Suite 300
Fairbanks, Alaska
907-452-VEIN (8346)
Dr. Don Ives, MD
Face Wrinkles
The facial skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich underlayer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibers running through it.
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Rosacea
Rosacea (pronounced "roh-ZAY-sha") is a chronic and potentially life-disruptive disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. Many have observed that it typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. In some cases, rosacea may also occur on the neck, chest, scalp or ears.
Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disease is more frequently diagnosed in women, but more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men -- perhaps because they often delay seeking medical help until the disorder reaches advanced stages.
While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Information courtesy of Rosacea.org.
Learn more about how Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks can treat the various types of rosacea. Click on this link for more information on Fraxel or Thermage.
New laser technology allows us to safely heat your skin's underlayer and the web of collagen in the inner layer, causing an immediate tightening as well as improved tone and texture. And there is no downtime, so you can quickly resume your daily routine.
Left: Treatment of facial cutaneous photodamage with Fraxel Laser Treatment. Photos courtesy of Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery.
Learn more about how Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks can treat your wrinkles. Click on this link for more information on Fraxel or Thermage.
Age Spots, Discoloration and Melasma
Although the appearance of age spots might seem like an obvious indication of aging skin, they are instead our body's attempt to protect itself from sun exposure by overproducing melanin. Also called liver spots or sun spots, age spots are blemishes that range in color from dark yellow to black and locate themselves in exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands, shoulders, arms or forehead.
Only occasionally do age spots pose a serious medical risk. They sometimes obscure detection of skin cancer, and, rarely, can indicate accumulated wastes or a bodily dysfunction.
Even when harmless, these blotchy brownish patches pose a tough cosmetic challenge that can make us look and feel much older than our years.
Melasma (mask of pregnancy) is a skin condition in which patches of brown or tan discoloration appear on the forehead, cheeks, lips, nose or forearms as a result of the body’s sudden overproduction of pigment. Sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy," melasma can afflict anyone, but is most often triggered in women—especially during the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy.
Melasma affects an estimated six million people in the US alone. Though not dangerous, the condition can cause embarrassment and undermine self-confidence.
Left: After four Fraxel Laser treatments. Photos courtesy of Howard Conn, M.D.
Learn more about how Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks can treat the various types of discoloration. Click on this link for more information on Fraxel or Thermage.
Acne Scars
Anyone double-burdened with watching their teenage acne turn into adult acne scars knows the profound devastation this circumstance can have on self-esteem and life-outlook. Yet, every bit as profound is the utter transformation – physical and emotional – awaiting those who take advantage of a revolutionary change recently underway in cosmetic health.
Acne scars form wherever acne advances to the point of injuring our tissue. These injuries arise as an inflammatory response to sebaceous follicles becoming plugged with oils, bacteria and dead cells. The result is the formation of a scar – that discolored fibrous tissue with abnormal collagen function that replaces our healthy skin. Successful treatment of a scar requires both the removal of damaged epidermal tissue and the stimulation of new collagen to improve the region's tone and texture.
Left: Acne scarring skin resurfacing with Fraxel Laser Treatment. After 5 treatments/1month. Photos courtesy of Zakia Rahman, M.D.
Through Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks, you now have various laser treatment options. With its gentle non-ablative skin rejuvenation and rapid healing time, laser treatment is preferred by people of all skin types for the treatment of acne scars. Learn more about how Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks can treat acne scarring. Click on this link for more information on Fraxel or Thermage.
