will provide guaranteed satisfaction! As Dr. Suzie Schuder, our head doctor at AIMM puts it, “Peels really are appealing!”

Danielle Fisher

Can Summer Sun Fun Be Undone?

By: Danielle Fisher; Esthetician

The summer may never seem long enough, but the sun in southern California is out every season (we are talking 80 degrees in January- that’s hardly what I call winter!). Although we are very fortunate to have our bright California sky year long, this is the time of year we must be conscious about overexposing ourselves to the sun during outdoor activities, such as the beach, boating, swimming, etc.

This summer it is time to make a change in your skin care regimen to make sure you are beach ready and protected, in order to prolong the inevitable: aging caused by sun damage.

Sun damage is the main external reason we appear older than we actually are. Approximately 80 to 85 % of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin naturally weaken. This weakening happens at a much faster rate when the skin is frequently exposed to UVA and UVB rays, thus leading to loss of skin elasticity or facial sagging, not to mention deep wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and skin cancer. No thank you!

Can summer sun fun be undone? Sun damage upon the epidermis can be temporarily reversed, but keep in mind that the sun can penetrate as deep as the dermal layers of your skin, and the damage may surface later in life.

By creating healthy habits for your skin now, there is hope. Preventative measures for skin care include using sunless self tanners, wearing hats and sunglasses, and wearing sunscreen, which is the best protection for our skin. Proper home care, regular skin treatments with an esthetician, and ingredients such as antioxidants, lipids, and AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) can be beneficial for skin that has been wrecked and ravaged by environmental exposure.

My recommendations for treatments to reverse sun damage include Vitamin C facials and Glycolic Peels. L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a powerful antioxidant which will protect you from free radicals caused by the sun and pollutants in our atmosphere. Vitamin C facials bring out the natural luminosity of your skin and increase collagen production, naturally firming the skin.

Sun RX $25

Gycolic acid, which is a type of AHA, is very beneficial method of exfoliating the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Glycolic Peels can eliminate the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, refine fine lines, and condition the skin. Both of these treatments will improve your cell turnover rate, the rate at which you naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, supporting a youthful, glowing complexion.

The beautiful weather we as Californians pay top dollar for could ultimately be the cause of our demise, if we do not take the necessary precautions to shield ourselves from the harmful ultra violet rays.

So am I telling you that you have the power to slow down the aging process simply by avoiding too much sunlight? That’s right. Just call me the fountain of youth!

Danielle Fisher, Esthetician

AIM Medical Center

Advanced Integrative Mind-Body Medical Center

901 Dover Drive Suite 204

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949.722.9884

Call for a FREE consult with Danielle!