Laser Hair Removal
What is it?
The LightSheer is a new form of laser hair removal which, using the latest generation diode laser, has shown to be a successful method for permanent hair reduction.
Unlike other systems, the LightSheer incorporates the ChillTip™ technology, which cools the skin as the laser works, decreasing skin damage and maximizing the treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing discomfort.
Each zap of the laser can treat 100-200 hairs, but can still be precisely focused, allowing hair removal from large areas or more delicate, specific ones.
What happens?
Before the start of each session, the laser settings are customized to your skin color, type, and the area to be treated. Any hair above the skin surface will be trimmed away, and tests on different areas will be carried out to determine how your skin responds to different device settings. A gel may be spread over the treatment area to keep the skin cool, and focus the light when the handpiece is moved over the treatment area. Light energy is emitted in flashes or pulses, heating the hair and damaging the follicle so that the hair cannot regrow.
Most patients find that there is little discomfort during the treatment, though you may notice a tingling or pinching sensation. Local anesthesia can be used when very sensitive areas are treated.
You may notice some redness and swelling which will normally fade within hours; this is actually a desirable indication that the follicle has responded to treatment. You should be able to return to normal activity immediately.
How long does LightSheer treatment take?
Depending on the size of the area to be treated, sessions can be anywhere between a few minutes to more than an hour. Several treatments may be required to ensure that all hairs are affected, due to differing growth phases. The number will vary according to your specific skin type, and the color, thickness, and density of your hair.
Is it safe?
Yes. The LightSheer Laser System is FDA approved, and the procedure has unsurpassed safety records. On rare occasions, you may experience some blistering but this typically resolves quickly. Following treatment, the skin may change shade but will generally return to normal in a few weeks. You can reduce the risk of complications by limiting your sun exposure before and after each treatment.
What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag, also known as an acrochoron, is a tiny knob of skin that protrudes from the skin’s surface. Tags are often the same color as the surrounding skin, but some do appear darker. Acrochorons are always soft and movable.
Although skin tags can appear on any part of the body, the most common areas are:
- Armpit
- Under the breast
- Neck
- Groin
- Eyelids
Causes of Skin Tags
Skin tags are not related to any illnesses, conditions, or diseases. Their formation is completely natural and cannot be prevented. Some people are just prone to harmless skin growths, but common causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Heredity
- Weight gain
- Age
Once a skin tag grows, it is permanent. While the tag may grow, it will not become cancerous.
Should it be Removed?
Skin tags are typically not painful or dangerous. They are not warning signs of cancer. Considering this, there is no real medical reason to go through skin tag removal.
Still, many people do choose to have their growths removed. Common reasons include:
- The tag is being irritated by clothing.
- The tag is getting caught in jewelry or zippers.
- The tag is in a conspicuous place and is causing embarrassment.
- Multiple tags appear in a mass and are unattractive.
The bottom line is that skin tag removal is a personal decision. If you find your skin tag uncomfortable or unsightly, have it removed.
Leg Vein Treatment/Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for varicose, reticular and spider leg veins (abnormally enlarged blood vessels visible through the skin). The procedure involves injecting a detergent sclerosing agent into the vein, which then causes irritation and corrosion to the walls of the vessel. It then collapses and is absorbed by the body. These injections are relatively pain free as compared to hypertonic saline used as a sclerosant. The average treatment program is outpatient and takes one to three sessions, depending on the amount of vessels to be treated. After each treatment session patients must wear compression hose for a few days or weeks and are encouraged to walk or exercise and resume regular activities to speed recovery. Sclerotherapy rarely produces scarring or other side effects (typically these involve minor swelling, bruising and itching), although it cannot prevent the recurrence of vascular lesions. Following treatment, the affected veins may darken and the area may appear pigmented but this is temporary and will fade over time. We’ll be happy to discuss both benefits and possible risks of sclerotherapy during your consultation.
