Current Topics in Aesthetics

It's Sclerotherapy Season!

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:57:49 GMT

Planning is needed to have beautiful legs. Cooler weather provides an opportunity to address the issue.

Varicose Veins Disease

Spider and tiny varicose veins are treated by injection of medications that irritate and inflame the vein walls and cause them to shrink, collapse and slowly fade away. This is known as “Sclerotherapy” and is accepted as the “Gold Standard” of treatments for such unsightly veins. It is the preferred technique over laser and intense pulsed light treatment. It is less painful, less costly, and more effective than laser. Laser and other modalities that are effective against veins on the face fail to permanently obliterate leg veins. This is because upper body veins and lower body veins are such “different animals”. The essential difference being that veins in the legs transport blood under high pressure compared with essentially “no pressure” facial veins. Treatment of spider veins with Sclerotherapy is considered to be for cosmetic purposes and is not covered by insurance.

Treatment Description

The area is cleansed and A small LED light is used to illuminate and identify veins. Then a small needle and syringe is used to direct the solution to these veins. The first veins injected are “Reticular Veins” that connect to and act as feeders for the overlying spider veins. Injecting sclerosant into these veins first often fills the overlying cluster of spider veins and makes the treatment faster and more effective. After the reticular vein, the remaining surrounding spider veins are treated.

Several medications are used for Sclerotherapy, ranging from concentrated saltwater solution to the most recently FDA approved medication, Polydochinol. Side effects and complications can occur with every sclerosant medication. Saline, widely used in the past, is usually painful and prone to cause skin ulceration. Polydochinol is my preference because of its safety and ease of use. It is painless and does not harm the skin. There are limits on how much medicine can be injected safely during a treatment session. Depending on how extensive the problem is, more than one session could be required to inject all the areas of concern.

Individual treatment sessions last about 30 minutes. Compression padding and stockings are applied before the patient stands. These remain in place for a minimum of 24 hours. As important as the direct treatment of the area, is the post use of compression stockings.

Post Treatment Care and Expectations

After treatment, the use of compression hose after injection is critical. Maintaining compression for 3 weeks is essential to the success of treatment. In fact, a better name for this form of treatment is “Compression Sclerotherapy.” External compression with stockings keeps the veins from filling and blood pooling when standing. Patients are encouraged to elevate their legs higher than their heart for 10 or 15 minutes several times a day. This helps to empty the veins. Walking also helps to maintain circulation in the treated area.

At first, veins become inflamed and look worse for a while before they can begin to fade. Once a vein is destroyed and fades away after sclerotherapy it is gone forever. Veins do not come back to life. People with the inherited predisposition to form spider veins will often make new ones in the same areas. It is best to have new veins treated before it gets to be overwhelming. Wearing support hose can help prevent or delay the appearance of new veins. 

It is vital to have realistic expectations for treatment. No matter what you may have seen on TV, after injection spider veins, results may take months to fade. Sclerotherapy is a process, and it requires a commitment of your time to looking better and improving the circulatory health of your legs.

Come Visit our new Hair Lounge Location on Lake Hamilton!

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:05:11 GMT

Booking Appointments Starting April 17th

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The Move is On!

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 22:52:53 GMT

Exciting New Location - 7 South at Lake Hamiton

This information is too exciting to wait to tell everyone. We've been building out our new treatment room and are ready to move! Next week we will move our supplies, equipment, and treatment chair. We will be hosting open houses the week after Easter. Of course, this announcement comes with many special offers...we will have further information after all the details are nailed down. Say tuned for more soon...

What's Up Wednesdays

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:16:31 GMT

CO ² Laser – The Ideal Technology for

Facial Rejuvenation and the Removal of Skin Imperfections

The natural effects of aging, sunlight and air pollution exposure cause a gradual deterioration in both the structure and functions of the skin. For this laser skin resurfacing treatments restore tone and glow to your face through the formation of a new layer of skin.

There are many treatments that are called "lasers" but there are only a few that really are. The CO2 laser is the gold standard among them. It is considered the most effective weapon for combating wrinkles, brown spots, scars, and many other skin imperfections.

This is one of the most successful techniques for treating every type of wrinkle! Especially those in hard to get areas. It can reduce the furrows of deep wrinkles and eliminate the shallower ones. The laser induces a process that stimulates the production of collagen. Treatments are designed to tighten and lift the facial structure. After treatment, skin becomes more elastic and smoother, without alterations to your natural facial expression. Once complete the results continue to improve for up to 3 months.

First, the skin is assessed, and decisions made on how to best address each area. A plan is created, and the laser programed to the precise parameters needed to achieve the desired results. The appointment for treatment generally takes about 90 minutes. Only 20 minutes of the time is used for treatment. The remainder is for preparation of the skin and cool down afterward.

The time for healing can vary from 4 -6 days. It is perfectly okay to resume regular activities the next day. However, the area treated can be tender and require TLC. The post procedure area needs to be protected from the elements during initial healing. The feeling can be compared to the feeling of a sunburn although in this case the skin is healthier. Since the treatment will be visibly noticeable for a few days, you may want to allow time off from an active schedule. That really is a personal choice.

Many clients like to plan on having a laser treatment once a year to maintain and improve without the use of injections. Your doctor can discuss the options and provide a clear picture of what can be expected from the treatment.

What's Up Wednesdays

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 02:25:09 GMT

There's a Thread for That

It was back in 2014 after spending time in Italy alongside top plastic surgeons that founder Giovanna McCarthy recognized that PDO Threads are an innovative procedure that would fill a void between fillers and facelifts. Her extensive research into the techniques and products has been the cornerstone of our success with them. She coined the phrase “there is a thread for that” which is reflected in her training. We have been using her threads in our clinic since December 2016 with excellent results. Last week we completed advanced training with the newest product offerings and techniques. We are excited to share the new knowledge with our clients.

Thread lifting provides effective, long-lasting lift without surgery. The treatment uses a series of PDO threads positioned on specific vectors of the face to lift areas that have begun to sag with age. Strategic placement of the filament stimulate collagen which then provides renewed support. PDO threads are a bio-absorbable material that is 100% bio-compatible. Upon insertion they create an immediate lifting. Then, as the material is reabsorbed, it boosts the skin to produce more of its own natural collagen, giving further lift and tightening to the treated area.

The corrections made are immediately noticeable and improve even more over the first 12 weeks. Threading allows the doctor to provide treatment to areas, such as temporal wasting or sagging chins, that cannot be addressed by dermal fillers or neurotoxins alone. The initial cost of threads is significantly less than plastic surgery and even less than filler to achieve similar results. Results last 18 – 36 months. Single area treatment ranges from $400 - $800. The full-face treatment range is $2500 - $3500.

Recovery time is quick. Most patients return to normal activity after a day. Minor inflammation and bruising may occur in the first few days, but they usually resolve after two weeks. If you are planning treatment before a special occasion allow time for these events. Since threading is individually customized to the desired goals of each client, an initial consultation with the doctor is needed to determine the best plan.

What's Up Wednesday

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 23:11:33 GMT

A Solution for Sagging Sad Faces

Today let’s discuss one of the most common treatments that, when used correctly, can dramatically improve your appearance. Dermal fillers are natural substances that can be used to fill in deep lines on the face or to replace volume that has been lost over the years.

Have you noticed that you’ve lost volume in your cheeks, or that your smile lines are getting deeper? Fillers address these concerns by adding back volume to smooth out skin and create a more youthful appearance. When injections are performed by an expert, they can contour the shape of your face. They elicit a collagen response that builds long term support in the injected area.

As we age, we lose volume from the fat pads in our faces. Sagging cheeks can be lifted. Around the mouth, the edges of the lips curl inward creating the appearance of shrinking and vertical lines form around the lips. Using tiny injections directly into the lip provide a more youthful appearance. This isn’t “duck lips” like the real housewives. The key word is tiny designed to restore not augment.

It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that ongoing treatments will be needed for long-term results. Results last 6 – 18 months and cost about $750 per syringe with an average of 2 syringes per treatment. The results are seen right away, and recovery is immediate. There is a risk of bruising or swelling so you should plan treatment 2 weeks before any event.

What can't dermal fillers do? For some patients, surgery such as a facelift may be the best approach. Soft tissue fillers cannot achieve the same results but may help delay plastic surgery. A professional injector knows how to improve your looks without losing your natural beauty.

What's Up Wednesdays

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:00:01 GMT

How to get the most from your neurotoxin treatment

Neurotoxins are an investment in yourself and when approached properly produce great results. They work by temporarily reducing muscle movement. Reducing muscle movement reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These changes are not permanent, and over time facial muscles will return to normal.

How long does treatment last? There are 3 variables that effect the length of results:

The specific product used: There are 4 different neurotoxins approved in the US. The results of Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau® are all about 3-5 months. Patients come back in for treatments every 3-6 months depending on the range of motion changes they are comfortable with.

The amount of neurotoxin used: The quantity of dosage, or units, used on a muscle effects the results. Some patients prefer the area to be “completely frozen” while others prefer just a slight reduction in movement. This is a personal preference.

The patient being treated: All patients react differently to treatment. This is true regardless of age, but age of patient and their associated wrinkles also play a part in results. The deeper the wrinkles, the more units that are needed to relax an area and the more difficult it is to keep the muscle relaxed. Some patients experience better results with a specific product and will find they have a preference

The best treatments are done in a clinic setting. Choose a licensed professional and visit them for a personal consultation. Results in using neurotoxins for wrinkles varies. Having consistent treatment, reviewing the records of past treatments, and improving the protocol impact results.

Every person has their own “recipe” that optimally addresses their specific needs. As you age, your needs change, so having a constant “review and improve” program will maximize the results you receive. When you select one professional to work with you, they become more familiar with your specific needs and success improves.

What's Up Wednesdays

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:57:32 GMT

Welcome to What's Up Wednesdays - our weekly blog regarding trends in aesthetics. This is our first edition:

Getting the best treatment for your specific issues

Many of our clients come asking us to address a specific issue and only that issue, we could do it, but it does not serve the client well. We prefer to look at the whole picture and assess that first. An assessment allows you to communicate what you are wanting to achieve and learn the best treatments for them.

Neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport relax muscles and provide smoother surfaces, generally this is the treatment that most clients begin with. It is effective but require treatment every 3-4 months for optimum results. Costs vary but generally are $200 - $500 per visit.

Dermal fillers add volume that has been lost in the aging process. They add volume to areas that have lost it due to the normal aging process. Although volume is added, we continue to lose volume over time. Many patients desire to have additional filler added. Dermal filler results are cumulative and last 6 – 18 months. The cost of dermal filler has increased 25% over the last two years. That in turn has increased the cost of treatment. The average treatment cost is about $500 - $1200.

PDO threads lift an area to provide a more youthful appearance. They are also used to build support to an area. This tool is one of the greatest advancements to aesthetics in the last 10 years. There is minimal downtime and recovery. Thread lifts can last up to 3 years. The treatment is affordable and can be staged to address different areas over time. The results are immediate yet improve over 12 weeks after treatment. All are good tools that can be combined to achieve the desired results.

CO2 fractional laser is one of the most successful techniques for treating every type of wrinkle. It can reduce the furrows of deep wrinkles and eliminate the shallower ones. Treatments are designed to tighten and lift facial structure by stimulating collagen production beneath the surface. Healing from laser is generally 4-7 days. After treatment, skin becomes more elastic and smooth, without changing your natural facial expression.

These are the primary treatments used today. In addition there are intense pulse light (IPL), microdermabrasion, chemical peels, micro-needling, and topical skin care. Regardless of the treatment desired, the first step is to consult with the doctor and understand your options and the associated costs. Your doctor should always be able to discuss and recommend a course of treatment for you that will allow you to set realistic goals.

PDO Threads are a Popular Rejuvenation Tool for Face and Body

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:01:13 GMT

Our patients want to look younger, but in a natural way, without having to undergo cosmetic surgery and long recovery times. We honor this simple request by providing a PDO threads that help patients look and feel their best in a shorter amount of time.

Thread lifting provides effective, long lasting lift without surgery. The initial cost of threads is significantly less than plastic surgery. The treatment uses a series of threads positioned to lift areas that have begun to sag with age. Strategic placement of the filament stimulate collagen which then provides renewed support. Upon insertion they create an immediate lifting. Then, as the material is reabsorbed, it boosts the skin to produce more of its own natural collagen, giving further lift and tightening to the treated area.

The use of threads is ever expanding. We have been using PDO threads for 5 years and have seen many improvements in their applications. Threads are used in the face and other areas of the body that need more support with age. They have become very popular in treating the hands, neck, breasts and decolletage. The quick recovery and lasting results have made them a very popular solution to many patient concerns.

Threads can be used alone or to compliment other treatments. Most of the time a combination of threads, filler and toxin are used to achieve optimum results and value. Utilizing threads in conjunction with dermal fillers provides an affordable long-term improvement. Each treatment is customized to the desired goals of each client. An initial consultation is needed to determine the best plan.

A solution for sad saggy faces

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:04:36 GMT

I looked in the mirror this week and realized I looked so much older than pre-pandemic. I have not been taking care of my face. I've been home, so why worry about my face. Besides, masks cover a lot! I need to develop a plan to fix this.

Dermal Fillers - Neurotoxin - PRF - PDO Threads - CIT - Microdermabrasion - IPL - Lasers - Peels

Today let's discuss one of the most common ways, when used correctly, to dramatically improve your appearance. Dermal fillers are natural substances that can be used to fill in deep lines on the face or to replace volume that has been lost over the years.

It is not uncommon to feel that you've lost volume in your cheeks, or that your smile lines are getting deeper. Fillers address both problems by adding back volume to smooth out skin and create a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are injected into the targeted area, to make skin smoother and fuller looking. When these injections are performed by an expert, they can contour, correct, and even change the shape and look of your face. They elicit a collagen response that builds long term support in the injected area. As we age, we lose fat in our faces, causing volume loss. Cheeks that seem to sag can be injected giving a lift to the face. In the tear troughs this can cause hollowness and the look of dark circles under the eyes. Around the mouth, the edges of the lips curl inward creating the appearance of shrinking and vertical lines form around the lips.

Using tiny injections directly into the lip replace volume and smooth the lines for a more youthful appearance. This isn't "duck lips" like the real housewives. The key word is tiny, designed to restore not augment. A professional injector knows how to improve without changing your natural beauty. They will

meet with you, answer questions and present a plan that meets your goals and budget.

6 Reasons to Get Your Veins Treated Sooner Rather Than Later

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:55:41 GMT

Are bulging, uncomfortable veins causing you to cover up in the summer, avert your eyes in front of a mirror, or put your feet up more often than you’d like? You may be tempted to delay treatment and simply cover up, but avoiding vein treatment may hurt you in the end. Here’s why:

1. Vein issues do not go away without treatment

Vein issues develop over time, causing you to disregard the signs of venous disease, or mistake them for the natural aging process. Although vein issues can easily be missed, they will not go away on their own.

2. Symptoms worsen over time

Any weakness of venous valves will worsen over time, causing venous reflux, the pooling of blood in the extremities. Venous reflux leads to discomfort, pain, & swelling known as varicose veins. Early detection/treatment can slow early symptoms from progressing into chronic disorders.

3. Self-care slows progression of venous disease, it does not cure it

Staying active with regular exercise keeps your blood flowing. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding sitting or standing for too long encourages blood flow in the extremities. Garments that constrict your blood flow and uncomfortable shoes can also contribute to circulation issues. Wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs can ease discomfort. However, conservative, self-care measures will not cure this progressive disease.

4. Early care may avoid more invasive treatments

Early stage conditions are easier to treat than later stage venous disease. Early detection and treatment can help you avoid the painful progression of the disease into difficult to manage ulcers, uncomfortable leg swelling and painful inflammation.

5. Insurance companies require documented conservative care before they approve other treatments

Insurance companies require you first to be treated by conservative measures under a doctor’s care. Conservative measures, such as wearing compression hose need to be implemented and documented for months before procedures are approved. This is unavoidable. Be informed! Early diagnosis and treatment may avoid frustrating waiting times for coverage of a treatment you need.

6. Early care saves

Don’t wait to discuss your vein issues with your doctor. In the long run, early detection and care can save you pain, discomfort, time, and money.

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR DVT?

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:52:24 GMT

Obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking are all known hazards to your health. But did you know that dehydration, a recent pregnancy, prolonged immobility, or varicose veins could also trigger a life-threatening condition known as DVT? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) threatens a million Americans each year. Yet, surprisingly, we have little or no awareness of this condition or its symptoms.

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the legs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. If left untreated, this clot has the potential to move into the lungs and produce a pulmonary embolism requiring immediate medical attention. The classic signs of DVT are leg pain, swelling, tenderness, or discoloration of the skin. Prolonged air travel has also often been associated with DVT. Fortunately, if caught in time, DVT is completely treatable.

Anyone, even if they are otherwise healthy and active, can be affected. Many athletes have received treatment for DVT, including tennis star Serena Williams and baseball player Tony Gwynn. Politicians Richard Nixon, Hillary Clinton, Dick Cheney and Dan Quayle experienced DVT. NBC war correspondent David Bloom died at the age of 39 while covering the war in Iraq. His death was blamed on a pulmonary embolism originating from a blood clot in his leg. Prior to collapsing, Bloom had spent days cramped and overheated in a military tank.

Early identification of DVT can prevent fatal consequences. Although preventable, almost 300,000 Americans die annually from DVT and its primary complication, pulmonary embolism. By the time you show symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, it might be too late for you to receive emergency care. Typical symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath, rapid pulse, perspiration, sharp chest, or low blood pressure. Only your doctor can determine if you are at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis. A review of your personal history and current health with them can help you to know your personal risk and develop a plan to address them.

How does your skin look behind that mask?

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:51:15 GMT

You may be tempted to not spend as much time concerned about it but skincare regimen is even more critical when wearing face coverings. We’ve been schooled in washing hands for 30 seconds to kill germs, the same applies here. Take the time needed and consider adding a cell turnover treatment to assure that your face is clear and bacteria free.

Proper diet, exercise, and personal hygiene create much of what others see when they look at us. Even if we maintain good personal habits, we still age. Maintenance treatments are affordable. Just as you go to the dentist, consider visiting a medical aesthetic clinic every 6-12 months. A short series of treatments can build collagen, increase firmness, and improve hydration of the largest body organ, skin.

Microdermabrasion and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) combined provide an excellent a choice to improve the texture of the skin, unwanted blemishes, or skin spots. First the microderm is performed preparing the surface to achieve the best results from and IPL. Medical grade microdermabrasion uses sterile granules applied with a powerful skin vacuuming and suctioning process which increase microcirculation in the skin. The back and forth motion of the professional grade microdermabrasion tip removes dry, dead skin cells, lifting them off the stratum corneum. Clogged pore plugs are lifted from the pore openings as well. The result is skin that instantly feels and looks buffed to a bright and luminous glow.

An IPL can be adjusted to target a wide variety of issues. IPL is a great choice to address the signs of rosacea, sun damage, age spots, and skin texture. The treatment also reduces large pores and acne, corrects dark circles around the eyes, and reduces fine lines. It takes just a few minutes and you can resume normal activities immediately. After treatment, the skin feels smoother and has a more even tone and a great way of caring for the skin underneath your mask.

Can Varicose Veins Be Sealed Without Heat?

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:49:48 GMT

Heat energy—either laser or radio-frequency—is often used to close painful and ugly varicose veins. The technique requires injections into the leg of large amounts of anesthetic, resulting in multiple needle sticks and a degree of pain, bruising and swelling after the procedure. Compression therapy is then continued for 2-3 weeks to ensure effectiveness after treatment.

A new procedure VenaSeal, can now be used to seal the painful veins without heat, eliminating the need for anesthetic and allowing for faster recovery. This new procedure has been shown in several studies to be as effective as lasers and radio-frequency treatments while offering the advantages of reduced bruising and immediate recovery without the need for extended compression therapy.

VenaSeal is applied in a 30 minute procedure using a hand-held dispenser to inject medical-grade glue into the great saphenous vein, a large vein that runs down the inside of the leg. After it is closed, blood then flows through remaining healthy veins. Since the glue reaches most of its strength in three minutes, it isn’t necessary to wear compression stockings to aid in healing and to minimize pain and swelling. Following the glue injections, patients can return immediately to normal activities.

Success of a varicose-vein treatment is measured by the percentage of treated vessels that are successfully closed after treatment. In a recent 220-person U.S. study, 97% of veins treated with VenaSeal remained closed a year after the procedure, this is identical to those treated with a more established radio-frequency procedure.

It is always necessary to discuss your specific procedural options with a trained professional to determination of whether treatment is appropriate. Diagnosis is achieved with a simple ultrasound evaluation performed in a vein center. The physician can immediately review the results and communicate his recommendation with you.

Sclerotherapy

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:49:11 GMT

Sclerotherapy procedures have evolved in recent years. The types of sclerosing agents and advances in ultrasound imaging have improved to produce optimal results. Sclerotherapy is recommended for the treatment of small to medium sized varicose veins and telangiectasias, or spider veins.

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and not often painful, though many may be ugly. They are perpetually dilated veins that can range from dark blue to red in color. Spider veins can be caused by inefficient blood flow and a weakening of the vein's wall due to obesity, pregnancy, or numerous other factors.

Sclerotherapy is considered a minimally-invasive procedure typically performed in the office, by a qualified specialist. They evaluate a patient's needs and provide recommendations regarding the most effective course of action in the treatment of the patient's varicose or spider veins. The number of treatment sessions and injections per treatment will depend on factors such as the size, depth, and location of the veins requiring treatment.

For treatment the skin is cleansed, and veins are injected with a sclerosing agent. Treatment begins with the larger veins, then smaller ones, stretching the skin over the veins for even dispersal. One injection is commonly required for every inch of vein. A slight stinging or burning sensation is normal during and immediately after the procedure and will dissipate quickly. Due to the small diameter of the injection needle, patients are typically comfortable throughout the procedure. No anesthetic is needed. The injection process ordinarily takes 15 to 30 minutes to perform.

After injections, compression stockings are worn for three weeks to support the resolution of treated veins and enhance the circulation through healthy veins. Normal activities may be resumed immediately, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days. It takes some time to see the full results of the treatment. There is usually some bruising and discoloration. There may be lumps or bumps at the injection sites. These reactions fade away and are gone within a few weeks. Additional treatments, if needed, can be scheduled every four to six weeks until all areas are treated.

How does long distance travel affect a person with vein disease?

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:49:10 GMT

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep leg vein. The deep veins are blood vessels which go through the calf and thigh muscles, and are not those which you can see just below the skin. Long journeys (more than four hours) are thought to cause an increased risk of DVT. This is probably due to sitting immobile and cramped for long periods. Blood flows more slowly, and collects in the legs increasing the risk of clot formation.

When a blood clot forms in a leg vein it usually remains stuck to the vein wall. The clot could then cause long term swelling & pain in the affected area. An even worse risk is that of pulmonary embolism should the clot dislodge and travel up the vascular system to the heart & lungs.

Anyone may develop a DVT but the following increase the risk:
· A recent operation in the last 2 months
· Pregnancy
· Oral birth control or hormone replacement medication
· A previous DVT diagnosis or a family history of DVT
· Obesity
· Having cancer
· Blood clotting disorders
· A broken leg which is in a stationary cast
· A recent severe illness such as pneumonia or heart failure

When traveling, these simple activities can help reduce your risks & contribute to a safe enjoyable journey:
· While seated, every ½ hour, bend & straighten your legs, feet and toes.
· If you are able to get up, every hour, take a walk up and down the aisle.
· If traveling in a car, make frequent stops, get out and walk around.
· Keep the space around your feet clear so you can move & extend your legs.
· Avoid dehydration: drink plenty of water & do not drink alcohol.
· Wear prescription compression hose on your journey.
· Immediately after your journey, have a short walk to 'get the circulation going'.

After a long journey, slight painless puffiness of feet & ankles is normal. However, if you develop a swollen painful calf or breathing difficulties shortly after travel then see a doctor urgently.

Using Natural Patient PRF Serum to Address Aging

skhardin1@gmail.com (SUSAN CAMPBELL) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:47:42 GMT

History: For decades doctors have been using PRP (Plasma Rich Protein) to improve healing after surgery. They discovered that platelets and other components in human blood migrate to a site of injury. Platelets then release a variety of factors that respond to tissue injure to initiate and healing. By concentrating platelets (in the form of PRP) at the site of injury, physicians gained the potential to enhance the body’s natural capacity for healing.

Building on this concept, the process has been refined and improved with PRF (Plasma Rich Fibrin). PRF is collected in the same manner but there are no chemical additives in the system. The collected blood is spun in a specially developed processor with less trauma applied to provide more viability in the resulting serum. This process maintains the clotting capability and fibrin within the serum to create a slower release of growth factors. The result is more active factors, living and working longer. This creates a treatment than is ten times as effective than previously available with PRP. Thankfully the improvements from PRP to PRF have not increased the cost. PRF is an affordable process that can be used stand alone to address problem areas such as under eyes or fine lines around lips.

Filling and lifting replace volume but alone are not enough to create a youthful look. One should pay attention to the skin’s outer surface and health in order to achieve the radiance and glow that is natural and pleasing. PRF can be used to improve the results from lasers, micro-needling, dermal fillers and many other of the current anti-aging treatments. It has one additional great advantage as it provides surface light reflection and glow. This provides a more youthful appearance instantly that increase over time. Once completed, adoption of an effective daily skin care regimen will result in youthful appearance for years to come.

Current Topics in Aesthetics

It's Sclerotherapy Season!

Planning is needed to have beautiful legs. Cooler weather provides an opportunity to address the issue.

Come Visit our new Hair Lounge Location on Lake Hamilton!

Booking Appointments Starting April 17th

The Move is On!

Exciting New Location - 7 South at Lake Hamiton

What's Up Wednesdays

CO 2 Laser – The Ideal Technology for

Facial Rejuvenation and the Removal of Skin Imperfections

What's Up Wednesdays

There's a Thread for That

What's Up Wednesday

A Solution for Sagging Sad Faces

What's Up Wednesdays

How to get the most from your neurotoxin treatment

What's Up Wednesdays

Welcome to What's Up Wednesdays - our weekly blog regarding trends in aesthetics. This is our first edition:

﻿ Getting the best treatment for your specific issues

PDO Threads are a Popular Rejuvenation Tool for Face and Body

A solution for sad saggy faces

6 Reasons to Get Your Veins Treated Sooner Rather Than Later

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR DVT?

How does your skin look behind that mask?

Can Varicose Veins Be Sealed Without Heat?

Sclerotherapy

How does long distance travel affect a person with vein disease?

Using Natural Patient PRF Serum to Address Aging

CO ² Laser – The Ideal Technology for

Getting the best treatment for your specific issues