FYI Cosmetics

Anyone searching for vein treatments knows the embarrassment and aggravation that can be felt due to visible, unwanted spider and varicose veins. The harsh red, purple and blue lines can truly stand out whether they reside on the face or on the legs and can cause many individuals to become self conscious. What many individuals may not know is that both varicose and spider veins become present because of vein damage; which is why once they appear, they will never disappear. There are many other causes for their appearance as well, but the most important thing for vein sufferers to know is that now there is something you can do about it.

Both men and women suffer from unsightly veins, however women tend to be more prone to venous abnormalities; it has been estimated that over twenty-five per cent of adult females are currently suffering with some type of vein problem. Whether man or women, or whether suffering with spider or varicose veins, know that there are several treatments currently available that can help to diminish their appearance with lasting results. In order to choose the treatment that is right for you, it is first essential that you determine exactly which type of vein disorder you have.

The two main types of vein disorders are spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are the small, thin red and purple veins that lie very close to the surface of the skin and are prevalent on both the face and the legs. These veins keep their color because they are still connected to the deeper venous system, however because they are damaged, they serve no purpose and therefore can be removed without altering normal vein function. There are several causes for these small, spider like veins to appear and some of the most common are hereditary, sun damage, trauma, certain medications and certain disease processes.

Varicose veins are much larger and deeper than spider veins, and more often than not tend to bulge from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins form due to valve malfunction within veins. When the valves become damaged they allow blood to reflux back into the vein which can cause the vein to swell. Over time, this swelling leads to vein expansion and the bulges gravitate towards the surface of the skin. The end result is the bluish, bulge-like veins that appear on the legs. There are several causes for varicose veins, the most prominent of which are heredity, weight, hormones, trauma, gender, prolonged standing or venous disorders.

Depending on the type of venous ailment you currently suffer with, there are several vein treatment types available to assist in removal.

Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is primarily used for spider veins and is the process of injecting a hypertonic saline or other concentrated solution into the damaged vessel. The solution irritates the vein which causes it to swell, effectively pushing out the blood and then shutting itself down. Several sessions may be needed in order to completely clear the veins.

Laser Vein Removal: Laser vein removal can be used to treat spider veins and some smaller varicose veins. The laser energy targets and cauterizes the veins, effectively cutting off the blood supply. Once blood is no longer supplied to the vein, it will be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body. Smaller varicose veins (those that are 3mm and less in diameter) can be treated with this method, but larger veins will require other treatment options.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomys are very beneficial for treating varicose veins. The process consists of making small incisions over the line of the vein through which the vein is then pulled out with a surgical hook. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the incisions are so small they do not even require sutures.

EVLT: Endovenous laser treatments (EVLT) are varicose vein treatments that utilize an internal laser probe and Doppler imaging to cauterize the veins with the heat from the laser light. Sealing the veins will inhibit blood flow, causing the vein walls to collapse and be absorbed by the body.

Vein Stripping: The vein stripping treatment uses ligation to eliminate unwanted varicose veins. Generally the vein will be tied off at the upper end and then the remainder is surgically removed. This procedure is no longer widely used because it is highly invasive and requires significant recovery time. In addition, patients experience visible scarring.

Whether you are looking to treat unsightly spider veins or complication causing varicose veins, consult with your physician today and determine which treatment is right for your own particular needs.

The GentleMax laser from Candela combines the best of both worlds, the gold standard GentleLase alexandrite laser for hair removal and the multipurpose GentleYAG laser in one convenient package. The two lasers in one package allow for smoother transitions between treatment types as well as conserve space for the practitioner. Candela continues to use the dynamic cooling device as a means of skin coolant and protection during treatments and with the Gentle Max this is no exception. This two in one laser can provide treatment for hair removal on all skin types, facial and leg veins, pseudo follicular barbae (beard bumps), pigmented lesions, age or sun spots, freckles, vascular lesions, wrinkle reduction and skin tightening.

The Alexandrite laser portion of the GentleMax is a 755 nm wavelength of light that is excellent for hair removal, as well as some vascular treatments and pigmentation spots. While it does have the ability to treat all skin types, it is best slated for the lighter skin colors known as the Fitzpatrick’s I- IV. The vascular lesions such as hemangiomas, venous lakes and blue facial veins can also be effectively eliminated as well as the reduction of some facial wrinkles. Typical hair removal treatments initiate the use of the dynamic cooling device or DCD to cool and protect the skin during the session. The rapid evaporative cooling also assists in maximizing comfort as well the providing epidermal protection which aides in faster recovery.

The YAG laser portion of the GentleMax utilizes the 1064nm wavelength of light. YAG wavelengths are excellent and safe for their ability to provide permanent hair reduction on tanned or very dark skin, as well as effectively eliminate spider veins, reduce wrinkles and tighten skin. With its use of long pulse high energy laser light technology, the beam of light that is emitted passes through the skin where it is absorbed by the targets without risk or damage to the surrounding skin. The GentleYAG provides superior non invasive non ablative methods to reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin on the face, neck and larger areas of the body. Laser facials with the YAG treat superficially to reduce wrinkles virtually painlessly with almost immediate results. YAG skin tightening treats the deeper dermis causing a thermal reaction to stimulate collagen beneath the surface of the skin causing skin to be firmer and tighter. Results can be seen in 4 to 6 weeks with 4 treatments needed to achieve optimal results.

The GentleMax provides several spot sizes to be able to customize the many cosmetic procedures this system can provide. A major benefit with the use of the Candela lasers is that it provides for the largest treatment spot size in industry. In regards to laser hair removal for example the 18 mm spot size can treat a man’s back in 30 minutes, as opposed to smaller spot sizes that can take an hour or more to treat. The varieties of treatment target sizes are available to maximize the effectiveness of each pulse for both the alexandrite and YAG lasers. The flexible pulse duration and adjustable epidermal cooling technology also allow for maximum patient safety and comfort. With the highly innovated computer controls and touch screen, deciding on treatment parameters are made easy when the proper treatment and skin types are put in the system. Not only is the GentleMax easy to use, but it will also provide consistent and reproducible results time and again.

The GentleYAG by Candela is a safe effective laser that can be used for a variety of cosmetic skin issues that previously may not have been able to be treated successfully. While YAG lasers are known for their ability to provide permanent hair reduction on tanned or very dark skinned patients, this laser is also effective for eliminating spider veins as well as reducing wrinkles and tightening loose skin on the face and other areas of the body. Using long pulse high energy laser light technology, the emitting beam of light from the GentleYAG passes through the skin where it is absorbed by the target without risk to the surrounding skin.

Candela lasers have the ability to utilize non toxic cryogen as part of a skin cooling system. Called the Dynamic cooling Device or DCD, cryogen, which has a very fast evaporation rate, is sprayed onto the skin milliseconds before the beam of high intensity laser light hits the skin. The rapid evaporation provides a cooling effect that assists in decreasing discomfort while maximizing protection to the outer layer of the skin. The DCD also assists in speeding treatment times by eliminating the need for cooling gels that are often applied prior to treatment as well as some costly topical numbing agents. Healing is also rapid, as hair follicles are targeted, but the surrounding skin and tissues are left intact making for an all around more pleasant procedure. The GentleYAG is optimal for darker pigmented skin such as the Fitzpatrick Skin types V-VI for laser hair removal. The GentleYAG targets the pigment inside the hair follicle during the growth phase of the hair cycle, leaving the surround tissue undisturbed. A minimum of 3-5 treatments 6-8 weeks apart are required to achieve desired results.

This laser is also an excellent non invasive, non ablative method to tighten skin on the face, neck and other areas of the body. The “Laser facial” is a rapid virtually painless way for the YAG laser to lessen or even eliminate wrinkles. No downtime or topical anesthetic is needed for this procedure that can achieve almost immediate results. Treatments require a series of rapid high intensity laser light pulses to be passes quickly over the skin to heat the targeted areas superficially. Most patients leave the office that day with a smile and less wrinkles.

Skin tightening is achieved by transferring heat into the deepest layers of the dermis. The effect is a thermal injury below the skin that encourages a healing response stimulating the collagen to “restart” itself. When enough of the body’s own collagen is reactivated wrinkles and sagging skin begin to reduce giving a smoother more youthful appearance. For some, results can be seen within a few days; however most will see improvement for at least 4-6 weeks. Generally 4 treatments are needed for optimal results. For this procedure a topical numbing cream is applied 30-60 minutes prior to the treatment. With GentleYAG skin tightening the skin appears to have the look of mild sunburn immediately after the treatment. Once the redness subsides there is minimal to no downtime reported after the treatment.

An additional benefit of this Candela laser is how it effectively treats spider veins, and other small vascular anomalies. Again treatments are fast, effective and safe with only one to two treatments needed to achieve desired results.

In the realm of non ablative lasers, Candela offers the VBeam series. Known for being the industry’s Gold Standard, the VBeam is a pulse dye laser that can be used to treat a variety of vascular and pigmentation issues. The pulse dye laser delivers an intense but gentle burst of light into selective colors of the skin for safe and effective treatments. The light energy produced targets the chromophore oxyhemoglobin, the predominant protein in red blood cells. The heat energy is then absorbed by the specific blood vessels or pigmentation that has been targeted within the dermis and is then destroyed. The VBeam treats skin anomalies while saving the surrounding tissues. The vascular and skin issues that can successfully be treated with the VBeam series include port wine stains, rosacea, hemangiomas, Poikilderma of Civatte, dyschromia and small veins on the face and legs less than 3mm in diameter. Added benefits of this laser include photorejuvenation and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.

The VBeam series offers three versions of this laser to fit individual practice needs. The Aesthetica performs skin rejuvenation by improving skin tone. It effectively removes red veins and discoloration. Because it has limited itself to just aesthetic treatments, this model in the series can also be upgraded to include additional parameters of treatment. The Platinum VBeam can treat a broad range of vascular lesions, rosacea, acne, port wine stains and both facial and leg veins. Uniform and consistent heating time after time provides consistently excellent results with minimal to no bruising of the treated areas. And finally, the VBeam Perfecta. The Perfecta is a combination of the first two lasers. The Perfecta does it all from skin rejuvenation for fine lines, wrinkles and skin tone, to rosacea and red veins, to pigmented areas and much more. With the patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) along with micro-pulse technology, the Perfecta offers practically no down time and no bruising or purpura to the skin.

All of the VBeam lasers utilize an easy access touch screen to provide guidelines for safe starting energies for patient treatment parameters, making the operative of the laser easy to use. The micropulse technology allows gentle vessel healing to eliminate downtime and provide effective and consistent results. With the VBeam anesthesia needs are minimal to non existent because of the DCD.

Determining factors as to whether or not lesions can be treated will depend on the color, age, location and type of lesion. Ideal treatments should result in elimination of the target with no hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, scarring or change in skin texture. Wrinkles and broken capillaries from sun damage can be lessened and even eliminated with a series of treatments. Stretch marks and scars can also be treated effectively as the light energy removes the redness and stimulates collagen production to decrease the look of the scar.

For most 2-5 treatments as 6 week intervals are required for maximum benefits. Side effects can include redness or mild swelling in the treated area immediately following treatment, usually resolving within a few hours to a few days. Occasionally a laser bruise (purpura) may occur. Purpura is short lived and will often disappear in less than a week. It is recommended to avoid the sun before and throughout treatments for the most effective results. Many patients report seeing a difference immediately with a feeling of firming or tightening to the treated area. Results vary depending on the area being treated and multiple treatments may be needed for clearance of vascular lesions.

The fastest and most powerful laser on the market today that can effectively treat patients with darker skin tones is none other than the Candela GentleYAG. The GentleYAG offers patients and practitioners with unmatched treatment capabilities for hair reduction, facial and leg veins, skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. In terms of speed, efficacy and versatility for those patients with darker skin tones, whether they are looking to remove unwanted hair, remove unsightly veins or smooth and tighten the skin for a fresher, younger appearance, the GentleYAG is the number one laser for the job.

More and more laser centers are utilizing the Candela GentleYAG for effective laser hair removal treatments because in addition to being one of the newest laser hair removal systems on the market, it is also the most effective laser for treating those patients with darker skin types; results can sometimes even be seen on those with tanned skin. The Nd: YAG laser utilizes a longer wavelength than the Alexandrite or Diode laser which allows the laser to pass safely through the outer layers of skin and down to the hair follicles below. It was the design of the Nd: YAG laser that truly revolutionized the laser hair removal treatment; it finally allowed darker skinned patients to see safe, effective results.

In addition to hair removal, the YAG laser can also be used for facial and leg vein treatments and skin rejuvenation. Those men and women who live with unsightly facial and leg veins can truly benefit from laser vein removal treatments with Candela’s Nd: YAG laser. The 1064nm laser wavelength of the GentleYAG is effective for reducing the appearance of facial and leg veins for a more uniform complexion. After a single treatment men and women have noticed a significant reduction and after a series of treatments they’ve noticed fantastic results that last. In addition, the GentleYAG laser is also fantastic for skin rejuvenation whether it be the treatment of wrinkles, fine lines or loose and sagging skin. The laser penetrates through the outer layers of skin in order to effectively promote the natural growth of collagen below. Collagen fills in those lines that can cause wrinkles which leaves patients a smoother, younger looking appearance. For skin rejuvenation results that last, always consider the Candela Nd: YAG.

The GentleYAG by Candela is also widely known because it is the fastest and most powerful Nd: YAG laser available to consumers today. The combination of its larger spot size, faster repetition rate and longer wavelength, allows for the administration of safe and effective treatments for hair removal, vein removal and skin rejuvenation. In addition, its patented epidermal cooling device, the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), the GentleYAG employs an adjustable epidermal protection technology that effectively maximizes patient safety and comfort. When undergoing any aesthetic procedure with the Candela GentleYAG, patients can feel confident that they are getting safe and effective treatments that will provide long lasting results.

Whether you are searching for an innovative new way to permanently reduce facial or body hair via laser hair removal, diminish unwanted facial and leg veins or smooth and tighten loose and sagging skin, treatments with the Candela GentleYAG are truly second to none. The time to find out more about this revolutionary laser technology is today; get started on looking and feeling your very best.