Underneath eye circles and bags treatments

Not much has been written about eye circles. Not much is known about them except that they are a common aesthetic problem which is difficult to eradicate. They pose great problems to many people, on an emotional and business level because they are very accentuated and are not covered up easily. That morning glance in the mirror causes daily nausea and painful routine and is followed by tons of facial powder or sunglasses. Dark circles can be somewhat covered up but puffiness cannot. Eye circles give you a tired, sick, drained and old look. Most often they give an impression of lack of sleep which makes daily functioning at work harder. It is even worse when they ask you on a daily basis did you party hard last night and then you have to explain that in fact you didn't.

What are eye circles?

Eye circles are an aesthetic issue caused by various factors which are oftentimes conjoined. It is considered that they are a consequence of various degenerative changes caused by aging. Eye circles are therefor considered one of the main signs of aging. They are present in the younger population as well but in those cases they are genetically caused. 90% of the time people estimate someone's age based on the area underneath their eyes and cheeks. Eye circles are generally recognized because of the black coloration, puffiness and pigmentation under the eyes (all these symptoms can be individual or conjoined). Mostly they appear because of bad circulation, slow metabolism, body built and skin color. Their development depends on genetics, external and internal influences.  With aging, due to lowering of the face because of the loss of subcutaneous fat tissue the gap between the lower eyelid and the cheek grows bigger and gives an impression of illness, fatigue and old age. One of the main features of a young face is fullness of cheeks with a minimal gap between the lower eyelids and cheeks. Weakening of the connective tissue causes a penetration of the fat tissue, which then fills out the eye cavity and gives that puffy look under the eyes and creates circles.

What are puffy eyes/eye bags?

Puffy eyes are degenerative changes which appear because of weakening of the connective tissue underneath the lower eyelids which creates excess of skin. With aging fat tissue which fills out the eye cavity and supports the eye starts penetrating outwards. Oftentimes people call this condition - bags but in fact we are dealing with eye circles. Although expert literature provides different opinions. In the true sense of the word, the excess of skin creates bags underneath the eyes.

Is there any difference between eye circles and bags underneath the eyes?

Although they sometimes look the same there is a difference, and it is in the causes and method of removal. Eye circles can appear in young people but eye bags begin to appear after you reach the age of 35. With time, because of degenerative changes, eye bags are oftentimes conjoined with eye circles. Later it is difficult to find a difference between the two. Some authors claim its the same problem.

Tear-through

 

People often make mistakes when tear-through is in question. A tear-through appears as a consequence of your face lowering and your skin getting thinner which makes the hamstring muscles more visible and gives a dark-purple coloration. They look like a dark-purple line which diagonally expands from the inner corner of the eye towards the cheekbone. Oftentimes they end below the pupil. Apart from skin coloration a canal can also be accentuated or an indentation of skin in the area of a tear-through. Eye circles have a similar appearance but typically affect the area below the lower eyelid in the whole length of the eye. They usually appear in younger people much earlier then eye circles.

What causes eye circles?

1. GENETICS
Real eye circles are changes caused by poor circulation and lymphatic drainage. Blood accumulates and does not flow through. Due to an enhanced hydrostatic pressure blood penetrates outside the blood vessel wall into the tissue where it dissolves. We connect eye circles with black rings and swelling underneath the eyes. Due to the blood dissolving a pigmentation is created and it accumulates with time, which gives you those dark rings underneath the eyes. Those are dark or pigmented eye circles. We can roughly compare them with a sort of a long lasting bruise. With some people only stopping changes prevail without the blood penetrating into the tissue. These are stopping eye circles which are followed by puffiness. Oftentimes because of this puffiness an excess of skin is created underneath the eyes. Later the two symptoms, puffiness and skin coloration are joined into one issue. People with allergies have puffy eyes in time when pollen is strong.
2. EXTERNAL FACTORS
Stronger and longer sun exposure contributes to the darkly brown coloration under the eyes.
3. CONSEQUENCE OF AGING
They appear because the face follows gravity and fat tissue penetrates from the eye socket.
4. ILLNESS
With kidney and thyroid gland disorders liquid is contained and stopped.

What are the other causes of eye circles?

• Thin skin under which muscles and veins are showing giving the skin a bluish color, which is often with neurodermatitis;
• Blood vessels in the vicinity and just below the eye are oftentimes confused with eye circles;
• Aging: metabolism is slowing down, nutrients have a harder time reaching certain areas and harmful substances take longer to eject, all of which induces degenerative changes. 

Eye circle types

There is a generally acknowledged dividence of eye circles and this is just a simplification!

• Pigmented (dark)
• Puffy or stopped
• Combined
• Caused by the lowering of cheeks due to loss of fat tissue 

Does lack of sleep affect the development of eye circles?

Usually it affects the puffy eye circles while on other types it has minimal effect.

On what does the success of the treatment depend?

• Do eye circles run in the family
• type
• Length of the treatment
• Is pigmentation present
• The accentuation of eye circles
• Number of factors which induce eye circles
• Condition and quality of the skin under one's eyes
• The ability to affect the provoking factors
• Presence of eye bags
• Accompanying diseases: allergies, thyroid gland, heart, kidney
• The amount of fat that has penetrated from the eye socket
• Loss of subcutaneous fat tissue 

Do creams help and what else helps?

For certain types of eye circles creams have no effect or the effect is poor. At this moment it appears that with pigmented and puffy eye circles creams based on vitamin A, C and K help the most. Some other ingredients help as well. A cold compress can help in case of  puffy eye circles. Massages few times a day from th inner eye angle towards the outer eye angle help with colored and puffy eye circles. Sun protection is advised. Do not rub your eyes because it induces pigmentation.

Is surgery a solution?

The most common surgery is blepharoplasty and lifting of the middle facial area. Surgeries give excellent results but can seriously deteriorate your looks if done wrong. Blepharoplasty has a goal to remove the excess skin and fat tissue which penetrated outside the eye socket. The greatest danger is to remove too much fat when treating younger people. In that case the results will be good the next 5-10 years but the face will suddenly deteriorate with additional loss of fat tissue due to aging. Later the face appears hollow, tired, sick and old. The skill is to remove just enough fat tissue or to compensate for the volume loss by surgery. To compensate for the volume, fillers based on hyaluronic acid are used, as well as fat tissue or blood which is specially treated. Surgery is recommended only in advanced stages with great excess of skin or great penetration of fat tissue from the eye socket. When lifting the middle facial area facial ligaments which have weakened are corrected and now cover up the eye circles.

What is the treatment's goal and to what should you pay attention to?

A strictly individual approach is needed, taking into account the type and causes of the eye circles. Sometimes a combination of treatments is needed because simultaneously there are more factors which create the condition. Eye circles are not unsolvable and today a correct approach can do wonders.

• Strengthening of circulation and lymphatic drainage;
• Removal of pigmentation;
• Enhancement of collagen development and thickening of skin;
• Skin tightening under the eyes;
• Other causes should be ruled out: heart, kidney, thyroid gland disorders and allergies;
• Compensation of volume;
• Correction of the penetrated fat tissue from the eye socket, it is either removed or used to fill out the gap underneath the lower eyelid to compensate for the volume loss. 

Significance of the eye circle removal treatment

We state that this is the most important rejuvenation treatment. Without this treatment you will not be completely satisfied because you will see that something is missing. The reason is that eye circle correction is a minimal change which in return completely improves the look of your face. Oftentimes changes are not immediately visible and days are needed. It is because you still see yourself like you were in the youth. This correction is the one that will bring back the look you had 10 or more years ago. Take a before photo and once you take a look in the mirror you will immediately see a change. Eye circle correction gives you a natural, fresh and rested look. You will notice this because make up will no longer be needed or will be minimally applied.
Treatment types:

Carboxytherapy

For now the only therapy that affects most causes of eye circles and not the consequences. It affects circulation and the development of new collagen. The method is not painful but is described as a weird sensation and uneasiness. In the treated area a puffiness will remain for up to 15 minutes, 1 day at most. In any case, you can go back to work the next day or count on a light swelling underneath your eyes (usually under one eye). No recovery period is needed nor will you have any permanent consequences such as scars. Sometimes a bruise, which will heal, can appear. About 5 treatments are needed and the number can vary (one treatment more or less). The interval between the treatments is 10 to 30 days along with 1 or 2 maintenance treatments a year. Results are visible a few weeks after the treatment, and in the following months they will get better and better.

Fillers based on hyaluronic acid

The goal is to inject the basic constructional skin ingredient which compensates for the lost volume, covers up the pigmentation and induces the development of new collagen which thickens the skin. 1 treatment is needed. Sometimes temporary bruises can appear. Results are visible immediately or after a few days (after the swelling passes), and in average last 9 to 12 months. With maintenance treatments once every 1 to 2 years results are better and last longer. It is advised not to take Andol and similar substances 7 days before the treatment. WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TENDENCY OF EYE CIRCLE SWELLING THE FILLER TREATMENT IS NOT RECOMMENDED SINCE IT COULD ONLY ENHANCE THE SWELLING. IN THAT CASE A PRP TREATMENT IN COMBINATION WITH SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENTS IS RECOMMENDED.

PRP (plasma rich platelet)

PRP treatment is based on use of your own blood which is prepared in a way so that the liquid is separated from the plasma part with platelets, stem cells and growth factor. The idea is that the stated ingredients induce the growth of new collagen with the effect of skin rejuvenation and a reduction of wrinkles around the eyes and initial bags. In average one treatment is needed but sometimes 2-3 treatments are needed, especially in cases of colored eye circles which are oftentimes hereditary. Results are visible 2-3 months after the treatment and they get better with time. In average the results last around 20-24 months and in cases of colored eye circles not as much. This is a treatment of choice with colored eye circles especially with those prone to swelling and with slight and moderately accentuated eye circles with a loss of volume. If loss of volume is strongly accentuated prp treatment can be combined with fillers.

Radio-waves

Circulation and lymphatic drainage is amplified with electro-magnetic energy, along with the development of new collagen and thickening of skin. 3 treatments are needed, and the results are visible after a few months and get better in the following 12 months. No recovery period is needed. The treatment is beneficial for removal of fat tissue underneath one's eyes and tightening of skin. There is no recovery.

Fractional radio-waves

The treatment induces microscopic damages underneath your skin which then get ejected and are compensated with new tissue. Its a process that lasts 12 months. Thicker and tighter skin without pigmentation is the result. 1 to 3 treatments are needed. Initial results are visible few months after the first treatment. Usually no recovery time is needed, except in cases with temporary swelling. After the treatment the eyelids become dark red, which in average lasts 2 to 3 days, but can be covered up with make up after the initial treatment.

Fractional ablative erbium laser

The goal is to induce microscopic damages underneath the surface which are then replaced with new tissue in the following 12 months. 2 to 3 treatments are needed, and initial results can be seen several months after the first treatment. Recovery period lasts 2 to 5 days. This treatment removes pigmentation and thickens the skin. Recovery takes 3 to 7 days.

Fractional ablative Co2 laser

Works like the above mentioned laser, needs 1 to 2 treatments and a recovery time from 2 to 7 days. This treatment along with pigmentation removal improves the look and the structure of skin with a strong tightening effect.

Fractional non-ablative laser

Works as the above mentioned laser, but with a heating effect. 1 to 3 treatments are needed and serves for pigmentation removal and skin thickening. Your skin will be red in the next 2 to 3 days but recovery is mostly not needed.

Erbium laser

The laser induces a mechanical removal of skin layers and with that of the pigmentation with wrinkle reduction. 1 to 2 treatments are needed, and recovery lasts from 5 to 10 days.

Q-switched laser

This is a laser used for pigmentation. 2 to 5 treatments are needed and recovery takes 3 to 5 days.

Chin corrections with botox and fillers

The so called double chin is in fact a variation of the chin structure, where instead out of 1 part the chin is composed of 2 parts with a hollow area between the two. This problem affects both genders and is usually genetic, even though this doesn't have to be the case. Because of the increased activity of chin muscles the chin starts dividing into two parts. To correct this issue, it is necessary to weaken the muscles with botox which causes the muscle to loosen up and the skin evens out, while the hollow part becomes smaller or disappears.

Another way to solve this problem is to use fillers which mechanically fill out the hollow skin part . Usually, various types of fillers are used but I personally give a slight advantage to does which are not permanent. Usually only one botox treatment is enough, and depending on the size of the hollow skin fillers can be added later. For best results we advise treatment as soon as possible, although it is never to late. Botox can show results up to 3 to 9 months, and results with fillers vary depending on the filler type used. Results with fillers approximately last from 9 to 24 months. Periodical botox maintenance treatments are advised once every 1- 2 years.

BOTOX

Botox relaxes the overly tense chin muscle. This tension causes the mentioned indentation in the chin. After applying botox this muscle relaxes and straightens out and in that way makes the gap smaller. Only one treatment is needed, and effects usually last from 3 to 9 months, with occasional maintenance treatments. 

FILLERS

Fillers mechanically fill the gap between the muscles. Depending on the filler type, the effect lasts  5-18 months. A combination with botox is advised so that the result would be longer and better.

Leg capillaries and veins, Croatia

Wit cellulite, capillaries and veins in legs are a woman's worst enemy. Almost every woman has problems with veins and capillaries. With some women they are minimally expressed, while with other moderately to severely. Usually they present an aesthetic problem but with time they become a health problem as well because they inevitably grow. Initially there is heaviness in ones legs, then cramps, then swelling... Therefor it is necessary to remove them as they start to develop. It is never to late but one should not wait.

Why do they appear?

Genetics plays a main role in their development, because the connective tissue is of a poorer quality and more prone to expand the vein and capillary walls while standing up. Veins have valves which prevent reverse blood flow in legs. People with weaker connective tissue have weaker valves. With weaker or damaged valves blood returns to legs instead of going towards the heart and this is why vessels expand. With genetics, estrogen is the main culprit. Veins and capillaries are created during pregnancy and contraception intake, i.e. supplemental therapy when the level of estrogen is enhanced. Estrogen weakens the connective tissue which builds the wall of the vessel which then induces expansion. By blood accumulation in veins and capillaries while standing pressure rises and expands the weakened vein or capillary. Standing, weight, physical inactivity, heat sources, for example sun and hot baths and high heels are just some of the factors which provoke their development.

How to remove minor veins and capillaries?

Sclerotherapy and surgery were up until recently main methods for vein and capillary removal. Only veins can be removed with surgery, without any effect on capillaries and smaller veins. With sclerotherapy a substance which causes inflammation and damages veins and capillaries and causes them to disappear is injected.  The method itself is flawed: it is unpleasant, many injections are needed, results are poor, a great number of treatments is needed, allergic reactions may appear, chemicals are injected into one's body, long lasting bruises and pigmentation... Many people are afraid of needles, therefor they could not be helped. Sclerotherapy where the chemical is shaken to produce foam gave somewhat better results. Burning with electricity gives bad results and oftentimes scars with pigmentation. IPL and AFT treatment, which remove changes with optical energy, do not penetrate deep enough and cannot remove veins, but do remove capillaries but with modest results. For now the treatment of choice is laser. For veins that are 4-5mm thick and capillaries regardless of their color lasers are a method of choice. Neodymium Yag laser 1064 gives best results, although other types of laser can be used: 585 nm Pulsed Dye laser, 755 Alexsandrite laser and a diode 910-980 nm laser. Since we started using lasers for vein and capillary removal, many women were given hope.

How to remove larger veins?

For veins that are more than 5mm thick, radio frequency or a laser which uses a probe to enter and destroy the vein can be used along with surgery. There is still an option of classical sclerotherapy which is not advises because of poorer results than sclerotherapy with foam which gives excellent results.
1. Laser removal of leg veins and capillaries
Veins and capillaries cannot be removed 100% and forever, because they have a lifelong tendency of coming back. It is realistic to expect that they can most of the times be removed almost completely. Destroyed veins and capillaries never return, but new ones form. That is why a maintenance treatment is advised every few years. Along with capillaries and veins, with laser we treat clusters of capillaries which look like bruises. With the initial treatment we advise that you treat the leg in whole from ankles to thighs, and later only the remaining vessels. If appropriate, only problematic areas can be treated. First treatment in average lasts 5 to 15 minutes, and the following treatments are shorter each time. After the treatment you compress the area with ice for 15 to 30 minutes and you are ready to go home.

How many treatments are needed?

Most people react excellently to the treatment, but there is a really small group that reacts somewhat poorly. The number of treatments is individual and cannot be predicted. 1 to 3 treatments are needed but sometimes a few more are necessary if there is a large number of veins and capillaries. Usually most of the veins and capillaries are removed with one treatment and the next one just removes the residuals. The interval between the treatments is 3 to 12 months.

How does the laser remove veins and capillaries?

Protein hemoglobin, located in the red blood cell, absorbs the laser ray while liberating energy which then destroys the blood vessel. By destroying the blood vessel an inflammation occurs through which the organism disposes of veins and capillaries. In that period blood vessels are usually visible 2 to 4 weeks more, afterwards their visibility diminishes until they disappear.
When are the results visible? The initial result can be seen only 30 days after the treatment and improves on a daily basis. Usually the treated capillaries and veins are more visible 2 to 4 weeks after the treatment and gradually fade. The final result is visible 6 to 9 months after the treatment. Minor veins and capillaries disappear faster then bigger ones. The speed of removal is individual and cannot be predicted, nor can the results be predicted.

When do we recommend the performance of the treatment?

The treatment can be done in the beginning of November until the middle of April. We do not recommend its performance afterwards only out of practical reasons because if you wear skirts capillaries and veins are more visible because of bruising.

Laser advantages in regard to classical sclerotherapy

• 1 laser treatment achieves results like 10 or more sclerotherapy treatments
• there is no allergic reaction
• the only method which solves capillaries in the ankle area
• best results
• safest treatment
• the elastic panties are worn for 7 days, and 21 days with sclerotherapy

Comparison of a laser treatment and sclerotherapy with foam

It is not possible to compare the two because the laser can remove veins of radius up to 4mm and sclerotherapy with foam veins of a larger radius. Oftentimes these two treatments are combined in a way that bigger veins are removed with foam sclerotherapy and smaller veins with capillaries are then removed with laser.

What should be done before and after the treatment?

Before the treatment it is necessary to get elastic panties of 100 or 140 dens. An elastic bandage can be used as well but it is more impractical. The panties are worn for only 7 days, and are taken off at night. After the treatment it is advised to keep the area cold for some time while at home. Physical activity or standing is not recommended, i.e. walking 7 days after the treatment. Sick leave is not needed and you can drive immediately after the treatment. In case of bruising you can use a heparin gel. In case of tingling, pain or uneasiness report immediately to your physician.

Is the method painful?

The method itself is not pleasant and is painful, but not unbearable. The uneasiness lasts only during the treatment! While being treated you feel a cold air flow and ice can be used, so it can be borne and if needed we can take breaks during the treatment. Local anesthetics are not used and only shrink the vessels which weakens the result.

What are the possible complications?

Sometimes bruises and pigmentation are visible after the treatment but they disappear on their own. With some women tendency to bruise is more likely, regardless of the treatment, and they bruise easily. Generally, we can say that bruises are a sign that vessels are destroyed. Sometimes, unfortunately a capillary or a vessel cannot be removed without bruising. Heparin gel is recommended to women which have a tendency to bruise or if after the treatment bruises occur. The same stands for development of pigmentation after the treatment, immediately report to your doctor. If there are pigmentation residues they can be removed with cream or laser. Scars and wounds almost never appear. If the treated capillaries or veins are strongly accentuated and are near the skin surface, minor superficial skin damages are possible. Very rarely scabs or bubbles can appear on the skin.
The treatment does not affect your health or breastfeeding. No new capillaries or veins are caused by the treatment. Destroyed vessels do not effect the circulation because they do not have any function anyway.

How to prevent the development of veins and capillaries?

• Avoid high heels especially does that are up to 5cm high;
• Do not expose your legs to sun and solarium, because the heat effects the condition by expanding veins and capillaries, hot baths should be avoided as well;
• When sitting and lying stand up and walk a bit every 30 minutes;
• Avoid standing up for longer periods of time and avoid wearing elastic stockings;
• Take vitamin C for strengthening of veins and capillaries;
• Move as much as possible or drive a bicycle. 

Which laser is used?

Neodymium Yag laser has a wave length of 1064nm. The bigger the wave length the deeper the laser penetrates the skin. This laser is special because it penetrates deep into the skin and can destroy the deepest vessels. Skin color, unlike with other lasers, is not important. Other lasers are not as safe when treating darker skin. The problem with other lasers is that because of a shorter wave length they do not penetrate the skin deep enough and there is a significantly larger percentage of complications followed by a poorer result. Neodymium Yag laser is not only the best choice, but is also the safest choice, without almost any complications.
2. Sclerotherapy with foam
Sclerotherapy with foam efficiently destroys larger veins of 4-5mm. A special substance is used that is injected into the vein where it causes inflammation and vein destruction. Before the treatment it is necessary to mix the substance to make a foam because in that way the vein is destroyed better and a significantly smaller number of treatments is needed in regard to classic sclerotherapy... With classic sclerotherapy this is not done and that is the reason why it is significantly weaker in results in regard to foam sclerotherapy. At the same time this procedure has numerous advantages in regard to classic sclerotherapy as for example a significantly smaller number of injections needed. The treatment is not painful or unpleasant and after the treatment it is advised to wear elastic panties of 100-140dens. In average 1-3 treatments are needed, although just 1 treatment is enough to remove most veins while others are removed later (the smaller ones). Some smaller bruises and minor sensitivity is possible after the treatment. It is advised that the treatment is conducted by a vascular surgeon (for vessels) if needed with a Doppler device which shows the best area for injections into the vein. This method can by its results be compared with surgery.

Ingrown hair and inflammation of the hair root

Usually an issue which bothers most women. Caucasian men are not as affected but with colored men this is a common problem. Apart from being an aesthetic problem this can be a health issue since inflammations can appear. The main cause for ingrown hair is that just before reaching the surface the hair starts going back and grows into the skin causing inflammation. Each hair leaves the skin under a certain angle and depending on the root angle there is a tendency of ingrowing. With stronger curly hair ingrowth is more common.

With certain women plucking hair with tweezers provokes ingrowth. In the area of ingrowth scars and pigmentation appear as a result of inflammation. The biggest problem is that most people make it worse by touching the ingrown hair and trying to pluck them with tweezers. Do not touch ingrown hair. Usually ingrown hair can be seen under the surface or they are visible through skin. Many women avoid skirts because of that.

Inflammation of the root

Folliculitis is the inflammation of the root of the hair. It can appear for several reasons. Usually it is a bacterial infection although it can be provoked by other infections, for example yeast. Excessive sweating, sitting, hairiness, tight clothes and non-permeable fabrics such as synthetics all provoke the inflammation. Hair removal, especially with wax or a razor make an opening for the infection to reach the root.
With men usually the chin and neck are affected, and with women it's the bikini zone. Just remember how many times you missed out on swimming because of an inflamed crotch. In the summer the buttocks are affected as well. Apart from pain a strong itch and uneasiness after hair removal are present, weather you do it with wax or a razor. Wax causes irritation of the hair root followed by inflammation. Folliculitis is not just an aesthetic issue because stronger inflammation of skin can occur which must be treated immediately. People with sensitive skin who need to shave a lot are prone to folliculitis. Typically men who have to shave often for work are affected. A wrong shaving technique and bad hygiene are also causes. Razors should be covered after use and cleaned with alcohol before use. Hair should be soaked in mild water before shaving to soften the skin. Gel is advised instead of foam. Strokes with the razor should be gentle, slow and not larger then 1 to 2 cm.

Treating ingrown hair and root inflammation

Usually antibiotics are used which affect the after-effects and not the causes. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent hair ingrowth efficiently. With folliculitis it is necessary to remove the provoking factors: the correct shaving technique, comfortable cotton footwear, pay attention not to sit for too long in the summer, avoid waxing, change razors frequently. Do not lend your shaving equipment to others, every now and then use antibacterial products. If shaving is no good, we advise using a shaver. With men local retinoids help the skin to harden. Method of choice for treating ingrown hair and folliculitis is a laser which destroys the root of the hair with optical energy and can treat any upper body part. With men the affected area is usually the neck, and rarely the chin while in women it is the bikini zone with crotch and legs. The hair doesn't need to be removed completely, the goal is to thin them out so they do not grow in and to reduce shaving, i.e. waxing.

How is the laser helpful with ingrown hair?

First it destroys the permanently ingrown hair. After the treatment it is not necessary to pluck the ingrown hair, the organism will eject them. 

How to get rid of the scars and pigmentation?

We recommend another type of laser, a fractional lasers. Usually they can be used only after the second hair removal treatment.

I have a tendency for ingrown hair, how do I prevent scars?

Do not wait, start with preventive treatments at first signs of hair ingrowth, because usually the problem only gets worse.

How many treatments are needed?

Usually 2 to 4 treatments are needed to thin out the hair and stop ingrowth and folliculitis.

What if in-between treatments I have an inflammation?

If this happens report as soon as possible so that we could remove just the ingrown hair.

Facial treatments in Croatia

In order to maintain a beautiful face it is not necessary to undergo surgery anymore. The main reason is an extraordinary progress of technologies which can almost completely replace surgery and give better results. There will always be people who are supporters of non-invasive treatments with minimal or no recovery time, while others will give advantage to surgery or other aggressive treatments regardless of the recovery time. Newest scientific research show that if after the age of 30 one starts with preventive treatments, one's face can keep its youthful look without wrinkles for a long time and in that way postpone aggressive procedures and surgery.

Waiting for your wrinkles to develop and your face to sag is a wrong approach because then only surgery or more aggressive procedures may help. Once first wrinkles and signs of aging appear it is advised to start with preventive treatments so that surgery is not needed or is postponed. There are numerous treatments and technologies which can help. Once surgery was inevitable. The problem is that skin quality and look after surgery change. Therefor, it makes sense to combine surgery with treatments to improve the quality and overall look of your skin. The goal of the treatment is to improve the look and quality of one's skin, to reduce wrinkles, remove pigmentation and retrieve the lost volume with tightening.
There is no best treatment to solve all your problems, but a combination of various treatments which in the end gives best results. A certain treatment will work best with certain problems and it is with combining different ones that we achieve best solutions. Based on an examination, skin condition and your needs a treatment type or a combination with best results is determined.

Dr. Dinko Kaliterna best dermatologist in Croatia

Member of the largest and most important global organization of dermatologists and plastic surgeons DASIL (Dermatologic aesthetic surgery international league) 

First and only Croatian member of the European Society for Laser Dermatology (ESLD) 

Member of international associations for laser use ASLMS (American society for laser medicine surgery) and ISDS (International society for dermatological surgery). 

Member of The International Academy of Body Contouring and Laser Lipolysis. 

First to adopt the method of integrated dermatology in Croatia 

Among the first to apply the newest technologies and knowledge from the field of dermatovenerology, aesthetic-corrective procedures and laser application.

Best facial acne treatments

Acne are a chronic inflammatory condition, which depend on genetics, nutrition, stress and hormonal dis-balance. Acne start appearing with puberty and can cause problems to women until their forties.

Development of acne

Initial stage in the development of acne is the obstruction of the sebaceous gland canal opening on the skin surface, through which the sebum is being ejected to keep the skin from over drying. Inflammation is considered to be one of the causes of this obstruction. Genetic factors along with the inflammation cause the cells at the canal opening to glue to each other, which creates a plug and prevents the cells to be ejected. The gland then produces the oily matter (sebum) which has nowhere to go, causing it to accumulate  and create comedones or blackheads. If in direct contact with air, a comedon will become black and is then called an open comedon, and if not in direct contact with air we are dealing with a closed comedon. Most acne are caused by closed comedones. With further accumulation of sebum the sebaceous gland canal ruptures and the content creates an inflammation, i.e. acne when in contact with the skin. Bacteria has a secondary role in acne development. They feed with the accumulated sebum and then their byproducts benefit the inflammation and the rupture of the sebaceous gland canal. Male hormones, nutrition and stress intensify the sebaceous gland performance and aggravate acne. Acne are an unpredictable ailment prone to rapid improvement and deteriorations. For results to be visible a therapy in duration of 1-2 months is needed.

How to treat acne?

 

We can prevent the development of comedons with drugs, destroy the sebaceous glands, perform facial cleansing, use contraception, make nutritional changes, decrease one's stress level and use other various treatments. The basis of acne treatments are topical retinoids with azelaic acid which prevent the clogging of the sebaceous gland canal opening. Antibiotics have an anti-inflammatory role, respectively they reduce the inflammation and with that the appearance of scar tissue and bacteria. The consequences of the inflammation are redness of skin and in cases of severe inflammation, scars. There are other numerous preparations, along with antibiotics, that help with the destruction of bacteria, for example sulfur and benzoyl peroxide... Contraception neutralizes the effect of male hormones and decreases facial oil. The existing comedones should be removed frequently with facial cleansing, while the goal of the therapy is to decrease the development of new ones. Contraception and Roaccutan decrease the size of sebaceous glands while some treatments destroy the glands and thus decrease the olification of skin. Fried food, milk and sugar provoke the inflammation and worsen the acne, which are an inflammatory condition. Therefor, they should be avoided completely. Certain food supplements like zinc, linoleic acid and chromium have a favorable impact on acne. For more severe cases of acne isotretionin (Roaccutane) is used, along with sulfonyl preparations and other drugs. In the future we expect new drugs with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, numerous treatments and devices had results in keeping acne under control. Once acne are cured, it is necessary to perform therapy for one more year. Final cure for acne is the destruction of sebaceous glands with therapy, i.e. treatments or  spontaneously which is unfortunately followed by scaring of the skin. Acne cannot be cured over night since a certain amount of time is needed to destroy the active sebaceous glands. This period cannot be predicted. After the acne are cured, it is necessary to perform therapy in duration of 1 year so they do not return.

What is the first step in treating acne?

 

The very first step is a dermatologic examination, so that a therapy and other measures and procedures could be determined based on the stage of acne. If appropriate, hormonal examination will be performed to rule out polycistic ovaries as the main cause of the enhanced amount of male hormones. Along with ovaries, adrenal glands an pituitary disorders can cause the production of male hormones. It is necessary to change your nutrition, use anti-comedon creams, to decrease the inflammation. Also frequent facial cleansing treatments are necessary (mechanical cleansing and micro-abrasion with oxygen). Acne should not be popped since it causes scaring. At first sign of deterioration consult with your physician to prevent scars and change therapy.