Newsletter

Say Goodbye to Spider Veins
....Spider veins are red or bluish short lines, the size of a hair or larger. They may look like a spider web, hence the name "spider veins." Spider veins appear mostly on legs or face, occasionally elsewhere. Blood vessels larger than a pencil are called varicose veins.
Causes
....Facial veins are found in both men and women and tend to run in families (inherited). Facial veins may occur as a result of long term sun exposure or the skin condition rosacea.
....Spider veins in the legs are much more common in women, and occur due to the hormones estrogen or progesterone at puberty or with pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. Leg veins can also appear after an injury to the leg or a broken bone. Conditions, such as pregnancy, which increase pressure on the pelvic area, occupations requiring prolonged standing and high impact aerobics, such as jogging are also a major contributing factor to the development of leg veins.
Prevention
....The daily use of sun protection will aide in prevention of veins on the face and neck. Medical graduated support stockings that are tighter at the foot and ankle, progressively less tight throughout the calf, knee, thighs, and hips help to prevent leg veins. These stockings work with the natural muscle "pump" in the calf to push blood out of the legs and back toward the heart. Wearing these stockings during pregnancy and at work if your job requires prolonged standing, will reduce the risk of development of spider veins on the legs. Eating a high fiber diet and avoiding weight gain will reduce the pressure on the legs. Exercise regularly with low impact aerobic activity. Wear low heeled shoes. High heeled shoes limit the pumping action of the calf muscle with each step prohibiting the pumping action which pushes blood from the legs.
Treatment
....Individual treatment regimes will yield the best results. At your initial consultation Dr. Saloom will plan your treatment based on the size and location of the veins and other factors such as your hormonal status, medications, and other health problems. Options include, Sclerotherapy (which is an injection of a saline solution into the offending vein) and laser. Dr. Saloom has already helped many women reduce their spider veins for over 3 years with state of the art laser procedures. They are safe, effective, and affordable.
EPI-LASER 2000 - Say Good-bye to Hair
....Premier Laser Center has been performing permanent hair reduction for over 2½ years using the EPI-LASER, the world's best laser for hair removal. In early July we will be the first in the South to introduce the new EPI-LASER E 2000, the world's fastest and most technologically advanced laser offering permanent hair reduction.
....Imagine saying good-bye to waxing, plucking, and electrolysis. The E-2000 can be used for the treatment of hair on the face, back, legs, neck, bikini area, underarms - WELCOME TO THE YEAR 2000 - WELCOME TO E-2000
Redefining Facial Peels
....Premier Laser Center offers a variety of products to assist you in the search for beautiful skin. One of the most popular services is the facial peel. We offer several alternatives depending on what you would like to treat and your major concern. Here is some information on the Obagi BLUE PEEL that we offer and how it works to help you look your best.
....-The Obagi BLUE PEEL is a one to four step application of blue solution mixed with TCA (Trichloracetic Acid). These applications will lead to the removal of thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin. Layers of dead skin cells exfoliate and are replaced by healthier ones allowing the skin's own clarity and tightness to resurface.
....-The Obagi BLUE PEEL represents a breakthrough and significant improvement in skin rejuvenation. Using slow acting TCA, instead of glycolic acid, the Obagi BLUE PEEL enables the physician to control the peel process and its depth. The process is tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, laxity or pigmentation problems.
....-Depending upon the condition of your skin 1 - 4 coats of the solution will be applied. Most people will not require sedation. If the doctor indicates sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
....-At each level, you will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts 2 to 3 minutes. The doctor may use an electric fan to minimize the sensation. A bluish tint remains on your skin: it will usually wash off in 12 to 24 hours. Your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 3 days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days. This peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle.
....-Your doctor will determine how many peels are necessary to achieve the desired result. In most cases the procedure takes 25 - 30 minutes.
Obagi Corner
....The Obagi Nu-Derm system is built on the concepts developed by Dr. Zein Obagi, a leading dermatologist. Last month my wife Laura and I had the opportunity to tour the Obagi international offices and research facility in Long Beach California, where we met with several product representatives and executives. They stressed their commitment to those who have chosen Obagi as their personal program to correct and stimulate the skin, and vowed to continue research to help us find younger and healthier looking skin. New products are constantly being turned out by the research lab for Obagi employees trial and feedback. Not a bad job!
Important Steps to consider during the sunny months of Louisiana Summer are:
  • Stick with the system (cleanser, toner, clear, blender, and retin-A)
  • If you plan a lot of outdoor activities, it's okay to back off the retin-A a little. Use a sun-block with SPF of at least 23 (the transparent zinc oxides are great!)
  • Remember it's okay to peel some - that is how you shed dead skin cells that dull the skin's natural luster.
What do the different products really do?
  • Cleanser - just that
  • Toner - normalizes the skin's Ph to healthier status
  • Clear - skin lightener to even color and pigment problems
  • Blender - also a skin lightener with deep moisturizing ability
  • retin-A - exfoliates surface skin cells and stimulation of collagen to tighten skin
    (DO NOT USE RETIN-A IF PREGNANT OR LACTATING)

....It is the combination of these products that enhance your skin's appearance. Obagi also offers sun blocks, moisturizers, and hydrocortisone cream. Contact us if you have any questions.