Skin Treatments |

Laser Hair Removal

laser hair removal Women and body hair usually don’t mix together, especially in areas where having body hair would be a sign of masculinity, rather than femininity. There are different methods to remove hair from the legs, bikini line, underarms, upper lip, and between the eyebrows, but most will only be a temporary solution, prompting repeat procedures that can be tiring, and worse, painful. Plastic surgery’s answer to this dilemma is laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is an option to permanently eliminate hair growth in a target area, which is a convenient way of eliminating the need to repeatedly shave or wax said area that can cause complications and side effects. A good example of this is what’s known as the “chicken skin” effect of repeatedly shaving or plucking the underarms. With laser hair removal, this will not be a problem anymore.

The biggest benefits and positives of having laser hair removal procedure done is the effectiveness of the treatment in relation to the duration of the results. Best case scenario reports a complete elimination of hair regrowth in the targeted areas, which eliminates further treatment and most importantly, further worries about hair.

The procedure is done by directing laser light towards the hair follicles, eliminating further growth. But since hair grows in multiple stages, namely anagen, telogen, and catagen phases, and laser can only target the anagen stage, several sessions are usually required in order to achieve the desired results. This means that treatments are spaced weeks apart, usually three to twelve, depending on the patient’s reaction to the treatment and his or her body’s physiology.

Once finished, however, patients can enjoy a hair free experience that will have very long lasting, if not permanent results.

It is important to know, however, that laser hair removal’s effectiveness depends on a number of factors, such as skin tone, skin color, hair color, and area of the body. Laser light is absorbed by dark pigment, which is why dark skinned patients will be very difficult, if not impossible patients. For the hair color, light colored hair, like blonde and platinum blonde will tend to reflect and resist the laser light, making it difficult to eliminate. The best candidates are people with light skin and dark colored hair, making for easy laser hair removal.

Legs, back, bikini line, underarms, even facial hair like upper lip mustache hair and unibrows can be targeted by laser hair removal. Depending on the size of the area, a treatment session can last anywhere between one to three hours, and can span anywhere between three to five sessions, sometimes even more, to fully achieve the best results possible.

Best Treatments For Crows Feet

As people seek to look younger and younger, plastic surgery continues to open new options for treatment that are both surgical and non-invasive.

Oftentimes, both men and women seek to change the crows feet, wrinkles, and bags around their eyes. Surgeons have gone from using cosmetic procedures that are open and invasive requiring weeks of recovery to minimally invasive surgeries with minimal to no scarring.

Treatment of crows feet can be done using several different techniques. Previously the surgeon’s sole option was to leave the patient with a pulled back, fake appearance to their face. Today minimally invasive surgery leaves a more natural toned appearance, with a recovery time of seven to ten days.

Plastic surgeons also have the option of using botox cosmetic injections to decrease wrinkles and remove crows feet around the eye. The use of botox gained popularity in 2002 when the FDA approved it for cosmetic use.

Prior to 2002 Botox was used to treat neurological disorders and spasms in patients who were paralyzed. During that time, botox was also used off label for cosmetic use. The physician, however, took full responsibility for the use of a drug on an off label condition. Botox works by paralyzing the muscles and smoothing the skin.

In both the minimally invasive surgery and botox injection, the changes in musculature under the skin is addressed. Another option that surgeons have is laser resurfacing. This new procedure has taken the place of the old dermabrasion, which was painful and often didn’t give good results. Laser resurfacing is often used to treat crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes. It removes wrinkles around the eyes and leaves a tighter, more toned appearance.

Although laser resurfacing is extremely effective and safe, it doesn’t address the underlying reason for wrinkle formation the way that minimally invasive surgery and botox do. Cosmetic crows feet remove surgery gives both men and women safe, effective alternatives, which allow them to more closely fit society’s desire for the fountain of youth.

Laser Cosmetic Surgery Scar Removal

Laser cosmetic surgery scars are a high tech weapon in the fight against aging skin and scar tissue. Laser cosmetic surgery scar removal works by vaporizing the skin which doesn’t exactly sound like a good thing.

People who are suffering from acne scars and scars from infection and other procedures often find that laser cosmetic surgery scar removal is a positive experience.

In more recent years lasers have gone from a science fictional image into the surgeon’s hands. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons each year the number of men and women who undergo laser cosmetic surgery scar removal increases.

Laser cosmetic surgery scar removal is often called laser resurfacing or laser treatments. This is a very controlled burning procedure of the skin cells that pretty much vaporizes superficial layers of the skin. The procedure removes not only wrinkles and lines caused by the sun and aging but also removes scars from acne, infection and trauma. Some physicians use it to remove pre-cancerous and benign superficial growths. Theoretically this creates a surface for fresh skin to grow.

The use of the laser has been a powerful industrial tool since 1958, but the application in medicine has been more recent. One of the positive effects of the laser cosmetic surgery scar removal is that it is incredibly accurate and can remove specific amounts of skin while decreasing the amount of bleeding that occurs. This is something the knife can’t do.

Laser application in medicine is also very selective. Because the wavelengths of the light are different surgeons can use the laser to remove only specific tissue such as a port wine stain or hair follicles without affecting the nearby tissue.

Collagen is a key fibrous protein in the skin’s connective tissue that helps to give the skin it’s smooth and firm texture. Natural aging plus other factors such as sun damage and smoking help to break down the collagen layer so the surface develops wrinkles. Laser cosmetic surgery scar removal helps to resurface the skin to remove those wrinkles as well.

Once a patient has undergone this procedure they must stay out of the sun and be very careful about using SPF 30 protection to decrease the damage that can be done following the surgery. Patients should also avoid smoking so that the results will last longer.

The changes to the skin can improve a person’s youthful appearance by 8-10 years and the procedure will often last for approximately 10 years. However, exposure to the sun and smoking will decrease the time the improvements last by 50%.

Not every person is an ideal candidate for the resurfacing and scar removal techniques. People with very sensitive skin or those with high amounts of melanin to the skin will produce results that are unpredictable and can also produce scar tissue as a result from the burn procedure.

This technique is also not an easy procedure from which to recover either. There will be bruising, swelling and typical burned skin reactions such as oozing, weeping, crusty, bruised and scabbed appearing face. The patient will be in the house for 7 to 10 days. And once the burns have healed they should not expect perfection. Patient’s can expect at least a 50% improvement in the laser cosmetic surgery scar removal technique.

Laser cosmetic surgery scar removal is a technique that is currently used nationwide and with good results. In the hands of a skilled, qualified cosmetic surgeon this procedure can add a more youthful

Botox Injections for Wrinkles…Does it Work?

Botox injections are a popular, non-invasive, facelift technique that plastic surgeons use to help eliminate frown lines, crow’s feet, and those tiny wrinkles around your mouth.

Botox cosmetic injections were used off label for many years as they were first developed and FDA approved for the medical treatment of spasms and patients who suffered from paralysis.

In the early 1980’s physicians using the Botox injection for treatment of neurological disorders also recognized that the patients had positive cosmetic changes. They further developed the treatments but had to uses them off-label until April 2002 when the FDA finally approved botox for wrinkles.

The active agent in botox cosmetic injections is the bacteria responsible for botulism infections. This toxin, botulinum is responsible for temporary paralysis of skin, muscle, and nerve tissue. Ingestion of the toxin can cause gastrointestinal distress, dilated, unresponsive pupils, and muscle weakness. However, injection of the toxin subcutaneously does not cross the blood brain barrier nor does it cause the other systemic illness.

The botox cosmetic injections used botulinum toxin A for the temporary paralysis and relief of wrinkles. There are approximately 8 different toxins, seven of which actually cause the paralysis necessary for the cosmetic treatment.

Doctors at Cornell University in New York warn that, although botox for wrinkles is safe and seemingly effective, wrinkles in the adjacent area can form as the body attempts to recreate the same expressions without using the paralyzed muscle.

For instance, if Botox is used between the eyebrows (one of the most common areas), then muscle in the bridge of the nose, eyelid, and forehead will attempt to recreate the scowl that originally formed wrinkles. This abnormal use of muscles can often result in new wrinkles. Doctors and patients should be aware of the risks of forming new wrinkles before using botox cosmetic injections for a non-invasive surgical facelift.

The effects of the Botox injection become evident after four to seven days and they last between three to four months. Repeated injections result in muscle atrophy, loss of muscle, which makes the treatments last longer. Other patients become immune to the use of Botox cosmetic injections over time. Current research is being done for approval of one of the seven other types of botox to use after patients no longer respond to the treatment.

The risk of new wrinkle formation can be decreased when physician use an altered pattern of injection. In other words, when paralyzing the musculature, they not only include those responsible for the wrinkles, but also adjacent muscles that might be recruited to form the original expression.

Botox for wrinkles can also be combined with resurfacing techniques, and dermal fillers to improve the outcome and the patient’s satisfaction with the results. Botox cosmetic injections are more successfully used in the upper face because the specific muscle groups which affect facial expression are more easily located than in the lower face.

In the lower half of the face, wrinkles are more often static, non-moving, and caused from gravity and the loss of elasticity in the tissue. Whereas in the upper face, wrinkles are more often caused by motion and movement from the muscle below.

Botox for wrinkles is a safe and effective non-surgical and minimally invasive technique to rid the face of tiny wrinkles and crow’s feet making the recipient appear years younger. This isn’t permanent and does require continual updates to maintain the effect but without the risks of anesthesia and surgical infection.

Got Varicose Vein Worries?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. Varicose veins are also called varicosity and varicosis. They are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the legs.

These veins are swollen and twisted veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. The condition is more common in women, and the people are more likely to get them as they get older. In the United States, this common condition affects up to 15 percent of men and up to 25 percent of women. Varicose veins are common and are usually not a sign of a serious medical problem.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Treatment falls into two basic classes: relief of symptoms and removal of the affected veins. Treatment may be recommended when the varicose veins are causing skin ulcers, serious skin conditions, blood clots, significant pain, or disruption of daily life activities.

Although individual veins can be removed or eliminated by surgery or injection therapy, the disorder cannot be cured. Treatment is not always necessary. If your varicose veins do not respond to commonly prescribed treatments for varicose veins then it is possible that the veins are a symptom of a much more serious problem such as obesity, impending stroke or heart condition.

Treatment includes sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and vein stripping. Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Some people with varicosity may choose to have medical or surgical treatments to improve the cosmetic appearance of varicose veins.

Other treatments may require that you wear compression stockings or bandages for a period ranging from a couple of days to a few weeks following the procedure. A combination of treatments often produce the best results. Keep in mind, as time passes, you may find that you need “touch-up or full treatments for new veins that surface.

Varicose Vein Prevention

How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins? Sorry to say there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins. Given that the causes are still undetermined, prevention of varicose veins is debatable. It is generally felt that long term, support hose wearing may prevent these veins from forming or cause those veins you already have to disappear.

Some say the best way to prevent varicose veins if they are in your family is avoid standing for long periods. Others suggest, elevating legs by lying down or using a footstool when sitting relieves the symptoms of varicose veins but does not prevent new veins from forming. There is a father list on the government website http://www.4women.gov/faq/varicose.htm.

In conclusion, varicose veins are most common in the legs and thighs. Varicose veins are abnormal dilated blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vessel wall. These veins are most common on the legs, because leg veins must work against gravity. The root causes of varicose veins are unclear. Usually the condition is not dangerous, so if you don’t mind their appearance they can go untreated with no problems.

What You Should Know About Cellulite Laser Treatment

“I hate cellulite! It’s everywhere. How do I get rid of it?”

Do you feel the same way about cellulite? According to Dr. Howard Murad, the author of “The Cellulite Solution”, 90% of women have cellulite. So just because you’re thin, doesn’t mean you can’t get cellulite. Even fabulous looking Hollywood starlets such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Pamela Anderson can’t run away from cellulite.

Cellulite is commonly found on the thighs, hips and buttocks. It has often been described as ugly lumps and dimples, cottage cheese and even orange peel.

One type of cellulite treatment that has recently caught many people’s attention is that of cellulite laser treatment. There are a few different laser treatments to choose from:

Velashape (newer version of Velasmooth or Amerismooth)
Accent Laser Surgery
TriActive Laser

Although each laser treatment offers different features, the basic idea is the same. A low energy laser is used to either shrink or break down fat deposits. The treatment also involves massage to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage that will reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Even though people are excited about this new breakthrough technology, still the question of “will it work for me?” remains.

On one hand you have success stories such as reality TV star Kim Kardashian. She has recently widely publicized her success story of getting rid of cellulite through laser treatment.

Then on the other hand, searching online you will find a disturbing number of negative reviews for laser cellulite. Some say they didn’t see a change. Some say there was a little change but not enough to justify their cost. These disappointed women are all screaming that it’s just a waste of money.

ABC news 20/20 decided to test out for themselves if certain anti-cellulite treatments really work. They chose a photo editor at Star magazine, Jessica, to try out the TriActive laser. After one month of treatment, she was evaluated by Dr. David Bank, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, New York. The result? There was no change in Jessica except for her pocket which was $1400 poorer.

So, should you or should you not opt for laser cellulite surgery? Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons so you can make a more informed decision.

The Upside

It’s not really a surgery. It’s a non-invasive treatment. Therefore, you don’t face any risks associated with surgery.
Short recovery time. You can resume your activities the next day with little or no complication.
So far, there are no known side effects. Patients may experience some skin redness but that goes away pretty quickly.
Europe reports great success with this procedure and they have been utilizing it for some time now.

The Downside

You won’t see results overnight. You will have to undergo a series of treatments. Each session cost between $100-$150. Usually there is an offer package of a fixed number of sessions. The cost of these fall between $1500-$1800. As you can see, this is not a cheap treatment.
It’s not a guaranteed solution. It may or may not work for you. Since it’s not cheap, are you willing to gamble with so much money?
This treatment does not come with a money back guarantee. Don’t expect a refund.
Your insurance does not cover this type of treatment. They consider it cosmetic surgery.
It doesn’t get rid of cellulite forever. Cellulite can come back. That’s why they will recommend you to go back for maintenance sessions like once a month. That just means a never ending bill.
Cellulite laser treatment is still in the infancy development stage. It doesn’t seem to have short term side effects but what about long term? This has yet to be thoroughly assessed.
It’s not suppose to hurt but some say it was painful. Bruising is also not uncommon. Your laser experience depends on the efficiency and knowledge of the person administering it.

Now that we’ve reviewed the good and the bad, let’s once again ask the important questions:

Does it work? It might. There’s no guarantee that your body will respond positively to the treatment. However, you can increase your chances of success by leading a more healthy lifestyle which includes a good diet and exercise.
Should you try it? It depends if you have money to burn and if you are willing to burn it. Also, if you’ve already tried all else and didn’t find a solution, then why not?

Cellulite laser treatment may sound like a great way to get rid of your unsightly cellulite, but don’t rush into it. Cellulite is not a life threatening disease. So think carefully first if it’s going to be worth your money.

Cosmetic Surgery for Skin Treatments

While cosmetic surgery can involve major operations, there is also certain skin treatments that are less invasive and most useful for removing scarring and certain types of wrinkles not always caused by age.

Chemical peel is a treatment that uses chemicals to peel the surface layer of the skin. This is not as horrible as it sounds, the amount ‘peeled’ being so minute that it can hardly be seen, but it certainly improves the skin it has been damaged due to certain conditions.

Pre-cancerous keratoses is one condition that may improve with the use of the chemical peel. Irregular skin pigmentation is another. Wrinkles due to age or heredity or sun damage can be smoothed out and the skin’s tolerance to acne and external irritations can be increased.

Chemical peel treatments may be purchased over the counter, but if this course of action is followed, make sure you read the label carefully and start with the weakest mixture first. There is no point treating your skin harshly if it’s not necessary.

Dermabrasion is similar to chemical peeling in the results, but fine diamond tipped rotary instruments are used to ‘sand’ the skin to a certain depth, much like a carpenter sands his new furniture smooth with glasspaper. After the skin is healed, fewer irregularities are found and the surface is much smoother. A surgeon must perform this procedure. A light sedative and local anesthesia are used.

Sometimes dermabrasion in used in conjunction with chemical peeling in order to treat deeper wrinkles or scarring. Cold packs are often used before the dermabrasion and very little discomfort should be felt during the procedure, though the skin is often swollen and tender afterwards. Some redness may persist for several months, while small white dots can be a side effect, but will disappear shortly. Make-up can be used after about a week.

Other side effects of the treatment may be a darkening or lightening of the skin. The darker areas can be successfully treated with special creams, while the lighter area is untreatable, but mostly hardly noticeable.

Laser resurfacing surgery is sometimes used to minimize facial wrinkles. A special beam of light energy can be used to make precise surgical incisions or to significantly improve the lines of the face. It is done under sedation and local anaesthesia and redness persists for several weeks, but make-up may be used to camouflage it seven to ten days.

Cosmetic Laser Eye Surgery – Is It For You?

You’re tired of losing your glasses or cleaning and inserting contacts every morning. Perhaps you want to improve your appearance without the hassle of contacts or getting new glasses for different occasions. You may even participate in sports or have a job that makes wearing glasses or contacts a problem and feel you have a real need for improved natural vision.

Whatever your reasons you have no doubt heard about the popularity of cosmetic laser eye surgery. Is it a safe procedure? What are the risks? How much will it help your vision? Getting these answers will help you decide if cosmetic laser eye surgery is for you.

WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea by sculpting it with the laser. There are two common types of laser eye surgery; LASIK and PRK. While both use the same type of laser and shape the eye for correction in the same manner they differ in their approach.

In the PRK procedure the top layer of cornea is scraped away while the LASIK procedure cuts a flap to remove the top layer of cornea during surgery. There are minor differences in the resulting post-operative symptoms.

IS LASER EYE SURGERY SAFE?

While the surgery is considered low risk and can be done quickly there are always possible complications when having any surgery performed. Your eyes are very delicate and your dependence on them is critical. It is important to understand all of the potential risks – including loss of vision – that are possible.

Most patients will deal with some amount of pain or discomfort for a few days. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are also common, and usually clears in the days following surgery. But some may find continued symptoms for months and even fewer may find the symptoms are permanent. Other complications due to scarring can potentially cause permanent damage to vision, although additional surgery can sometimes correct this.

As with all surgeries, there is a potential risk of infection. It is generally advised to have each eye operated on separately instead of at the same time to reduce the chance of infection in both eyes. Most infections can be cleared with medication, especially if treated right away.

Another possible risk with laser eye surgery is that the vision may be over or under corrected. Under corrected vision may be fixed with further surgery but over corrected vision is irreparable. Unfortunately each individual will respond differently to the surgery and results cannot be guaranteed.

It is possible for a person to continue to require corrective lenses even after surgery, although their dependence on them should be lessened.

Whenever an individual is contemplating surgery it is important that a realistic understanding of the risks and benefits be clearly presented by the surgeon. Research your procedure as well as the doctor performing the operation before agreeing to any surgery.