Laser Skin Treatments
Laser Vein Treatments
Veins are responsible for returning blood flow from the extremities and organs to the heart. Because veins are essentially low-pressure pipes, veins have valves that prevent blood flow backwards. Aging, occupations that require excessive standing, leg injuries, hormone changes (both in pregnancy and with menstrual cycles), can all over time cause damage to these valves and result in the back up of blood in the vein that results in a varicose vein.
If the veins are tortuous, or greater than 4 mm diameter, we will usually recommend that a patient see a vein specialist for surgical treatment. Vein ligation involves tying off the affected vein. Vein stripping requires removal of a long segment of the vein with a special device. Some physicians have been specially trained in outpatient phlebectomy, which involves tiny puncture through the skin, with removal of a section of the vein. Sclerotherapy involves injection of the vein with a sclerosing agent that results in scarring and eventual collapse of the vein. The mechanism of sclerotherapy is similar to that of laser treatments, but slightly larger veins can be treated in this manner. Our physicians will be personally involved with the laser vein treatments at Camelback Women’s Health. Before and after digital photography will be recorded to document progress. Treatments for veins are billed by 15-minute increments. A package rate of 4 treatments is available at a discount and can be shared by a maximum of two individuals.
Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal offers a more permanent solution to hair removal on the face, trunk, bikini line, underarms, or on the legs. The laser uses the same principle as vein treatments, only with lower power settings, in order to destroy the hair follicle. The energy of the laser is absorbed by the melanin (dark pigment) of the hair and results in permanent destruction of the hair. Dark hair, because it has more melanin, is more easily destroyed. Lighter hair can also be treated, but the power settings need to be slightly higher. White hair is difficult to treat.
Complications from hair treatments include mild burns, crusting and sometimes hyperpigmentation of the area treated. The treatment usually involves minimal discomfort described as a mild stinging sensation. Most hair falls off immediately, with the rest falling off in one to two weeks. Because hair is always in one of three stages of growth, active (anagen), intermediate (catagen), and resting (telogen), and because active hair has more melanin, each treatment will only remove 20-30 percent of growing hairs. This is why 3-4 treatments with 6-10 week breaks between are necessary for a cosmetically acceptable result. Any remaining hair is usually thinner and lighter than before.
Package rates are recommended for those considering hair removal treatments. Hair removal treatment prices are based on the area being treated. A certified aesthetician will administer the hair removal treatments.
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Varicose veins are a common condition that affects nearly one fourth of Americans. Besides the unsightly appearance, varicose veins can cause symptoms of fatigue, aching, throbbing, itching or cramping. Leg swelling can also occur. 
In the past, treatments for varicose veins usually involved surgery to remove the vein, tie the vein off or inject the vein with a sclerosing agent, similar to bleach, to cause the vein to scar over and close.
