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Visible Varicose and Spider Vein Removal

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Visible varicose veins and spider veins (or telangiectasia as it is medically referred), are common conditions that affect adults and women in particular. These conditions mostly afflict the legs and face. Varicose veins are characterized by the appearance of large, swollen blood vessels that constantly turn and twist while spider veins are generally smaller and appear as red, blue and purple vessels that also turn and twist. The latter is normally visible near the surface of the skin and measures about 1 millimeter in diameter.

Varicose vein removal
Proudly wear shorts so everyone can see those legs

 

Spider veins and varicose veins are caused by a number of factors, including: heredity, obesity, aging, use of birth control pills and hormonal imbalances caused by puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Other causes include post-menopausal hormonal treatment, history of blood clots, occupations that entail standing for lengthy periods (such as teachers, factory worker, nurses), and increased pressure in the abdomen (ex. constipation and tumors). It is estimated that about 50% of adults in the United States suffer from varicose veins and spider veins. It is also not uncommon for the condition to affect young adults and teenagers.

Varicose Veins

The primary symptoms of varicose veins include: appearance of highly visible, misshapen veins on the legs, heaviness, swelling, pain sensation and achiness over or around the enlarged veins. In certain cases, a person with varicose veins may develop discoloration and bleeding, and in severe cases even ulcers. Before the doctor diagnoses or recommends treatment for varicose veins, he may ask you to stand and sit for a period of time to examine the area and perform a physical check. The doctor will also want to know about other symptoms such as pain and bleeding.

Noninvasive testing using Ultrasound to read the blood flow can be performed, as well as a test called venogram. During a venogram test, a special dye is injected into the legs and X-rays of the area are taken for further examination. The doctor will also use these tests to ensure pain and swelling causing conditions such as blood clot and vein blockage are not at play.

Spider Veins

The primary symptoms of spider veins include: web like venous appearance on the skin, swelling, skin ulcers, skin rash, restless legs and itching and aching around the affected area. The condition affects about 55% of women and 45% of men in the US. In severe cases the condition can weaken or damage the valves in the veins and even cause bleeding, skin ulcers and thrombosis, a life-threatening condition. Thrombosis can arise when the valves fail to open to allow the flow of blood, thereby causing backup and swelling. Like varicose veins, your doctor may call for physical examination and tests through ultrasound and venogram.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the size and location, the doctor can prescribe various treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. Potential treatments include: wearing compression stocking and dressings with single or multi-layered systems, Sclerotherapy and elevating the legs while sleeping or sitting. Sclerotherapy involves injection of liquid into the affected vein to create a remedial clot. Other treatment regimens for varicose veins and spider veins are surgery, laser treatment and ablation.

The Sclerotherapy procedure and laser treatment are typically preferred when treating spider veins. However, surgery and ablation are considered better options for treating visible varicose veins. The compression stockings can help contain some of the effects since the squeeze the leg, thereby minimizing the amount of blood pressure moving into the veins. A health care professional will guide the patient on the degree of pressure that needs to be exerted to attain positive results. Every treatment comes with a certain amount of risks or side effects. In the case of surgical vein removal, patients can experience vomiting, nausea and postoperative wound infection. Surgeries are also performed when the patient is under anesthesia. The potential side effects of Sclerotherapy include allergic reactions due to the use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate.

Laser and Sclerotherapy treatments can be performed by dermatologists. Overall, the removal of varicose veins and spider veins can be undertaken by general, varicose or plastic surgeons. The duration of treatment and healing for patients undergoing spider vein and varicose vein treatment depends on many factors, including underlying diagnosis, age, treatment history, ability to tolerate anesthesia and surgery and bodily reactions.

Removal and recovery can be complicated with high instances of re-occurrence following treatment. Venous diseases are progressive by nature and difficult to prevent, especially the emergence of new spider veins and varicose veins. To prevent varicose veins and spider vein from appearing, people are encouraged to wear elastic support hose, perform regular exercises and avoid standing for lengthy periods of time.

The cost of treating or removing vein conditions such as varicose veins and spider vein can be prohibitive, and this is a major cause of concern for many people looking for affordable treatment. However, a growing number of insurance companies cover treatment of various venous disorders, including spider veins and varicose veins. It is important to know that there is no best age to seek varicose vein or spider vein treatment. Most doctors encourage early treatment to help prevent the symptoms from worsening. Despite the challenges in treating and preventing spider veins and varicose veins, there are numerous benefits to seeking treatment. According to Varicoseveins.org, the benefits include:

  • Feeling better about one’s appearance
  • Promise of better sleep at night
  • Increased mobility
  • Enduring less pain during and after treatment

A Healthier Body With IV Infusions

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IV (intravenous) Therapy has been used for decades in hospitals and emergency rooms. Almost anyone who’s gone to the ER or been admitted to the hospital has had an IV. What is in a particular IV infusion varies depending on why you need it. It’s no longer restricted to the hospital, however. It’s now offered in many independent clinics and as a house-call treatment around the country.

What’s all the buzz about?

A healthier body with IV Infusions
IV Infusions can restore you to the person you really are

 

What is IV Therapy?

IV Therapy is the use of an intravenous device to deliver liquid substances directly into a vein, allowing the substance to directly enter the blood stream while bypassing the stomach and digestive system altogether.

In hospitals, it’s used for medications and fluid replacements, as it’s the fastest way to distribute those throughout the body. It can be used to correct dehydration, balance electrolytes, transfuse blood, and deliver medications.

Outside of hospitals, it’s often used in clinics to create cocktails of vitamins, minerals or other nutrients used to combat hangovers, illnesses, allergies, and improve athletic performance, among other things.

For what conditions is IV Therapy used? Why IV Therapy?

IV Therapy can be used for a variety of conditions. Some conditions that have seen improvement from IV Therapy include:

  • Asthma
  • Migraines
  • Fatigue
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Acute muscle spasms
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Cardiovasular disease

People also use it to help them recover from a hangover or milder illnesses such as merely feeling “under the weather.”

The reasons for trying IV Therapy vary, but a consistent reason for use is that it allows you to infuse a specific combination of vitamins, minerals or nutrients directly into your bloodstream. This allows for faster circulation throughout the body, resulting in a faster response to the substances and feeling better faster than you might if you took a pill and had to wait for it to begin to dissolve, make its way to your digestive system and begin being absorbed by your body.

Can it be preventive?

IV Therapy has many benefits. It can boost your immune system’s function, increase energy levels, and improve many medical conditions. It can also have preventive and anti-aging benefits.

You can be proactive and have an IV infusion of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to prevent illness and boost your nutritional status. Because IV Therapy is tailored specifically to you and your needs, it can help you prevent and treat many things.

Does it have other benefits?

There are multiple benefits to IV Therapy. They include:

  • It allows higher doses of the targeted supplements to be given.
  • Because they’re delivered directly to the bloodstream, there is 100% absorption of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by your body.
  • It’s the fastest way to restore optimum hydration to the body.
  • It stimulates and supports the immune system.
  • It replenishes the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your body needs to stay balanced and healthy.
  • Delivery is fast, which means you can squeeze an IV Therapy into your day, even if you’re busy.
  • The effects are felt quickly, rather than waiting to feel them as you would with other methods.
  • It boosts energy levels, which can improve your wellbeing and the rest of your life.
  • Easy to monitor delivery of substances.

Are there any drawbacks?

There can be drawbacks, or disadvantages, to having IV Therapy.

You may feel slight pain when the needle is inserted, but you can ask to have the site numbed first to avoid that.

An allergic reaction is always possible, as with anything you put into your body.

If it’s not done correctly, it can be an invasive procedure that causes infection, bleeding, and other adverse side effects. It is more costly than oral or injectible forms of the same substances.

There’s also the possibility of a hematoma, a lumped up bruise caused by a swelling of clotted blood within the tissues of the IV site, if the IV isn’t inserted correctly.

An air embolism, a bubble of air in your veins, can also occur if the IV isn’t handled properly. They are rare, but they can travel to your brain, lungs or heart and cause a heart attack, stroke or respiratory failure. This is why it’s critical that you only go to a clinic that uses properly trained staff to administer IV Therapy.

What is the recovery time?

There is little to no recovery time after IV Therapy. You’ll start to feel the benefits almost immediately, and by the time you’re done, you’ll likely feel much better than you did when you began. Once the IV is removed, you’ll be free to go about your day.

It has become increasingly difficult to get all the nutrients we need through our daily diets. IV Therapy is a great way to supplement and ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need so that you can feel healthy, vibrant and ready to take on life. It can also help when you’re not feeling up to par, giving you that extra boost you need to get you back up to speed. It’s quick, easy, and painless, and has great benefits for your health.

What Is Hyperpigmentation and Melasma, and How Can It Be Treated?

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Melasma and Hyperpigmentation are skin conditions that affect the face. Hyperpigmentation is characterized by a dark skin area formed on the skin surface that is darker than the surrounding areas. Sun exposure can cause pigments which are commonly referred to as age spots, liver spots or sunspots. Trauma, acne, skin products, chemicals and skin procedures like laser care can cause hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin forms deposits inside the skin. Anyone can be affected by this skin condition. The best way to notice that you have hyperpigmentation is the formation of freckles, large and small spots and patches. On occasion, skin areas that have been damaged, scraped or burned become darker than the surrounding tissue.

Treating Hyperpigmentation
You can eliminate those dark spots from your face.

 

On the other hand, melasma is a skin problem that is characterized by gray-brown skin patches that are resistant to treatment. The most common skin area that is usually affected is the forehead, bridge of the nose, on the chin, cheeks and above the upper lip. Melasma is more prevalent in women during hormonal shifts like at the start of birth control medications than in men. On the other hand, sun exposure on someone who has melasma can worsen the condition.

Types of skin Hyperpigmentation

Different types of Skin hyperpigmentation can be caused by different reasons. Is it possible for hyperpigmentation to go away by itself? It all depends on the form of hyperpigmentation that you have. Below is a brief description of two types of hyperpigmentation.

Sun damage and freckles

Sun damage is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation. If overexposure to the sun causes skin damage, the skin will have difficulty in repairing itself which leads to hyperpigmentation. The skin usually recovers in most cases, but you will have to use intense moisturizers and sunscreen along with quality skincare products.

Freckles are more common on light-skinned people that on darker skin individuals. Most people assume that freckles are a lifelong condition, but a good hyperpigmentation cream that has a maximum of 4% hydroquinone can change the skin damage caused by freckles.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:

This is also referred to as acne scars. Once an acne breakout is done, the skin tries to heal by producing more melanin. Scarring of acne is a stubborn hyperpigmentation form. As time goes by, it goes away, but it still leaves traces behind. A good cream can benefit an acne scar.

Types of Melasma

There are four different types of pigmentation patterns that are diagnosed by melasma. They include dermal, epidermal, mixed and one that occurs in dark-skins. Excess melanin is found in the top layers of the skin in the epidermal type. The presence of melanophages on the dermis distinguishes the dermal melasma. The mixed type includes the dermal and epidermal type.

Treatment tips for Hyperpigmentation

Microdermabrasion

In microdermabrasion, the upper skin layer is removed gently to get rid of dark spots, sun spots and other superficial and small discolorations. DermaSweep, which is a form of microdermabrasion offers a specialized anti-pigment ingredient which is infused to brighten the skin.

Chemical Peel

Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, and TCA chemical peels are recommended to get rid of discolorations. Dermatologists recommend that chemical peels are effective in improving the healing process and removing deep pigments. The potency of the chemical peel can be manipulated to suit the depth and type of pigment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

One common way to target sun-induced discoloration is the used of IPL. IPL involves the use of light to target the skin and blood vessels. The light lifts out the discolored regions of the skin. After a few days, the skin is expected to flake off. An IPL is commonly used after laser treatments to clean the skin.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

This treatment works wonders at erasing stubborn pigmentation. Lasers like Halo, Clear, and Braxe, create controlled micro injuries inside the skin to trigger the healing process of the skin. This results in the reduction of discoloration as fresh skin appears.

Treatment tips for Melasma

The most common therapy for melasma includes 2% of hydroquinone creams like Porcelana and Esrorica, and prescription strength 4% creams like Tri-Luma, Obagi Clear, 3% hydroquinone and NeoCutis Blanche. Some sunscreens also contain 4% hydroquinone like Obagi Sunfader and Glycine Clarifying Bleaching Sunvabish. Physicians usually prescribe products with HQ concentrations that are above 2%. Clinical studies record that creams that have 2% HQ can lighten the skin without irritations, compared to the high concentrates of HQ. These creams are normally applied to brown patches two times a day. Each morning, sunscreen should be applied over the HQ cream. All types of melasma have treatments, but the epidermal type responds much better to treatments because the pigment is close to the surface of the skin.

Melasma can clear up without treatment; there are times when it clears with the use of sunscreen and the avoidance of the sun. For some people, melasma discoloration may disappear after pregnancy or after hormonal therapy.

The combination of special creams with HQ, azelaic acid, nonphenolic bleaching agents, phenolic hypopigmenting agent,kojic acid and retinoic acid are great for treating melasma. In severe cases, a high concentration of HQ and cream are combined with ingredients such as glycolic acid, corticosteroids, and tretinoin to effectively lighten the skin.

Treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma can be done at any age, but what is important is the frequency of treatment. It is recommended to avoid using treatments on a regular basis since your skin needs to heal after treatment is done.

Preventative measures against hyperpigmentation and melasma

Skin protection from the sun’s UV light

Lessening your exposure to UV light will help you lower the chances of getting these conditions. You need to reduce the time spent on the sun and apply sunscreen anytime you step out to the sun. The most effective sunscreens are the opaque sunblocks that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Improve your skin care

The use of gentle skin care products will help prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma. Avoid popping blemishes, picking your skin and scratching. This is important especially if you have pigmentation in some areas of your skin. If you feel some irritation on your skin, use moisturizers to massage the area instead of scratching.

Always check the potential side effects of medications

There are drugs that can bring about hyperpigmentation by increasing the production of melanin. Always check with your doctor about medications. If possible, ask for alternatives that have little effect on your skin.

Now, some treatments have a fast effect on skin conditions while some take time before changes are experienced. For instance, IPL treatment can take an average of between 7 to 14 days to resolve. But again, it depends on the level of hyperpigmentation you have. If you have severe damage, it can take at least 4 treatments that might span a few months.

Sunscreen is usually thought to have only aesthetic purposes, but it has numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include:

  • Shielding from UV rays
  • Preventing premature aging
  • Lowering of skin cancer
  • Lowering face blotching
  • Preventing sunburns
  • Preventing from skin tanning

As much as there are benefits, overuse of sunscreen can cause skin drawbacks. Some of these issues include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Increase the damage of acne
  • Cause eye irritation
  • Increase breast cancer risks
  • Pain in hairy regions
  • Cause formation of pustules in hair follicles

Lose Your Double Chin Without Surgery – All About KYBELLA®

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We all want to be beautiful. In fact, according to Richard Prum, it’s our evolutionary nature to always go for beauty if we have the option to do so.

In this article, we will tackle one aspect of beauty that’s trending these days: diminishing your double or sagging chin with the help of KYBELLA®. We will also answer some of your basic questions about what is KYBELLA®, benefits, drawbacks, and recovery time. Let’s get started!

Lose the double-chin without surgery
Tired of using creative ways of covering the double-chin?

What Is KYBELLA®?

KYBELLA® is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for adults that permanently destroys isolated fat deposits under your chin, and is administered as a series of injections under the chin.

According to the KYBELLA® FAQ’s:

“The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, and once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. This results in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin, revealing an improved chin profile.”

Results are gradual, and your physician will assess and determine a treatment plan for you. The number of treatment sessions will vary based on the amount of fat under the chin and your treatment goals. KYBELLA® is meant for adults. Typically, it is people aged 40+ that choose to treat their double chins with KYBELLA®.

Once the fat cells are destroyed, they cannot store or accumulate fat. Meaning once you have reached your desired effect, additional treatment should not be required.

Benefits of KYBELLA®

There are several benefits to choosing KYBELLA® over cosmetic surgery.

  1. KYBELLA® doesn’t require general anesthesia, and is an alternative to liposuction or general surgery.
  2. It is a minimally invasive procedure with no downtime, and can be completed quickly.

The Drawbacks

One big drawback of such treatment for your double chin is the price. You will likely need several sessions for this treatment to succeed. KYBELLA® treatment costs vary by provider, but average cost is about $4000 for most women that require 2-3 visits and 6-8 vials. However, it’s the least invasive procedure for the treatment of a double chin, and could very well be worth it to you.

Recovery

As mentioned above, KYBELLA® is a minimally invasive procedure with no downtime, and can be completed quickly. The most common side effects are bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, and small, firm areas around the injection sites. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider for thorough medical advice about side effects.

Can It Be Preventive?

There are no studies yet regarding the use of KYBELLA® to prevent the formation of double chins. Right now, most of the people who use KYBELLA® already have unsightly double chins that they want to diminish.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of KYBELLA®. And, are well armed with information when discussing with your doctor if this treatment is right for you. The skill and expertise of exactly who is doing the procedure is the most important factor here, so research your practitioner and make sure to ask plenty of questions.

Learn About Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

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Microneedling is a popular trend in skincare. You may have seen a viral video on microneedling, or you may know the treatment by another name. It’s commonly referred to as a “vampire facial” and also has a more medical term: collagen induction therapy. It’s used to treat skin issues like acne and aging. And with almost 100 percent of people who use microneedling for acne scars reporting an improvement, it’s an effective skin care treatment worth checking out.

Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy)

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally evasive treatment you can receive from a dermatologist, licensed aesthetician, or plastic surgeon. The treatment is done by using a device that pricks the top layer of your skin with tiny needles. These needles create puncture wounds that stimulate collagen production and can reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and other skin imperfections. While there are at-home microneedling tools, if you are concerned about a high level of damage to your skin then you may need a professional to administer treatment. At-home microneedling tools are said to be effective, and people report an improvement in their skin’s look and feel. However, those with deep acne scars, wrinkles, or sun damage will benefit from a professional microneedling session that uses longer needles to create deeper puncture wounds to stimulate collagen growth. Another thing to know is that microneedling can be done for any part of your skin that needs improvement. People routinely use microneedling to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and sun damage on their bodies.

History of microneedling

Many people are surprised to learn that microneedling is not a new treatment. According to one doctor, micro needling has been around for over 20 years. The reason microneedling has recently surged in popularity is because the procedure is easy and inexpensive. Compared to other acne and anti-aging treatments, like laser therapy, microneedling offers benefits beyond price. It provides less risk and less down time than other dermatologist treatments. Tools like the Dermapen or a dermaroller are simple products that can be used at home or in your aesthetician’s or doctor’s office.

When do people begin microneedling?

Adults of any age can benefit from microneedling. Because microneedling is affordable, quick, and relatively painless, many people have access to microneedling. And microneedling can be used to provide treatment for a wide range of skin conditions. Whether you’re concerned about acne scars, aging, or other skin concerns, microneedling can help. For those with minor skin concerns, at-home microneedling can be incorporated into your regular skin care routine to avoid aging. Here are a few examples of how different age groups can benefit from microneedling:

Ages 18 – 25

  • Improve appearance and texture of acne scars
  • Reduce the appearance of pores
  • Jumpstart the anti-aging process
  • Remove any sun damaged accrued in your youth

Ages 26 – 32

  • Reduce acne scars
  • Improve skin texture
  • Treat fine lines
  • Prevent aging

Ages 32 – 45

  • Banish fine lines
  • Improve the appearance of wrinkles
  • Slow down the aging process

Ages 46 and up

  • Increase collagen production for plumper, more youthful skin
  • Improve texture of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Make your skincare treatments more effective

Can it be preventive?

Absolutely. One of the primary uses for microneedling treatment is to prevent wrinkles and aging. As the treatment stimulates collagen growth, it can keep your skin looking youthful and plump. It can also make your skincare treatments more effective, as the tiny puncture wounds in your skin allow it to absorb more of your skincare products. Many professionals combine micro needling with other treatments and creams to improve the overall look and feel of your skin. Proper use of a dermaroller or microneedle involves a serum before and after the treatment. You can use any serum you’d like, so choose one that already works well or is recommended for your skin type.

Does microneedling have use aside from aesthetic improvements?

Microneedling is primarily used to treat skin conditions and improve aesthetics. For specific medical skin concerns, you should discuss options with your doctor. A doctor may suggest microneedling to improve symptoms of a condition.

Are there any risks or downsides?

Because this treatment is minimally evasive, there are minimal risks to this procedure. Some people experience increased skin sensitivity. If microneedling is done over an area with a breakout or infection, it can spread and worsen the condition. Microneedling should avoid any irritated areas of your skin. If you’re looking to get microneedling to improve skin issues, you may need to treat things like acne before doing a microneedling treatment as microneedling may aggravate acne.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time for microneedling varies depending on treatment. If you or your skin care provider uses a 1mm needle, recovery is fast. Many people recover within a couple days. You may have increased redness for the first and second days following treatment. And your skin may be sensitive right after the treatment, but you can go about normal activities following microneedling. For more intense micro needling procedures, recovery time may be extended. And you may experience a longer period of redness following the treatment.

 

 

 

What’s the Difference Between Botox & Dysport?

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You’re curious about smoothing out lines and wrinkles, and automatically think “I want Botox.” But after speaking with your provider, it turns out there is a second option – Dysport.

What is Dysport and will it provide the same effect as Botox? The simple answer is: Dysport is simply a different brand of the same active ingredient that is in Botox. And yes, it will provide the same effect as Botox.

Botox vs. Dysport. What's the difference

Dysport was successfully imported to the U.S. from Europe in 2009 and provided an alternative to Botox for dermatologists and consumers.

Both Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators and are extremely effective in smoothing out the perpendicular frown lines between eyebrows, the horizontal lines across the forehead, crow’s feet, wrinkles around the neck and nasal area, and eyebrow lines.

The differences between Botox and Dysport have in the past been compared to the difference between Bayer Aspirin, Excedrin and Anacin. All have the exact same active ingredient, aspirin.

What are the similarities between Dysport and Botox?

  • Both products are neuromodulators that are powered by the derivatives of the same bacterium, botulinum toxin type A.
  • Both work by relaxing the specific muscles in a person’s face that are either over-active or that cause frown or furrowed brow lines, crow’s feet and other wrinkles.
  • The beneficial results of both Botox and Dysport can last anywhere from 3-4 months.
  • They can also both be used as a medical treatment in other parts of the body.

What are the differences between Dysport and Botox?

  • Botox is made by Allergan, and Dysport is made by Medicis Aesthetics.
  • Botox shows results usually between 5-7 days after being administered, while Dysport takes effect in many people a full 48 hours sooner, and a minority of people seeing effects in as soon as a day.
  • The smaller size of the molecules and less number of proteins in Dysport means it spreads more widely and evenly from the injection site than Botox.
  • Many clinical practitioners, experienced with both products, have observed that Botox is especially good at extremely specific and targeted wrinkle corrections, while Dysport, due to its wider and more even diffusion, holds the edge in targeting imperfections like crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles.

Wrapping Up

Finally, it must be said that healthy competition is never a bad thing. Allergan had a virtual monopoly in the U.S. in this market for nearly 20 years, while in Europe both Dysport and Botox were being used for a long time as well.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the differences, and similarities, of these products. And, are well armed with information when discussing these two options with your treatment provider.

When it comes to injectables like Botox or Dysport, while there are some differences that might sway you, the skill and expertise of exactly who is doing the injecting is the most important factor here, so research your practitioner and make sure to ask plenty of questions. This is not so much for safety reasons, as both Dysport and Botox are very safe in general, but because avoiding annoying side-effects and achieving the most desirous, positive and long-lasting results are what matter.

 

Eliminate Sun Spots With BBL

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Acne, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles are just some of the things you see on the surface of your skin. You may have tried many ways of improving or eliminating these things: moisturizers, masks, cleansers, perhaps even a professional facial. You may have heard of BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL), but you aren’t sure what it is or if it will work for you. Here are some things you should know about the treatment before you undergo it.

Information on BBL (Broad Band Light) Therapy

What is BBL?

BroadBand Light Therapy is a form of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. You may have heard it referred to as the photo facial. It is a cutting edge technology that uses light to create younger looking, firmer skin with a more even tone and texture. It’s an FDA-approved way to treat sun damage, pigmented and vascular lesions, and used for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

BBL uses light energy to heat the top layers of your skin. That heat is absorbed by the targeted skin, and stimulates the area to produce more collagen. This process restores your skin to a more natural state, blending its natural colors and giving you smoother, younger looking and vibrant skin.

The machine is equipped with cooling technologies that keep the heat from being too intense while still being effective. If you find it uncomfortable, a numbing cream can be administered to you before treatment, but most people don’t find it necessarry.

Treatment is recommended two to four times per year for optimal results.

Is there a certain age to undergo BBL?

Older clients with more visible damage are more likely to see the most visible results. However, there is no specific age at which to undergo treatment. Because this treatment is tailored to your particular skin type, it can improve whatever skin concerns you may have, regardless of your age.

BBL can have an immediate effect on your appearance and can have a beneficial effect on your skin’s aging for years in the future. Therefore, it can be used both to improve skin’s current appearance and prevent future damage.

Is BBL a preventive treatment?

BBL can be used to improve your skin’s current appearance, as well as to prevent future damage and signs of aging. Even if you feel your skin is already in great shape, you may be able to benefit from BBL treatments. Regular treatments can help stop sun damage, environmental damage, and other signs of aging and skin problems before they begin taking their toll on your skin.

Does BBL have any benefits beyond the aesthetic?

The majority of BBL’s benefits are aesthetic in nature: eliminating freckles, sunspots, age spots and other sun damage, resolving persistent redness or rosacea, acne, or minor burns, and eliminating coarse hair growth or facial veins.

Compared to other potential treatments for the same skin concerns, however, BBL does have a few benefits:
It’s fast, with treatment lasting only about 30 minutes. There’s no downtime after treatment, either, so you can immediately get back to your day.
Your discomfort will be minimal. It’s a noninvasive treatment and the heat is not enough to cause pain. You’ll need eye protection to protect your eyes, but other than that, you should only feel the warmth and some mildly sharper sensations. If it’s needed, numbing creams are available, but most people don’t need them.
Healing time is quick – you may notice some superficial redness for a few hours after treatment, and some darker pigmentation may darken more briefly, but these things will resolve quickly and your skin will soon start looking smoother and younger.
Are there any drawbacks to BBL?

Side effects and drawbacks tend to be mild, and their occurrence is rare. As previously mentioned, there may be some redness for a few hours to a day or two after treatment. Some darker pigmentation may temporarily darken or lose pigment, though this typically only happens on darker skin and if the treatment is too intense. Scarring is possible, though rare, as is infection. There may be some patterning (if areas were skipped), but this will resolve within a few days. Men may notice a temporary loss of dark hair from the treatment area, but it usually returns within two to three months after treatment.

What’s the recovery time from BBL?

There is no downtime after BBL. As soon as you finish your treatment, you can immediately return to work, errands, or whatever your normal routine is. You’ll be given instructions to use skincare products, such as moisturizer, on your skin after treatment, and to avoid the sun, but it should not interfere with your life in any drastic way.

Is BBL worth it?

Studies have shown that BBL has an effect on the expression of aging genes in the body. This means that it has a proven, lasting effect.

This indicates that it’s an effective, proven treatment. Individuals must consider their budget, as well as whether they want to continue to take proper care of their skin after treatment, in determining whether it’s worth it to undergo BBL treatments. While treatment is recommended two to four times per year for the best results, even a single treatment can make a difference.

BroadBand Light Therapy is one of many treatment options for those who have concerns about the appearance of their skin. If you feel that what you’re currently doing isn’t working, or you’re ready to try something more drastic, BBL may be right for you.

Hydrafacial

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What It Is

Hydrafacial refers to a non-invasive skin treatment that combines various methods, including exfoliation, cleansing, anti-oxidant protection, extraction, and hydration. It is good for any skin type, especially, aging and sensitive skins. This is according to aesthetic experts, including Haideh Hirmand, MD, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and a private practitioner in Upper East Side.

Hydrafacial uses patented vortex technology to infuse desirable nutrients into your skin. The nutrients include red algae extract, magnesium peptides, copper, zinc, and horse chestnut seed extract. Because of its mechanical nature, the treatment lasts shortly, usually less than one hour. If properly done, hydrafacial nourishes, moisturizes, and soothes your skin, resulting in a more beautiful and younger skin free of wrinkles, fine lines, acne, brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and congested pores.

What is Hydrafacial?

How Hydrafacial Works

The treatment works by:

  • Removing dead cells from your skin
  • Detoxifying your skin
  • Infusing your skin with essential nutrients that enhance the production of collagen and elastin, which make the skin strong and elastic
  • Providing long-lasting skin hydration
  • Opening your skin pores by removing debris and dirt

How It Is Done

The treatment consists of various stages which help in detoxification of the skin, dead skin cells removal, and extraction of any debris from your skin pores. The steps also provide long lasting hydration and essential nutrient support to enhance production of collagen and elastin proteins. The steps include:

1. Vortex Cleansing and Exfoliation

The purpose of this stage is to rid your skin of any deal cells by use of water-based exfoliation. This step is also applied to clear your skin of sebum to facilitate the penetration of skin care products. Sebum acts as glue that traps small particles, which block your skin pores.

2. Loosening of Pores

This is the second stage you will undergo during hydrafacial. It is a pore cleansing step that involves the infusion of your skin pores with a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids. These acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in relieving the symptoms of acne. No wonder most acne treatment skin care products contain these acids. The acids loosen the debris, dirt, and other foreign materials that may have clogged your skin pores.

3. Pore Extraction

Pore extraction stage involves the removal of loosened foreign materials from the pores using a hydrafacial applicator. This step ensures deep skin cleaning, which enhances the penetration of skin care products. It also prevents your skin from future acne attacks.

4. Serum Fusion

This is the last step of the procedure. Here, your hydrafacial expert infuses chemicals including antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and peptides into your skin. These ingredients are beneficial to your skin in many ways. Peptides, for instance, help in replacing any dead cells. Antioxidants are helpful in the repair of any damaged parts of your skin. The hyaluronic acid reduces the signs of aging by eliminating wrinkles from your skin, leaving you with a younger look.

Other than the four steps above, hydrafacial may involves additional treatments, including shining LED lights over your skin to reduce redness and irritation, as well as enhance blood circulation in your skin. The lights are also helpful in stimulating the production of elastin and collagen, which are the proteins that give your skin elasticity and strength.

Recovering From Hydrafacial

Typically, you will not experience downtime after the treatment. The treatment does not involve any pain and is usually completed within one hour. You can go back to your daily routing immediately after the procedure.

Other Areas Other Than Face

Although hydrafacial is majorly a facial procedure, it can also be done on other areas of your body. It can be applied on the skin of your neck, arms, and hands.

At What Age Do Most People Start Using Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial is appropriate for any age as long as your skin is in need of the treatment. Since people may have different skin concerns, the age at which people begin to use this treatment varies from one person to another depending on the purpose for which a person seeks the treatment. Remember, it restores your skin and can also be tailored to address the specific concerns of your skin. You may know that you need hydrafacial when you begin to see the following skin signs:

  • Wrinkles
  • Fine lines
  • Acne
  • Clogged or congested pores
  • Hyperpigmentation, including red, dark, and brown spots
  • Dry skin due to poor hydration
  • Oily skin
  • Increased sensitivity

Can Hydrafacial Be Preventive?

Hydrafacial combines both corrective and preventive skin care. The treatment contains antioxidants, which protect your skin against free radical damage and signs of aging.

Benefits of Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial is mainly done for aesthetic benefit. However, the procedure has other benefits beyond just this. It is used to treat acne and signs of aging. It also treats sensitive skins and prevents the buildup of excess oil on your skin. Remember, the procedure can be customized to suit your skin needs by choosing specific moisturizing and hydrating serum to address the specific problems of your skin.

Drawbacks

Unlike laser procedures, hydrafacial does not involve vaporization of your skin cells. This ensures that your skin stays free of inflammation and crusting after the procedure. However, you may experience redness and slight tightness just after the procedure. You may also experience skin irritation as a result of the suctioning and liquid impact on your skin. The good thing with these side effects is that they do not last for long and usually disappear within one hour.

According to Jillian Wright, an aesthetic expert and proprietor of Jillian Wright Clinical Skin Spa, you should consult a dermatologist if you are taking Accutane or suffer from acne before attempting to undergo hydrafacial. The expert also warns that the procedure is not suitable for people with heart problems and pregnant women because it involves microcurrent therapy, which is dangerous to such people.

To avoid any possible side effects, it is advisable to be careful when approaching hydrafacial treatment. You need to hire the services of a well-trained expert who understands the procedure well.

Botox

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The bacterium clostridium botulinum is the toxin used to produce the product with the brand-name Botox. In large amounts, this toxin can produce botulism. Paralysis is one of the more severe symptoms of botulism. However, scientists have learned that if the botulism toxin is diluted and small amounts of it are injected into selected muscles, the muscles can relaxed in a controlled way.

Toward the end of the 1980’s, the FDA approved the use of Botox in medical procedures when it was learned that Botox was effective at treating ailments like blepharospasm and strabismus. In the early 2000’s, the FDA approved the use of Botox in cosmetic treatments. Since that time Botox has been used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Examples of dynamic wrinkles include crow’s feet and frown lines on the forehead. Other cosmetic uses for Botox include preventing auxiliary hyperhidrosis.

 

Information about Botox

Botox works by blocking the signals between nerves and muscles. The treated muscle loses the capacity to tighten forcefully. As a result, wrinkles in the skin begin to soften and relax.

Botox is administered via an injection using a fine needle. When the injections are performed properly, only the specified muscle is treated, and the patient experiences little to no discomfort. Botox injections only take a few minutes. In most cases, patients do not require anesthesia.

Botox begins to affect the treated muscles the moment it is injected. However, it may take between three to seven days for the effects of Botox to be noticeable.

At What Age Do People Start Using Botox?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, seven million Botox injections were performed last year. Experts comment that more and more younger patients are coming in for preventative treatments. In fact, in 2013, the JAMA Dermatology, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/1737181 comments that it is “rarely too early” to begin Botox treatments that are “conservative and thoughtful.”

Most people start Botox treatments when dynamic wrinkles become visible, usually in their mid-30’s to early 40’s. Elizabeth Tanzi, who works as a clinical professor at the Department of Dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington DC commented that most Caucasian women who have not had a lot of sun damage respond best to Botox somewhere between age 35 and 40. Caucasian woman who have had extensive sun damage may want to start when they are in their 30’s.

The age limit is a little higher for women with darker skin tones. An appropriate age for them may be somewhere between 40 and 45. But that will also vary depending on their circumstances. If a person has had a lot of sun exposure or if they have made lifestyle choices such as smoking and living in high altitudes that are bad for the skin, then it may be appropriate to start sooner.

Most professionals agree that there is no chronological age that’s best to start using Botox. Instead, it’s important to look at the wrinkles themselves. When dynamic wrinkles linger after a person has stopped making facial expressions, then it is time for them to consider Botox treatments.

Can Botox Be Preventative?

The FDA has approved the use of Botox for individuals between the ages of 18 and 65. Many are turning to Botox in their 20’s with the hopes of preventing the formation of wrinkles in the future. The same Journal of the American Medical Association’s Dermatology article mentioned earlier says that getting noninvasive treatments earlier could make the results last longer and even make the need for re-injections not necessary.

Dr. Kenneth Arndt, the co-author of the article, emphasized in a later interview that they were not advocating using this treatment for infants, teenagers, or children. He also comments on the benefits of preventing age-related issues as opposed to trying to correct some later.

Of course, other doctors see things differently. For example, Dr. Sarah Tonks, from Omniya clinic in Knightsbridge, U.K believes that individuals who have hyper mobile faces, which is a face that does a lot of frowning and smiling, may want to look into treatment in their 20’s to stop wrinkles. However, individuals who don’t have hyper mobile muscles may not benefit from the treatment.

A potential side effect of using Botox too early can be muscle atrophy. If your muscles are not used for years on end, they will begin to wither. Smaller facial muscles mean less facial volume, which in turn makes you look older.

Is Botox Only Cosmetic?

Botox is not just a beauty treatment. Before Botox was used for cosmetic reasons, it was used to treat disease. For example, Dr. Alan Scott was the first one to use Botox to treat a patient with cross eyes. When Botox is injected into the muscles that control eye movement, they relax, making the patient look less cross eyed.

The FDA approved the use of Botox to treat migraines. Patients will receive multiple injections around their head and neck, releasing muscle stiffness, thereby minimizing the intensity and duration of migraines. Botox is used as a treatment of last resort.

Individuals with a hyperactive bladder can be treated with Botox. Botox can prevent the bladder muscles from having spasms. This has been a life changer for individuals battling with this embarrassing condition.

Final Thoughts about Botox

Botox is an effective tool to help individuals plagued with dynamic wrinkles. Botox can be administered in under 30 minutes. Patients will begin to see the effects of Botox within the first week after their injection. Results should last for three to four months.

Botox produces little to no side effects. Most side effects are mild and result from the injection. They include redness, bruising, and mild swelling. The drawbacks to Botox use are negligible because Botox only affects the treated area for a few months. Once that time has passed, the treatment wears off. Unless the patient has a touch up treatment, their muscles go back to their pre-treatment functionality.