Are your varicose veins or spider veins causing you to avoid wearing your favorite outfit? Vein disease shouldn’t take away your self-confidence. If you’re looking for a way to diminish the appearance of varicose veins or spider veins, consider sclerotherapy. This non-invasive procedure has many benefits and may help you regain your confidence! [Read more…]
The winter is over, and the sun has rarely been more welcome. Most people are anxious to get outside, which means this is the perfect time to provide a reminder about the importance of sunscreen. Skin damage is a serious matter. When you choose to go without sunscreen, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to skin damage that ranges from spots, lines and wrinkles up to skin cancer. However, when wearing sunscreen is turned into a habit, it’s possible to minimize the effects of skin damage to achieve healthier, younger looking skin.
Most people can look back and recall the long, sunny days of their youth when wearing sunscreen was never even considered. Some of the skin damage from that time may be starting to show now. While it’s easy to think that the skin damage received from years of going without sunscreen can’t be reversed, it’s not necessarily true. If you approach it the right way, it may be possible to minimize the effects of earlier skin damage.
Exfoliation is a wonderful way to get rid of the outer surface of damaged cells. Using the right chemical, you’ll be able to reveal a smoother, more uniform layer of skin. Look for an exfoliant that contains glycolic acid, which effectively dissolves dead cells to get rid of skin damage.
Another sure sign of skin that’s gone for too long without sunscreen is brown spots. Fortunately, these can be lightened with a hydroquinone treatment that can be gotten over the counter or in stronger dosages from a dermatologist. These products are a gentle, effective way to reverse skin damage.
Every time you venture outdoors, make certain to use that sunscreen. Remember that the sun’s harmful rays can get to your skin even on overcast days, so always be prepared with sunscreen. Don’t forget to stock up on lip balm with sunscreen too.
For more information about sun damage and sunscreen, please contact Summit Skin and Vein Care today at (816) 533-4398.
In our last post, we wrote about how to prepare for laser hair removal. But what should I do afterward? Laser hair removal is a fantastic alternative to shaving and tweezing, but to be successful it’s important to provide appropriate care for your skin after your appointment. Here are a few tips for keeping your skin happy and healthy.
Most people who undergo laser hair removal experience mild itching and redness for about the first 24 hours post treatment. These symptoms are normal with laser hair removal as the treatment does irritate the skin. A hydrocortisone cream or an aloe gel can help with soothing this irritation. If this condition persists or becomes worse, it may be worthwhile to contact the technician who performed the laser hair removal.
Sunscreen is always essential, but it’s especially so after laser hair removal. When irritated skin gets sunburned, it’s unbelievably painful. Protect yourself with regular applications of sunscreen. You’ll also get a bonus for using sunscreen on your next visit. With paler skin your next laser hair removal appointment will be even more effective.
One laser hair removal session is typically not enough to completely remove hair. Usually at least five to seven laser hair removal appointments will be required to get the job done because hair grows in cycles. Consequently, you’ll notice hair growing between sessions. Use a gentle exfoliation technique to help loosen and detach any shedding hairs. Pour an exfoliating body wash onto a soft washcloth or loofah and gently massage onto the affected area. This will eliminate the shedding hairs that were treated in the last session. To handle hair regrowth that will be targeted in the next session, rely only on shaving. Tweezing, waxing and other hair removal methods that work on the follicle will sabotage your laser hair removal treatments.
Inform other medical caregivers about your laser hair removal therapy, and let your dermatologist know about any new medications or treatments to avoid complications.
For more information about our treatments and services, or for advice about taking care of your after laser hair removal, call Summit Skin and Vein Care in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.
Laser hair removal is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to get ready for bikini season. After having laser hair removal, there’s no more need to worry about shaving and waxing. However, if you’ve never had laser hair removal, you may have a number of questions about the procedure.
Information is key when getting ready for laser hair removal. Ask plenty of questions during the consultation so you’ll know what to expect, and be sure to disclose any medical issues you may have.
A single picture is worth 1,000 words, and you’ll want to be able to track your progress. Take a few photographs of the area that’s going to be treated with laser hair removal. You’ll want to check the results.
Your technician will have many warnings and reminders to give you at your consultation. The more closely you follow these instructions, the better the results of your laser hair removal are likely to be.
One of the most important warnings relates to staying out of the sun. Tanned skin is much more at risk for side effects during a laser hair removal treatment. For instance, skin lightening has occasionally occurred when someone has gone tanning before their treatment. It’s often recommended to stay out of the sun for about a month and a half before having the procedure performed.
Another vital word of advice relates to hair removal. While plucking and waxing may be a way of life now, they should be avoided in the weeks leading up to the appointment. Because these hair removal methods involve pulling hair out by the root, they can interfere with the laser removal process. Your technician will probably give the go ahead for shaving since this does not affect the hair follicle.
Laser hair removal is safe and effective. Follow these tips to prepare for a successful hair removal procedure, and stay tuned for tips on what you should do after laser hair removal.
For more information about our treatments and services, or for advice about laser hair removal, call Summit Skin and Vein Care in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.
Sticking to a skin care routine while traveling is tricky. That’s bad news because traveling takes a toll, and good skin care is essential. Here are skin care tips to help you look your best while traveling.
MoisturizeThe right moisturizer is paramount when you travel. Choose something rich and nourishing if you’ll be flying. Being on an airplane is particularly drying and it can leave your skin parched. If possible, choose a moisturizer that offers sun protection and reapply often. You’re likely to be more exposed to the sun while you’re vacationing.
Dealing with oil is a major skin care concern. It becomes a bigger problem when traveling to warmer climates. As this tip proves, skin care doesn’t have to be complicated. Just bring along rice papers or blotting papers. They are light, easy to carry and handily absorb excess oil.
Any good skin care routine needs to include the lips. Choose a moisturizing lip balm that can tuck into your purse or pocket. You’ll rely on it heavily while in vehicles and buildings that turn up excessive heating and cooling systems that can leave your lips dehydrated.
With luggage fees going through the roof, it’s more important than ever to pack light. However, your typical cleanser is essential to your healthy skin care routine. Pack it along with you, choosing a trial or sample size if possible. This helps minimize breakouts and other skin care concerns while you’re away.
Good sleep and adequate hydration are vital parts of your skin care routine. It’s tempting to stay up late while vacationing and forego the water, but make a point of hanging on to these components of your skin care regimen.
For more information about our treatments and services, or for advice about taking care of your skin while traveling, call Summit Skin and Vein Care in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.
Did you know that the skin is your body’s largest organ? Taking care of your skin ranks high in importance for a number of reasons. It protects you from bacteria, minimizes water loss, and protects blood vessels, nerves, and organs like the lungs, kidneys, and heart.
Where skin care is concerned, there are common misconceptions that need debunking. In fact, the following thoughts about skin care are fictitious:
• Tanning booths are safe – Sunbathing regularly can lead to skin cancer and can prematurely age skin. Tanning booths are no different. In fact, they’re worse because UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Higher SPF sunscreens provide better protection against the sun – This type of product only provides protection from UVB rays and sunburns. It does not protect against UVA unless it contains mexoryl, oxybenzone, avobenzone for UVA protection or titanium dioxide. A minimum SPF of 15 is needed as well, so make it part of your skin care routine.
• Sunscreen is unnecessary on cloudy days – UV rays are present even when the sun isn’t around. For maximum protection, follow this skin care regimen: apply sunscreen every day and reapply it every two hours after swimming or sweating. Don’t buy into the idea that makeup with SPF protection is enough. Apply sunscreen and your choice of foundation together as a precautionary measure.
• Scrubbing with soap keeps skin clean and healthy – This is not necessarily true. The more you scrub, the more you remove protective oils and barriers from your face. This can leave certain skin types red and prone to rashes. You may want to ditch this skin care regimen for something healthier and less drying.
Now that you know the difference between fact and fiction, taking care of your skin is easier than ever. Follow the tips listed above and cultivate healthier skin care habits. After all, can be hard to reverse damage once it’s been done. Simplify your skin care routine by knowing what does the most harm and what does the most good.
For more information about skin care myths, please contact Summit Skin and Vein Care today at (816) 533-4398.
It often seems as if the skin is the first part of the body to show signs of aging. With hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, it’s easy for people to look older than they are. The good news is that there are ways to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Here are some ways you can love your skin again.
Healing for Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a major concern. The condition is often triggered by sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation is treatable, usually with IPL, Fraxel, chemical peels/microdermabrasion or even topicals.
Minimizing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are perhaps the most common skin concern. That may be why there are so many treatments for fine lines and wrinkles available. Fine lines and wrinkles can be minimized by using physician-grade skincare products with alpha-hydroxy acids. People looking for more comprehensive treatment for wrinkles may want to look into microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing, both of which are performed in-office. Chemical peels can also help with fine lines, as well as injectables or fillers.
It’s possible to love your skin at any age. For more information about our treatments and services, call Summit Skin and Vein Care in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.
The name “chemical peel” is enough to make some shudder, but the results are undeniable. Chemical peels are an effective treatment for a variety of dermatological issues. Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation and certain types of acne with a chemical peel from your Summit Skin and Vein Care physician.
Different types of peels serve different purposes. One depth and chemical agent may be ideal for one person, but too strong for another. However, all peels involve removing the outer layers of the skin using a chemical solution.
There are three different peel depths:
Light – Light, or superficial peels remove just the top layer of skin and are 
much gentler than others. Results are instant, with very mild side effects of tingling, pinking of the skin and possible flaking. It’s even possible to return to work or hit the town immediately following a light peel, without anyone noticing.
Medium – Though the side effects of medium peels are more apparent, so are the results. This deeper peel can cause more prolonged recovery, typically about a week, with burning, stinging, swollen and itchy skin. The true “peel” part of the procedure becomes apparent, with more skin peeling present than in a light peel. However, this option is great for those seeking to eliminate uneven pigmentation, wrinkles and even sun damage.
Deep – Unsurprisingly, deep chemical peels are the most intense of the three depth levels. The side effects can be a bit frightening to behold, as well as painful to experience, but the results are certainly worth it. Redness, swelling and itching are expected, as the top layers of the skin peels off and scabs over the course of one to three weeks. The end result, however, is dramatic, with beautiful, fresh skin in the place of former scars, damage and wrinkles.
If you’re interested in a chemical peel, please consult your physician at Summit Skin and Vein Care. We would be happy to figure out a solution to your skin woes.
Call us today in Lee’s Summit at (816) 533-4398.
Stop spending your valuable time and money on countless cosmetics in an attempt to cover up hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and scars. Instead, consider a Fraxel procedure from Summit Skin and Vein Care of Lee’s Summit. Fraxel is an exciting technology that gives your skin new life, minimizing the appearance and effects of uneven coloration, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and even actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous condition. Here are some quick facts to help familiarize you with the procedure.
What is Fraxel?Fraxel uses fractional lasers to stimulate your body’s collagen, as well as resurface the top layer of your skin through a non-invasive procedure. The collagen then takes over, healing the skin for a beautiful, smooth finish. Scars from acne or chickenpox are minimized, as are age spots and sun damage. The result is a younger-looking, more confident you.
Rejuvenated skin is usually apparent within one to three weeks of treatment. Most patients receive one to five, fifteen to forty-five minute procedures to achieve desired results.
As with any procedure, Fraxel treatment has the potential for side effects. Most are similar to a sunburn, with redness, swelling and crusting or scabbing, among others. The majority of patients report experiencing mild discomfort after receiving treatment.
Fraxel combines two popular laser treatment technologies to get the best from both. This results in an optimally effective procedure with reduced downtime. Fraxel’s advanced technology is ideal for all levels of skin damage, from mild to severe.
The only way to know if Fraxel is right for you is to consult your physician at Summit Skin and Vein Care. Every individual is different, and your doctor will be able to give you a thorough examination to determine if Fraxel is a good choice for your hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Call us today at (816) 533-4398 for more information.
Over the span of history, long, full and luscious eyelashes have become a symbol of beauty and femininity and a wink or the bat of an eye have been used to lure and entice. If you’ve got something to be desired in the lash department, you may have considered products to thicken and lengthen your eyelashes. Eyeliner can be a great illusion and mascaras are temporary, but Latisse® may be a lasting solution for your lash woes. Summit Skin & Vein Care will answer your questions about this product and what it can do for you.
Originally developed to treat glaucoma, Latisse®, or bimatoprost, was found to drastically darken, lengthen and thicken patients’ lashes. Soon thereafter, researchers conducted studies on how to best use the formula for this new-found purpose.
Latisse® is currently available by prescription only.
Absolutely. Common side-effects include dryness, redness, itching and mild burning of the eye when in use, as well as darkening of the eyelid skin.
However, as with any medication, there are certain people that should avoid this product. Those with allergies to any of the ingredients, as well as women that are pregnant, plan to become so, or are breastfeeding should consult their doctor first. Others that should do so are people with current or a history of eye problems, including upcoming eye surgery, those with allergies and those taking any sort of medication or supplement. If you fall into one of the above categories, it does not necessarily mean you will be unable to use Latisse®, simply that you should inform the professionals at Summit Skin & Vein of your status at your consultation.
If used properly and consistently, patients generally see full and thick lashes after week sixteen, but some see changes as early as week four. Remember, however, that every patient is different so your results may not be the same as someone else’s.
To find out if Latisse® is a possible solution to your thin, short or sparse lashes, make an appointment with the caring professionals at Summit Skin & Vein Care. Give us a call today at (816) 533-4398. We look forward to hearing from you.
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