Acne Treatment
Acne, or Acne Vulgaris, as it is medically called, is one of the most common problems teenagers face. Caused by changing hormone levels and genetic disposition, it is most common in those with oily skins and is usually worse in boys than girls. Over 80% of males and 70% of females going through puberty use some kind of acne medication, sometimes to prevent mild acne from worsening and sometimes to treat conditions like cystic acne, a type of acne which can cause acne scars if not treated.
Acne treatment & products
According to most acne specialists, the most important factor in treating acne is to start treatment early, before it becomes widespread. Teenagers who have oily skin, have siblings who are already undergoing acne treatment or who have one or more facial spots, should see a skin specialist and start acne medication as recommended by him. The first type of acne treatment which sufferers try is usually one of the many over the counter acne medications, such as Persa-gel or Stridex, which reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin. Often these acne products have little or no effect, and the next stage is a prescription acne treatment, usually a topical antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or tetracycline.
Acne skin care
Many teenagers do not realise that they can have an influence on the amount of spots they get by changing their behaviour slightly, for example acne skin care. Keeping facial skin clean and not touching the face can have a big effect, as can reducing stress and increasing the amount of outside activities engaged in.
Girls can use hypo-allergenic make-up or reduce the length of time per day that they use it, and should cleanse the skin thoroughly with an alcohol containing solution
Adult acne
Most people think of acne as a typically teenage problem, but some acne sufferers either get acne as teenagers and never get rid of it, or have no acne as teenagers and later suddenly develop it. Adult acne sufferers can try the topical acne medications or antibiotic treatments, but often gain more relief from oral hormonal acne treatments such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which doubles as an oral contraceptive, or in severe cases from oral doses of Isotretinoin. This form of vitamin A is often extremely effective although it is teratogenic, which means that it causes birth defects, so that pregnant women or those who may become pregnant cannot use it.
Adult acne, which is really just the same as teenage acne, can start in women who have just given birth because of changes in hormone levels, and can appear in women who had little or no acne as teenagers. It can become very severe, and can lead to pustule and papule formation. This is a form of cystic acne which often leaves acne scars, so that even when the acne has gone the scars remain, sometimes as hypertrophic, lumpy areas which are hard to hide with makeup.
Acne laser treatment for scars
Doctors often recommend acne laser treatment for scars of this nature, especially in cases where cortisone injections have no effect. Cryotherapy is another treatment for acne scars, using repeated freezing to gently shrink scar tissue. However, prevention is much more effective than treatment, and most acne treatment is aimed at stopping the development of cystic acne.
Acne laser treatment has also been tried recently in a related form of skin disease called Acne Inversa, caused by sweat gland inflammation. This chronic condition is characterised by inflamed abscesses in the groin and armpits, and rarely on the scalp. The usual acne treatment of oral antibiotics often helps to control the condition, but the scarring left by the abscesses can be severe enough to limit movement, and is not always helped by cortisone injections. Acne laser treatment may offer a less invasive treatment than full surgery, and together with other acne medications such as Isotretinion, acne scars may be a thing of the past for these patients.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal
What is laser?
Laser is an intense beam of light energy, which at different wavelenths, targets different structures in the skin. Our new generation Alexandrite Hair Removal Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, destroying it without causing damage to the surrounding skin.
Hair grows in a 3-phase cycle- it has a growing phase, a dormancy phase and a resting phase. Only hair that is in the growing (anagen) phase can be successfully removed with the laser. At any one time approximately 85% of hairs are in the anagen phase. This is why a series of treatments is required to get effective hair reduction.
How permanent is the laser?
No laser can guarantee permanent hair removal. Anyone who claims this is bending the truth. Our laser has FDA approval for permanent hair reduction. It is as permanent as today's technology allows.
Which type of laser is the best for hair removal?
There are many lasers being marketed today, and many of them will reduce hair growth. This practice has tested all the types of laser in the current market and we believe our Alexandrite to be the best because:-)
- It produced the best result with the least side effect of all the lasers tested.
- It is much less painful than other lasers.
- Its target depth is the same as the hair follicle so it is more effective at obliteration of the
unwanted hair.
- The large hand piece can deliver the treatment to an area 5 X the size of most other lasers
which means faster treatment and lower cost to the patient.
- The computerized delivery system helps to ensure safe and effective treatment
How many sessions do I need?
Because hair grows in cycles, you will probably require four to six treatments, depending on the type and quality of the hair. Many patients find that they are happy after 3 or 4 treatments, but may need a maintenance session about 6 months down the track. With each session there will be less hair to treat, so it may be faster and less expensive
Is the procedure painful?
No, not really. It is described as a slight stinging, or feeling of heat. Some say it feels like a snap of an elastic band, while others experience no discomfort at all. It depends on the individual
Are there any side effects?
The procedure is very safe with a less than 5% complication rate. Immediately after the treatment there is usually some redness and perhaps some slight swelling. This is similar to the appearance of skin after waxing, and should resolve within a few hours. In a minority of cases it may take up to twenty-four hours afterwards.
More serious complications are rare, but these include skin burning, pigmentation changes, scarring, prolonged redness and swelling, and occasional indentation of skin. Our Laser Nurses are well trained in laser technology, including laser safety, and they have experience with a wide range of lasers. This practice pays scrupulous attention to ensuring the best possible patient result without complications.
What will affect the procedure?
- Please stay out of the sun for at least three to four weeks prior to laser therapy. Because the
laser targets pigment, if your skin is tanned you are at risk of burning.
- No solariums or fake tans prior to laser therapy for at least three to four weeks.
- No waxing or bleaching for at least two weeks prior to laser.
- Please shave area one to two days prior to treatment.
- Please refrain from wearing any makeup or moisturiser if treating face, deodorants if treating
underarms or moisturisers to body if treating those areas.
- If you are having your bikini line treated please wear white underwear.
Post treatments
Keep the treated area clean and free from cosmetics or creams for at least 24hrs after treatment and ensure you stay out of the sun for at least two weeks.
We always want to know if you have any questions or problems with your treatment. Please call us immediately if you have any concerns at all. In particular if redness persists, if the area is painful, or if you have any worries over pigment changes, please let us know.
What is laser?
Laser is an intense beam of light energy, which at different wavelenths, targets different structures in the skin. Our new generation Alexandrite Hair Removal Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, destroying it without causing damage to the surrounding skin.
Hair grows in a 3-phase cycle- it has a growing phase, a dormancy phase and a resting phase. Only hair that is in the growing (anagen) phase can be successfully removed with the laser. At any one time approximately 85% of hairs are in the anagen phase. This is why a series of treatments is required to get effective hair reduction.
How permanent is the laser?
No laser can guarantee permanent hair removal. Anyone who claims this is bending the truth. Our laser has FDA approval for permanent hair reduction. It is as permanent as today's technology allows.
Which type of laser is the best for hair removal?
There are many lasers being marketed today, and many of them will reduce hair growth. This practice has tested all the types of laser in the current market and we believe our Alexandrite to be the best because:-)
- It produced the best result with the least side effect of all the lasers tested.
- It is much less painful than other lasers.
- Its target depth is the same as the hair follicle so it is more effective at obliteration of the
unwanted hair.
- The large hand piece can deliver the treatment to an area 5 X the size of most other lasers
which means faster treatment and lower cost to the patient.
- The computerized delivery system helps to ensure safe and effective treatment
How many sessions do I need?
Because hair grows in cycles, you will probably require four to six treatments, depending on the type and quality of the hair. Many patients find that they are happy after 3 or 4 treatments, but may need a maintenance session about 6 months down the track. With each session there will be less hair to treat, so it may be faster and less expensive
Is the procedure painful?
No, not really. It is described as a slight stinging, or feeling of heat. Some say it feels like a snap of an elastic band, while others experience no discomfort at all. It depends on the individual
Are there any side effects?
The procedure is very safe with a less than 5% complication rate. Immediately after the treatment there is usually some redness and perhaps some slight swelling. This is similar to the appearance of skin after waxing, and should resolve within a few hours. In a minority of cases it may take up to twenty-four hours afterwards.
More serious complications are rare, but these include skin burning, pigmentation changes, scarring, prolonged redness and swelling, and occasional indentation of skin. Our Laser Nurses are well trained in laser technology, including laser safety, and they have experience with a wide range of lasers. This practice pays scrupulous attention to ensuring the best possible patient result without complications.
What will affect the procedure?
- Please stay out of the sun for at least three to four weeks prior to laser therapy. Because the
laser targets pigment, if your skin is tanned you are at risk of burning.
- No solariums or fake tans prior to laser therapy for at least three to four weeks.
- No waxing or bleaching for at least two weeks prior to laser.
- Please shave area one to two days prior to treatment.
- Please refrain from wearing any makeup or moisturiser if treating face, deodorants if treating
underarms or moisturisers to body if treating those areas.
- If you are having your bikini line treated please wear white underwear.
Post treatments
Keep the treated area clean and free from cosmetics or creams for at least 24hrs after treatment and ensure you stay out of the sun for at least two weeks.
We always want to know if you have any questions or problems with your treatment. Please call us immediately if you have any concerns at all. In particular if redness persists, if the area is painful, or if you have any worries over pigment changes, please let us know.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Have you ever looked at your favorite movie star and wondered what it is that gives him or her that sheen of perfection? How do they look so good in close ups which show any blemish? Well, what was once their secret is now used by ordinary people all over America, as teeth whitening products become more available and more effective. Once the only way to fade stains caused by coffee or tea drinking, smoking or red wine, was to brush with a whitening product such as abrasive tooth paste, but nowadays there are many other options, and even stains caused by tetracycline can be bleached
Teeth whitening is a process by which teeth are made whiter and brighter by the use of hydrogen peroxide gel. No artificial layers are applied so there is no risk of the teeth losing their natural appearance
There are two methods of teeth whitening available at our practice:"Quicksmile" is a brand new technology which makes the full whitening result possible in less than one hour, in the surgery. It is completely safe, painless and highly effective. The speed of the procedure has made it a very popular option.
The second method of whitening involves the use of custom fitted applicator trays, at home, over seven to ten days. The trays are filled with a weaker peroxide gel (than that used in Quicksmile) and left in place overnight. This process is repeated ten to fourteen times until the whitening result is achieved
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is the "Quicksmile" procedure followed immediately by a short course of take-home whitening. The final outcome achieved with this technique is far better than with either method alone. Using this method the teeth are brought to their full potential for whiteness. There is also the advantage of having the trays available for future at-home touch-ups
After achieving the clean, bright results of teeth whitening the effect can be simply maintained by the use of whitening toothpastes, which may slow down the natural tendency of teeth to discolour over time.
Laser teeth whitening
New technology has resulted in the development of teeth whitening products which use a stable form of peroxide, which can be applied in several ways. If you wish to have the treatment done by your dentist, he will use a teeth whitening gel which he will paint on to your teeth after buffing them, and activate using laser light.
This treatment takes between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the amount of bleaching which needs to be done, and may need more than one appointment to get really good results. One of the fastest working products is the Zoom tooth whitening gel, used by many dentists.
Teeth whitening gel
However, many people prefer to bleach their teeth at home, using one of the commercial teeth whitening gels easily available on the Internet, or which can be bought from the dentist. One system uses a tray which is molded to fit the teeth by boiling it for a few minutes until it softens, and then biting on it for a few minutes, while others need to be sent to a dental lab to make the mold- this can take a few weeks, but usually results in a better fit.
The tray is filled with the teeth whitening gel and put in place, and needs to be in contact with the teeth for between four to eight hours, because although this is the same gel used by the dentist, the process is slower without the activation by laser light. The strongest of these teeth whitening products are those using 22% carbamide peroxide, these claim to whiten teeth by up to nine shades and deal with the toughest stains.
After finishing bleaching your teeth, there are several ways to keep them white, most of which are applied as toothpaste. Some use a weak form of the teeth whitening gel as well as abrasive paste, and some contain potassium nitrate, which reduces sensitivity caused by the bleaching process
Teeth whitening products
When you are trying to decide which of these teeth whitening methods or products suits you, take into account that although bleaching at home is cheaper and often more convenient, a dentist can advise you whether your teeth are suitable for the procedure. Some people have prominent fillings or crowns which will stay the same color after the treatment and will suddenly look unsuitable, others may have sensitivities to some of the chemicals used. Before choosing a whitening product, check with the American Dental Association. They have a list of approved products which bear the ADA seal , this list appears on their web site and is free.
Always check with your dentist before using any teeth whitening products!
Have you ever looked at your favorite movie star and wondered what it is that gives him or her that sheen of perfection? How do they look so good in close ups which show any blemish? Well, what was once their secret is now used by ordinary people all over America, as teeth whitening products become more available and more effective. Once the only way to fade stains caused by coffee or tea drinking, smoking or red wine, was to brush with a whitening product such as abrasive tooth paste, but nowadays there are many other options, and even stains caused by tetracycline can be bleached
Teeth whitening is a process by which teeth are made whiter and brighter by the use of hydrogen peroxide gel. No artificial layers are applied so there is no risk of the teeth losing their natural appearance
There are two methods of teeth whitening available at our practice:"Quicksmile" is a brand new technology which makes the full whitening result possible in less than one hour, in the surgery. It is completely safe, painless and highly effective. The speed of the procedure has made it a very popular option.
The second method of whitening involves the use of custom fitted applicator trays, at home, over seven to ten days. The trays are filled with a weaker peroxide gel (than that used in Quicksmile) and left in place overnight. This process is repeated ten to fourteen times until the whitening result is achieved
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is the "Quicksmile" procedure followed immediately by a short course of take-home whitening. The final outcome achieved with this technique is far better than with either method alone. Using this method the teeth are brought to their full potential for whiteness. There is also the advantage of having the trays available for future at-home touch-ups
After achieving the clean, bright results of teeth whitening the effect can be simply maintained by the use of whitening toothpastes, which may slow down the natural tendency of teeth to discolour over time.
Laser teeth whitening
New technology has resulted in the development of teeth whitening products which use a stable form of peroxide, which can be applied in several ways. If you wish to have the treatment done by your dentist, he will use a teeth whitening gel which he will paint on to your teeth after buffing them, and activate using laser light.
This treatment takes between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the amount of bleaching which needs to be done, and may need more than one appointment to get really good results. One of the fastest working products is the Zoom tooth whitening gel, used by many dentists.
Teeth whitening gel
However, many people prefer to bleach their teeth at home, using one of the commercial teeth whitening gels easily available on the Internet, or which can be bought from the dentist. One system uses a tray which is molded to fit the teeth by boiling it for a few minutes until it softens, and then biting on it for a few minutes, while others need to be sent to a dental lab to make the mold- this can take a few weeks, but usually results in a better fit.
The tray is filled with the teeth whitening gel and put in place, and needs to be in contact with the teeth for between four to eight hours, because although this is the same gel used by the dentist, the process is slower without the activation by laser light. The strongest of these teeth whitening products are those using 22% carbamide peroxide, these claim to whiten teeth by up to nine shades and deal with the toughest stains.
After finishing bleaching your teeth, there are several ways to keep them white, most of which are applied as toothpaste. Some use a weak form of the teeth whitening gel as well as abrasive paste, and some contain potassium nitrate, which reduces sensitivity caused by the bleaching process
Teeth whitening products
When you are trying to decide which of these teeth whitening methods or products suits you, take into account that although bleaching at home is cheaper and often more convenient, a dentist can advise you whether your teeth are suitable for the procedure. Some people have prominent fillings or crowns which will stay the same color after the treatment and will suddenly look unsuitable, others may have sensitivities to some of the chemicals used. Before choosing a whitening product, check with the American Dental Association. They have a list of approved products which bear the ADA seal , this list appears on their web site and is free.
Always check with your dentist before using any teeth whitening products!
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
Once an option available only to the rich, cosmetic surgery is fast becoming a realistic aid to attaining a perfect figure. As more surgeons have entered this speciality and techniques have improved, more and more people have begun to choose this option every year. Whilst dieting and exercise can reduce overall weight and go a certain way towards sculpting muscle, often some areas are left untouched by even the strictest of regimes. In other cases a successful diet resulting in a large weight loss can lead to the need for cosmetic surgery to complete the aesthetic effect by stretching skin and removing wrinkles.
Two of the most popular procedures are liposuction and abdominoplasty ( often known as the tummy tuck), both of which can be combined with a calorie controlled diet to achieve far better results than dieting alone, especially for those who tend to lose weight in certain areas and are left with areas of cellulose or a 'bulge' of fat which will not disappear! These procedures are sometimes carried out together, with liposuction improving the overall appearance of a tummy tuck, but each has its own advantages.
Liposuction is a fairly simple procedure in which a tube is inserted into fat deposits on the hips, thighs, abdomen or other problem areas, and fat is sucked out after being liquefied. It is ideal for those areas where permanent fat deposits, known as cellulose, have developed, and has the advantage that fat will usually not return to a treated area. Side-effects are usually minor, with a certain amount of bruising and swelling which heals within a few days, and the day after the procedure the patient can get out of bed. Abdominoplasty is a procedure which tightens muscles in the abdominal wall and flattens the stomach. This operation is meant to remove flab left after several pregnancies or after significant weight loss, and is a more invasive procedure than liposuction.Generally after this surgery soreness and swelling will last for several weeks, and it can take a month or more to return to work.
If you decide that you want cosmetic surgery, you should be aware of the facts. Cosmetic surgery is not for the obese, and cannot remove large amounts of excess weight. These procedures are meant for people whose overall health is good, and the tummy tuck in particular is considered major surgery. Women who are planning more children should not have this procedure, and if you smoke you must stop for several weeks before surgery.
One of the most important factors which can influence the outcome of cosmetic surgery is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon, and there are several ways to ensure that you find a good one. First of all, all good cosmetic surgeons are 'board certified'. This means that they have passed the strict requirements of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Ask your surgeon to show you his certificate, and check that he is qualified in this area, not in a related area such as Plastic Surgery. Secondly, you can check that he is approved by the Medical Board in your state. Each state has a list of licensed physicians and keeps a record of complaints and malpractice suits.
Having cosmetic surgery can improve your self confidence and make you feel and look years younger. However, it is important to realise that the emotional and psychological impact of the changes in your body can be considerable. It can take months to get used to your new body, even while you are delighted with the results, and for this reason it is a good idea to wait until you feel that most areas of your life are under control before having a procedure. In addition, you should be realistic about what you expect from surgery, and not think that it can solve all the problems in your life!
Facelift (meloplasty)
The skin is cut in the scalp and around the ear. It is then separated from the underlying tissue, pulled tighter and stitched. Leftover skin is cut away. The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, and may take anywhere from two to four hours. The face will be bruised and swollen for some weeks. Numbness or an uncomfortably tight sensation are common reactions and may continue for months after surgery
Eyelift (blepharoplasty)
The eyelids are cut along their full length to the ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles at the outer corners. Excess skin and fat are removed. Laser resurfacing may also be performed to treat remaining wrinkles. This operation may take one to two hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. The eyes will be bruised and swollen for a few weeks. Side effects include blurred vision, overproduction of tears and changed shape of the eyes (usually only temporarily).
Chemical peel
A chemical peel removes the surface layers of skin. A solution is wiped over the face and may be left uncovered or masked with lotion or tape. The chemicals burn the skin and the healing process promotes new growth. Deep burns remove the most wrinkles, but also increase the risk of complications such as scarring and infection
Dermabrasion
A device similar to an electric sander is applied to the face under local or general anaesthetic. The rough surface of the rapidly rotating pad rubs off the skin surface. The healing process promotes new growth. Deep dermabrasion removes the most wrinkles, but also increases the risk of complications such as scarring and infection.
Wrinkle reduction
Wrinkles can be lessened using friction or plumped out with a variety of technologies. Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser beam to burn the skin. Botox is an otherwise deadly toxin that is used in a small dose to paralyse the underlying muscles responsible for forming the skin wrinkles. Botulinum injections (Botox) can be a safe and effective temporary treatment of fine facial lines and wrinkles. Injections of fat or collagen can be piped along wrinkles to smooth them out.
Ear correction (otoplasty)
Ears that stick out from the head can be repositioned anytime after the age of five or six years. The fold of skin behind the ear is cut, and the excess cartilage is reduced or remodelled. The operation takes around one hour. Bandages need to be worn for a few weeks to help manage the bruising and swelling.
Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
In most cases, the surgery is performed through incisions in the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. Bone and cartilage are trimmed and the nose reshaped. Nostril packs and splints may be required. This operation takes around two hours. Bruising and swelling may take three or four months to fully subside. Complications such as bleeding or infection are comparatively rare. Sometimes a chin implant is inserted at the same time to balance the profile.
Facial implants
Implants are used to fill out a receding chin or flat cheekbones. The implant is inserted through a small incision in a concealed place – for example, inside the mouth.
Lip enhancement
Thin lips can be fattened with a variety of procedures that offer short or long term results. Injections of collagen or fat are both eventually reabsorbed by the body. A permanent implant similar to a small, foam rod can be threaded through the lip.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and throat. A narrow tube (cannula) is inserted through a skin incision and the fat is sucked out with a powerful suction pump. The operation can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. A pressure garment needs to be worn for some months to help the skin to contract and contour. The area will be bruised and swollen for weeks or months. Complications can include failure of the skin to contract, causing a corrugated look. A lipectomy is an operation that removes extra skin as well as fat.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Excess skin and fat from the abdomen are removed and the underlying abdominal muscles tightened. Often, the navel will need to be relocated. Incisions are generally made along the bikini line to minimise the visibility of scarring. This operation is performed using general anaesthetic. Numbness and sensations of uncomfortable tightness are common and may continue for some months after surgery. Complications include infection and the formation of fluid pockets.
Breast enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty)
Enlarging the breasts requires the insertion of saline or silicone implants. An incision is made under the breast or armpit and the implant is pushed through. It may be positioned either behind or in front of the chest pectoral muscle. There will be bruising and swelling for a few weeks. Complications include the formation of hard scar tissue around the implant, deflation of the implant, and implants that move out of position
Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty)
Incisions are made beneath each breast and around the areolae of the nipples. Excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining breast tissue is remodelled and the nipples repositioned and stitched in place. Scars can take up to one year to fade, but will remain visible for life. Complications include reduced nipple sensation.
Things to remember
- Like any form of surgery, cosmetic surgery carries risks.
- It is vital to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon.
- Get a full explanation of the anticipated results.
Consider a second opinion before proceeding.
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