courtesy of shutterstock

From tiny incisions to micro needles, today's minimally-invasive beauty buys are big on results.

Micro-needling for the Win
We love micro-needling, where tiny controlled channels are created in the skin, stimulating a healing response. The result is smoother, more youthful and sometimes tighter-looking skin.
There are different types of micro-needling treatments to address different concerns, all with different price points. Treatments range from a basic micro-needling, micro-needling with PRP and Genius RF micro-needling. A basic microneedling is the least expensive option, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't yield a good result.
A treatment with the addition of PRP - platelet-rich plasma - will yield a quicker and better result, but does have a higher price point than a basic treatment.
Patients that have the additional desire for skin tightening would benefit from RF micro-needling. The addition of radio-frequency deep into the skin stimulates collagen in the deeper layers, which promotes tightening.
At DermaCure, take 15 percent off all three micro-needling options in the month of March. Free consultations are available.
DermaCure Medical Aesthetics 257-8400

What You Need to Know: Varicose Veins & Pregnancy
There are many risk factors for varicose veins and one of them is pregnancy. Women undergo significant physiological changes with pregnancy. Increased blood volume and hormonal changes cause the veins to dilate. In addition, a gravid uterus exerts downward pressure on the leg veins. Many women can develop bulging varicose veins during their pregnancy. Fortunately, these may regress once the baby is delivered. However, in some women, they may remain and - unfortunately - they may worsen with subsequent pregnancies. This can cause leg pain, aching, cramping, fatigue and restless legs. Fortunately, the treatment for varicose veins is very effective and minimally invasive.
The bulging varicose veins are usually an outward manifestation of underlying venous reflux. The blood flow in the veins, instead of moving back toward the heart, falls back down toward the feet. This causes backward flow in the varicose branches. The refluxing vein can be treated with a radiofrequency catheter that seals the vein permanently. The unsightly varicose veins can then be removed with tiny incisions. Both of these can be done comfortably in the office under local anesthesia.
In-house ultrasound evaluations are available with a registered vascular technologist, so a rapid diagnosis can be made. Every patient is evaluated thoroughly so a treatment plan can be tailored according to the individual's needs.
At the LA Vein Center in Sherman Oaks, Dr. Larisse Lee, a Stanford and Harvard board-certified vascular and general surgeon, offers all of these treatments. 818-325-0400