CO2 Laser Tumescent Liposuction,Causes of Aging Skin,Younger-Looking Skin, Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin,Facial, Facial rejuvenation, Skin treatment, Surgical Skin treatment, Autologous fat transplant, Botox and fillers, Microdermabrsion, Chemical peeling, Lsaer resurfacing, Dermabrasion, Skin Care, Nonsurgical facelift, Ultrasonic treatment, Filler Injections, Non facial ageing skin treatments, Strech Marks, Hyper Pigmentation : Skin care & Aging Treatments Mumbai

"Defy aging."
"Tone and firm sagging skin."
"Restore your skin's own wrinkle control."

All over the world people spend billions of money each year on skin care-products that promise to erase wrinkles, lighten age spots, and eliminate itching, flaking, or redness.

But the simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthy and young looking is to stay out of the sun.

Sunlight is a major cause of the skin changes we think of as aging — changes such as wrinkles, dryness, and age spots.

As your skin ages, it becomes thinner and loses fat, so it looks less plump and smooth. Underlying structures veins and bones in particular become more prominent.

Your appearance greatly affects how you feel and how others feel about you. It is, therefore, perfectly natural for people who feel young and healthy to want to look young and healthy.

Facial rejuvenation can effectively reduce wrinkles, treat sun spots, tighten loose skin, improve skin tone and color, remove blotchiness, and eliminate damaged blood vessels.

Millions of men and women undergo some form of facial skin rejuvenation every year.

Great strides in surgical techniques and technology enable dermatologists to achieve subtle, effective results. Today, procedures are safer and less invasive, allowing patients to heal more quickly than ever before. This means little or no downtime.

Treatment is usually performed in a dermatologist's office, which offers the patient a convenient and cost-effective option for treating signs of aging and with little or no down time.

Fine wrinkles.

Thin and transparent skin.

Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck.

Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin.

Dry skin that may itch.

Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin.

Graying hair that eventually turns white.

Hair loss.

Unwanted hair.

Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops.

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Research shows that there are, in fact, two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (Natural) aging . The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun's rays.

Intrinsic Aging (Natural Aging)
Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s.

Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring.

Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s.

Extrinsic Aging
The number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure . Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking.

The Sun :
Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin.

Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratoses (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin), and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure.

With repeated exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin.Skin also becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight.

The deep wrinkles, age spots, and leathery skin
indicate premature aging caused by years of
unprotected exposure to the sun.

While it may seem that the signs of photoaging appear overnight, they actually lie invisible beneath the surface of the skin for years.

Facial Expressions:
Repetitive facial movements actually lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression. As skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles.

Gravity:
Gravity constantly pulls on our bodies. Changes related to gravity become more pronounced as we age.

Gravity causes the tip of the nose to droop, the ears to elongate,eyelids to fall, jowls to form, and the upper lip to disappear while the lower lip becomes more pronounced.

Sleeping Positions:
Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. Called sleep lines, these wrinkles eventually become etched on the surface of the skin . Women, who tend to sleep on their sides, are most likely to see these lines appear on their chin and cheeks.

Smoking :
Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. Research shows that a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a nonsmoker.It also has been shown that people who smoke for a number of years

tend to develop an unhealthy yellowish hue to their complexion.

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Prevention : While you cannot stop or even slow down the Natural aging process, you can prevent signs of premature aging by protecting your skin from the sun, quitting smoking, and eliminating facial exercises.

Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. , when the sun's rays are the strongest.

Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, and long sleeves, using an umbrella when outdoors during the day.

Applying sunscreen year round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin that will be exposed. It should be reapplied after sweating or being in water.

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If you are bothered by visible signs of aging, a number of treatments are available.

All the above treatments can restore skin, giving it a smoother and refreshed appearance.
Based on the intensity of aging different treatments are available

Professional Facials are an essential part of an effective skin care regimen. They serve to nourish the skin, counteract signs of aging and combat acne.

At Dr.Purnima's Skin Clinic, we offer facials for every skin type and problem. Our aestheticians will be happy to perform and recommend the perfect facial for you.

1. THERAPEUTIC SIGNATURE FACIAL
Individually customized for your skin type. Includes skin analysis, exfoliation and light extractions to stimulate cell renewal for a healthy complexion.

2. DEEP PORE COSMEDICAL
Through the use of galvanic and high frequency therapies, this medically based cleansing facial is specifically formulated to treat acneic/oil prone skin types. Emphasis is placed on extraction of impurities and reduction of congested skin.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Specially developed for delicate and sensitized skin. This facial offers the most advanced skincare protections and repair through the used of calming techniques and anti-inflammatory botanicals.

4. MULTIVITAMIN POWER FACIAL
Using a blend of highly-active hydroxy acids and skin normalizing Vitamin A (Retinol) to thoroughly remove dulling surface debris while stimulating cell renewal, is an effective way to aid the reduction of premature aging and sun damage

5. COLLAGEN FACIAL
Collagen is prized in aesthetics for its moisturizing and firming qualities. This connective protein has the ability to diminish fine lines and replenish cells on the surface of the skin.

6. ANTI-AGEING FACIAL
A result oriented treatment which includes in depth analysis of skin, evaluation of problems and then the signature anti-ageing facial is designed accordingly. This facial includes a series of procedures like anti-wrinkle treatment, elastin-collagen treatment, nonsurgical facelift,and deep moisturizing treatment.

This facial can be combined along with other antiageing treatments like Laser or Botox, or it can also be done individually.

7. THERAPEUTIC WARM STONE FACIAL
Warm river stones are used to diffuse heat into the skin. Through the combination of the warm stones and cool gemstones this treatment gives an immediate release to the facial muscles as well as stimulating your lymphatic system.

8. BACK FACIAL
A result-oriented treatment for one of the most neglected areas of the body. This treatment will cleanse, exfoliate and purify. An effective way to treat back acne. Includes an extended back massage.

Minimal amounts of aging and skin damage:
Topical Superficial Chemical Peels Fillers, Botulinum Rejuvenation Non-Ablative Lasers Microdermabrasion

Moderate amounts of aging and skin damage:
Topical Medium Chemical Peels Fillers, Botulinum Rejuvenation Dermabrasion Erbium-YAG Laser Coblation
Non-Ablative Lasers Fractional Resurfacing Photodynamic Therapy CO2 Laser Tumescent Liposuction

Severe amounts of aging and skin damage:
Topical Deep Chemical Peels Fillers, Botulinum Rejuvenation Dermabrasion CO 2 Laser Surgical Excision Tumescent Liposuction

Autologous fat (one's own fat) transfer is today's number one filling agent for loss of volume and creases on our faces. As we age the appearance of creases on our face is inevitable.

Even though these creases are part of the normal ageing process and there is nothing we can do to stop it, we can fill out the creases with fat, thus making them decrease or appear less prominent.

As we get older, we start to loose fat from our upper face. This loss of fat and associated loose skin starts to show up in the cheek area, giving us a sad, gloomy look. By placing the fat in the upper third of our face we produce an uplift effect; thereby we reshape the face to the more youthful years.

As well as losing volume from the face, the backs of the hands can also loose volume. Therefore autologous fat is the ideal filler to rejuvenate the back of the hands, as well as the nasal labial fold (mouth to nose grooves) or any body depression.

Since it is the patient's own fat there is no risk of rejection and no possibility of allergic reaction. This procedure is mainly used to produce a more youthful look and for recontouring of the face, hands and other body contours.

Fat transfer to the face is a safe, natural non-allergenic procedure, designed to recontour your face, and can provide definition to your cheeks and chin. It can also be used to correct facial deformities.

Since fat transfer uses your own fat cells, you can never have an allergic reaction, becaus e it's from your own body.

With fat transfer, it is possible to have fat liposuctioned from your thighs, for example, and then transferred to any area of your body.

Reinjected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non-movement, so it is very successful for the correction of sunken cheeks, because this area does not move as often.

Fat transfer can also correct atrophic aging of the hands, and post-surgical and post-traumatic defects. But not every area of the body responds well to fat transfer. The breasts for instance, are not appropriate.

How the procedure is performed?
Fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis.

Both the area from which the fat is taken, and the treatment site, are anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Using a small needle attached to a syringe, fat is removed from a donor site, where the fat is most tightly packed, such as the abdomen or the buttocks.

Once removed, the fat is processed to remove excess fluids, and then reinjected using another needle, which is placed under the skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired correction has been achieved.

The amount of fat put in each area is always more than needed. The reason for this is that we know that initially about 40 - 50% will be absorbed by the body, the rest will stay.

We always keep some of the patient's fat in our fat bank freezer. Therefore if in the future you need more rejuvenation to an area, we already have the fat ready to apply. Most patients need around two to three sessions, but by having the fat stored in our fat bank there is no need to harvest it again.

Pathological studies have shown that we can still use the fat for up to two years after harvesting. The cells of the adipose tissue (fat) maintain all their anatomical and physiological properties for this duration.

Harvesting the fat cells for reinjection is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck or cosmetic breast surgery. When fat is harvested during another procedure, it is often possible to obtain a larger amount of fat, then freeze and store that fat, for future usage when it becomes necessary.

Are there any complications?
When performed by a qualified surgeon, complications from a Fat Transplant are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including reaction to the anaesthesia, infection, haematoma (bleeding under the skin), bleeding – resulting in increased bruising, temporary swelling and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring.

You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

Smoothing out the underlying problem
Repeated muscular contractions such as frowning and squinting form lines known as dynamic wrinkles. BOTOX works by relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, giving the face a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. The procedure is so simple and quick that patients can often have it done on their lunch hour.

How well accepted has BOTOX become?
It is now the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure used by hundreds of thousands worldwide - women and men like you - who want to take control of their appearance and look as good as they feel.

Botox is now widely used for excessive sweating in underarms, as well as on palms and soles. (Click on the link to find out more).

Look as good as you feel!
BOTOX, when administered by a trained practitioner, takes just a few short minutes. The wrinkle-smoothing result can be seen within days, and can last for 10 - 12 months. It's the simple, noninvasive treatment that is revolutionizing the science of creating more relaxed, refreshed-looking faces.

Today, thousands of patients have discovered the beauty of BOTOX injections in helping them looking as good as they feel.

Botox frequently asked questions ( This should open as a link & following information will be on another page)

Botox for excessive sweating

Now we can help patients living with severe axillary hyperhidrosis that is inadequately managed with topical agents.

What Is Severe Underarm Sweating?
Severe underarm sweating is a medical condition known as severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis , which involves overactive sweat glands . Sweat is your body's temperature regulator. In severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, sweating significantly exceeds the body's normal requirements for cooling.

How Is the Condition Diagnosed?
Only a medical professional can diagnose severe underarm sweating (severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis ) that is not being effectively managed with topical agents. Be prepared to tell your dermatologist about your medical history, family history, and when you first noticed your severe underarm sweating. You may be asked to answer a self-assessment question regarding the extent to which severe underarm sweating affects your daily activities.

Treatment Options
A number of different treatments and products are available to help people with severe underarm sweating. Here's an overview of some you may have heard about or considered trying. If you have any questions about which treatment option may be right for you, speak with your dermatologist .

Antiperspirants/Deodorants
Often considered the "first line" of treatment for severe underarm sweating, antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin. Antiperspirants can cause skin irritation, and higher concentrations of aluminum chloride can be destructive to fabrics.

BOTOX ® Treatment
BOTOX ® is FDA-approved for severe underarm sweating that is inadequately managed with topical agents. BOTOX ® helps control this condition by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops.

You should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within 4 weeks of your first treatment. There is a possibility that some sweat glands may be missed, and you may continue to experience some sweating from the untreated areas. If you do not see a significant reduction in sweating, you should contact your healthcare provider and request a follow-up consultation.

What Is Treatment With BOTOX ® Like?
The procedure is relatively straightforward. A small volume of BOTOX ® solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin, so you may experience some injection-related discomfort. You will receive multiple injections based on your doctor's assessment of the area that needs to be treated.

What are the most common side effects?
In clinical studies of patients with hyperhidrosis, the most frequently reported side effects (3% to 10% of patients) following BOTOX ® injection included injection-site pain and bleeding, non-underarm sweating, infection, headache, neck or back pain, itching, and anxiety.

How Long Does a BOTOX ® Treatment Last?
In a key clinical study, half of the patients had treatment duration of at least 201 days or 6.7months. It is not a cure; your symptoms will return gradually, and you will know when the time is right for another treatment. Your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment strategy to ensure that you receive the best possible results with BOTOX ® treatment.

What If I Decide to Stop Treatment?
If you decide not to have further treatment, there will be no lasting change in the treated areas. The effects of BOTOX ® treatment will gradually wear off, and your underarm sweating will resume.

Iontophoresis
This procedure involves sending a small electrical current to the surface of the affected area while it is submerged in water. In general, treatments must be repeated 3-4 times per week.

What is BOTOX ?
BOTOX is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although BOTOX is derived from a bacteria, it is able to be used for the treatments described previously because it is applied in extremely small amounts and when applied properly does not spread throughout the body.

How is BOTOX used?
A tiny amount of BOTOX is injected into the muscle that creates the dynamic wrinkle. When BOTOX is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulses from reaching that area, and as a result, the muscle relaxes. As the muscle relaxes, the dynamic wrinkle overlying the muscle is smoothed away.

Where can BOTOX be injected?
The most common areas for the use of BOTOX are the frown lines between the eyebrows and on the forehead. On occasion, some other areas may be treated as well; like undereye wrinkles, smile lines,frownlies on nose etc.

Does BOTOX freeze my face?
No. BOTOX only relaxes the overactive muscle underneath the dynamic wrinkle. The other elements of facial expression remain active.

How long does a BOTOX treatment last?
The effects of BOTOX Cosmetic™ usually depends on the severity of wrinkles and type of skin and age.The effect may last three to four months or even 10-12 months, at which time another injection is required. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX may begin to last longer.

Are BOTOX treatments safe?
In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the most common side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection.

Is this treatment for everyone?
There are very few restrictions regarding BOTOX treatments. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or have a neurological disease should not be treated. Patients should discuss with their physician if BOTOX treatments are appropriate for them.

What is the treatment like?
A tiny amount of BOTOX is injected, very precisely, into the muscles being treated. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.

How can I find out if I am a candidate for BOTOX
If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if BOTOX treatments might work well for you, please call our office and schedule an appointment for a consultation.

What is micro-dermabrasion ?
Micro-dermabrasion is a progressive, non-invasive treatment that propels natural mineral crystals onto the surface of the skin for gentle epidermal abrasion that reveals newer, healthier, younger skin.

How does the treatment work?
Micro-dermabrasion works in two ways:
Correction: The speed of the crystal flow causes an abrasive action that gently removes the surface layers of the skin, allowing smoother, fresher skin to emerge.
Stimulation: The vacuum action helps to stimulate microcirculation, increasing the blood supply that provides nutrients needed for skin regeneration. It also stimulates formation of new collagen and elastin to improve skin texture and elasticity.

Is it painful?
The treatment is performed with little discomfort. At the most, sensitive patients might experience a slight sensation resembling a light sunburn. After treatment, the skin has a pink glow, and you can resume your normal activities almost immediately. The procedure can be done during lunch hour.

Which skin problems can be treated?
This system gradually abrades epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin problems:

• Sun-damaged skin
• uneven and granular skin
• fine lines and wrinkles
• enlarged pores
• blackheads and comedones
• superficial scars
• some stretch marks

Is it Safe?
Micro Controlled Peeling offers a gentler alternative to more traumatic resurfacing treatments. It does not involve trauma or bleeding. The treatment is executed slowly and progressively, removing only superficial layers of the epidermis to reveal a youthful complexion and glow. Your therapist has total control and works under the strictest hygiene standards, using sterile, disposable treatment nozzles to ensure your safety.

How long does it take?
Each treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes. When combined with other anti-ageing treatments, it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

How many treatments will I need?
Age and skin condition determine the number of treatments required to achieve optimum effect. For most skin disorders, a minimum of five treatments is recommended. Results can be seen in both the texture and the appearance of the skin after just one session. Closely spaced treatments, combined with maintenance sessions, will result in better skin quality and may postpone the first lifting treatments for some years.

Can Micro Controlled Peeling be used on the body?
There are virtually no areas of the body that would not benefit from micro-dermabrasion. When used in the exfoliation mode, it can be performed on the entire face, neck, and neckline, with a second sweep on any areas of hyperpigmentation or with textural irregularities.

A chemical peel is a treatment that chemically exfoliates the skin's top layers to reveal the softer and healthier skin below.

What can a chemical peel do?
Chemical peeling is used to treat fine lines, especially under the eyes and around the mouth.

In many cases, wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and heredity can be reduced and even eliminated through the use of a series of chemical peels.

Results are dramatic and long-lasting.

Permanent skin lightening.

An additional or alternative to other skin rejuvenating procedures.

May permanently remove facial freckles.

However, sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond to peeling and may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures. A dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for each individual case.

Irregular skin pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, and even precancerous keratoses may improve as a result of chemical peels.

Chemical peels can increase the skin's tolerance to external factors and control acne. The strength of the chemical peel is determined by the patient's individual skin type and the degree of damage to the skin.

How are chemical peels performed?
The procedure may be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.

Superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin.

Prior to treatment
Instructions may include stopping certain medications and preparing the skin with pre-conditioning creams.

During the treatment
A chemical peel is usually performed in a dermatologist's office. The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, and the eyes and hair are protected.

One or more chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) are used.

Your dermatologist will suggest the proper peeling agent based upon the type of skin damage present and desired results.

During a chemical peel, the physician applies the solution to various areas of the skin. These applications produce separation and eventually peel off layers of skin, enabling rejuvenated skin to appear.

During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to hot sensation that may last about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. A deeper peel may be more painful and require medication during or after the procedure

Wrinkles from the sun around the mouth of a 60-year-old female before deep chemical peeling. 3 months after deep chemical peeling showing excellent improvement of wrinkles.

AHA peels/Glycolic peels: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.

Phenol and TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the surgeon will carefully apply the phenol or TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.

A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.

If phenol solution has been used, your plastic surgeon may coat the treated area with petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape. With lighter peels, no covering is necessary.

A full-face phenol peel generally takes one or two hours to perform, while a phenol peel to a smaller facial region (perhaps the skin above the upper lip) may take only 10 or 15 minutes. A single treatment usually suffices

Depending upon the type of peel, there may be a mild to severe sun burning sensation.

Superficial peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that lasts three to five days.

Medium-depth and deep peeling can sometimes result in swelling and blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of 7 to 14 days or longer. Some peels may require surgical tape to be placed on part or all of the skin that is treated.

It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun immediately after a chemical peel since the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to injury.

Your dermatologist will prescribe appropriate follow-up care to help the skin heal.

What are the possible complications?
Although very low, there is a risk of scarring after chemical peels. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results

Prior to a chemical peel, it is important for a patient to inform the dermatologist of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive X-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores, for proper precautions to be taken.

Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.

The results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of phenol peel. However, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.

If you're planning a phenol peel, you can expect dramatic improvement in the surface of your skin - fewer fine wrinkles, fewer blemishes and more even-toned skin. Your results will be long-lasting, although not immune to the effectsd sun exposure.

What is Laser skin resurfacing?
An important advance in skin rejuvenation, laser resurfacing can diminish the signs of aging, treat skin damage, and correct acne scars.

Using a wand-like laser hand piece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles are softened or removed. Also called laser peeling, laser resurfacing is relatively bloodless and offers the dermatologist more control in the depth of penetration of the skin's surface, allowing increased precision and safety in treating delicate areas, such as around the lips and eyes. This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization.

Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove the top layers of the skin (epidermis) and heat the layer under the epidermis (the papillary dermis). This causes collagen (a substance that gives skin structure) regeneration. As the wound caused by the laser heals, smoother and more even skin is seen. There are three types of ablative lasers used for resurfacing: carbon dioxide (CO2), erbium:YAG (Er:YAG), and the long-pulsed erbium:YAG

How does the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser work?
In contrast to the previous version of CO2 lasers, the newest generation of pulsed CO2 lasers delivers short bursts of extremely high-energy laser light. This revolutionary technology actually vaporizes the undesired skin tissue one layer at a time, revealing fresh skin underneath. Often referred to as a pulsed CO2 laser, the laser's highly focused beam enables the dermatologic surgeon to gently remove the skin's surface with a lower risk of scarring and other complications in properly selected patients. Healing generally occurs over a two-month period.

How does the erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser work?
The high-powered Er:YAG laser produces energy in a wavelength that gently penetrates the skin, is absorbed by water (a major component of tissue cells), and scatters the heat effects of the laser light. These unique properties allow dermatologists to remove thin layers of skin tissue with exquisite precision while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.

The Er:YAG laser is commonly used for skin resurfacing in patients who have superficial to moderate facial wrinkles, mild surface scars, or skin discoloration.

The gentle touch of the Er:YAG laser means it is uniquely effective in rejuvenating sun-damaged skin in areas such as the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth, where other lasers may cause scarring.

Other body areas, such as the neck and hands, also may be considered for treatment with the Er:YAG laser.

Skin rejuvenation with the Er:YAG laser may offer the advantages of reduced redness, decreased side effects, and rapid healing – about 5-7 days.

A 42-year-old female with periorbital wrinkling before erbium:YAG resurfacing

How does the long pulsed erbium:YAG laser work?
A new generation of long-pulsed laser delivers results that fit in between those of the CO2 and the Er:YAG. The long-pulsed erbium:YAG laser provides more wrinkle relief and offers a reduced risk of scarring compared to both. However, with less heat to the skin, results may not be as striking.

43-year-old female with perioral actinic rhagades before erbium:YAG resurfacing

Non-ablative lasers have gained immense popularity in recent years because they require little to no healing time.

They work by bypassing the surface of the skin and treating the layers underneath, known as the papillary dermis. This allows the skin to respond as if it were repairing a wound and skin regenerates.

With this technique, the epidermis is generally not removed. Because they are less intense than ablative lasers, non-ablative procedures pose minimal downtime and recovery.

One popular type of non-ablative laser uses an infrared light source that penetrates through the dermis to generate collagen and cause skin contraction and tightening.

Non-ablative treatments require multiple sessions, and may take several weeks after the last session for the optimal results of treatment to be seen. How laser resurfacing is done

What conditions can laser resurfacing treat?
Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologist's office to help:

Improve fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead

Smooth and tighten eyelid skin

Improve crow's feet around the eyes

Soften pucker marks and frown lines

Remove brown spots and splotchy skin color

Improve and flatten scars

Repair smoker's lines

What are the benefits of laser surgery for facial resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing may offer the following general benefits

Improved treatment results

Precisely controlled surgery

An additional or alternative to other skin rejuvenating procedures

Safe, reliable, and effective out-patient, same-day surgery

What can be expected during and after laser resurfacing?
Depending on the specific condition being treated and the type of laser used, patients may receive a topical anesthetic cream, sedation, local anesthetic and/or monitored intravenous sedation.

Discomfort is usually minor both during the procedure and throughout the recovery phase. The time required to complete a full-face ablative procedure is generally between one and two hours, although this may vary depending on the sites treated.

Following ablative resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with ointment or occlusive dressings (surgical bandages) for the first few days. The skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust.

Once healing is completed, sunscreen should be worn every day. Depending on the type of laser used and the individual's ability to heal, a pink surface color may remain for several days to several months. After seven to fourteen days, makeup can be worn.

Non-ablative resurfacing treatments may take only a few minutes. Mild redness may persist for a few hours with non-ablative techniques and makeup may be applied immediately. Four to six treatments are usually necessary because the results from non-ablative techniques are generally less than those seen after Er:YAG and CO2 laser procedures.

What are the possible complications of the procedure?
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. With the new Er:YAG and CO2 lasers, the risk of scarring is low. Common side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, and redness or brown discoloration at the treatment sites. Some patients may require bleaching creams to help regulate skin color following laser resurfacing. Pain, bleeding, swelling, and infection are minimized with newer surgical techniques and meticulous post-operative care. Pre-operative medication may be given to avoid cold sores. Redness of the face for up to a few weeks is not uncommon and occasionally, may persist for months. Side effects are greatly reduced with the milder non-ablative lasers.

What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, beneficial tightening of loose skin can occur from laser resurfacing, resulting in an improvement of certain folds and creases.

In many cases, laser resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional methods for skin rejuvenation, such as dermabrasion and deep chemical peels. It can also work well in conjunction with or as an additional treatment to other aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), liposuction of the face and neck, dermal fillers, radiofrequency tissue tightening and Botox.

Dermabrasion is a treatment with many applications in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, from removal or reduction of acne and chicken pox scars to facial skin rejuvenation.

The procedure, sometimes called surgical skin planing, consists of planing off the surface layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush. The planing action removes the skin surface, and a new layer of skin grows to replace the skin removed.

When Is Dermabrasion Used?
When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, age (liver) spots, wrinkles and skin lesions.

What Happens Prior To the Dermabrasion Procedure?
During the consultation, the dermatologic surgeon describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure and what results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative and postoperative instructions are given to the patient at this time.

How Does Dermabrasion Work?
Dermabrasion can be performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office or in an outpatient surgical facility. Medication to relax the patient may be given prior to surgery. The affected area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and then your doctor will apply a special spray is applied that freezes the skin.

A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush is used to remove the outer layers of the skin and improve any irregularities in the skin surface.

What Happens After Dermabrasion?
After the procedure, your skin will feel as though it has been severely "brush-burned" for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend medications to help reduce any discomfort you may have.

The newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color.

In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin is healed.

Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in seven to 14 days after dermabrasion.

Patients are instructed to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for three to six months after the procedure, and to use sunscreen on a regular basis when outdoors.

Are There Side Effects and Complications With Dermabrasion?
Side effects are uncommon but they do occur. The most common side effects include:

• Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent)
• Darkening of the skin (temporary or permanent)
• Formation of a scar
• Infection

Darkening of the skin usually occurs because of sun exposure in the days and months following surgery.

Care after Surgery
Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the surgery. Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week after the surgery. Avoid smoking, as advised by your doctor. You will have a mandatory appointment the day after your surgery and your doctor will provide more details.

Radiofrequency:
Radiofrequency is the non-invasive procedure available that tightens and renews your skin's collagen in all three layers.

How it works?
Capacitive Radiofrequency (CRF) technology safely heats your skin's under layer and the web of collagen in the inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. And the improvements will continue and become even more noticeable for four to six months following treatment due to new collagen growth.

The time required to perform the procedure depends on the area to be treated. It usually lasts from 30min to 60min.

1. How long will it take before I see results?
It depends. For some, improvements in skin texture and tone can be seen within a few treatments, others may take a little more time. Results depend significantly on a person's age, skin condition and lifestyle.

The microcurrent facelift treatment is recommended no less than once per week and the best results are attained with twelve treatments followed up with maintenance once per month. Noticeable changes can be seen and felt after as few as four treatments.

2. What sort of changes can I expect?
Visible results can be seen with the softening of fine lines around the eyes and a noticeable change in your skin tone and texture. Your skin will become tighter and more hydrated to the point of having a dewy glow. As your facial muscles tighten, dropped areas of the face and neck will lift, bringing back your natural facial contour.

3. What is the best age to start these treatments?
There is really no “best age”. You can be proactive with your facial muscle tone and take preventative measures as early as your 30's. If you desire to appear ten to fifteen years younger than your physical age, microcurrent facelift treatments will do the trick in a more subtle and natural way…without the dramatic changes that can happen overnight with cosmetic surgery.

4. How long does each treatment take?
Each treatment takes approximately one hour. Each microcurrent facelift treatment includes a mini-facial using organic skin care products densely filled with phyto-nutrients and vitamins. Step two of the facial toning treatment includes the topical application of highly enriched serums, including collagen and elastin which are then penetrated deep into the dermis using microcurrent and a skin brushing technique. This final skin brushing step serves to stimulate your own body's natural collagen production and makes all the difference toward the ultimate success of stronger facial muscle tone and overall skin health.

6. Does it hurt?
Not a bit…quite the opposite. It's similar to having a very relaxing facial, except much more beneficial to your muscle tone. Soft cotton swabbed tips glide firmly over the facial muscles by a clinician, and at times gentle flutters can be felt as the microcurrent gently exercises each muscle. This type of facial workout will leave your skin tingling and glowing and your underlying facial muscles stronger and firmer.

7. What if I've had Cosmetic Surgery?
This is a very beneficial treatment “a must” either prior to cosmetic surgery or as a maintenance plan following surgery. Strengthening the facial muscles before surgery is beneficial because your facial tissues will be healthier. Microccurrent toning treatments following surgery will tone facial muscles for more lasting result.

For some post-surgery complications, such as a temporary loss of feeling in particular areas of your face, microccurrent stimulation will shorten the healing process and bring the sensation back to the affected areas much sooner than if we let nature take it's course. Most importantly, microcurrent toning treatments will extend the life of your surgical facelift by keeping the muscles toned and your skin tighter and more hydrated

How does Ultrasound Skin Care work?
Ultrasound has been used on the field of medicine, while it began on beautification only 15 years ago. Surprisingly, its three wonderful efficacy bring the ones who care about beauty a brand new world.

1. Highly speed vibration (machinery affect)
The first efficacy of ultrasound is the highly speed vibration. Except in vacuity, same frequency of ultrasound would display various waveforms via different transmissions. Their action on the tissue is just like massage. We usually call this machinery affect as micro-massage.

The wave produced for therapy and beautification is only few micrometers high. One would feel nothing but a little warm. It is better for our tender textures.

2. The heat efficacy
The heat is produced by vigorous friction of the modules in speed vibration. It is basically important to human body. To healthy cells, heat supplies energy and speeds metabolism, while to unhealthy ones such as cancer cells, heat weakens them and has them killed easily. The lymphatic system works well at this temperature. The design is to rejuvenate our healthy cells and hurt no body tissues.

What does the heat do? It is not difficult to consider that heat helps dissolve the fat, that heat accelerates the blood circulation, and also that heat promotes sweat drainage. All these are immediately concerned to our health.

3. The bubble action
They wrap all oil, stain them up tightly, and remove them away even from the pores of the face.

Major benefits of Ultrasonic Facial Massage are:

Removing Pimples
Removing Acne
Preventing wrinkles
Skin firming
Lightning spots
Cuticle removal

"Filler Injections Restylane"

If You're Considering Injectables...
As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.

Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.

If you're considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with collagen or fat, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when injectables can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect. It may not answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

Knowing Your Options

Injected collagen and fat are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin's texture. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, "sunken" cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips.

Injectables are usually not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical "lipstick lines" that sometimes form around the mouth. Instead, your plastic surgeon may suggest a resurfacing technique, such as chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Rather than filling in facial lines, resurfacing methods strip away the outer layers of the skin to produce a smoother appearance.

Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift. Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures; however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.

Keep in mind that a plastic surgeon is a specialist that can offer you the full gamut of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. You and your surgeon may determine that a single procedure or a combination of procedures is the best choice for you.

A natural beauty lift
The resilience and youthful contours of your skin - its ability to counter the effects of time, wind and weather - owes much to hyaluronic acid. It exists in all life and its most important function is to bear and bind water.

In Q-Med Esthetics products, stabilized hyaluronic acid, in the form of a crystal-clear gel, smoothes wrinkles and folds or gives contour. A natural beauty lift.

Impressions of beauty change over time, as do our faces as we age. Yet each of us has good natural lines that can be emphasized and improved. Products from Q-Med Esthetics give you long-lasting and natural enhancement.

After injection, the gel binds water and generally remains for many months. Non-stabilized hyaluronic acid products, by comparison, last only a few days or several weeks at most.

The Tissue Tailored Concept
Each of the three choices in the Q-Med Esthetics product range are specially designed for different purposes and effects, from eliminating tiny lines to enhancing facial contours and sculpting lips to perfection.

RESTYLANE for wrinkle correction and lip enhancements.

RESTYLANE Fine Lines for correcting thin, and superficial lines, for example around the eyes and mouth, forehead lines and smile lines.

PERLANE for shaping facial contours, such as cheeks and chin, correcting deep folds, and for volume augmentation in the lips.

The difference is the gel particle size. For optimal results combinations of the products often used. The doctor chooses the product that matches the tissue structure at various levels of skin depth.

Many people are looking for that slightly fuller shape for their chin. Just a touch of additional volume can make an enormous difference in your appearance. Or perhaps you want a rounder, more sensuous line along your cheeks? And lip fashions are always changing with the times.

Natural Beauty for as long as you like
One of the great advantages of the Q-Med Esthetics product range is that it is long-lasting but not permanent.

How long a treatment holds its effect is very individual. This depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, lifestyle and muscle activity, as well as the injection technique.

Q-Med Esthetics gel particles are absorbed so slowly that you have ample time for maintenance treatments. As the gel breaks down, water takes its place. The less concentrated the gel becomes, the more water it is able to bind. These facts are the main reasons Q-Med Esthetics treatments last so long. When totally absorbed the gel disappears unnoticed from the body.

When I will need follow-up treatment?
Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after an initial treatment of wrinkles or facial contouring. After lip treatments, a follow-up is normally needed after about six months.

You always have the choice to continue or change the combination of treatments, and the procedure can be repeated as often as you like. You are always in charge of your looks. Q-Med Esthetics gives you that all-important flexibility.

Treatment facts and what you may be wondering
The Q-Med Esthetics program is an effective and long-lasting alternative. Gaining the look you desire is as easy as it is quick. And the results are instantaneous. No pre-testing is needed and a session often takes less than 30 minutes.

Depending on the effects desired, an initial treatment is usually maintained with occasional follow-up treatments. For wrinkle treatments no pain relief is generally necessary, however it can be easily arranged at your request. When enhancing the lips, pain relief in the form of a local anesthetic is often used.

During treatment the crystal-clear gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very thin needle. The gel then gives natural volume and smoothes the wrinkles. The ability of Q-Med Esthetics products to integrate with adjacent tissues allows the free passage of vital nutritive elements like oxygen and hormones to pass between fragments of the gel. The result is healthy, natural looking skin.

What are the side effects?

After the treatment some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. These typically resolve spontaneously within one to two days after injection into the skin and within a week after injection into the lips.

"Non Facial Aging Skin Treatments"

Our faces aren't the only parts of our body that succumb to lifelong sun exposure and collagen breakdown.

The good news is that just as there are treatments to rejuvenate aging skin on the face, there are treatments that can make the neck, décolleté, hands and legs more youthful

The sun-exposed areas, including the backs of the hands, are most prone to the imperfections.

Rejuvenating Neck and Chest Skin
With age, many experience more and more pronounced skin blotchiness and spider veins, called telangiectasias(visible veins on face), on the sides of the neck and chest.

The neck and the chest are particularly prone to these white indentations because of the thinning skin in the region.

Chemical peels and bleaching agents applied directly to the skin help with the pigmentation problems, including white and brown spots. Laser and light treatments, including pulsed light lasers, reduce redness.

Laser procedures and chemical peels (should appear as links) can lighten the skin. As a result, dermatologists can also lighten those areas, such as the neck, which can contrast the face, with a trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel. This helps to blend in the areas so that the face doesn't look strikingly lighter than the neck and chest.

Nonablative lasers (link) are tools dermatologists use to treat sun damage on the neck and chest area. While lasers work by heating and removing the top skin layers, nonablative lasers work beneath the skin's surface by targeting cells that absorb the light's energy. The underlying sources of the skin discoloration break apart from the laser's light and become absorbed in the body.

After a series of nonablative laser treatments, dermatologists can reduce the signs of aging and sun damage, including fine wrinkles, freckles and irregular pigmentation—especially on the face, neck and chest (though it can also be used on the hands). Patients who have these procedures can return immediately to activities because nonablative laser therapy causes no downtime.

Laser Photo rejuvenation

is yet another approach that uses intense pulsed light technology to correct imperfections on the hands, neck, chest and face. The light penetrates the outer layer of skin without causing damage and goes directly to the dilated vessels or pigment. Patients have no downtime from the procedure but typically they require a series of treatments for optimal results.

Botox can be used on the neck and chest for diminishing wrinkles.

Younger Looking Hands

Many focus on rejuvenating the skin on their faces but forget about their aging hands. Among the most common problems associated with aging hands are wrinkles and brown spots, which respond to a number of treatments.

For those who don't want to undergo any procedures, there is the option of dermatologist-prescribed bleaching creams, which patients rub on their hands on a regular basis for the long-term. These work subtly to reduce the discoloration of dark pigmented spots.

Approaches that lead to more dramatic, faster results include the use of chemical peels, from the superficial glycolic acid to the medium TCA peels, which work to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells.

Some dermatologists also use lasers, such as the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, to change the hands' skin color and remove spots. Unlike the face, hands are much easier to treat. Typically, laser treatments correcting discolorations on the hands might take about 10 minutes in a dermatologist's office.

The skin on the hands also tends to be thin. Dermatologists have the option of using fat transplantation from other areas of the body to give the hands a more youthful plumpness. This can be done in conjunction with other procedures to lighten the hyperpigmented (or dark) areas on the hands.

Younger looking legs

Diminishing Leg Veins: Options in the Dermatology Office

Varicose and spider veins on the legs can worsen with age. Here, too, dermatologists have an arsenal of treatments to bring youthfulness back to the skin on the legs.

Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels caused by a weakening of the vein's walls. Dermatologists can treat the condition with a procedure called radio frequency closure. This involves the dermatologist inserting a small tube, or catheter, into the varicose vein through a small puncture. The catheter delivers radio frequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to shrink and seal shut. Patients generally do not feel pain during the procedure and often can return immediately afterwards to activities.

Dermatologists today treat leg spider veins, which are red or bluish appearing dilated small blood vessels located close to the skin's surface, with lasers ( link) , which were traditionally reserved for the face. Newer versions of laser technology, including the Nd: YAG 1064nm, use wavelengths to penetrate the skin of the legs without heating the pigment. This reduces the risk of burning or injury to the skin. Typically, two to five treatments, which last about 15 minutes each, are required to remove spider veins.

The mainstay of leg vein treatments continues to be injection with sclerosing solutions or sclerotherapy (link) , a method in which the solution is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. All of the above procedures work in conjunction with or in addition to its benefit.

Scientific research in the field of anti-aging continues to give rise to new and promising treatment options. A dermatologist can help you sort through the numerous options, including the myriad of over-the-counter products. During a consultation, the dermatologist will examine your skin, discuss your expectations, and recommend suitable treatment options.

"Stretch Marks"

Unfortunately, skin will not bounce back in its pure state if it's been stretched by rapid growth due to

• Pregnancy,
• Weight gain,
• Extreme weight loss.

Instead, it becomes decorated by a form of scarring called stretch marks, or striae.

Stretch marks often start off as reddish or purplish in color, then become glossy skin that appears streaked in silver or white.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis , the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. However, when constantly stretched, the dermis can break down leaving behind stretch marks.

Men and women can get stretch marks on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back.

What Can I Do About Stretch Marks?

There are several treatment options for stretch marks.

If you are serious about dealing with unwanted stretch marks, it's best to be in the care of a surgeon or dermatologist who can recommend your best options.

The doctor will take a detailed medical history, including medications you are taking.

Some medications can cause stretch marks, and it is very important to be open and honest with your doctor. Those medications include hormones and steroids.

TREATMENTS

Dermabrasion or a chemical peel can be used to address unwanted stretch marks, and there are new advances in laser surgeries.

The degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, your skin tone and even your diet.

Lotions and Creams
There are plenty over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. If you are a woman who is pregnant and you are concerned with stretch marks, let your physician know you want to begin preventative treatment before your stomach starts growing. Often, your physician can recommend creams.

Diet and Exercise
Make sure you are maintaining healthy skin!

Mama always told you to drink plenty of water.Maybe she knew this: it helps prevent stretch marks, too!

Proper water intake keeps your skin soft and less likely to develop stretch marks.

Caffeine can increase your risk of stretch marks. If you're stuck on your caffeinated coffee or tea, make sure you balance the fluids.

Drink just as much - or more - water as you drink coffee, tea or soda.

Remember, stretch marks can also result from nutritional deficiency. Be sure to consume foods that promote skin healing:

• Zinc-rich foods such as nuts or fish
• Foods high in vitamins A and C such as carrots and citrus fruits and milk.
• Protein-rich foods (such as eggs).

"Hyper Pigmentation"

Hyper pigmentation or Melasma (also known as chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin.

Although this condition is typically termed the common in women, men can also develop this condition.

During pregnancy, dark patches may develop on a woman's face. This is known as the "mask of pregnancy," or chloasma, and it usually fades after delivery.

What are the causes of hyper pigmentation or Melasma?

The cause of chloasma is not totally understood, although it is thought that increased levels of pregnancy hormones cause the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) to produce more pigment.

Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. .

The symptoms of Melasma

Dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time.

Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration.

Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone to produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sun.

1. Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing this condition.

2. Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop melasma.

3. The incidence of melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease.

4. It is thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition.

5. Other rare causes of melasma include allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.

HOME TREATMENT

You can reduce skin pigment changes during pregnancy by using sunscreen and staying out of the sun. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight will worsen your condition.

• Home treatment measures may provide some relief from a mild sunburn.
• Use cool cloths on sunburned areas.
• Apply ice on sunburned areas.
• Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas.

Note: Do not use the cream unless your doctor tells you to.

TREATMENT

After in depth analysis and consultation by Dr.Purnima an individual treatment plan is formatted as per the case. The plan may include following treatments.

• Face treatments with the AHA packs and skin lightning creams as well as Treatment sessions with...

• Microcurrent machines.
• Microdermabrasion (Click on the links for more information)
• Chemical Peel (Click on the links for more information)
• Laser surfacing (Click on the links for more information)

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