Archive for the ‘procedures’ Category
Zeltiq on ABC News! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
We’ve been excited about the Zeltiq targeted fat reduction treatment since we began using the device in December and have often discussed it in our blog. It has once again come up in the mainstream media as a new way to help whittle our middles and as an alternative to liposuction. Check out the video from ABC News on February 16th to see the Zeltiq in action! Please contact our office for more details about the procedure.
Support for Zeltiq Grows! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Our office has been using the Zeltiq fat reduction device for over a month now, and we are seeing very positive results! As you may recall from my prior blog, the Zeltiq is a non-invasive medical device that is used for targeted fat reduction around the waist, tummy and love handle area of the body. Studies show a loss of fat of approximately 20 percent in the treated areas over a two to four month period. The procedure is comfortable, safe and has little, if any, down-time.
Check out this article from the Orange County Register, that discusses how the Zeltiq procedure rivals liposuction surgery.
If you have any questions regarding Zeltiq, please call our office for more information.
Connect the Dots? Not on Your Skin! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
Do you look down at your body and see bright red dots here, there or maybe everywhere on your skin? These are known as cherry angiomas and are spots where blood vessels have proliferated in the skin. Their size can range from a pin head to much larger and they can be found anywhere on the body, but most often occur around the trunk area. Their exact cause is unknown, although they tend to show up around middle age and in women during or after a pregnancy. They are generally harmless, but cosmetically can make you feel like a dot to dot puzzle. Luckily, there are simple treatments to rid your skin of these distracting and occasionally irritating spots. While an electric needle is sometimes used to cauterize the angioma, PDL or pulse dye laser is a quicker and easier way to treat a number of the lesions at one time. With laser, the angioma will temporarily turn dark purple or black in color, then is reabsorbed by your body over a few days up to a week for most patients. Its one of my favorite treatments because its so effective, low risk and makes your skin appear more youthful. Let’s face it, the less spots on our skin, the better it looks! If you have questions or would like to come in for a treatment, please contact our office.
Support Grows for Non-Surgical Treatments to Look Younger: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
I find it truly exciting that non-surgical approaches to treat aging skin continue to gain popularity. As highlighted by Dermatology Daily, Hillary Howard, in the New York Times (11/19, E3) “Skin Deep” column, wrote, “When it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, laser resurfacing can often trump surgery,” according to plastic surgeon Michael McGuire, MD, FACS. He explained, “If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option” that may even “defer face-lifts” in some “patients in their 40s.” But, “the debate surrounding laser treatments is whether to go fractional or cover the entire surface of the treated area.” With fractional lasers, “recuperation time is minimal, but multiple treatments are necessary,” whereas “regular laser resurfacing…requires at least a week of recovery,” but has the advantage of being “a single treatment” producing “arguably more dramatic results.”
Laser resurfacing technology has improved greatly over the last ten years. These days there is an appropriate resurfacing procedure for nearly every person looking to reduce wrinkles and freshen up their skin. Particularly around the eyes these treatments have a high satisfaction rate among patients because renewing skin texture is often all a patient needs to look less tired and aged. While surgery remains an option for lifting and tightening skin, it does little to help with etched lines and often carries more risk than resurfacing. My office staff and I are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures and help counsel patients on which resurfacing treatment is right for them.
Introducing Zeltiq - Targeteted Fat Reduction that Works is Finally Here! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
If you have been a patient of mine for any length of time interested in reducing areas of fat on the body, you know that I have not been excited or impressed with any of the non-surgical options currently available. I have long held out for a treatment that would be safe and truly provide results, which is why I am so excited to announce that the Zeltiq procedure is finally here!!
The Zeltiq procedure is the new “cool” way to gently reduce fat in targeted areas of the body. Known also as cryolipolysis, this non-invasive procedure results in noticeable, natural looking fat reduction in specific areas without the need for needles, incisions, anesthesia or pain medication. Best of all, you can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.
The Zeltiq procedure is unique because it uses an advanced tissue cooling technology to eliminate fat cells without damaging the skin. The specially designed applicator cup uses a gentle vacuum pressure to draw targeted skin tissue between two cooling panels. When the fat cells are exposed to the controlled cooling, they begin a process of natural elimination and are gradually removed through the body’s normal metabolic process over time.
Ideal candidates for Zeltiq are relatively fit, but have some modest-size fat bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise. They are seeking spot reduction for specific areas of fat, but are not considering a surgical procedure.
Clinical studies validate that cryolipolysis for fat layer reduction is well-tolerated and produces a visible contour change in the majority of patients. Based on ultrasound assessment, an average fat layer reduction of 22.4% was demonstrated after only one Zeltiq procedure. Results are seen in most people between two to four months following treatment.
The cost to treat one area will be $1000, however, we are so excited by the Zeltiq that we are offering an introductory discount of 50% for procedures booked within the next three months!
For a consultation on what to expect with your specific treatment, to learn more and to take advantage of this special, please contact our office at 415-292-6350.
Keep Your Legs Looking Their Best - Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Fall is just around the corner, which makes it a perfect time to start planning your treatments on unwanted spider vein on your legs. Not only are we putting away shorts and skirts, but starting in fall will allow plenty of time for a few sessions to get your legs looking more youthful by next summer!
Spider veins are mild version of varicose veins. They are small, superficial blood vessels that typically appear on our legs and ankles. Spider veins can look like unconnected short lines or can be connected in a branching pattern covering a small to large area. They are primarily a cosmetic concern and generally do not cause pain or discomfort.
Treatment for spider veins is called sclerotherapy. In this simple and comfortable procedure a special sclerosing solution is injected with a very fine needle into the blood vessels. This causes them to seal up and then fade within a few weeks. During this period of time, the areas that have been injected may appear discolored, often brownish or bruised. This discoloration is temporary and fades along with the vessels. The number of treatments varies from one to several depending on the extent of the veins and are usually 6 weeks apart. Occasionally a vessel may need more than one injection, or similar veins may eventually appear again in the same area.
Laser treatments may also be used to treat spider veins on the legs. A dermatologist or nurse practitioner can assess your specific case and provide the most effective treatment.
The causes of spider veins are varied and include heredity, age, long periods of standing, hormonal changes, excess weight and pregnancy. To help prevent or keep spider veins from worsening you can wear support pantyhose or compression stockings if you are on your feet a lot. Exercise and a healthy diet are also important. If there are larger, underlying varicose veins, you may want to seek treatment on those first with a vein specialist before chasing the spider veins.
Many patients waiver on whether or not its worth the time, money and effort to work on leg veins. In my experience, patients that were on the fence and went ahead with treatment end up feeling quite satisfied with the results. Even just “cleaning up” a few of the larger patches makes patients happier and less self-conscious. There is never an age where you will not want to wear shorts or skirts, so starting treatment sooner than later will help keep your legs looking great now and in the future. Contact our office for more details on sclerotherapy and to see if its right for you!
