Florida Vein Care

10% off sun screens this month

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:57 +0000

Susie Bragg is at again! She is on a mission to make Florida Vein Care clients the most educated skin care clients in Florida, and nothing can stop her (Dr. Bragg stopped trying years ago). Florida Vein Care will be hosting another lunch and learn at our Dr. Phillips clinic on Tues. May 31st @ noon. Those fortunate to attend will be getting 20% off our much talked about skin care kit, as well as 20% off all sunscreens and eye crystals! To top it off (Susie loves to top it off), we are giving 10% off our popular Clarisonic, and Clarisonic opal’s. Lunch will be provided along with all the valuable knowledge that people have come to love our lunch and learns for. If you haven’t joined us yet, make it a point to not miss this one. You will be hooked and you skin will too!

Image via clarisonic.com

Image Via Clarisonic.com

Vein Disorders – A Brief Overview

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:26 +0000

Do you remember going to church as a child and having to sit next to some of the older members of your community? You’d look down at their legs to see the swollen veins running along their skin like a roadmap of age, and you’d say to yourself that you would never catch whatever they caught? Guess what: Some times you don’t have a choice in the matter. Vein disorders are some of the most common afflictions for adults in the United States. Given that nearly 30% of all men and women will encounter just such a disorder it is only natural that there would be cures. So even if you find yourself looking like that church elder as time goes on, there is a way to remedy the problem.

What are Vein Disorders?

Varicose Veins on Top, Spider Veins on Bottom

The Benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment

managewp — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:28:32 +0000

Varicose Veins create a great deal of pain and embarrassment to whomever they affect. More often than not, patients suffering from these troublesome veins have them surgically removed. However, many patients suffering from Varicose Veins are having them treated via a technique known as Endovenous Laser Treatment.

TREATMENT

Endovenous Laser Treatment is a fairly simple procedure, and one that does not require typical surgical means. ELT is performed by inserting an optical fiber, guided by ultrasound, into the problem vein(s). The optical fiber emits an infrared laser light, which causes the vein to contract. As the vein contracts the optical fiber is removed, and the procedure is finished. This treatment is effective in that it causes the vein to contract, cutting off its ability to house more blood, and removing the chance of swelling. As an added bonus, the procedure is relatively non-invasive as it is performed via small punctures, not painful incisions that need to heal.

THE BENEFITS INVOLVED WITH ELT.

Due to the limited surgical nature of the procedure, there are several potential benefits to receiving treatment. Reoccurrence: Being that the treatment does not involve incisions, cutting, or tying off of the varicose veins, there is much less chance that patients will encounter recurring problems in the future. The vein is reacting naturally to the infrared laser, contracting as a means of self defense. This shocks the vein into maintaining a normal, healthy size. Recovery Time: Again, as there is very limited tampering with the skin or vein, as would not normally be the case with other procedures, patients are met with shorter recovery periods. Any damage to the skin will be minimal at worst, and should any healing be necessary it will not last as long as other procedures. Results: Even though most procedures designed to remedy varicose veins provide patients with a new level of physical comfort, as well as confidence, often times there will/can be traces of the problem veins left behind. Not only does this not happen with ELT, but the results (on average) last longer, look better, and generally eliminate any cause for pain. The reasons for choosing ELT as a means for curing your Varicose Veins is ample, but we suggest coming in to Florida Vein Care and having a professional aid in deciding if the procedure is right for you. Contact us today using the information provided on our homepage, and begin your journey to good vein health today!

Dermal Fillers: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

managewp — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:40:47 +0000

Dermal fillers are some of the most commonly used forms of cosmetic enhancement, and for good reason. Depending upon the filler used, results range from similar to nearly identical compared to their more involved cousin, Plastic Surgery. But there’s more to the Dermal Fillers than results. Let’s take a closer look at these fillers, shall we?

COST

On average, Dermal fillers (such as Juvederm) cost upwards of thousands of dollars less than invasive plastic surgery procedures. They still aren’t cheap, but your price will vary due to what filler you use, as well as how many problem areas need the injections. As every practice is different, consult with your provider to find out how much a dermal injection will cost you. Regardless of where you go, you can rest assured an injection (or series of injections) will cost you less in the short term, but will always provide more natural looking results than most forms of plastic surgery.

LIFESPAN OF RESULTS

This is another area that depends upon the filler you’re using. On average, your results can last anywhere from 3-9 months, with some fillers claiming to last as long as a year+. Now, most fillers won’t last you a whole year, as they do wear off and the skin continues to age while its underlying muscles are paralyzed by the injection(s). On the other hand, when we look at facelifts (and similar procedures) results seem to last anywhere from 8-10 years! The only difference lies in that dermal fillers create a more natural look to the skin. Most plastic surgery procedures leave a patient’s facial skin too tight, when it should appear taut.

A DIFFERENCE OF NEEDS

As much as we can compare dermal fillers to plastic surgery, the truth is that both methods serve different patient needs. Dermal fillers primarily help eliminate wrinkles, frown lines, and lesser problematic flaws in a person’s face. See below:

Photo courtesy http://www.baltimore-eyecare.com

Meanwhile, plastic surgery is more often used for severe cases of skin laxity, deformities, or “imperfections” that might otherwise find no solace in simpler methods of treatment. See Below: At the end of the day we always advise prospective patients to meet with one of our specialists before choosing one option over another. Our experienced care providers will know the best plan of attack for whatever ails you, and will provide you with all of the necessary information pertaining to treatment. If you’re interested in dermal fillers as a means for taking some of the age out of your skin, contact our office via our homepage, and start your journey to revitalization today.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A Primer

managewp — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:37:06 +0000

So, you’ve unfortunately been stricken with varicose veins (or other superficial veins, such as spider veins), and you’re looking for ways to treat them. You may have heard of a procedure known as an Ambulatory Phlebectomy, but you have no idea what it entails. Do not fret, as we’re going to walk you through the procedure so that you can know what it covers, and what all to expect.

WHAT IS AN AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY?

This is a method for treating superficial veins that may, or may not, be symptomatic (causing the patient physical discomfort/pain). An Ambulatory Phlebectomy is, essentially, a method of removing superficial veins via small, slit-like incisions in the skin of the problem area. Relatively simple, the procedure basically boils down to the following four steps:

Marks are made to identify the problem veins
Local anesthesia is administered to the patient in the form of an injection
Vein is surgically removed segment by segment via the small incisions.
Legs are encased in compression stockings that are to be worn until the doctor advises otherwise (typically up to a week’s time)

Though the procedure is light, outpatient surgery, all care should be given in regards to following the doctor’s orders.

THINGS TO KNOW/ASK BEFORE HAND

Like other forms of surgery, however minor or major, there are some details that must be considered before surgery can be performed. Before pursuing this surgery as a means of eradicating your varicose or spider veins, discuss the following concerns with your doctor:

Is the varicose vein the problem, or do veins they are connected to affect them: If the vein you wish to remove is being fed by other, deeper veins, removing it before taking care of the source vein(s) would be impractical, as the vein may return. Check with your doctor to see what is causing the problem vein, as well as how you can prevent it.
Are there blood clots in the problem veins that should be addressed first: If there are clots in the problem vein(s), opting for an ambulatory phlebectomy before the clots are dealt with could result in further harm to the patient. This is not advised.
What other procedures should be considered along with the ambulatory phlebectomy: In the event your doctor discovers other problems that accompany your superficial veins, make sure to find out what other procedures you should expect to receive prior to/alongside the ambulatory phlebectomy.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?

As with any other procedure there will be the potential for side effects. While you should always ask your doctor before making any decisions, as well as to inquire as to more detailed information, consider the following potential side effects you may experience:

Temporary bruising of the treated site is common
Incisions may heal poorly if not given proper care
There may be vein remnants that go undetected during surgery. Should these veins remain, they can become inflamed or infected, and can cause Thromophlebitis (the swelling of a vein due to blood clotting).

As always, it is advised to speak with a medical provider before pursuing any surgery or treatment of a medical nature. We encourage you to speak with a specialist as Florida Vein Care, which you may do by following the prompts on our front page.

Dysport vs. Botox: A Better Alternative?

managewp — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:54:58 +0000

Botox has been the go-to method for eliminating wrinkles for decades — at least here in the United States, but is there a better alternative?

People have been raving about Dysport, a compound that is very similar to Botox, since the FDA passed it in 2009. According to the rumors, Dysport is rapidly offering Botox quite the challenge for Top of the List status. But what is Dysport exactly, and how can it help you?

An Alternative to Botox

Dysport is derived from the same neurotoxin as is responsible for Botox (botulinum toxin Type A), and as such it provides the same service as Botox. The claim of Dysport, however, is that it bears two advantages over Botox: Radius of Effect, and Period of Effect.

In studies, it has been discovered that Dysport tends to reach a larger area than Botox, typically capping out at 3 cm to Botox’s 1 cm. This is advantageous as it implies that Dysport can hit a larger area of muscle groups, and as such (in theory) requires fewer injections. The jury is still out on this claim, however, as many who have received the injection maintain that they have had to have more injections than if they had used Botox.

Another product of the injection is that it is reported to last much longer than Botox. Patients who received the injections during a clinical study sponsored by the company behind Dysport reported a window of effect up to 13 months (to Botox’s typical duration of 6 months). Like the findings in the above paragraph, there seems to be a disconnect between the claims and average results. The solid evidence is bound to arise after a less biased study takes place.

How Does Dysport Work?

Like Botox, Dysport is injected into the “problem areas”, though it specifically targets the glabullar muscles (the muscles responsible for the wrinkling in one’s forehead). Just like Botox, Dysport relaxes the muscles and causes the skin the keep from wrinkling. As the area of injection is wider, it is recommended that you receive injections from some one skilled with Dysport, as carelessly delivered injections can spread to the eyelids and cause droopage.

As far as side effects, Dysport is once again very similar to Botox. Headaches, minor stinging sensations in the injection sites, and temporary numbness can occur.

As there is so much information regarding Dysport that can best be described as “unconfirmed”, we advise you to speak with a health specialist who can supply you with all of the current data pertaining to the compound. To receive such a consultation, visit with a specialist at Florida Vein Care via the “Get Treatment” button on our front page.

Treating Spider Veins

managewp — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:00:50 +0000

What Contributes to Spider Veins?

Notice the tendril-like pattern in the veins, like a spider's legs.

Spider Veins can be caused by a multitude of things, and they are capable of affecting a large variety of people regardless of age. Causes include:

Heredity
Pregnancy
Hormonal Shifts
Weight Gain
Prolonged sitting or standing on a daily basis at work or at home

The underlying cause for many people’s Spider Veins is poor circulation due to their daily behaviors (sitting or standing for long periods of time). As such, it is advised that men and women keep their legs elevated at some point during the day. This will stop the problem before it starts.

What Are My Spider Vein Treatment Options?

There are two common options for treatment of Spider Veins. For starters there is:Sclerotherapy, which is the injection of sclerosing solution into the vein(s). This solution causes the problem veins to collapse, and then fade from view. During this procedure, the skin of the problem area is held taut, so that the care provider can more precisely target the vein. Cotton Balls and compression tape are used after the procedure is performed to ensure the procedure sticks.

A typical Injection.

Yet another method of treatment is to obliterate the vein using a laser that is aimed directly at the problem area.

Whatever the route you take, it is common to receive two (2) or more treatments before the problem is 100% fixed.

What Are the Risks of Treatment?

While it’s true there are risks, they may outweigh the potential risks of living with Spider Veins. All that being said, potential risks include:

Scarring
Bleeding
Infection
Poor healing of the injection site
Change in skin sensation
damage to nerves, muscles, or blood vessels — either temporarily or permanently
Skin contour irregularities
Skin discoloration and swelling
Skin sensitivity
Ulceration
Pain
Possibility of necessary revisional surgery
Need for further injection therapy

To help limit the amount of risks, most doctors advise their patients to refrain from exposing injection sites to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the healing period. While every one is different, the typical healing period can take up to one month.

If you think you would like to pursue Spider Vein Treatment, speak to a professional today.

Treating Varicose Veins

managewp — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:52:40 +0000

How a vein should look compared to a varicose vein

Varicose Veins are the blight of many men and women in the United States. In fact, 15% of all men and 25% of all women suffer from this particular vein disorder. Often times Varicose Veins appear blue or purple, though sometimes they can be flesh tone. While any vein can become varicose, they seem to typically affect veins in the legs and feet in most cases. In women who have gone through pregnancy, it is possible to see Varicose Veins near/around the pelvis, due to the pressure applied in that area as an affect of growing a child. While many people only report a visual side effect of Varicose Veins, in many others the condition actually causes pain, aches, and other forms of discomfort. They are also a good indication of potential circulatory problems down the line.

What Are My Varicose Vein Treatment Options?

Options include: Sclerotherapy: The injection of a sclerosing solution that causes the veins to collapse and disappear from view. Endovenous Laser Treatment: A small laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein. The vein is heated from the inside, causing it to seal shut and disappear. Radiofrequency Occlusion: This procedure heats the veins, causing them to contract and close. This, in turn, causes the vein to disappear. Laser and Pulse Light Treatments: A light beam is pulsed onto the vein(s), sealing them off and causing them to dissolve. This method typically requires several treatments. Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Tiny punctures or incisions are made, through which the surgeon manually removes the vein(s). Vein Ligation: Incisions are made over the problem vein(s), and they are tied off. This cuts off the blood flow, starving the vein, and it becomes less visible. Vein Stripping: After incisions are made, the surgeon will tie off the top portion of the vein restricting blood flow. He/She will then manually remove the vein. As you can see, there are many options for treating Varicose Veins. Speak to a professional before choosing a strategy, and make sure you learn about the risks involved before moving forward.

Medical Dermabrasion – Peeling Back The Layers

managewp — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:46:51 +0000

Many people think of Dermabrasion as nothing more than a cosmetic surgery for the vain, but that isn’t entirely true. While it is a technique used in order to remove wrinkles and fine lines from the skin, it actually benefits more than just the forever young.

What is Medical Dermabrasion?

Medical Dermabrasion is the act of removing the top layers of a patient’s skin. It is primarily a skin smoothing procedure, and is often (typically) performed while a patient is awake.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure begins when a healthcare provider local anesthetic that numbs the area being worked on. What follows is a gentle sanding of the skin by way of a special device. Once the procedure is done, an antibiotic ointment will be administered to the skin to help with scabbing.

What are the risks?

While not common, there are several risks involved with Medical Dermabrasion.

Permanent skin discoloration between the treated and untreated areas
Excessive scars or the appearance of keloids (spots of scarred tissue)
Bleeding
Infection
Scarring

It is a medical procedure like any other, so it is important to have it performed by Dermabrasion professionals.

What does Dermabrasion Cure?

Apart from visual aging, Dermabrasion is used in order to cure the following:

Age-related skin growths (seborrheic keratoses)
Precancerous Growths
Scars due to accidents, acne, or previous surgery

Whatever your reason for looking into Medical Dermabrasion, be responsible and speak with a licensed professional before making any decisions.

Botox Injections – What You Need to Know

managewp — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:35:37 +0000

Botox is one of the most widely used forms of plastic surgery out there, and it has literally changed the face of the medium since its incarnation over a decade ago. Some people may not know what all goes into Botox before considering it as an alternative to more enticing, yet much more expensive procedures. While getting a fancy facelift might sound more promising, let’s go over what makes Botox Injections so popular.

Notice the Difference?

What is Botox?

Botox is produced from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This is known more commonly as the toxin that causes Botulism, widely known as a reaction to severe food poisoning. Don’t worry, however, as Botox does not harm the body in any way.

How does Botox Work?

To understand how Botox works, we must first understand what makes our skin wrinkle in the first place. Wrinkles and other aging lines are caused by the contraction of the muscles underlying the skin of our faces. As we age, this constant muscular activity creates laxity in our skin, causing it to droop or sag. Botox is a much more diluted variation of Botulism, but it operates under the same premise. Where Botulism causes paralysis in every muscle of its host, Botox has been re-worked so that it only causes a mild paralysis in specified muscles into which it is injected. The injection causes a block between the nerves and the muscles in your face, so that they do not contract. The effects are safe, contained, and temporary.

Years have been taken away from this subject's cheeks, brow, and eyes.

How is Botox Injection performed?

The procedure is performed by injecting Botox into the designated “problem areas” via a very fine needle. It is that simple, and can take a mere few minutes. This convenience and relatively comfortable experience is part of what makes Botox Injections so popular.

What Else Should I know About Botox Injections?

The effects will last anywhere from 4-6 months, with the treatment taking 3-7 days to take full effect.
This treatment trains the muscles to relax, so when lines and wrinkles do return they become less noticeable the more treatments you receive.
Side effects are mild at best, and include:
Temporary bruising of injection site (it is advised to stop taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines 2 weeks before receiving treatment in order to reduce bruising).
Headaches that can last up to 48 hours, but never longer.
In very rare cases drooping of the eyelids has been reported, but this is attributed to patient error. Refrain from rubbing the injection site for up to 12 hours after treatment, and do not lie down for 3-4 hours after an injection. These actions cause the Botox to move around.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a neurological disease it is advised that you do not use Botox.

Of course we advise speaking to a professional in the field of Cosmetic Surgery before planning any course of action.