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Do you have questions about the procedures, treatments or services that we provide?
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information, (415) 668-4956.
We are always pleased to assist you.
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 Microdermabrasion is a powerful new skin peeling technology which uses a stream of fine micro-crystals to gently exfoliate the skin revealing a new, fresh skin beneath. Microdermabrasion is one of the most exciting and sought after medical cosmetic procedures today. Microdermabrasion is indicated for treatment of the following:
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Pigment irregularities
- Age spots
- Enlarged pores
- Dry, sun- damaged complexion
- Acne and acne scars
- Stretch marks
Microdermabrasion is very safe and effective for all skin types and skin colors, and is performed with minimal or no discomfort. Treatments may be followed by our special Sonic Youth Therapy to further reduce the visible signs of aging. Like many of our procedures, patients may have a microdermabrasion treatment and return immediately to work or play with minimal downtime required.
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 BOTOX® is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A. BOTOX® treatments provide a safe, quick and remarkably effective way to markedly decrease wrinkles. It works best on the wrinkles of the upper face, these are the eye wrinkles or crow’s feet, frown lines and lines on the forehead. BOTOX® is a substance that totally relaxes the muscles that are responsible for wrinkles caused by facial expression. For example, to make a frown we use muscles between and above the eyebrows, over time we are left with a deep wrinkle or crease between the eyes. This may make us look angry even we we are not frowning. In some cases BOTOX® can totally eliminate these lines in other cases it may reduces them. Side effects are uncommon and may include bruising, some mild facial asymmetry, eyelid sagging or headache.
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Unwanted hair from virtually any part of the body can be removed by the hair removal laser. The most common areas requested are upper lip and chin hair in women, other facial hair in women, underarm hair, leg hair, bikini areas and back and chest hair on men. Very light blond hair and gray hair cannot be removed by laser and is best treated by electrolysis, waxing, shaving or new hair creams. |
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 It is best to think of the treatments as a permanent reduction instead of permanent removal. Our bodies are dynamic and we may recruit more hair growth with time regardless of hair removal treatments.
Only hair which is actively growing can be treated by laser hair removal. Depending upon the area, only 30 - 60% of hair is actually growing at any one time. Therefore, to be successful, patients should count on a series of treatments -- usually three to six-- to achieve the success for which they are looking. |
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In addition to the wonderful, lasting results of laser hair removal, one of its greatest benefits is that it is quick and while not pain free, we can help you to manage the discomfort by using a variety of medical treatments. It is no more painful than when other hair removal procedures, such as waxing or electrolysis. For the occasional patient who experiences discomfort with laser hair removal, we use a numbing cream applied to the skin before treatment which is very helpful in preventing or reducing discomfort.
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Results of laser hair removal are seen quickly. Following your first and every treatment thereafter, you will notice a decrease in unwanted hair for a considerable length of time. |
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 Laser resurfacing is not a face lift, but it can dramatically reduce wrinkles. It is especially effective for the difficult to treat lines above the lip and around the eyes. The treatment does provide some facial tightening and greatly improves skin tone and texture. Acne scars can be improved also. Darker skinned patients may suffer from skin discoloration and need to have a test area done in an obscure spot before undergoing a procedure. Infections and changes in skin color can occur after laser. Rarely, infections or other problems may cause scarring. The skin may be sensitive and flush easily for many months after the procedure.
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Dr. Welsh will discuss with you the type of anesthetic that will be used. This will be administered to you and protective safety eye shields will be placed over or in your eyes.
The laser beam will then be delivered through a computer controlled scanner that precisely directs it over your face. As the water in the tissue absorbs the laser energy, a slight popping noise will be heard.
The procedure will take a few minutes to an hour depending upon the size of the area to be treated and the parameters that are used.
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The top layer of your skin will re-grow and be ready for makeup in approximately one week. Dr. Welsh will prescribe skin care products and instruction on how to use them. The most important thing is to follow instructions. This will minimize the risk of infections and ensure the shortest healing time.
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Your new skin will be sensitive to the ultra-violet rays of the sun and it is recommended that you do not go out in the sun. If you have to go out in the sun, cover up, wear a hat and use a good sunscreen. Dr. Welsh will tell you the best type of sunscreen to be used. |
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Lasers work by emitting a special colored light that is passed through the skin and absorbed by its target. After a series of treatments, the laser breaks up the pigment and the discoloration vanishes. The skin is left smooth and unmarred unlike previous methods that left scars and often atrophied surrounding tissue. I have several lasers that work very well in treating birthmarks. Please call my office for a consultation on this problem. |
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You may have rosacea. Rosacea (pronounced rose-ay-shah) is a condition affecting the skin of the face - mostly the area where people blush. There are a number of symptoms, ranging from mild to more severe, as you will see from the following list:
- Redness - This can look like nothing more than a blush or sunburn.
- Pimples - As a result of continual flushing, the skin eventually becomes irritated and inflamed and pimples may appear on the face. These pimples may be papules (small, red and solid) or pustules (pus-filled like teenage acne). This is why rosacea is often referred to as "adult acne" or "acne rosacea".
- Broken or Enlarged Blood Vessels - Doctors call this telangiectasias (tell-an-jek-taz-yah). When people with rosacea flush, the small blood vessels of the face get larger - eventually showing through the skin.
- Enlarged, Bumpy Nose - This condition is called rhinophyma (rhy-nofye-muh), and is present in more advanced stages of rosacea - especially in men.
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If you're like most people with rosacea, the first sign is usually rosy cheeks. As it progresses, the face may get red in patches and stay red for hours or days at a time, and, eventually, the redness doesn't go away at all. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and that means the symptoms may come and go in cycles and fluctuate in their degree of severity. Because of this, many people mistake their rosacea for things like sunburn, windburn, a complexion change or acne and don't bother to see a doctor. Dermatologists think that early treatment can keep rosacea from getting worse - even prevent blood vessels from enlarging or rhinophyma from developing. |
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Dr. Welsh can help you select the treatment that is just right for you. Laser treatment can eliminate broken blood vessels and decrease redness. Dr. Welsh uses a state-of-the-art laser called the Vbeam to safely treat broken blood vessels. Prescription medications can help clear the acne. |
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 There is some research showing that administration of systemic estrogens may prevent the decline in skin collagen. Additionally, estrogens may add some protection against dry skin and wrinkles. In a study of topical estrogens, a decrease in fine wrinkling was observed as well as increased skin thickness. I think that the studies are promising, but more studies are needed. In the meantime, there are a number of very good topical vitamin therapies and creams that help to maintain moisture in the skin. At night apply Retin-A®, Renova® or topical vitamin lotions. During the day, apply a moisturizer, vitamin C and wear sunscreen to protect the skin. Don't neglect the hands, chest and neck when using creams.
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Unfortunately, genetics and hormones play a major role in the formation of veins; however, there are some strategies that you can try. Sitting or standing for any length of time will exacerbate veins. I recommend changing positions frequently or pumping calf muscles every 15 minutes. Wear support hose, if you have to be on your feet for hours. Of course, exercise is a must. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting and avoid wearing high heels.
While the next strategies will not prevent veins, they may ease the conditions and minimize their discomfort. You might try to take a supplement of 500 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU of vitamin E. Topical vitamin K cream may be helpful. Regular massage is also helpful. Remember, if veins do develop have them treated early. I use lasers to treat leg veins. |
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Informative Facts Concerning Our Services
