Aging Skin

Aging skin is brought about by both heredity and environmental factors.  Environment, or specifically sun damage plays one of the largest roles in the way the skin looks and functions.  Sun damage (or photo damage) is cumulative and the damage begins from youth.  As we age, our skin cells do not renew as rapidly as they did when we were younger.  The outer layer of the skin becomes thicker and there is an increase in pigmentation or discolouration.  Lines and wrinkles increase and an overall dullness of the skin develops.

Our skin rejuvenation peels

We offer a variety of skin rejuvenation peels that each work for different skin conditions and concerns. Your first appointment will involve a consultation with one of our doctors and one of our specialized skin care personnel who will assess and determine the right course of treatment for your skin and your concerns. Examples of skin rejuvenation peels we offer include Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids peels, Vitalize peels, and Melanage peels.

THE BENEFITS FROM OUR PEELS INCLUDE:

• Skin is healthier, looks more youthful

• Softer, smoother skin

• Increased firmness and clearer skin

• Lightening of dark spots

• Improved complexion and radiance

• Reduction of blemishes and blackheads

Sclerotherapy

The Glenmore Landing Vein Clinic has specialized in treating varicose veins for over 20 years. Two of the most effective treatments that are commonly recommended by doctors today are sclerotherapy and echo-sclerotherapy.

WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?

Sclerotherapy is a technique utilizing a series of injections of a sclerosant medication into spider veins and minor varicose veins. The use of a sclerosant causes the vessel lining to become sticky and the two sides adhere to each other. This coming together of the vessel lining is further promoted through the use of external compression via taping cotton balls on to the procedure. The combination of the procedure and the recommendations following the treatment causes the blood supply to the specific vessel to be reduced significantly/completely. As a result of the vessel not receiving this blood supply the vessel is reabsorbed into the system through the healing process and the vein is not longer visible.

What should sclerotherapy be considered?

This treatment is recommended to patients that have symptomatic varicosities and/or cosmetic spider veins.

What are the advantages of sclerotherapy?

Using the sclerotherapy technique the treatment takes approximately 25 minutes, is performed in the office, and requires no time off from work. Surgical treatments (ligation or stripping) are necessary under certain situations. Accompanying surgical treatments are unsightly, painful scars, and time off from work.

What can be expected from sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy can dramatically reduce large and small veins. Symptoms resulting from distended veins should disappear. Large varicose veins may require several injections along their path and some areas may need a series of injection sessions. As this treatment involves injections there is the potential for minor local inflammation to occur; usually discomfort is minimal. Bruising may last 3-4 weeks and brownish staining may occasionally last a few months. Support/compression stockings are recommended for 5-7 days following treatment. Serious but rare complications include phlebitis, infection, allergic reaction and skin ulcers.

How to prepare for sclerotherapy and Echo-sclerotherapy?

Before Treatment:

- Avoid taking Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications for 10 days prior to treatment (this will reduce the amount of bruising that may result from the treatment).* Disregard this recommendation if you are taking a small dose Aspirin at the recommendation of your physician for cardiovascular health

The Day of the treatment:

- Avoid waxing or shaving your legs

- Avoid using skin creams on your legs so that the tapes required for treatment will stick to your legs

- Bring support/compression stockings to wear after the treatment

- Eat regular meals

- Bring shorts to wear during treatment if you prefer

- Bring pants or a long skirt to wear following the procedure

After Treatment:

- Wear support/compression hose immediately and daily for 5-7 days (do not wear the stockings to bed)

- Walk for 10 minutes immediately following the procedure

- Remove the cotton balls in 2 hours

- Avoid strenuous activity (aerobics) for the first 48 hours (avoiding this will lessen the bruising).

- Showers are fine but avoid baths for 2 weeks

- If your legs become painful after injections walk for 30 minutes, elevate, and/or apply ice

- No tanning for 5 days (if outdoors use sunscreen to avoid a striped tan where the tapes have been)

- Call us if a rash, hives, inflammation or any other concerns develop

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a quick, safe, and effective form of exfoliating the skin.  There is no downtime and virtually no discomfort associated with microdermabrasion.  It is achieved by the use of inert corundum aluminum oxide mineral micro crystals to remove dead or damaged skin cells.  Microdermabrasion will help the skin to appear softer, smoother, brighter, clearer, and fresher looking.

Who can benefit?

Men and women of any skin type or colour can benefit from microdermabrasion. Anyone with aging, dry, devitalized, blemished, dull or sun-damaged skin is a candidate. Microdermabrasion will leave your skin feeling more rejuvenated and refreshed. Blotchiness, uneven skin tones and texture can also be improved by microdermabrasion.

Why microdermabrasion?

Approximately every 28 days we create a new layer of skin.  As new cells form they push their way towards the surface and dead cells settle on the surface.  This can cause enlarged, clogged pores, a bumpy uneven skin texture, and a dull appearance.  As we age, this process slows down leading to the appearance of older skin with less radiance.

How does it work?

This gentle exfoliation is performed with a jet of fine mineral crystals that are passed over the skin’s surface.  The crystals gently exfoliate approximately 20-25 microns of dead skin cells of the outermost skin layer. Once removed, fresher and younger looking skin is revealed.

How many treatments do you need?

This treatment is meant to be progressive not aggressive. Generally results are more noticeable after the third treatment, although, after the first session the skin will appear fresher, cleaner, smoother, and softer. Usually treatments are performed every 3-4 weeks for a series of six. Maintenance treatments are suggested once every 3-6 months. If you are having IPL treatments the usual interval is one 7-10 days prior to IPL then one 7-10 days after IPL. Microdermabrasion is often done as a series in combination with IPL treatments.

How long does it take?

The actual treatment takes approximately 15-40 minutes, depending on the body area being treated. Since the treatment is applied to clean skin, you should come to the office with a well-cleansed face (no make-up).

Are there any side effects?

There is minimal discomfort and little healing time, so a patient can resume normal activities immediately. Immediately after a treatment one may experience a slight tingling sensation or the skin may feel tighter, as if exposed to the wind or sun. The skin may appear slightly flushed and this generally fades in 12-24 hours. It is very important after a microdermabrasion to NOT EXERCISE where perspiration is created. You will develop a slight stinging sensation that can take several hours to dissipate.

Post Echosclerotherapy Instructions

• Go directly home, lay flat and elevate your leg above your heart with your knee straight for a period of 4 hours.  Once every hour during this period get up and walk around for 5-10 minutes.

• Following the period of leg elevation go for a brisk walk for a minimum of 30 minutes.

• Leave the compression bandage and stocking on for the first 4 days 24 hours a day after your appointment.  After that time, take the bandage off by soaking it in the shower or a short, tepid bath.  Continue wearing the stocking during the day only for an additional 2 weeks.

• While showering, try to keep the bandage/stocking dry.  Insert your leg into a large plastic bag, taping tightly around the top.  If your bandage does get wet, you may dry it with a hair dryer.

• Continue walking for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and elevating your leg for 15 minutes 3 times a day for 3 weeks after your appointment

• NO strenuous exercise for 4 weeks after your appointment.  This includes ALL exercise (i.e. running, bicycling, upper or lower body weights, pilates, deep water running etc.) except fast walking and swimming (no breaststroke or butterfly).

• Avoid hot baths, hot tubs and saunas for 3 weeks after your appointment.

• Localized tenderness, lumpiness, bruising and/or discoloration of the treated vein can be expected.  This is generally a result of blood that becomes trapped along the vein as it is healing.  Relief is obtained by “draining” the trapped blood from the vein.  This process can be uncomfortable but significantly improves healing and discomfort.  Some discoloration can last 12-18 months even if the vein has been drained.

• Any leg discomfort should respond to leg elevation, leg exercise or anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, etc.).  Apply ice to lumpy, healing veins if tender.

• A follow up ultrasound appointment will be scheduled 3-4 weeks after your Echosclerotherapy appointment to assess the vein closure and the need for drainage.

• At any time, if you are having more than mild discomfort or have any concerns, contact the clinic at 253-2555.  There is a doctor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• DO NOT bring children

• It is advisable not to travel for 7-14 days following Echosclerotherapy treatment.  If travel is necessary please discuss this with one of the doctors prior to your Echosclerotherapy treatment.