Dr. C Vijaya laxmi Clinic

Laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal method that makes use of laser beams to reach the hair follicles before the light from the beam is absorbed by the same. This method is preferred by people who do not want to go in for traditional methods like waxing, tweezing and epilating as these require regular sessions and may not always be convenient.

Laser surgery for facial hair removal helps your skin look younger and healthier by treating aging, acne, and blotches, scars, wrinkles, lines or excess hair on the face.

This surgery comes with its own share of benefits, which are:

• First of all, laser hair removal is precise. The laser only targets the pigmented area of the skin on your face, such as the hair follicle. This is why only the hair follicle is burned and not the skin surrounding the area, making it a safe procedure.
• Laser hair removal removes unwanted hair from your face at the speed of light. The laser is designed to treat several hairs in a large surface area, all at the same time. There is no downtime after the service and no sticky residue left behind.
• The pain factor varies from person to person because every person has a different level of pain tolerance. Laser surgery is described as feeling like a gentle pinch or like the snap of a warm rubber band.
• Laser hair removal is most effective on the hairs in the early part of the hair growing stage. A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the hair follicle. The laser then converts its energy into heat and heats up the hair follicle preventing it from growing any further.
• Laser hair removal has many benefits that make it a viable option for many people to permanently deal with unwanted hair. You can ask many questions during your consultation to make sure you fully understand the procedure they use and how they deal with the treatment of pain.

Having a child is one of the best things that can happen to a woman. While giving birth to a child is a very happy scenario, something called ‘postpartum menstrual pain’ can act as a damper. Postpartum menstrual pain occurs during the first period post-delivery. To understand it in a better way, here is a detailed overview that should help you out:

Period after childbirth
Periods usually return after 7-8 weeks of the delivery, provided there is no breast feeding. If you breast feed, then the timing of the period can vary. In some cases, a woman misses out on her periods for the entire duration of breast feeding; whereas in others, the period returns irrespective of whether she is breast feeding or not.

Once the periods start post-delivery, tampons are recommended against. Women who are breastfeeding don’t usually have their periods due to hormonal changes in the body. Hormones that induce periods are suppressed by the hormones which are responsible for the production of breast milk. The entire process of ovulation gets suppressed, thus leading to the absence of menstruation.

Difference in periods

1. Stronger cramps
2. Heavy menstrual flow
3. Formation of small blood clots
4. Pain during periods

Postpartum menstrual pain happens because of the following reasons:

1. Pain in the vagina: The childbirth process may lead to swelling and stinging in the vagina. Painful periods will persist till the swelling subsides.
2. Contractions of the uterus: Post childbirth uterus contractions are common as it comes back to its regular size; this may be a source of the pain.
3. Breast feeding: Breast feeding can also trigger menstrual pain as it results in the release of ‘oxytocin’, which causes contractions in the uterus.

This problem of painful periods doesn't last longer.

Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT is a micro needling or medical skin needling technique that is minimally-invasive in nature. This technique can successfully rejuvenate the skin which is suffering from wrinkles, lines, scars etc. As the name suggests, the treatment utilizes a needle to puncture the skin. At times, doctors might use local anesthesia to avoid minor discomfort.

Who is a good candidate for collagen induction therapy?
There are no pre-requisites of the treatment. Just like other cosmetic treatments, it is necessary to keep the expectation realistic and maintain general health. Unlike some laser and chemical peel based treatments, collagen therapy is suitable for any types of skin. The following conditions make an individual a very good candidate for collagen therapy:

• Skin laxity
• Scarring from chicken pox and acne
• Premature aging
• Wrinkles and lines
• Scar resulting from accident or surgery

Although, there are hardly any side effects; in some cases, people may experience:

• Flaking of the skin
• Skin dryness
• Formation of scab
• Cold sores

If you experience any of the above, the same can be addressed by the doctor.

What are the three phases of treatment?

• Inflammation: This part involves piercing the skin that triggers the immune system increase blood flow, disinfect the wound, remove debris and create new tissues.
• Proliferation: With granulation cell, elastin and collagen, the wound are re-built. A new blood supply network is formed around the wounded area.
• Remodelling: The wound gets replaced with new blood vessels and dermal tissue. The type 3 collagen gets replaced with type 1 collagen. This results in skin tightening and more glow.

How is the procedure performed?
The whole procedure takes around half-an-hour to perform. It is done using an instrument known as the skin open. Small facial areas are punctured with the help of the tool. Needling is done with derma roller or derma per along with some serums are infused into the skin to get the desired effect.

What to expect after the therapy?
The skin might turn pink because of the puncturing. It is not uncommon to experience a little bruising. It takes about six-eight weeks for the new skin to arrive and make its presence felt. Typically, it requires around three-four sitting to achieve the maximum result.

Many find it difficult to keep up with the time-consuming, ineffective hair removal treatments that they've performed their whole lives in the hopes of maintaining a hairless body. But hair removal doesn't need to be so challenging. Due to many benefits, laser hair removal has become very popular amongst youngsters. At Clinic Cosmoderma, we've mastered the process of laser hair removal and stand behind it as one of the best ways to achieve permanent hair reduction. 

What is the theory behind laser hair removal? 

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a laser – an intense, pulsating beam of light – to remove unwanted hair. During laser hair removal, a laser beam passes through the skin to an individual hair follicle. The intense heat of the laser damages the hair follicle, which inhibits future hair growth. Laser hair removal is used to reduce unwanted hair. Many types of laser removal procedures are available, among these, Neodymium YAG, diode, alexandrite, and intense pulsed light sources are well known. 

Why should you choose laser hair removal? 

Unwanted hair on your face, underarms, legs, arms or any other area can be easily removed using this procedure. Laser hair removal procedures offer you with a healthy and smooth skin free of unwanted hair. The laser used for hair removal target dark and bristly hairs without damaging the surrounding areas. Known for its speed, laser hair procedure can treat small areas in approximately one minute and less. Common treatment locations include legs, underarms, upper lip, chin and bikini line. However, it’s possible to treat unwanted hair in nearly any area – except the eyelid or surrounding area. 

How long does it take? 

Laser removal method is performed by skilled doctors. The doctors need to decide how many days and sittings will it take to get the procedure done depending upon the growth of hair in that specific area and how much area of your skin is to be covered. Once the procedure is done, one may need to get it done in few years again depending upon the regrowth of hair on his/her body. 

Benefits: 

Hair colour and skin type influence the success of laser hair removal. For example, laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair because the laser beam targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair. However, advances in technology have made laser hair removal a good option for people with darker skin too. 

1. Precision: Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. 
2. Speed: Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour. 
3. Predictability: Most patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to seven sessions. 

Risks: 

Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. Some hair could be resistant to the laser treatment or grow again after treatment, although the new hair growth might be finer and lighter in colour. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: 

1. Skin irritation: Temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling are possible after laser hair removal. Any signs and symptoms typically disappear within several hours. 
2. Pigment changes: Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin, usually temporarily. Skin lightening primarily affects those who have darker skin, especially if an incorrect laser is used at an incorrect setting. 
3. Others: Rarely laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other uncommon problems that can occur include greying of treated hair, or paradoxically, hair might begin to grow excessively in or around treated areas. 

If you're tired of shaving, tweezing, or waxing and are seeking a permanent solution to unwanted hair consider laser hair removal and say hello to smooth hair free skin at Clinic Cosmoderma.

Your genetic background influences where your body fat is stored. In case, your mother or father has fat stored in the abdomen, hips, waist or in the thigh, it is likely for you to develop deposits of fat in the same regions.

Circumstances of Genetic Fat

• You may have a proper or a balanced BMI (body mass index) but still tend to develop bulges in areas, which are likely to make you look disproportional.
• You may become obese by development of excess fat accumulation in the lower abdomen region, referred to as pannus. Extra fat may accumulate in your lower back and hips as well, which cannot be lost in spite of taking weight losing measures.

Liposuction to get rid of extra fat:

• Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that allows you to remove genetic fat or any extra fat from the body, in order to change the body's shape. Liposuction does not remove cellulites and tightening of loose skin cannot be done.
• Liposuction removes excess fat from the body by suction. Small, narrow tubes with blunt tips known as the cannulae are inserted through incisions in the skin surface. The tubes are moved under the skin to target the suction of fat deposits.

There are several types of liposuction techniques:

1. Tumescent Liposuction: In this form of liposuction, a wetting solution such as lidocaine with a local anesthetic is injected into the patient before surgery. This causes the shrinking or constriction of blood vessels due to which it allows liposuction to be performed while the patient is under local anaesthesia. Blood loss and post surgical pains are reduced.
2. Suction Assisted Liposuction: This mode of liposuction also known as SAL is the most primary form of liposuction. It involves drawing out of fat using a vacuum.
3. Power Assisted Liposuction: This liposuction technique called PAL in short involves the process of SAL with an extra tool for increasing the motion of the cannula. The process is faster.
4. Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction: This process (UAL) involves the transmission of energy via a specialized hand piece for loosening and melting of fat. A greater volume of fat can be removed via UAL.
5. VASER: It is a variation of the UAL method where an ultrasonic cannula with grooves helps in energy disruption to improve removal of fat.

Laser Assisted Liposuction:
LAL is a newly developed liposuction technology where a laser works like an ultrasound for disruption and removal of fat cells. This mode is more efficient and involves less trauma. Liposuction is an effective way to remove unwanted, genetic fat from your body, which may be harming your body image. However, liposuction is associated with severe side effects.

A brain stroke can affect anyone at any point of time when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. It can threaten major physical functions and can prove to be fatally dangerous at times. The brain stem which is placed right above the spinal cord controls the breathing, heartbeat and levels of blood pressure. It is also in charge of controlling some elementary functions such as swallowing, hearing, speech and eye movements.

What are the different types of strokes?

There are three main kinds of stroke: ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. The most common type of brain stroke is the ischemic stroke is caused by narrowing or blocking of arteries to the brain, which prevents the proper supply of blood to the brain. Sometimes it so happens that the blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body have travelled via the blood vessels and has been trapped in the blood vessel which provides blood to the brain. When the supply of blood to a part of the brain is hindered, the tissue in that area dies off owing to lack of oxygen. The other variant of brain stroke is termed as hemorrhagic stroke is caused when the blood vessels in and around the brain burst or leak. Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible in order to minimize brain damage.  Remembering the F.A.S.T. acronym can help with recognizing the onset of stroke (Face, Arms, Speed, Time - explained below). 

What are the common symptoms of a brain stroke?

The symptoms of the brain stroke are largely dependent on the area of the brain that has been affected. It can interfere with normal functioning, such as breathing and talking and other functions which human beings can perform without thinking such as eye movements or swallowing. Since all the signals from the brain as well as other parts of the body traverse through the brain stem, the interruption of blood flow often leads to numbness or paralysis in different parts of the body.

Who is likely to have a stroke?

Anyone is at a risk of developing brain stroke although ageing is directly proportional to the risk of having a stroke. Not only that an individual with a family history of brain stroke or transient ischemic attack is at a higher risk of developing stroke. People who have aged over 65 accounts for about 33 percent of all brain strokes. It is important to point here that individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol, cancer, autoimmune diseases and some blood disorders are at a higher risk of developing brain stroke.

There are a few factors which can increase the risk of developing stroke beyond any control. But there are certain lifestyle choices as well which aids in controlling the chances of being affected by stroke. It is crucial to refrain from long-term hormone replacement therapies as well as birth control pills, smoking, lack of physical activity, excessive use of alcohol and drug addiction. A brain stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, and when an individual has symptoms that resemble that of stroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Treatment for stroke

1. Treatment depends on the type of stroke.
2. Ischemic strokes can be treated with 'clot-busting' drugs.
3. Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated with surgery to repair or block blood vessel weaknesses.
4. The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What is TPA?

TPA is a thrombolytic or a “Clot Buster” drug. This clot buster is used to break-up the clot that is causing a blockage or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and helps restore the blood flow to the area of the brain. It is given by intravenous (IV). This can be given only within 4.5 hrs of the onset of symptoms

Time is brain

1. Remember Every second Loss means brain cells die.
2. Rush to the nearest Stroke Centre whenever you experience such symptoms.
3. U can save the brain cells dying if you reach within 4.5 hrs by the CLOT BUSTER. 

Endovascular procedures 

Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* called mechanical thrombectomy, strongly recommended, in which  trained doctors try  removing a large blood clot by  sending a wired-caged device called a stent retriever, to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain

Stroke prevention

The good news is that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. It starts with managing key risk factors, including 

1. High blood pressure,
2. Cigarette smoking,
3. Diabetes
4. Atrial fibrillation and
5. Physical inactivity.
6. More than half of all strokes are caused by uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure, making it the most important risk factor to control. 

Rehabilitation

The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.

Do you ever wish you could start all over and take better care of your skin? A chemical peel could give you that chance. Peels can dramatically reduce lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and roughness caused by years of sun.

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the face to remove the outermost layer or layers of skin. It's a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new skin that grows in its place is softer, smoother and has fewer imperfections. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

There are three basic types of chemical peels:

Superficial or Lunchtime Peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

Medium Peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration.

Deep Peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. A thorough evaluation by a dermatologic surgeon is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.

When is a chemical peel appropriate?

Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:

1. Pigmentation on face or body
2. Tanning
3. Dyschromias
4. Fine Wrinkles
5. Acne
6. Acne marks and scars
7. Dullness
8. Aging skin
9. Crow's feet
10. Sagging skin

Who should not opt for chemical peels?

Generally, light-haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark skinned patients. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, or sunburns. Other contraindications include patients who are:

1. Nursing or pregnant.
2. Have taken Accutane in last six months.
3. Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.

Possible complications

Temporary change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.

Changes are transient and easy to take care of if taken care properly.

1. Scarring
2. Reactivation of cold sores
3. A variety of chemical treatments can be used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Depending on the depth of treatment required, your surgeon may choose one of the following peels:

1. Alpha-hydroxy acid peel (AHA)
2. Trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA)
3. Phenol peel
4. Croton oil peel

Aftercare and recovery

Your dermatologist will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care, including information about:

1. Normal symptoms you will experience
2. Potential signs of complications

You may have heard a lot about teen acne and things related to it, especially its nature and solutions to cure this skin condition. However, there are several misconceptions about acne. Many facts regarding the cause and remedy for acne, which are commonly talked about, are incorrect. Here are some myths and facts about teen acne you should know about:

1. Tanning clears the skin: A tan may act as a temporary mask to prevent acne. However, the sun dries up the skin and irritates it. This may further lead to acne breakout. There is no link between exposure to the sun and acne prevention, and the rays of the sun can cause damage to the skin. You should always use a sunscreen while going out in the sun.
2. Wash your face to prevent acne breakouts: Washing your face helps in removing the dirt and oil from the pores of the skin. However, too much washing may cause dryness and irritation, triggering more acne breakout. You should not scrub your face and use a mild soap or a facewash to wash your face.
3. Popping pimples will help in faster elimination: Popping pimples make them less noticeable for some time, but it causes the pimples to last longer. When you squeeze a pimple, you push bacteria, dead skin cells and oil back into the skin. This causes increased swelling and reddening. It might also cause a red or brown scar, which takes a lot of time to disappear. Some of these scars last forever.
4. Stress leads to acne: The normal daily stress a teenager faces does not lead to acne. However, in the case of stressful periods, such as dealing with the death of a loved one or facing parent’s divorce, the skin produces extra oil or sebum. This does not always mean that you will get more zits and pimples.
5. Acne is curable: Acne is not curable. It is chronic in nature and may last for a very long time. It is like a continuous situation which keeps on recurring on the skin. It may come and go several times and in case you are prone to acne, you will face a hard time dealing with it.
6. Pimples occur overnight: Another common misconception regarding acne is that pimples occur overnight. The truth is that a pimple takes weeks to develop but it may surface while you are asleep. The process of acne development is a complicated one and involves four steps.

Many people think that applying cold water closes pores and hot water opens pores. This is not true as the pores present all over your face do not have muscles. They cannot open and close.

Hair transplant is regarded as one of the most common cosmetic procedures, mostly undergone by male patients. Hair transplant could come to great help for all those, who are facing the problem of alopecia or hair loss and cannot afford to bear the cost of hair restoration surgery.

Procedure

Hair Transplant is kind of surgery that helps to move hair, which people already have, to fill up areas having very less or no hair.

The procedure is carried out in the following manner:

• The surgeon first cleans up one’s scalp and injects medicine in order to make the back of one’s neck totally numb.
• Then the doctor would choose either of the two methods for transplant, Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
• Through the method of FUSS, the surgeon goes on to remove at least 6 to 10 inch strip of skin from the back of one’s head. The surgeon puts the part aside and closes the scalp by sewing it. The area gets hidden immediately by the hair that surrounds it.
• Next thing involves, the surgeon’s team dividing the strip that got removed from the scalp, into 500 to 2000 small grafts, with each containing a hair or few hairs.
• After the grafts are prepared, the surgeon cleans up and then goes on to make the area numb where the hair would go in. Subsequently, holes are created and each graft is placed in one of the holes.
• Depending upon the exact size of transplant that an individual gets, the process usually takes around 4 to 8 hours.

Benefits of Hair Transplant

There are several benefits which people, who are suffering from hair loss, should consider and hence, go for hair transplant. The benefits include:

• Hair transplant being a painless, simple procedure, without inflicting any scar on the patient, it is recommended for those suffering hair loss due to several reasons.
• Looks are important for each and every individual and some people become extremely particular about the way they present themselves. So, hair transplant can help all those people get their looks back, who tend to suffer as a result of hair loss.
• One of the major benefits is, once the hair follicle gets transplanted, it would continue to grow along with the hair and can be cut, styled in a similar manner, just like a woman would have done with her original hair.
• Another important benefit is that hair transplant procedure needs minimum maintenance on the part of the patients to take care of the areas that have been worked upon. The reason is that the transplanted hair absolutely works like normal hair, so there is no need for people to use any type of special chemicals or shampoos so as to maintain the exact density.

The pelvic area has a number of muscles which need to be maintained healthy for optimal urinary and reproductive functions. From being able to start and maintain a good flow of urine to erections that last long, these muscles play a significant role.

There are specific exercises, known as Kegel exercises, designed to work on these muscles, which can improve overall health and solve issues like premature ejaculation and urinary incontinence.

These exercises were developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel in the 1940s, originally used to tighten the vagina after vaginal birth. Soon, their benefits in men were discovered and so they are today widely advised for both men and women.

How does it work?

The main idea of the Kegel exercise is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It runs from the tailbone up to the pelvic bone and is shaped like a hammock. Strengthening this muscle allows for better functioning of the sphincters, giving better control over urination as well as ejaculation.

There are 4 simple steps to doing the Kegel exercise that is find, contract, hold, and release; and repeat. Read on to know more.

1. Find: The pelvic floor muscles control the urine stream and the anal opening, so the next time you are urinating, try to stop midstream and locate the muscle. Without any tension on the legs or the abdomen, try to lift the pelvic floor upward.

2. Contract: The first step is to contract the pelvic floor muscle, while continuing to breathe.

3. Hold: When you start doing it, it might be difficult to hold it for more than a few seconds. This will gradually increase with time. Make a mental note of it to track progress.

4. Release and repeat: Release the muscle and repeat for up to 10 times, each contraction lasting for 10 seconds

Benefits

This simple exercise is advised by doctors to men will manage a variety of issues. The fact that it can be done anywhere, requires no equipment and is so simple, but so effective have added to its popularity.

1. The stronger pelvic floor muscles improve blood flow to the penis, providing harder, longer lasting erections.

2. The volume and force of ejaculation will also be improved greatly with repeated Kegels, leading to stronger orgasms

3. Improved control over the muscles improves sexual stamina, thereby allowing you to control your orgasm

4. Used in managing urinary incontinence

5. Nocturnal urination can be managed by regular Kegel exercises

6. Prostate health can be improved in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis reducing pain and swelling

7. Prolapse of pelvic organs can be prevented

Because of these varied benefits, it is widely used by doctors and sexual experts in a number of patients.