Procedures - Non-Surgical Procedures

Sclerotherapy

The venous system of the body can be thought of in two large components. One component is deep inside the body next to the bones and muscles. This valved systems primary function is to drain/pump venous blood back to the heart. The second venous system is localized under your skin. The vessels are much smaller in caliber but, have a greater surface area. Its primary function is to assist in thermoregulation. It is for this superficial system that patients commonly request sclerotherapy treatment. Predisposing factors include a hereditary tendency, pregnancy and trauma.

Sclerotherapy is the injection of a foreign substance into vessels aiming to create venous wall damage leading to occlusion of that vessel. The most common fluids injected to the superficial venous systems are osmotic solutions like hypertonic saline and detergent solutions like sodium morrhuate. Sclerotherapy can be utilized on small telangietasiaʼs to large varicosities. But, physician evaluation is important prior to the procedure. If you have a history of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, infections of superficial veins (phlebitis) or vein stripping you may not be a candidate for this procedure.

Sclerotherapy is commonly performed as an office procedure with no anesthesia. Compression is commonly applied after the procedure to assist in occlusion of these superficial vessels. It may take several months to see the final results. Full activity is usually returned to in a few days. A period of bruising may occur for several weeks.

The underlying disease process is not corrected by sclerotherapy so, you may require additional procedures as the years pass. Laser ablation of superficial blood vessels can also be performed but, it is often more costly. Consult with your plastic surgeon as to which procedure would be best for your condition.

Tattoo Removal

The practice of tattooing can be traced back to 12,000 BC. Decorative tattoos have been traced back to the Bronze Age (8000 BC). There are kinds of reasons to get a tattoo or want it removed.

Tattoo removal is most commonly performed today utilizing serial treatments with various types of lasers. The larger the tattoo and the more colors present the more treatments you will require. The procedure is usually quick, outpatient and recovery is rapid. But, Allow time for the your body to its work. The laser causes a disruption in the color under your skin and slowly your body will reabsorb the tattoo dye. Do not be in any hurry to have additional laser treatments. Anticipate waiting months between treatments.

Different lasers ablate different colors of a tattoo. Consult with your plastic surgeon as to which device would be best for your tattoo. Tattoo removal treatments can be expensive. As many as 4 to 6 laser treatments can be required for ablation, Keep this in mind BEFORE you get a tattoo.

Other methods such as creams, sauves, saline, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, or IPL and sanding methods like dermabrasion can be utilized. These techniques can be less effective than laser ablation and in some cases result in significant scarring.

Skin Care Maintenance

As we age there is a continuous circle that is often described that many follow to keep there skin looking great. First, they utilize a Skin Care Maintenance program to help maintain their vibrant appearance. This program is the essential first component. Then, when individuals develop wrinkles or folds treatments such as peels or laser treatments are often performed. Each procedure should be tailored to the type of skin the patient possess and their underlying medical conditions. Folds or creases can often be addressed with simple facial fillers, skin tightening devices or Botox. Non invasive procedures such as peels, laser procedures/ resurfacing, fillers, etc. are the second part of the circle.

When skin care products, fillers & laser/ chemical treatments fail to provide the desired result this is when patients should consider cosmetic or aesthetic surgery such as eyelid surgery, brow lifts, and/ or face/ neck lifts to correct their concerns. Whether you have had chemical peels, laser treatments or cosmetic surgery one should always returns back to a good foundation of Skin Care Maintenance to help keep that youthful and healthy appearance. Thus, completing the circle.

Some practitioners like to use the following analogy. Think of your skin like the paint on your car. Without regular washing, waxing and protection your cars paint job will be progressively damaged and fade with time. Your skin can be considered to be quite similar. Skin Care Maintenance is the foundation of maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance. Individuals constantly in the public eye, like models, politicians, etc., are acutely aware of this fact. An individual with healthy youthful skin projects a very positive image to the public. Skin Care Maintenance is a key to obtaining this goal.

For an evaluation to determine which skin care program would be best for you schedule an appointment with Dr. Culbertson. He is a Skin Care Specialist and offers several different Skin Care Maintenance programs, fillers, Botox and various types laser procedures including laser resurfacing.