Total Body Surgical Blog

Last week we talked about treatment of facial redness, facial veins, and rosacea as a cause.  Most of these treatments involve some type of light therapy or laser treatments.  The laser is used to close visible veins on the face and at the base of the nose.  It works by damaging the lining of the vein, it ceases to function, and your body eventually gets rid of it.  Of course, some new veins may appear with time and may require further treatment. 

 just a reminder..

For the redness associated with aging and, or rosacea, we use IPL (intense pulsed light).  The intensity of the pulse of light also targets the red pigment in the smaller capillaries of the skin of the face, causing them to close.  After a short time, the redness is much less.  In many cases, we will use the laser and IPL at the same time, closing the larger, visible veins with the laser and the generalized redness with IPL.  The IPL treatments also can target "age" spots on the face, or areas of Melasma (mask of pregnancy or pigmented areas).

 melasma   age spots

These areas are caused by Ultraviolet light (sun) exposure and hormonal changes.  This is why we recommend not tanning your face!!!, or use sun screen on your face and re-apply often.

OK, after this reminder of what we are trying to address with the laser...what is, and why do you need "pre-treatment"?  First of all, we want the treatments to be as effective as possible.  If you pre-treat the skin, the dead layer or stratum corneum is not as thick and the light used penetrates better.  This, of course, gives a better result.  The other problems that can occur with light therapy are:

-hyperpigmentation:  in other words, the skin cells that produce the pigment in the first place can respond by making more....not what we're looking for.

-hypopigmentation:  loss of skin color.  The pigment cell stop working and the skin becomes too light.

-persistant redness:  redness of the skin after treatment that can hang on for months.

Of course the percentage of people that have any one of the three of these happen is very low, however, we want to decrease the risk as much as possible.  How do we do this?....by pre-treating the skin of course.

What we, and most others, use is a combination of a retinol compound, and a fading agent.  Retinol compounds are derivatives of vitamin A.  (retinol, retin-a, tretinoin, etc.)  There are chemical differences between them, but the end result is to compact or thin the outer, dead layer of skin and stimulate the live, basal layer to turn over quicker and thicken.  They also retard the degradation of collagen and slow down the darker pigment cells that create dark spots.  All retinols will also dry the skin to some extent and decrease oil production.  These effects are great for acne and for some forms of rosacea.  The other product we use is a hydroquinone.  Hydroquinone works by inhibiting an enzyme in the melanocyte (the cell in the skin that produces pigment) that is critical in forming the melanin or dark pigment.  By stopping this pigment production before any light treatment, we can decrease the likelihood of hyperpigmentation as a problem.  The continued use, after laser or light therapy, of hydroquinone keeps the age spots and, or melasma from returning.

Of course, pre-treatment does not guarantee that any one, or all, of the problems that can occur will be prevented.  But pre-treatment does greatly lower the chances.  The darker the skin, i.e., ethinic skin, the greater the chance of problems with or without treatment.

At Total Body Surgical, we use the Obagi line of skin care products for pre-treatment and maintenance.  It is medical grade (prescription grade) and works very well even if laser or light therapy is not used.  Our pricing is great and we start people on the travel size products so they don't buy large amounts to start with.  If your skin cannot tolerate it, (very unusual) or if you don't like it, you have not made a huge investment.

So come see us for facial pigment issues, rosacea, or acne.  We have the experience and equipment to help you.  Cosmetic consultations are complimentary so call 918-786-7780 or 1-877-weight-0.

Laser days at Total Body Surgical!!!!  We know have the Cutera laser full time in Grove...VERY exciting.  The Cutera laser is one of the most comprehensive lasers, IPL combinations on the market.  The system can nearly do it all, and do it well.  I have many years of experience using this system and it is great at treating a large number of problems.  Let's itemize them:

1.  Laser hair removal.  With the Cutera system we use the ProWave 770.  It is an IPL (intense pulsed light) that can treat large areas and do it very effectively.  In a pinch for smaller areas that are difficult, we have the 1064 YAG which most of the older systems are based on.  Laser hair removal is very popular and has, in the past, been cost prohibitive.  For a limited time, we are offering an exceptional deal...$50.00 per area per treatment.  This will be good through the summer so don't miss it.  Usually facial hair takes about 9 treatments and body hair 6.  This means you can get your underarms done for $300.00.  Take advantage of a great value!

2.  Facial or body dyschromias.  Age spots and redness become a problem as our skin ages.  The IPL Limelight system is great for treating a variety of discolorations on the face, arms, and hands.  This usually requires a series of 3-5 treatments and we usually like to have you on the Obagi skin care system to prevent further damage or recurrence.

3.  Facial veins.  We use the 1064 YAG to treat small viens that occur at the base of the nose, on the cheeks and chin.  The laser targets the pigment and closes the vein, removing it on a permanent basis. 

4.  Leg veins.  We use the 1064 YAG to treat small areas of leg spider veins as well.  For larger areas we usually inject with a sclerosant.

5.  Laser skin resurfacing.  We have the Pearl laser for resurfacing.  This helps with reducing pore size, improving skin color, fine lines, and wrinkles.  The great thing about the pearl is the short recovery time and similar results to the CO2 laser.  Recovery times are about 4 days with great results.  Some may require a series of 2-3 treatments about 2 months apart.

6.  Laser treatment of Hemangiomas or cherry spots on the body or face.  These require only one treatment in most cases and they are eradicated.

7.  Laser Genesis for treatment of acne, to reduce pore size and improve skin tone and texture.  This works exceptionally well with no down time.

8.  Titan treatments for skin laxity in the neck and face using Radio Frequency with no down time.

We are very proud to have such great technology in Grove.  Our pricing is unbeatable and results are outstanding.  Our nurses, Janet and Trish are very skilled at suggestions and advice and are very good at treatments.  We also have the Zimmer system that provides comfort during treatment sessions.  

Come see us soon to arrange YOUR treatment plan and schedule.  Call 918-786-7780 to arrange today.

Last week we discussed more common general surgery procedures that can be performed with Cosmetic procedures.  What else can be done???  It is hard to come up with a complete list there are so many. 

Here are some suggestions:

Many people have a fear of needles.  While anesthesia is administered for other elective surgery, it is a great time to place dermal fillers in the nasolabial folds, marrionette lines, or even augment the lips.  Of course Botox can be injected as well.

More substantial procedures can be done as well.  Breast augmentation can be added to elective laparoscopic procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, small laparoscopic hernia repairs, many gyn procedures and so on.  Of course if the primary procedure is being done due to infection or obstruction or other serious illness, this is not possible.

Laser skin resurfacing can be done while under general anesthesia for non-emergent procedures as well.  This allows the procedure to be done without the discomfort sometimes associated with resurfacing.  Light therapy for sun spots or closure of facial veins can also be done.

Arm reductions, small area liposuction, face work, injections, laser work, tummy tucks, breast augmentation can all be added to general surgical procedures when the procedure is purely elective. 

What are the advantages of combining procedures??  As we discussed last week, the advantages are many.  First of all, a single anesthesia is very advantageous, lowering risk by limiting the number of anesthetic exposures.  Secondly, a single surgical recovery is much better than multiple ones.  The recovery is simultaneous.

There it is, short and sweet.  Procedures can be combined if desired and safe.  Come see us at Total Body Surgical and we can discuss what is possible.  Call 918-786-7780 or fill out a contact form and we will call you!  Don't forget our special pricing on liposuction, lap bands, nail fungus, and fillers.

We are also planning Botox events in Grove and in Tulsa this month to be ready for the holidays.  Special pricing will be offered at these events.  Sign up using a contact form and we will inform you of the dates and times....or you can call.

More next week!  Oh, and like us on facebook!

Does this look and sound familiar??????  BE HONEST!

At Integris Total Body Surgical we see the results of sun exposure (over exposure) all of the time.  When we are young, we all perceive ourselves as indestructable and cover ourselves in oil while baking in the sun.  Today, with tanning beds, there is no winter break from exposure and it seems that I see damage at earlier ages than ever before.  Good skin care is the start of the healing process with retinols and or hydroquinone.  To really get a jump start on healing, we recommend laser skin resurfacing.  The machine we recommend is the Pearl 2700nm laser.  This laser treats abnormal pigments in the skin along with fine lines and wrinkles that go along with sun exposure and the normal process of aging.  The procedure is done in the office with minimal discomfort and the recovery time is only 3-4 days.  The skin after is opalescent, very soft, and looks healthier.  Over the next several months your skin will thicken with new collagen.

Treatments can be repeated at intervals and results can be maintained by chemical peels or repeat treatment.

Check out what The Doctors said.....

Everyone knows THESE guys don't lie!!! Our pricing on Pearl treatments and for packages if multiple treatments are needed or desired are VERY competitive. Cosmetic and skin consultations are always Complimentary. SOOOOOO what are you waiting for? Call us today and we will evaluate your skin and come up with a plan! 918-786-7780