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Skin Care Information


Monday, February 01, 2010
Refinishing the Skin with Dermabrasion

Patients suffering from various skin conditions in the Lexington, South Carolina area have found success through dermabrasion. This skin refinishing treatment has been used to treat patients suffering from fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, chicken pox scars, facial pitting and pigmentation issues. Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss their condition with a medical professional to determine if it is treatable using dermabrasion, or if other treatments should be considered.

Dermabrasion works by using an abrasive tool to remove the top layer of skin. New skin then grows over the area to decrease the difference in depth between normal skin and areas of wrinkles, pitting or scars. This gives the skin a smoother appearance and reduces the indentations that may cause self-consciousness for some patients.

Some patients turn to microdermabrasion to achieve smoother skin. This is a less invasive procedure than dermabrasion, but offers much less-drastic results. Before deciding on either procedure, patients should discuss the two treatments with a medical professional at a reputable clinic in their area.

To determine one's candidacy for dermabrasion, consult a medical professional. Ideal candidates for dermabrasion should be in good overall health and should not have recently experienced sunburn, radiation treatment, chemical peels, and should be free of current acne. Patients with lighter skin tones usually experience better results, but this may vary. Patients who have taken Accutane in the past 18 months or who have skin sensitivities, cold sore or herpes may not be considered a candidate. Patients who work outdoors or spend a significant amount of time outdoors may have trouble maintaining results. These individuals should take this into consideration before choosing dermabrasion.

Patients may undergo dermabrasion using a local anesthetic and a sedative, or under general anesthetic. Most dermabrasion procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Once the skin has been cleaned using an antiseptic, a Freon spray is used to freeze the skin. A handheld motorized rotary tool with an abrasive brush or wheel is then used on the skin to remove the top layer of skin. The underlying layers of skin are then exposed and once the area heals, smoother, more evenly toned skin is the result.

In the days following treatment, the patient's skin will feel ablated. The feeling has been compared to scrapping a knee or elbow on the sidewalk. In the first couple of days the treated area will be swollen and a scab will form. A few days later, the swelling will begin to subside and the scab will start to come off. The patient may be prescribed medication to relieve any pain and an antibiotic to prevent infection. A pink complexion will appear over the treated area once the scab comes off, but the area will gradually regain its color over the next 4 to 8 weeks.

Patients should keep sun exposure to a minimum after treatment. Some patients may even be encouraged to avoid sun exposure altogether to ensure the best results possible. Strenuous activities, shaving and other activities that may irritate the skin should be avoided in the weeks following treatment. Patients should speak with their physician for a more detailed recovery plan and should strictly follow the plan to ensure proper healing.

For more information about dermabrasion, microdermabrasion or other treatments, patients should consult a medical professional at a reputable clinic in the Lexington area. During a consultation, patients should discuss their condition, goals and the expected results and possible risks involved in their treatment options. This is often the best resource for information relating to wrinkles, acne scars, facial pitting, tattoo removal and other skin care needs.

For more information about dermabrasion in Lexington, Kentucky, Click Here.


Monday, February 01, 2010
Safe and Effective Hair Removal: Laser Hair Removal

For patients in the Williamsville, New York area and throughout the country, getting rid of unwanted hair is often a priority. Some may feel self-conscious if they have more body hair than others and may turn to waxes or other means of removing their unwanted hair. Using lasers, however, is among the most effective and precise ways to remove unwanted hair without the monotony of waxing. Laser hair removal was discovered by accident when a scientist accidently exposed his arm to a 692 diode pumped YAG laser in the 1970s. The procedure did not harm him and the hair that was burned off did not grow back.

Lasers are used in various facets of the medical field to deliver a variety of treatments and accomplish various goals. Over the years, laser hair removal has been refined to the safe and effective procedure that it is today. There are four different types of lasers used in laser hair removal: Alexandrite, Ruby, Diode and ND, and LP ND Yag.

The technician is able to control or adjust several aspects of the treatment to ensure patient comfort and deliver the most effective results possible. The pulse length is one such factor that may be adjusted. Longer pulse lengths are generally considered safer than shorter pulse lengths. The energy level, or fluence is also adjusted by the technician, as well as the delay. The delay is the amount of time between laser pulses, affecting how long skin and hair follicles are given to cool off. The spot size affects the speed and penetration of the laser, while there are also various cooling methods the technician may use such as a gel, spray or cooled tip applied to the skin. Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss these factors with the technician.

Laser hair removal has made it possible to treat a large area without disrupting the outer layer of skin. Waxes, razors, tweezers and other products allow hair to grow back. Hair that grows back after laser hair removal is often light and very fine, almost invisible to the naked eye in many cases. Patients are encouraged to discuss possible results with a medical professional at a reputable clinic in Williamsville for more information.

While this treatment is designed to ignore skin tone, light skinned individuals with dark hair tend to enjoy the most successful results. The procedure may not be as effective for patients with dark skin tones or red, gray or blonde hair. Patients should consult a physician to determine their own candidacy for this procedure. It is also important to consider that patients who are thought to be ideal candidates for this procedure may not respond well to the treatment and may not get the results they expect.

Interested patients are encouraged to discuss the procedure, its benefits, possible results and their candidacy with a medical professional at a reputable clinic in their area. Patients are also encouraged to discuss any possible risks or complications associated with this procedure such as burns, lesions or skin discoloration. A trained professional is the best resource for further information.

For more information about laser hair removal in Williamsville, New York, click here.


Monday, January 25, 2010
The Versatility of Chemical Peels

When patients in the Punta Gorda area think of skin care and treatment, one of the first treatment options that may come to their head is chemical peels. Chemical peels have been used to treat a variety of different skin conditions from sun damaged skin to acne. They have been used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, precancerous lesions and discoloration issues as well. By producing a controlled damage to the skin, new skin is encouraged to grow which results in an improved appearance. Of course, patients are encouraged to speak with a medical professional regarding their candidacy for and the possible uses of chemical peels, but a little basic information can also be helpful.

There are several different chemical solutions used in chemical peels and ultimately the solution used will depend on the degree of injury done to the skin. Some of the chemical used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, "Jessners" solution, and phenol. Patients who are interested in learning more about these chemicals should contact a medical professional with knowledge of, and experience performing this treatment.

Chemical peels may affect only the superficial layer of skin called the epidermis, or they may affect both the epidermis and the dermis, the deeper layer of skin. The level of injury done to the skin will depend on how drastic of results are necessary. Patients suffering from mild to moderate acne may require only a light peel, while patients with severe sun damage or wrinkles may require a deeper peel. Just as the degree of peel used depends on the desired results, the recovery time required will depend on the severity of injury done to the skin.

A superficial peel may require little to no recovery time. These are sometimes referred to as 'lunchtime peels' because they can be done on a lunch break. Medium peels may require some recovery or downtime, while the deepest peels may require significant recovery. Bandages may be used during recovery from the deepest peels and recovery may take up to a month. These peels are only to be performed by highly qualified physicians with the proper monitoring equipment to ensure patient safety.

It is important that patients discuss each peel and the recovery period required with a qualified professional before deciding on any treatment. Patients should discuss their condition, treatment options and recovery during consultation. Interested patients should also consider the number of peels required. Superficial peels may require several peels over the course of several weeks. Medium peels may require more than one peel, while a deep peel may require only one session, although recovery may take quite some time.

The results will also depend on the depth of the peel. Generally, results from deeper peels last the longest, sometimes for years. Each patient has different needs and goals so there is no uniform answer for the question, "Which peel is best?" Speaking with a medical professional at a reputable clinic is the best resource for further information.

For more information about chemical peels in Punta Gorda, Florida, Click Here


Monday, January 25, 2010
How Dermabrasion Treats a Variety of Cosmetic Concerns

Few in Tarrytown, New York and throughout the nation may be aware of the various uses of dermabrasion. Beyond helping patients reverse signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, dermabrasion has also been successful in eliminating acne scars, chickenpox scars, facial pitting and pigmentation problems. Dermabrasion has also been used to remove or fade unwanted tattoos and is a successful method of resurfacing the skin to achieve a smoother texture and even complexion. Patients are encouraged to discuss dermabrasion with a medical professional to determine if it may provide them with relief.

Common venues for dermabrasion include an outpatient medical spa or a dermatological office. Patients may be treated under sedation along with a local anesthetic or under a general anesthetic. Patients are encouraged to discuss the different methods with a medical professional to determine the best course of action.

Before a Freon spray is applied to freeze the patient's skin, the skin is cleaned using an antiseptic. A rotary tool is then applied to the patient's skin to remove the top layer. The tool is a motorized hand-held device with an abrasive brush or wheel. The abrasive material may be sandpaper, small wires or a sanding wheel with small diamonds. For more information about these materials patients should contact a medical professional. By removing the top layer of skin, the underlying skin is revealed. This results in a smoother texture and more even complexion than before.

For the days following treatment, the treated skin may feel like it has been ablated. Swelling may be present for the first couple of days after treatment and a scab will eventually form over the area that was treated. After the swelling goes down, the scab will begin to come off. Patients may experience pain during this time and may be prescribed a medication for relief. The doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.

For the weeks following treatment, patients should avoid strenuous activities. They should also avoid activities that may irritate the skin. Sun exposure should be kept at a minimum and avoided altogether if possible. For a more detailed recovery plan, patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor in greater detail. It is important that patients follow their doctor's instructions to ensure proper healing.

Results will begin to appear about four to six weeks after the treatment, although this may vary from patient to patient. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition (i.e. fine lines, wrinkles, acne, etc.) more than one treatment may be necessary. For patients with mild to moderate conditions, only one session may be required. If patients are suffering from more severe conditions, multiple sessions may be necessary.

About seven to ten days after the procedure, makeup may be applied to mask the skin as it heals. This is an approximation so speaking with a doctor is the best way to determine when makeup may be applied. This is usually when patients choose to return to work. Patients who work outdoors should extend their recovery period and wear sunscreen at all times.

Patients who do not require the drastic results provided by dermabrasion may consider microdermabrasion instead. This is a much less invasive procedure that does not require the extensive recovery period and downtime required by dermabrasion.

For more information about dermabrasion or to have any lingering questions or concerns addressed, patients are encouraged to speak with a medical professional at a reputable clinic in the Tarrytown area. This is often helpful in clearing up any aspects of the procedure the patient does not fully understand or any concerns they may have that were not addressed.

For more information about Dermabrasion in Tarrytown, New York, Click Here


Monday, January 18, 2010
The Different Degrees of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are among the most widely known cosmetic treatments in Belmont, Massachusetts and throughout the nation. Patients turn to chemical peels for the facial rejuvenation it offers. This treatment has been used to treat sun damaged skin, wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions and skin discoloration. By producing a controlled damage to the skin, chemical peels encourage the growth of new skin and thus an improved appearance.

There are several different chemicals used in treatment including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, "Jessners" solution, and phenol. To better understand these chemicals patients should speak with a medical professional at a reputable clinic in the Belmont area. Different solutions are used to produce a different degree of injury depending on the depth of treatment that patients are looking for. Treatment may span from a light peel to a very deep peel that requires a great deal of recovery.

For patients unsure of the degree of treatment they are looking for, a medical professional should be consulted. They will discuss the patient's desires and which peels may provide them with satisfactory results. The lighter peels affect only the most superficial layer, the epidermis, while the deeper peels will affect the deeper layer of skin called the dermis. Superficial peels are often used to treat acne and other conditions that do not require significant injury to the skin. Deeper peels are commonly used to treat more severe photoaging and wrinkles.

To perform chemical peels, a vigorous cleansing of the skin is often the first step. Light peels may produce a burning sensation during the procedure and do not require a lengthy recovery. In fact, they are often referred to as 'lunchtime peels' because they can be performed over a lunch break. Patients who opt for a deeper peel will go through a much more involved recovery period that may require downtime. Recovering from deeper peels may require occlusive bandaging and could potentially take up to a month to heal. Patients are encouraged to speak with a medical professional to determine which peel is right for them and to discuss recovery periods.

The risks associated with chemical peels depend on the degree of peel received. Lighter peels are minimally invasive and typically are not associated with serious risks. Minor irritation of the skin may occur in some cases. Deeper peels may come with a risk of scarring, texture changes, infection, redness and discoloration. An anesthetic may be required for deeper peels, which requires that vital signs are monitored.

The number of peels required to reach optimal results will again depend on the degree of the peel. Superficial peels may require several sessions before optimal results may be reached. Deeper peels often require only one peel. Repeat treatments may be required in the future to maintain results. Speaking with a medical professional in the Belmont area is encouraged to discuss everything from the procedure itself to recovery requirements to the number of sessions required to reach optimal results.

For more information about chemcial peels in Belmont, Massachussetts, Click Here


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