Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the more popular cosmetic treatments performed in our office. The laser works by emitting a wavelength of light that is selectively absorbed by the hair color, destroying the follicle. The darker and thicker the hair, the better the response to the laser light. The skin color has to be darker than the hair color for the laser to work well. Also, the skin cannot be tan and this is why treatment is best started in the cooler weather. Laser hair removal requires five to six treatments to clear the hair, each separated by six to eight weeks. To have the hair clear by summer it is necessary to begin the treatment in the fall or early winter.
Photofacial
Photofacials are procedures that can lighten and remove brown and red blotches from the skin of the face, neck, and chest. The machine used is an IPL (intense pulsed light) that emits wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the red color of capillaries and the brown color of sunspots. This procedure is quite popular because it can remove years of sun damage and restore more normal skin tones. This procedure takes 15-20 minutes and has minimal discomfort. There is some redness to the skin that dissipates over several hours so there is no real downtime. The treatment usually takes three sessions each separated by four weeks. Just like laser hair removal the skin cannot be tanned during treatment so it is much easier to perform a photo facial in the fall, winter and early spring.
Leg Spider Vein Treatment
The treatment of leg spider veins is performed by injecting a special solution directly into the veins, causing them to be damaged so they eventually clear. This is a procedure that takes about 30 minutes and is virtually pain-free. After the injections, special compression stockings need to be worn for three to five days, depending on the size of the vessels injected. These stockings are worn 24 hours a day (except for showering). It is for this reason that most people prefer vein treatment in the cooler weather when wearing stockings is more comfortable. To clear 80% of the treated vessels, most patients require three treatments each separated by seven to eight weeks. Many times, patients come into the office in April or May hoping to have the spider veins gone in time for summer. Since it takes up to six months to see the clearing, I tell people that the best time to begin is the fall or early winter. It is more comfortable to wear the stockings and the veins can be resolved in time to wear shorts and bathing suits.
As the days get shorter and colder and we are forced to spend more time indoors, think about improving your appearance for next spring, and consider removing those unsightly spider veins on your legs. Turn back the clock by lessening the red and brown blotches on your face. Consider laser hair removal for the face, bikini or underarms to be bathing suit ready for next summer. “Fall” into cosmetic treatments now so you are ready to “spring” into warm weather next year.
At Advanced Specialty Care, we provide laser hair removal, as well as other skincare and chemical peel treatments such as Hydrafacial, DermaBuilder, and LED red and blue light technology. Our skincare and laser services are provided by two board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Kenneth Egan and Dr. Rebecca Hall and our Physician Assistant, Melissa Raue. We are located in Fairfield County, CT in the towns of Danbury, Norwalk, and Ridgefield.
– Dr. Kenneth Egan