Frequently Asked Questions
Vascular Lesions
The operation can be carried out as a day case with stitches removed in three to seven days.
Do spider / reticular veins cause pain?
Yes, the medical literature clearly documents that spider veins and/or reticular veins cause pain. Some believe this to be a very common cause of leg pain. In fact some also believe veins and reticular veins are the most under diagnosed cause of leg pain in young and middle aged women.
What are the cosmetic consequences of spider and varicose veins?
Some women are so disturbed by these veins that they will not expose their legs in public.
What are the options?
Sclerotherapy and laser therapy are the main options. However, if larger varicose veins are also present then sometimes surgery is necessary. The Nd: YAG laser is very effective on superficial small veins (telangiectasia or spider veins) as well as deeper and larger vessels.
How does the laser work?
The laser produces a 1064wavelength beam. While the rest of the skin is almost transparent for this wavelength, it is comparatively absorbed in blood. Thus the laser beam passes through the skin and penetrates the targeted vessel. The laser energy heats up and coagulates the blood inside the vessel. Unsupported the vessel walls collapse and seal. The vessels later dissolve.
What should I expect after the procedure?
The appearance of the treated vessels will dramatically change, turning from blue and purple to light red. Some of the vessels may bulge but any inflammation will subside within a couple of hours. The redness of the treated vessels will gradually disappear as the healing process occurs, which may take anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the severity of the veins. The post treatment regime may include wearing pressure hosiery, avoiding aspirin containing medication and wearing sunscreen. Make sure to discuss this with your laser practitioner.
Does it hurt?
Most of out patients find they do not feel the laser at all. If there is any sensation at all during treatment it is usually described as a 'light sting'. Following the treatment there is no pain.
Laser Hair Removal
How does laser hair removal work?
The laser works by a principal called Selective Photothermolysis. The laser is pulsed for a millisecond emitting a beam of light on to the skin. The light energy passes harmlessly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and hair shaft. By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are disabled, impairing their ability to grow.
Does the laser treatment hurt?
Most clients describe it as a little uncomfortable, similar to the snap of a rubber band.
How long is the treatment?
Treatment time can vary based on the area being treated. The upper lip takes only a few minutes while the back or legs can take up to an hour. Results vary based on skin tone, hair follicles, and growth stage. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Post treatment effects also vary depending on individual circumstances and stage of treatment.
How many treatments does it take?
The laser works by disabling hair in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. As not all hair is at this phase during treatment, additional treatments will be necessary to disable all the hair follicles in the treatment area. Treatments are usually given at an interval of 4 – 6 weeks, or when new hair growth is noticed. Our clinicians can discuss your goals to develop a program based on your specific circumstances.
What happens to the skin after treatment?
Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red. Clients describe it as mild sunburn, this reaction usually subsides within a day or so. The doctor may recommend a topical cream to apply to the treated areas.
What should I do after I am treated?
Following treatment, you can return to your normal activities. Treated areas should be handled with care. Avoid: Retin-A, alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acids and astringents. The area may be cleaned using mils soap and water. Tanning should be avoided and use sunscreen when treated areas are exposed to the sun.
What should I expect?
Around 3 – 10 days after treatment hairs will begin to surface. Most of these hairs were treated and are falling out. It is not re-growth. The hair follicles need to purge the hairs that remained under the skin. Refrain from waxing, plucking and bleaching between treatments. It is fine to shave the area. You may want to use a loofah or glove to help remove the hair as it falls out.
Photo facials and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Technology
How does IPL work?
Pulses of intense, concentrated light are directed onto the skin and absorbed by the melanin in pigmented lesions, such as age sun and liver spots. Eliminating broken capillaries and treating rosacea is a bit different. The pulsed light weakens the walls of the vessel, heating the haemoglobin, causing it to collapse and disappear. Pulsed light systems are similar to lasers, but use a larger more diffused beam for safe, fast and comfortable treatments.
Does the treatment hurt?
You may experience a feeling similar to that of a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Most patients do not report this sensation as painful. Protective goggles are worn during treatment to protect the eyes.
What will I look like post treatment?
You may experience temporary redness, akin to mild sunburn, which can last for a few hours to a few days, depending on your skin type. Only the lesions, not the entire treated are will darken and crust, naturally shedding from the skin after approximately 10 days. It is mildly noticeable, but will not dramatically affect your appearance. It is important to protect treated skin from the damaging rays of the sun, using a full spectrum sun block. Otherwise, you can cleanse and moisturize treated areas normally.
How long do the effects last?
The treated spots will remain darker for approximately 7 – 10 days. You will notice a gradual lightening of the spots, until they are gone. Sunspots can return if you do not use proper protection, and conditions such as rosacea or birthmarks may require ongoing treatments.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends upon the condition being treated. You will see immediate results following the treatments of capillaries and pigmented lesions, and some lesions may require several treatments to fully remove or erase. The results of Photo facials are not truly seen until the darkened treated areas have shed from the surface of your skin. You will notice a healthier glow and a more even tone.
Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels
How do these treatments work?
Microdermabrasion involves a highly controlled spray of fine crystals of natural salt, with a spray applied under vacuum pressure. The salt and the positive pressure vacuum application erase imperfections and sun damage without assaulting the skin’s integrity. The stronger the vacuum pressure the more effective the procedure. The painless result: a dramatically smoother and more youthful appearance.
Chemical Peels are composed of Salicylic acid or beta hydroxy acid, which is found in the bark of the willow tree. High concentration of this acid comfortably and safely exfoliates the dead cells of the skin, encouraging the skin’s natural regeneration. The peel is applied to the skin and left on for about 5 minutes. It lifts off the dead damaged, creating a smooth surface, even complexion, and a youthful, healthy glow.
Do they hurt?
No, Microdermabrasion is relatively painless. Chemical peels have been described as a tingling/hot sensation.
What will I look like post-treatment?
You may experience a temporary pinkness, which con last for a few hours, depending upon your skin type. With a chemical peel, your skin may peel to some degree. Most clients can resume normal activity immediately. It is important to protect treated skin from the damaging rays of the sun, using a full spectrum sun block. Your clinician will advise you of post treatment care.
How many treatments do I need?
Both Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels help improve the skin’s appearance, and can last for a few weeks. We often use these in combination with IPL Photo facial technology for a more intensive treatment. With a treatment plan, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels can keep skin looking healthy and younger, and decrease redness left by acne scars and other imperfections. Occasional Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are also great for special occasions, when you just want a healthy glow.