What is it that bothers you about your appearance? This is the question I ask people when they inquire about cosmetic treatments that are relatively simple to perform, are of little to no risk, and give great results. The list of excellent treatments that improve appearance includes Botox & fillers, laser hair removal, photo facials and injection of spider veins of the legs. Unlike Botox and fillers that can easily be performed all year, laser hair removal, photo facials, and spider vein injections are most easily accomplished in the fall, winter, or early spring.
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 six to ten 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 & Laser services are provided by skincare nurses, Heather Colon, LPN & Monika Rath, LPN, with convenient offices in Danbury, Norwalk, Ridgefield & Stamford, CT–book your treatment today by calling us or requesting your appointment online.
— Kenneth Egan, MD & Heather Colon, LPN
Dr. Kenneth Egan sees adult & pediatric patients for conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, plus examination of moles and early detection/prevention of skin cancer. He also practices sclerotherapy and injectables including Botox & Juvederm, and offers patients over 15 years’ experience with laser skin treatments.
Heather Colon, LPN provides teen & adult Skincare services including HydraFacial treatments, IPL/Photo Facial, Micro-Needling, PRP, Laser Hair Removal, non-invasive fat reduction, Chemical Peels, Acne treatments, Anti-Aging treatments and more.
ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE
Advanced Specialty Care’s Dermatology practice is welcoming and patient-centered, specializing in all of your family’s skincare needs from head-to-toe. Our board-certified Dermatologists excel in general medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for patients of all ages, with expertise which allows them to not only diagnose and treat complex skin conditions, but also improve the appearance and condition of the skin.
Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with one of our Dermatology specialists at any of our convenient office locations in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, Ridgefield, or Stamford, CT.
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