Varicose veins/ spider veins
Spider veins are small unsightly red or purple vessels on the surface of the face and legs .They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. They can cover either a very small or very large area . Varicose veins and spider veins are often painless and do not usually cause health problems.
What causes varicose veins?
There are two main causes of varicose veins: age and pregnancy.
Due to the aging process, many bodily tissues lose flexibility over time, including the veins in your legs and feet. These veins are continually working to return blood to your heart. Since they are working against gravity, blood can start to pool and give the veins a raised, knotty appearance. These are known as varicose veins.
During pregnancy, the total volume of blood in your body is increased while the blood flow from your legs to your pelvis decreases. More blood is diverted to support the growing foetus. However, this and the weight of the uterus pushing down on the legs may result in varicose veins. This is why varicose veins are more common in women than men.
Though the majority of cases are not painful, varicose veins are aesthetically undesirable. Fortunately, Atlantic Dermatology and Laser offers several options for treating them.
What are some common treatments for varicose veins?
Treatments offered at Atlantic Dermatology and laser include self-care and laser treatments.
Self-care: Varicose veins can be eased by maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise. Improving your muscle tone and circulation helps move blood more easily throughout your body. Other tips include avoiding tight clothes that can squeeze your veins and cause them to pop up, elevating your legs when possible to encourage blood flow from the legs to the heart, and alternating frequently between standing and sitting.
Laser treatment: Using laser technology can achieve the same effect as sclerotherapy, but without requiring invasive injections. Carefully modulated laser pulses target the blood flow beneath your skin, dissolving veins over a series of sessions.
The causes of spider veins on the legs and face include prolonged exposure to the sun, circulation problems, increasing age, trauma, medical conditions and certain habits such as smoking or alcohol. Women tend to be affected by spider veins 2-4 times more commonly than men do, due to the fact that female hormones and pregnancies are so commonly implicated in their cause.
Laser Vein Removal Procedures
In the past, electrocautery has been used to treat these veins but this modality often resulted in intolerable pain and sometimes scarring. Since the advent of lasers, the Ndyag has been used for the treatment of unwanted small veins on the face and legs. We can offer you two f the latest treatment modalities for vein removal at Atlantic Dermatology and laser , the Clearscan Ndyag laser by section for larger vessels and BBL®Hero broadband light treatment for smaller facial vessels .
Laser spider vein removal and laser varicose vein removal allow individuals with unsightly and unwanted veins to have them removed safely, quickly, and effectively. Both laser vein removal procedures are minimally invasive and are performed while the patient is conscious. Because lasers are so precise, there is little to no risk of burns or blisters on the skin.
Laser Spider Vein Removal
In laser spider vein removal, light passes through the skin and sends pulses of energy to the targeted vein without harming the surrounding tissue. As the blood absorbs the light, it heats up and causes the targeted vein to shrink, eventually resulting in its disappearance. Laser spider vein removal requires no injections and no incisions. Generally, patients only experience a minimal amount of heat. Treatment time is about 20 minutes but may be longer or shorter depending on the severity of the veins and the size of the affected area. For optimal results, several laser spider vein removal sessions may be necessary.
Atlantic Dermatology and laser has invested in the leading and latest technology to ensure you get the best results possible. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves.
After your first consultation with skin and Laser specialist Cherie Cochrane, you will leave here educated and a with a plan of how to look after your skin from the inside out.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Treatment Options:
Stretchmarks
What are Stretchmarks?
Stretch marks are reddish, purple or pink (or sometimes brown, depending on your skin tone) depressed streaks that can be found on your breasts, stomach, butt, hips and thighs—to name just a few places where they commonly appear. Stretch marks are actually scars from your skin tearing as your body grows rapidly during pregnancy and can occur as a result of overstretched skin. Stretch marks are scars or disfiguring lesions. They are are not physically dangerous but can cause problems with self-image and anxiety. For some people, stretch marks are a significant cosmetic concern that can affect day-to-day social interaction.
Prevention
Stretch marks cannot always be prevented. However, the following steps may help to reduce the risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight and Avoid yo-yo dieting.
- Eat a balanced diet. Vitamins A & C and minerals zinc and silicon can help support the skin.
- Aim for slow and gradual weight gain during pregnancy.
Are Stretchmarks Permanent?
Once stretch marks occur, they are permanent. But the good news is that the appearance of stretch marks can be improved and blended to the surrounding skin.
What causes stretchmarks?
- Pregnancy:
- Puberty: Rapid growth is typical in young people going through puberty.
- Rapid weight gain
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions can cause stretch marks.
- Corticosteroid use: Prolonged use of corticosteroid creams & lotions can decrease levels of collagen in the skin.
During pregnancy, your skin is expanding at such a rapid rate—particularly during the sixth and seventh months—which can cause stretch marks. You’re also more likely to get stretch marks if you’re carrying multiples or a big baby or if you’ve gained weight quickly.Stretch marks can also happen with rapid weight gain or rapid muscle building from weight lifting, Genetics and hormones can also have an impact, so if your mother or sister got stretch marks, you probably will too.
Can you get rid of Stretchmarks naturally?
While you may have read online about how to get rid of stretch marks naturally using lemon juice, castor oil or even egg whites—the short answer is no, they don’t work. However Stretch marks can naturally fade in time & become less prominent.
Treatment to reduce Stretchmarks?
Laser treatments are considered the most effective for stretch mark removal, and there’s a good reason why: They force healing. Using a microfine laser to reach deep into the skin’s sublayers. This kick-starts the body’s natural healing process, removing damaged tissue and rebuilding it using fresh collagen—and revealing fresh, smooth skin in the process. That collagen will improve both skin texture and skin color, making stretch marks slowly disappear.
While laser treatments are the best way to get rid of stretch marks—or more accurately, to help them fade— a combination treatment approach is the best. BBL lasers with Dermapen /microneedling and Carboxy therapy can build collagen and improve the texture of the skin, making it a little thicker. Stretch marks will never resolve completely, but they will be less noticeable if the color and texture are blended to look more similar to the surrounding skin. The latest treatment which is proving to be very effective to treat the stubborn white stretch marks is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with microneedling or just injecting PRP directly into the area. PRP is a high concentration of cellular elements from your own blood that promote cell growth, tissue repair and collagen production. When PRP is used for scar reduction, your growth factors and stem cells work together to strengthen skin cells deep under the superficial layer of skin. The treatment targets skin laxity, hyperpigmentation and overall skin tone and texture. Essentially this means improve sagging, as well as color and texture changes, to make skin look smooth.
Atlantic Dermatology and laser has invested in the leading and latest technology to ensure you get the best results possible. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves.
After your first consultation with skin and Laser specialist Cherie Cochrane, you will leave here educated and a with a plan of how to look after your skin from the inside out.
Treatment Options:
Cellulite
Underneath the top layers of your skin (the epidermis and dermis) fat cells store excess energy. Small bands of connective tissue run vertically between these fat cells and connect the top layers of skin to deeper tissue in your body. But when fat cells expand, the chambers get more crowded and begin to bulge, creating a small bump on the top of the skin. The bands, however, remain tethered to deeper tissue and this creates a “valley” appearance on the top of the skin. The combination of bulges and valleys on the top of the skin creates dimpling that we call cellulite.
In some clinical settings the look of your cellulite may be graded. There are three grades of cellulite appearance.
Cellulite Grades
Grade 1 cellulite: You have smooth skin while laying down and standing up.
Grade 2 cellulite: You have smooth skin while laying down, but some dimpling appears while standing.
Grade 3 cellulite: Dimpling appears while you are standing and laying down
Causes
So why do we get “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” thighs? There is no single answer. The possible causes of cellulite include hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain or weight loss, a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle or smoking. Some even say that tight clothing and frequent sitting can cause cellulite.
But most active healthy women will report that even with a good diet and exercise program, cellulite can occur. The way fat is distributed on your body may predispose you to cellulite and your genes may cause dimply thighs as well. Since so many different factors can cause cellulite, almost all women will get it at some time on some part of their body.
If you are overweight, losing weight may help, but not always. In some people, weight loss helps to prevent or minimize the appearance of cellulite. But in others, losing weight can actually cause the condition to become more noticeable. Loose skin, which often happens after significant weight loss, can allow the appearance of cellulite to become more noticeable. Of course, fear of cellulite shouldn’t factor into your decision to reach a healthy weight. Not everyone who loses weight will end up with cellulite. But if you have cellulite before you slim down, there is no guarantee that weight loss will make it disappear.
There are a few things, however, that may help prevent cellulite. Taking care of your skin is helpful to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Most experts also recommend that you :
Lead an active lifestyle
- maintain a healthy body weight
- Do Muscle toning exercises for the thighs and belly.
- quit smoking
- eat foods that are full of healthy nutrients, and
- use sunscreen properly to help keep skin smoother, tighter and more elastic. Tighter skin can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite
Can You Get Rid of It?
Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently remove all of the cellulite on the backs of your thighs, your tummy or your butt. There are ways to make it less noticeable and there are ways to get rid of some of the cottage cheese appearance, but there is no “cure”. it is important to develop reasonable expectations when you investigate different cellulite treatments.
Each patient is consulted on what to expect. In general, the patient can expect a 40-50% improvement in cellulite with the treatments that we offer. But results will depend on your commitment to healthy eating, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
There is also a positive psychological component to these procedures and we see it on our patients’ bodies and on their faces. Skin tightening and cellulite treatments can even boost your weight loss program by improving your self-confidence.
Treatment Options:
Hair loss
What is PRP therapy?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a patient’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. There has not been enough research to prove if PRP is an effective hair loss treatment.
Some in the medical community think that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.
Although there hasn’t been much scientific research done on PRP for hair loss, PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It has been used for problems such as healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
PRP therapy Treatment
PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.
Step 1- Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge — a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.
Step 2- After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:
platelet-poor plasma/ platelet-rich plasma/ red blood cells
Step 3- The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.
PRP is a safe and effective way of reversing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth. Atlantic Dermatology and laser has invested in the leading and latest technology to ensure you get the best results possible. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves.
After your first consultation with skin and Laser specialist Cherie Cochrane, you will leave here educated and a with a plan of how to look after your skin from the inside out.
Treatment Options:
Scarring
Scar Removal in Cape Town
Atlantic Dermatology & Laser provides a highly experienced team of specialists and doctors that offer laser scar removal to people living in and around Cape Town, to dramatically reduce the appearance of scars and improve texture.Early and prompt treatment is the mantra to prevent scar formation. The only sure method of preventing or limiting the extent of scars is to treat early .The more that inflammation can be prevented, the more likely it is that scars can be prevented.Years ago, there was really very little that could be done for acne scars, but today, there are multiple treatment options available depending on the type of acne scarring seen on the face
What are the Benefits of Scar Treatment?
The largest benefit of scar removal treatments is a reduction in the appearance of scars on the skin. The laser treatment can also increase collagen production in the body, allowing the skin to grow back healthier and stronger.
What is Scar Removal/Reduction?
Scar removal involves the use of laser technology to reduce the appearance of scars and melasma. It can also improve the texture of the treated skin. At Atlantic Dermatology & Laser, we use the Sciton Joule laser for scar removal treatments as well as combining this with Dermapen medical microneedling.
When Will I See the Results?
Once the new layer of skin becomes visible, you will start to notice results from your treatment. Results generally take approximately two months to become apparent. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Scar Treatment?
If you are preparing for scar removal or reduction, you may be required to stop using certain medications prior to treatment. It is also important to avoid direct sun exposure to the area being treated.
What Should I Expect on the Day of My Scar Treatment?
There are multiple treatment modalities available, which one you will need is dependent on whether the acne scars are superficial or deep. When you visit Atlantic Dermatology and Laser for the first time, our skin specialist will assess the depth and type of scarring you have. From there we will discuss the best treatments for you skin, how many treatments are needed and the healing time if applicable.
How Long Does Scar Removal Take?
Scar removal treatments vary depending on how many areas are treated, but most treatments take no more than an hour to complete.
What to Expect After Scar Removal
After your scar removal treatment, there may be slight redness to the area. You may also experience mild tenderness, but this typically only lasts a day or two following the procedure. We may provide you with specific ointments to ensure proper recovery. It is also very important to avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process, which can take several weeks. However, there is no downtime following this procedure, and patients can resume normal activities immediately.
How Much Does Scar Removal Cost in Cape Town?
Scar removal treatments vary in terms of cost based on the size and number of areas being treated, as well as how many treatments are needed. During your consultation, we will review all of the costs with you.
Atlantic Dermatology & Laser set in the heart of Seapoint, is committed to providing you with the best results possible and use only the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Atlantic Dermatology & Laser welcomes patients from all over Cape Town. By integrating the latest cutting-edge lasers and skin devices into our treatments enables us to be ahead of the curve in so many ways and the results we are achieving for our patients really do speak for themselves.
After your first consultation with skin and Laser specialist Cherie Cochrane, you will leave here educated and a with a plan of how to look after your skin from the inside out.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Treatment Options: