Creative Image Laser Solutions

Products And Services

• Chemical Peels

  When you’re young, the epidermis (dead tissue) is thin and your dermis (live tissue) is thick. Your skin cells rotate every 28 days (cell turnover) keeping your skin rotating and lively. As we age they reverse, your dead tissue gets thicker and more compact while your live healthy tissue get thinner. This happens throughout our life as we encounter sun damage, smoker’s environments, pollution, etc. known as free radicals. Free radicals damage the collagens by attacking them, binding them up and essentially disabling them so that they are unable to promote cell turnover. When this occurs and your dead tissue begins to thicken and become more compact – your cosmeceuticals and skincare can’t penetrate through the epidermis to the live tissue, leading to the signs of premature aging, wrinkles, etc. The human skin is the largest organ in the human body. As we grow older, prior neglect or damage to the skin begins to appear in a variety of ways; pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, wrinkles, uneven skin tone etc. Many of these underlying conditions can either be corrected or deferred through the use of medical grade chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cosmeceuticals, and lasers. The science that accompanies these treatment modalities is just as important since there are many products and claims to reverse the process of the aging skin. The one truth about skincare is that it is never too early to start to take care of your skin. Chemical Peels in conjunction with microdermabrasion is a great starting point to achieving your desire for younger, healthier looking skin and is still considered to be the “gold standard” amongst Dermatologists. There are a variety of different chemical peels available and each type of chemical peel has varying benefits. As part of your initial consultation we will discuss with you the various types of peels and the added benefit of microdermabrasion. In addition, we will advise you of various cosmeceutical products available to maintain or correct various skin disorders and help devise a maintenance program so you may enjoy the results of your treatments for many years to come. The goal of facial aesthetics and the endpoint to the series of treatments of chemical peels and microdermabrasion is to promote exfoliation of the epidermis (thinning), induce wounding of the dermis, and allow for increased lymph flow which provides cleaning, toning and reduced redness. By wounding the dermis, the dermal layer will heal itself by producing more collagen that in turn will reduce or reverse dermal thinning, thus improving tone, texture, tonicity and reducing wrinkle precursors. In essence, by wounding the skin we are allowing the skin to heal itself, reduce the thickening of the epidermis, allow for more blood flow and nutrients to the skin. Promoting increased collagen production will allow for greater elasticity of the skin and correction prior skin conditions caused by UV exposure or of the aging process. Creative Image Laser Solutions offers a variety of medical grade chemical peel options for every skin type and skin condition and service the greater Brownwood, TX area.

  Link: Chemical Peels

• Cosmeceuticals

  We have all seen and heard the advertisements to clean, tone, exfoliate and protect your skin. Cosmeceuticals or medical grade skincare allow for all of these functions with a higher percentage of active ingredients than over-the-counter medications to more effectively treat specific skin conditions. Many patients suffering from aging skin respond well to these specialized skincare products and are very effective when used in combination with other treatment regimens. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that have pharmaceutical type benefits. Cosmeceutical products contain bioactive ingredients including vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, ceramides, minerals, herbs and essential oils. They are intended to enhance the health and beauty of the skin by altering its structure. These prescription only skin care products go beyond coloring and adorning the skin, they improve the functioning of the skin, encourage collagen growth and make the skin healthier. Cosmeceuticals contain key active ingredients that help prevent and diminish the signs of premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. These same ingredients may be found in small amounts in various cosmetics but cosmeceuticals contain larger percentages of these ingredients, boosting their ability to effect real changes in the skin. The science behind the actual ingredients is what makes for a better treatment and many medical conditions such as dyschromias and pigmentation issues can be resolved as well as preventing or perhaps reversing the effects of aging. Your physician has selected Cosmeceuticals to help transform your skin and make it healthier and looking its best. Find out for yourself why this unique skin care line will make you look younger, healthier, and renewed.

  Link: Cosmeceuticals

• Photodynamic Therapy

  Photodynamic Therapy is a process by which a topical medication/sensitizer (Levulan) is applied to your skin that is activated by a specific wavelength of light (IPL or Blue Light). Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in humans throughout the body. It is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis (ability to make red blood cells and carry oxygen). ALA (Levulan) concentrates in pilo-sebacous units that lead to sebaceous gland shrinkage and decreased sebum production for up to 12 months or longer. It is a series of treatments (2-3) and are spaced out (2-3) weeks apart. It is a lesser expensive alternative to Accutane and achieves the same results without the same side effects or expense. There are no contraindications for other maintenance types of treatments after the initial treatments and patients can acquire additional acne therapies if needed. Before applying the ALA, the patient has a microdermabrasion and an acetone facial wash to allow better medication penetration. After ALA application, the patient remains in a dark room for 30 minutes to two hours while the medication is absorbed. After this induction time the medication is activated with exposure to blue light (wavelength 415nm). Depending on the condition being treated, other lights such as intense pulsed light or red light can be used to activate the ALA. Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective acne treatments currently available with acne clearance over 85%. PDT is quite safe when patients and providers follow very strict protocols. The most important instruction is that patients restrict their exposure to sunlight or other bright lights for 48 hours after the procedure. Students receiving PDT usually miss a few days of school following the procedure. There may be some discomfort, redness and swelling following the procedure. Sun exposure can make these adverse effects significantly worse. Rarely, patients may experience some blistering after the therapy.

  Link: Photodynamic Therapy

• Sub-Ablative Laser Therapy

  The latest in ablative laser technologies is the introduction and advent of new sub-ablative technologies using RF (Radio Frequency) to selective ablate tissue leaving surrounding tissue undamaged and accelerating the healing process. Do not confuse this type of radiofrequency device with others used for skin tightening as the light energies are specifically focused for sub-ablation of tissue. Fractional sub-ablative treatments use both a 915nm diode matrix array in conjunction with radiofrequency to create strong thermal bands that penetrate in the deep dermis with minimal side effects for the epidermis. This allows the dermal layer of skin to be ablated while preserving the epidermis – all of which means no or minimal downtime to the patient. Only a small portion of the skin is ablated at one time, typically only 5-10% of the skin treated during each treatment, the total amount of skin that can ablated within a year is 30%. This partial ablation is achieved by taking the CO2 gas light energy and fractionate it by have a single pulse be broken into hundreds of small arrays of heat energies that coagulate and evaporate the skin in a very controlled manner. The benefits to the skin are two-fold; the heat conducted to the collagen fibers of the skin causes collagen contraction (tightening) as well as collagen remodeling (new collagen production), and the overall heating of the skin layers again cause new collagen synethesis for over (1) year. Variability of settings allow for epidermal evaporisation of skin results include clearing of vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, and scars, all of these results are visible upon re-epithilialisation of the skin (< 30 days). The dermal inflammation caused by the sub-ablative procedures release mediators for collagen, stimulates new collagen production (1 week) and neo-collagen production for over (1) year. By producing additional collagen and eliminating vascular and pigmented lesions as well as recontouring scars this is a total comprehensive treatment to the face. Anesthesia may or may not be required prior to the treatments but are topical for patient comfort. Downtime after the procedure is minimal and only inflamation and swelling of treated areas are expected but can vary based upon the patient and the aggressiveness of the treatment performed. Simple post-procedure instructions allow for complete repair and results continue for up to (1) year after the treatment(s). Turn back time and create a healthy new appearance to your skin. Additional real benefits of these procedures include improvement to skin tonicity (tightening) and in the reduction of lines and wrinkles due to the new thickened bands of collagen created through the treatments. Where non-ablative lasers require numerous treatments and the results can be marginal many individuals are taking advantage of these more aggressive and dramatic results achieved by new sub-ablative technologies – Call us today to see for yourself the difference we can achieve for you and join the hundreds of happy patients in Brownwood, Abilene, Brady, Llano, San Angelo and other surrounding areas.

  Link: Sub-Ablative Laser Therapy

• PDT (PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY)

  Photodynamic Therapy is a process by which a topical medication/sensitizer (Levulan) is applied to your skin that is activated by a specific wavelength of light (IPL or Blue Light). Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in humans throughout the body. It is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis (ability to make red blood cells and carry oxygen). ALA (Levulan) concentrates in pilo-sebacous units that lead to sebaceous gland shrinkage and decreased sebum production for up to 12 months or longer. It is a series of treatments (2-3) and are spaced out (2-3) weeks apart. It is a lesser expensive alternative to Accutane and achieves the same results without the same side effects or expense. There are no contraindications for other maintenance types of treatments after the initial treatments and patients can acquire additional acne therapies if needed. Before applying the ALA, the patient has a microdermabrasion and an acetone facial wash to allow better medication penetration. After ALA application, the patient remains in a dark room for 30 minutes to two hours while the medication is absorbed. After this induction time the medication is activated with exposure to blue light (wavelength 415nm). Depending on the condition being treated, other lights such as intense pulsed light or red light can be used to activate the ALA. Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective acne treatments currently available with acne clearance over 85%. PDT is quite safe when patients and providers follow very strict protocols. The most important instruction is that patients restrict their exposure to sunlight or other bright lights for 48 hours after the procedure. Students receiving PDT usually miss a few days of school following the procedure. There may be some discomfort, redness and swelling following the procedure. Sun exposure can make these adverse effects significantly worse. Rarely, patients may experience some blistering after the therapy.

• Dermal Fillers

  Wrinkles are a part of the natural aging process but sometimes they make us look older than we actually are. Within the last few years people are starting to live healthier lifestyles to live longer lives but sometimes diet and exercise are not enough to keep our skin from showing our age. The aging process causes the face and hands to lose underlying fat and collagen which then causes our skin to sag and we get wrinkles. Injectable wrinkle fillers and dermal fillers have become more popular with the instant effect they have addressing skin sagging and wrinkle problems that result from aging, sun damage, skin trauma, scarring, or disease. The Injectable wrinkle and dermal fillers are most commonly used to treat facial lines and wrinkles, hollow cheeks and eyes, receding chins, thinning lips, and wrinkles between the eyes and may even be used to hide nose bumps or fill in and plump thinning skin on the hands. Dermal Fillers can be used to correct problem areas such as laugh lines, smile lines, smoker’s lines, and marionette lines but there are also ways to use Dermal Fillers to enhance certain features. The most popular being the cheekbones, chins, jaw lines and eyebrows. Treatment can take as short a time as 30 minutes depending on the number of injection sites and the injectables used. These injections are virtually painless and the results can be seen almost immediately. There are numerous Dermal Fillers available to choose from including Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse and more. The effects of Dermal Fillers can last from 3-18 months depending on which filler is used and in which location it is injected. In some cases the Dermal Fillers will stimulate your skin to make its own collagen which means you may have improvement that lasts for years after the Dermal Filler has dissolved. We only use fillers that are made to be biocompatible with human skin which lessens the chance for an allergic reaction and none of our fillers are made using animal products. Before you make any decision it’s a good idea to browse over the before and after photo section to see the results of the treatment you are interested in receiving.

• Latisse

  LATISSE™ is the first FDA approved treatment for improving the thickness and darkness of the eyelashes. The LATISSE™ formula contains 0.03% of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, which helps in making the eyelashes grow longer and darker. Bimatoprost has been used by doctors for many years and is known to be very safe. LATISSE™ helps in ensuring beautiful eyelash, by prolonging its growth. Bimatoprost is an important ingredient which helps in this growth. LATISSE™ is very easy to use and all you need to do is, apply it on your upper eyelash every day. Most patients see noticeable improvement in a period of 4-16 weeks. LATISSE™ was developed by Allergan (a company with 60+ years of specialization in developing eye care products and also a pharmaceutical leader) after years of research on the subject. LATISSE™ is available only on prescription and is not available through any other source. Benefits of LATISSE™ treatment: Fuller and darker eyelash growth Beautiful eyelashes for more attractive eyes.

• Vampire Facelift

  Did you know that you can have a portion of your blood sucked out from your system, have it separated into different components, and your platelets concentrated for a more rejuvenated appearance on your end? You might want to visit the Creative Image Laser Solutions clinic to witness science at work in fighting aging through a session of vampire facelift in Brownwood, Texas. Vampire What? Okay, we’re not talking about the likes of Dracula or Edward Cullen here. The Vampire Facelift includes the use of hyaluronic acid fillers such as juvederm. The blood within you is life-giving. Your life-blood contains many components that make it merit the term “your life-blood.” Besides oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrition, etc, it contains many healing factors. The plasma can be enriched in platelets by using such products as RegenPlasma and Cetaphyl. Platelets are essential for the formation of clots to stop bleeding in wounds. Platelets also contain growth factors which promote faster healing in wounds. These same growth factors can be harnessed in cosmetic rejuvenation. In other words, your own body produces proteins that heal and rejuvenize any part of your body. For the maximum benefit, water consumption, a balanced diet and an exercise regimen help. Smoking cessation improves treatment results immeasurably. The end results, which can take up to six months, include a glowing, more youthful rejuvenated look. Fine lines will be gone, deep wrinkles will be reduced, and an improved texture of the skin will be evident. Common Problems Treated with Vampire Therapy The following problems are often recommended to be treated with Vampire Facelift: sagging skin bag and wrinkles around the eyes nasolabial grooves acne scars fine wrinkles around the eyes forehead wrinkles Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Butka by calling 325.641.1927 or by filling out this contact form for more information about vampire facelift in Brownwood, Texas. We look forward to your visit!

• Botox and Dysport

  Botox® and Dysport® injections are one of the most common cosmetic enhancements used today in relation to anti-aging, wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and many other age related facial changes. Botox® and Dysport® are medicines that relax muscles by inhibiting the secretion of acetylcholine needed for muscle contraction. It has been used for the past (25) years to treat such medical conditions as cervical dystonia, TMJ, and other neuromuscular disorders. As you grow older your skin becomes less elastic due to the loss of collagen and reduced vascularization of tissues. Wrinkles (rhytids) occur when certain muscles become more dominant and the skin does not have the ability to be as elastic in response to these muscle contractions. In addition, muscles become constrictive and naturally form creases and rhytids . Dynamic rhytids (not a crease of the skin) can be eliminated or lessened by relaxing the dominant muscle as it competes against either an inferior muscle or in constricting skin elasticity. This is why certain patients of differing ages start to form wrinkles at different times as compared to other individuals.

  Link: Botox and Dysport

• Cellulite Treatments

  Maybe you have lost the weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy, had lipo-surgery, or recently had a baby only to realize that no matter what you have tried you still suffer from the unwanted appearance of cellulite. In a recent study, over 80% of women claimed to have some unwanted cellulite part of which because females' connective tissues are vertical as compared to males which tend to be more diagonal in the subcutaneous fat compartments where fat is stored, thus causing the contour issues of the skin associated with cellulite. However, the major causes of cellulite are multi-factorial but mainly include one or more of the following conditions: Poor Vascular Function Poor Lymphatic Drainage Stiff Connective Tissue Trapped Fat Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance) Poor Muscle Tone Lifestyle Issues Cellulite cannot be eliminated by dieting and exercise alone. Diet and exercise affect deep fat but fail to reach the superficial tissue of the skin. Weight and fat may be reduced but cellulite remains even for women who exercise regularly and follow low-fat, nutritious diets may still have cellulite. Not all available treatments address all of the possible factors for cellulite, thus various therapies are combined to receive results. We take a combination approach to the treatment of cellulite using all available technologies and research available. There is no one solution for cellulite as many claim and therefore Creative Image Laser Solutions offers the newest in treatment modalities for our patients so they can gain clearance from this aesthetic condition for the greater Brownwood, TX area.

• Skin Tightening Lasers

  If loose skin associated with underarm, cheeks, neck area, abdomen, knees or other areas are becoming troublesome then skin tightening lasers may offer you the solution to avoid surgery, excessive expense or downtime associated with other treatments. Skin tightening lasers can be used wherever loose skin is indicated on the body and is safe and effective for all body areas where there is no prominent bony structures. Skin tightening for all body areas use infrared laser energies to heat the reticular dermis to effect tightening of the skin. Newer infrared technologies heat the lower dermis responsible for skin contraction and results are achieved in a manner of a few treatments. RF Technologies (radiofrequency) can either be incorporated with infrared light or is used for larger body areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or flanks. The treatments are safe for all skin types with no age restrictions. There are (2) different ways of creating skin tightening and are not independent of each other and in fact are complimentary to the other. Collagen stimulation or remodeling is used to increase skin density and in turn causes the skin to become more taught and stretched. Collagen shrinkage is used when the lower reticular dermis is wounded and there is a contraction of the reticular dermis thus creating the skin tightening effect. Together, facial atrophy, facial wrinkling, and large body pre-mature wrinkling can be corrected. Collagen remodeling require an inflammatory response of the skin to heat, typically this is done at the papillary dermis. This controlled wounding stimulates fibroblast activity (collagen growth) that replaces lost collagen. Collagen shrinkage is achieved by bulk heating of various body and facial areas that will cause the collagen shrinkage in the papillary dermis thus achieving the contraction of the skin. Results will vary between individuals depending upon present skin condition, age, and overall health. Typical protocols require 2-6 treatments but results can vary based upon the amount of skin tightening desired, the area for skin tightening, and the total area requested. The treatments are not painful, there is no need for anaesthetic, and there is no “downtime” to the procedures. Final results depend upon lifestyle issues and maintenance is required for long-term results. Individuals that fluctuate in weight, do not exercise, or continue to damage the skin (ie UV rays) may not achieve the long-term results and the results will be more temporary unless additional maintenance procedures are performed.

• Liposuction

  Liposuction, also referred to as Liposculpture, is an effective surgical process that has become the most popular procedure for removing excess fat deposits from various body areas. Liposuction removes stubborn unwanted fat that you have not been able to diminish through diet and exercise. When unwanted fat is removed, it cannot come back to that area, because the fat cells are removed though a poor diet and nutrition after liposuction can cause fat to relocate to this area. Modern advances to Liposuction surgery includes the use of tumescent anesthesia which allows for the patient to be awake during the procedure. Tumescent Anesthesia allows for an expansion of the adipose fat layer making it easier and more accessible for unwanted fat to be removed. Other benefits to tumescent anesthesia is that it uses a vasoconstrictor to reduce the bruising and edema associated with older techniques while allowing the doctor to use smaller cannulas that reduces injury to the area and allows the patient to heal in less time. It is important to understand that liposurgery is permanent so the consultation process involved in determining expectations of the procedure is paramount to your satisfaction. There are many new special techniques, laser assisted devices, and other conjunctive treatments and procedures that can create the results that you expect. Liposuction as a stand-alone treatment eliminates fat from the body, these conjunctive treatments allow for the actual body sculpting one would expect from these type of procedures. The actual surgery takes approximately (2) – (4) hours depending upon the extent of fat removal and areas being treated. Downtime is minimal as many people are able to return to work the next day but is also dependent upon the area of correction. There are also conjunctive procedures that allow for body contouring when performing liposuction and this is called laser assisted lipolysis. Laser assisted lipolysis allows for partial emulsification of the fat that allows for greater amount of fat to be harvested and less trauma due to the ability to use smaller cannulas. Markings to the patient prior to the surgery allows for better results as different areas need to be feathered into other body areas and body sculpting can be achieved. The fat cells that are suctioned are removed forever and will not come back despite opinions to the contrary. Most of the fat cells we are harvesting are situated under the skin in the adipose fat layer. The total number of fat cells that are present in a person’s body does not increase in number beyond teenage years. When a person gains weight after this procedure there is a possibility that the size of the fat cells could increase thus allowing more fat to be deposited in it. When one loses weight, the opposite occurs where fat is mobilized out of the fat cells and so these cells become smaller in size. The result of liposuction is therefore permanent. Fat does not recollect in the treated areas even if one overeats though fat shifts could occur. It is advised to stick to a healthy dietary habit after liposuction, because fat can collect elsewhere, nutrition and daily exercise such as walking for half an hour is also advised. Liposuction is not a weight loss technique, and is not a cure for overall obesity. It is, however, a great way to get rid of those bulges that you cannot seem to get rid of any other way.

• Autologous Fat Transfer

  Your own body fat makes excellent soft tissue filler material. Fat injection transfers fat from one part of the body to another to re-contour the face; diminish frown lines, tear trough (eyes), crow’s feet and nasolabial folds (smile lines); and provide definition to areas like the cheeks and chin. It can also be used to fill out depressed scarred areas on any part of the body from poor liposuction or other surgeries. The benefits of this type of dermal filler is that it is natural, non-allergenic, and is an in-office procedure that typically takes less than (30) minutes. Expected results of these procedures range between 3-5 years but also may become permanent. Harvest areas for fat include the lateral thigh and buttocks area and approximately 10cc of fat is extracted at one time. This is approximately (10) syringes of filler as compared to comparable HLA fillers (Restylane/Juvederm) and can be reinjected anywhere to the face and body. The procedure is very comfortable to the patient as tumescent anesthesia is used where the patient is conscious and alert throughout. The amount of anesthesia used is less than a dental block and the incision portal (harvesting point) is very small and is covered by a small bandage. Post-care instruction is minimal and the procedure can be repeated without compromise or contraindication. For total correction to be achieved in various body areas it may require (2) procedures to get desired results. Body fat cannot be overfilled since live fat needs to adhere with live soft tissue in order to become vascularized back as part of your body’s own skin. Typically only 70% of the fat injected in (1) session adheres to the body and even though we overfill the fat to some degree there is only a marginal overfill we can achieve in allowing for adhesion to occur in soft tissues. Results are immediate and are long lasting which makes this the best dermal filler available. Enjoy the benefits of being able to utilize an almost unlimited supply of dermal fillers to achieve correction in areas that HLA dermal fillers cannot be injected or would be cost inhibitive to use. Take advantage of this natural approach to correcting fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and augmentation capabilities. Look younger naturally and learn the secrets of others in keeping up their youthful appearance – create the new you! Our in-office results have normally been from 2 to 7 inches in reduction.

• Laser Assisted

  Your own body fat makes excellent soft tissue filler material. Fat injection transfers fat from one part of the body to another to re-contour the face; diminish frown lines, tear trough (eyes), crow’s feet and nasolabial folds (smile lines); and provide definition to areas like the cheeks and chin. It can also be used to fill out depressed scarred areas on any part of the body from poor liposuction or other surgeries. The benefits of this type of dermal filler is that it is natural, non-allergenic, and is an in-office procedure that typically takes less than (30) minutes. Expected results of these procedures range between 3-5 years but also may become permanent. Harvest areas for fat include the lateral thigh and buttocks area and approximately 10cc of fat is extracted at one time. This is approximately (10) syringes of filler as compared to comparable HLA fillers (Restylane/Juvederm) and can be reinjected anywhere to the face and body. The procedure is very comfortable to the patient as tumescent anesthesia is used where the patient is conscious and alert throughout. The amount of anesthesia used is less than a dental block and the incision portal (harvesting point) is very small and is covered by a small bandage. Post-care instruction is minimal and the procedure can be repeated without compromise or contraindication. For total correction to be achieved in various body areas it may require (2) procedures to get desired results. Body fat cannot be overfilled since live fat needs to adhere with live soft tissue in order to become vascularized back as part of your body’s own skin. Typically only 70% of the fat injected in (1) session adheres to the body and even though we overfill the fat to some degree there is only a marginal overfill we can achieve in allowing for adhesion to occur in soft tissues. Results are immediate and are long lasting which makes this the best dermal filler available. Enjoy the benefits of being able to utilize an almost unlimited supply of dermal fillers to achieve correction in areas that HLA dermal fillers cannot be injected or would be cost inhibitive to use. Take advantage of this natural approach to correcting fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and augmentation capabilities. Look younger naturally and learn the secrets of others in keeping up their youthful appearance – create the new you!

• Body Jet

  Water-jet assisted liposuction is a new liposuction technique and the first of its kind in the United States. Using the body-jet device, this revolutionary alternative to traditional liposuction is gentle, fast, and effective. Using the flow of water to dislodge fat, this technique is unlike any other. This procedure uses a gentle, pulsating spray of fluids, water-jet assisted liposuction dislodges fat without the brute force used with traditional liposuction. This gentle method results in minimal bruising and tissue trauma, while still achieving excellent results. Almost any area of the body with excessive fat deposits may be treated. The most frequent areas are the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, arms, and beneath the chin. Body-Jet liposuction sculpts your shape with minimal downtime, discomfort, and bruising. Often this procedure may be performed under local anesthesia and most patients are back to work and resume normal activity in just days. In addition to liposuction, the Body-Jet also has the capabilities for fat-transfer. Fat transfer is a technique when by a person’s own fat can be harvested from one or more areas of the body. This fat can be injected into other areas for aesthetic corrections. Commonly, fat can be used as a filler for the face and hands. In certain situations breast and buttock augmentation can also be done.

• Velashape

  Velashape contours, shapes, and slims the body resulting in waist size reduction and Cellulite smoothing. Gradual improvement of the treated area can be seen following the first treatment-with skins surface of treated area feeling smoother, firmer, and tighter. Most patients are recommended to complete 4 treatments. Our in-office results have normally been from 2 to 7 inches in reduction.

• Aqua Lipo

  Aqua Lipo uses the Body Jet developed by Human Med AG in Germany. It offers many unique aspects and features that can result in a more gratifying result. A preoperative tumescent anesthesia is used. The technique involves the use of a saline solution with an anesthetic and a pH balancer placed under the skin and above the muscles which helps control pain and bleeding well. The treatment is given through thin rods which have the property of injecting a fan-shaped jet of fluid into the subcutaneous tissues. This jet dislodges adipocytes (fat cells) which are then suctioned out and stored in a collection cylinder. Different amounts of pressure or suction can be used during the procedure. Fat can then be stored temporarily until needed for fat transfer procedures or can be discarded. Afterwards, pressure dressings are used to express any remaining fluid out of the subcutaneous regions. Remarkable results can be seen by the next day. See photos. Aqua Lipo can be combined with other laser assisted liposuction techniques for added improvement. The endpoints are marvelous. The recovery period is short and augmenting techniques can be complementary.

• SmartLipo

  Fat Reduction At Creative Image Laser Solutions in Brownwood, TX we are Central Texas’ leader in SmartLipo Laser Lipolysis treatment with the most powerful, state-of-the-art equipment to What is Smartlipo? This lipolysis procedure is performed using a small tube inserted into the skin and is assisted by a laser. The laser fiber inside delivers energy directly to the fat cells using two different wavelengths, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid. The dual wavelength technology produces a more effective tightening of the skin. This treatment is ideal for areas of skin laxity, such as the neck and arms. It is also ideal for removal of fat from the abdomen, love handles, saddle bags, or thighs. What are the advantages of long do SmartLipo the results last? The advantages of Smartlipo over conventional liposuction procedures are; they both effectively remove fat, but conventional liposuction can leave behind unsightly pockets of skin and ridges of fat. Smartlipo helps reduce those problems by the delivery of the energy with a small cannula resulting in a smoother layer of tissue and reorganization of collagen fibers. Tightening and improving the quality of your skin is the result. Smartlipo requires no general anesthesia. Results from SmartLipo treatment are permanent if patients lifestyle and weight are maintained. What is the recovery time? You remain awake with a local anesthesia administered into the area of treatment. There is little to no down time, recovery is more rapid; Pain is minimal and the risk of bleeding or blood clots is reduced when compared to Conventional liposuction. Scars are very small and often invisible after the treatment. Whether you want to slim down, tighten up, have the body you used to have, or just look and feel better – We are here to help. What areas of the body can be treated? The areas that can be treated with SmartLipo are the abdomen, arms, neck, and back. How many treatments are necessary? Only one SmartLipo treatment is needed to get results. SmartLipo’s recovery period is 2-3 days with 2 weeks of a “work-out” like soreness.

  Link: SmartLipo

• For Women

  Throughout the aging process, our bodies change and we develop certain deficiencies that occur due to life changes and genetics. We develop various chronic or persistent symptoms that we put off to “old age” when in fact these conditions are a result of over/under glandular activity. Hormones decline as we age; bio-identical hormone therapy replaces the hormones that your body needs to function. Bio-identical hormones are molecule-by-molecule, exactly the same as the hormones present in the human body. When a woman reaches menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. HRT is a means of replacing these hormones that are no longer being produced by the body. This type of therapy is usually commenced at menopause or may be started while a woman is in the peri-menopausal phase (nearing menopause). HRT is not medically advised for all women so it is crucial that the decision be made on an individual basis after a complete review and consultation of your medical history. In recent years the dynamic of replacing and correcting hormonal levels in women have allowed us to further understand the inter-relationship of various disorders and the important role that hormones play in correcting various physical disorders. New combination therapy that utilizes natural supplements in conjunction with HRT have proven effective for sleep, anxiety, and chronic fatigue disorders. These natural replacements now allow us to treat the disorder rather than mask the symptoms through prescription medications. feedback mechanism that may cause other health symptoms, health risks or simply not work for the patient. In recent years the dynamic of replacing and correcting hormonal levels in men and women have allowed us to further understand the inter-relationship of various disorders and the important role that hormones play in correcting various physical disorders. New combination therapies utilize natural supplements in conjunction with HRT have proven effective for sleep, anxiety, and chronic fatigue disorders. Natural replacements allow us to treat the disorder rather than mask the symptoms through prescription medications.

• Female Hormone Supplements

  Decreasing hormone levels associated with menopause, andropause, and aging can be corrected in different ways. There are instances where the body needs an adequate amount of supplement required for the production of the hormone indicated. The following is a listin of the most important supplements related to naturally stimulating hormone production as well as helping to maintain equilibrium to the body: L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid (protein building block) that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. Tyrosine is converted inthe body into dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Supplementation can help in alertness and mental arousal and can be used to increase alertness and focus. L-Tyrosine is natural in most dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein containing foods. It is not indicated for most people so prior to supplementing L-Tyrosine it is necessary to consult with our physician prior to taking. There are also weight loss suppressant qualities and medical benefits that can be arrived for certain kidney diseases, depressed people, and people affected with PKU. L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine is an amino acide that can stimulate HGH, help in the anti-aging proccess, increase brain function, and in stabilizing blood sugars thereby indirectly improving your overall nutritional status. Glutamine, Glutamate, & GABA are all neurotransmitters which means they are chemical messengers in the brain without which the brain could not function. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter, Glutamine is highly concentrated in the brain , being 10-15 times more concentrated in the cerebro-spinal fluid than in the blood. It is an important fuel for the brain, & can provide adequate energy in the absence of glucose (the other major brain fuel). For this reason it is helpful with focus, concentration, memory, intellectual performance, alertness, attentiveness, improving mood, & eliminating brain fog & cloudiness. Glutamine also helps suppresses insulin to stop the further decline of the sugar levels. It also stimulates glycogen (a stored form of glucose) to be released to help increase the blood sugar to normal levels. Glutamine increases the growth & absorptive capacity & is the main fuel source for the cells lining the intestinal tract. It is critical for the maintenance of proper gut metabolism, structure & function. It has been shown to be the most abundant amino acids found in the skeletal muscles. It plays a pivotal role in the nitrogen balance in the body. Glutamine is required for their proliferation & is therefore critical in wound metabolism & healing. Glutamine supplementation has been proven safe, beneficial, and has failed to demonstrate toxicity even in high doses. The only contraindication to Glutamine are for individuals suffering from liver or kidney failures or disorders. Pregnenolene: Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineral and glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. Pregnenolone stimulates DHEA, sex hormones, memory, and aids memory function. Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring metabolite that is made in your body. It is often referred to as the ‘mother steroid compound’ because it is the basic raw material for all steroid hormones in the body. Pregnenolone itself is not a steroid hormone. Instead, Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol in the cells of both the adrenal gland and the central nervous system. Using Pregnenolone as a supplement can have a number of positive effects. Pregnenolone appears to share many of its effects on the body with cortisol in that it can reduce allergic reactions, buffer the effects of stress, and lessen arthritis inflamation. Pregnenolone is very well tolerated by the body and has no known negative effects. Pregnenolone may offer many post-menopausal women a natural oestrogen replacement therapy. This is because Pregnenolone converts into DHEA which in turn converts into oestrogens. Because Pregnenolone has antagonistic effects on what are known as GABA receptors in the central nervous system, Pregnenolone supplementation may cause problems in people with a history of seizures. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Synthetic melatonin supplements have been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep. Melatonin possesses antioxidant activity, and many of its proposed therapeutic or preventive uses are based on this property.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Women

  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. Typical symptoms of CFS include fatigue for 6 months or more and experiencing other problems such as muscle pain, memory problems, headaches, pain in multiple joints, sleep problems, sore throat and tender lymph nodes. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some researchers suspect it may be caused by a virus, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), however no specific virus has been identified as the cause. What is known is that CFS is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it and can last for years after the onset thereof. Traditional medicine believes that there is no cure for CFS, the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms – certain medicines may treat pain, sleep disorders and other problems but in many cases just mask the symptoms with little or no real long-term relief from the disability. Our approach to CFS goes far beyond where traditional medicine fails and our goal is quality of life not pacifying the condition with prescription drugs. We begin by educating our patients to have a better understanding about the body’s hormone producing organs, otherwise known as the endocrine system, and how the brain orchestrates this system helps to see the connection to CFS. It is true that there is no exact cause for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) but there is a correlation to what appears to be reduced production of hormones of these controlling glands (adrenal glands) as well as reduced cortisol production in CFS patients. There also appears to be an improper response of these hormones and other hormones due to the lack of one or more hormones to each other. In many cases, persons with CFS have significant reduction in both blood and urine levels of important adrenal hormones including cortisol. In many patients, the adrenal glands are half that of normal persons, however the problem may not be with the adrenals themselves but of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system as disturbed in CFS. Our treatment protocol is two-fold, first we test your adrenals by performing a complete saliva and blood spot panel and confirm adrenal hormone insufficiency. Patients with either low hormone production or a low reserve will be treated in low doses of bio-identical (natural) adrenal hormone with often drastic improved results (these are not adrenal glandulars from health food stores). We use actual (therapeutic) cortisol which is molecule to molecule identical to that of the human body and to further avoid possible side effects we avoid high doses and receive highly favorable results from (10-15mg) in CFS patients.

• Female Hypothyroidism

  An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health, so understanding more about the thyroid, and the symptoms that occur when something goes wrong with this small gland, can help you protect or regain good health. Women are at the greatest risk, developing thyroid problems seven times more often than men. A woman faces as high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime, a risk that increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. A condition called secondary hypothyroidism sometimes occurs as a result of a failing pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland fails, it no longer stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. The thyroid has the only cells in the body capable of absorbing iodine. The thyroid takes in iodine, obtained through food, iodized salt, or supplements, and combines it with the amino acid tyrosine. The thyroid then converts the iodine/tyrosine into the hormones T3 and T4. The “3″ and the “4″ refer to the number of iodine molecules in each thyroid hormone molecule. When everything is working proper 80% will be T4 and 20% T3. T3 is considered the biologically more active hormone — the one that actually functions at the cellular level — and is several times stronger than T4. Upon T3 and T4 hormones being released by the thyroid, the T3 and T4 travel through the bloodstream to help cells convert oxygen and calories into energy. As mentioned, the thyroid produces some T3. But the rest of the T3 needed by the body is actually formed from the mostly inactive T4 by a process sometimes referred to as “T4 to T3 conversion.” This conversion of T4 to T3 can take place in some organs other than the thyroid, including the hypothalamus, a part of your brain. The thyroid is part of a huge feedback process. The hypothalamus in the brain releases Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone (TRH). The release of TRH tells the pituitary gland to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This TSH, circulating in your bloodstream, is what tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormones and release them into your bloodstream. There can be many causes for thyroid problems including overconsumption of soy protein (isoflavin) and powders, exposure to radiation, certain prescription drugs, surgical treatments of thyroid, over consumption or shortage of iodine in your diet, as well as an over consumption of uncooked “goitrogenic” vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, kohlrabi, and radishes. Certain risk factors are associated with hypothyroidism and include family history, pituitary or endocrine disease, autoimmune disorders, female, over 60 years of age, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, menopausal, smokers, post pregnancy, or diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It is important to understand that conventional medicine will treat this disorder with prescription drugs designed to stimulate the thyroid but research has shown that bio-identical hormonal treatments work best when a patient is confirmed as having “hypothyroidism”. As part of our regimen for treatment we will educate the person as to the various options for treatment available, test for other hormonal deficiencies that may affect the T3 and T4, and replace bio-identically the hormones to restore gland function. There are also natural supplements and vitamins that may also be helpful in promoting good health of the thyroid and hypothalamus glands including certain enzymes. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones. Dosage of thyroid hormone may need to be increased over the years. Yearly or biyearly checkups are usually required to ensure the proper dosage of thyroid hormones is taken. A patient usually takes thyroid hormones for the rest of his/her life. Hypothyroidism is especially frustrating for patients that have not gotten the results they desired from conventional medicine. We understand your concerns and have solutions to where pharmaceuticals fail only to mask the need for interventional and innovative forms of treatment.

• Insomnia Disorders in Women

  Inadequate or dissatisfying sleep is the most common sleep disturbance in America. Over 40% of adult Americans report at least occasional insomnia and nearly 20% have severe insomnia. Chronic insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep at least three times a week for 1 month or more, with the problem being bad enough to cause fatigue during the day or impaired functioning. Many people have transient sleep disturbances and treat them with over-the-counter medications, while others turn to their healthcare provider for prescription medications – and there are plenty of choices for medications. Each has its benefits and risks, indications, and side effects, and these medications are not interchangeable. More importantly, they aren’t safe to use together. Many things can cause insomnia. Insomnia is not a disorder – it is a complaint. The goal is to find the underlying problem causing the complaint. Almost any sleep disorder can present itself as insomnia including circadian disorders, sleep apnea, restless legs, and the list goes on. So ruling out a sleep disorder can be important for a positive prognosis. Medications, herbs and caffeine can cause insomnia. Most medications will report the possible side effect of insomnia and sleepiness. The same medication can cause both since we all react to medications differently. Life events can cause insomnia but it is usually temporary. Anxiety about falling asleep can also be responsible, however, if the anxiety is due to a long history of insomnia, the anxiety is probably not the problem and you need to find out what is the underlying cause. Once sleep is restored to normal the anxiety will usually go away. Physical problems such as pain can be the underlying cause. Transient and short-term insomnia generally occur in people who are temporarily experiencing stress, temporary sleep/wake schedule problems (i.e. jet lag), medication reactions, or have conditions in their environment disturbing their sleep. Though annoying, this type of insomnia is not a disorder and can be improved by the use of natural supplements or by medications. Chronic insomnia is more complex and often results from a combination of factors, including underlying physical or mental disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is depression. Other underlying causes include arthritis, kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and hyperthyroidism. However, chronic insomnia may also be due to behavioral factors, including the misuse of caffeine, alcohol, or other substances; disrupted sleep/wake cycles as may occur with shift work or other nighttime activity schedules; and chronic stress. The most widely used sleep medications are the benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine drugs. These medications are believed to be safe because they are difficult to overdose, but long-term studies have not been completed as to their total safety. Tolerance develops quickly, and over time, a higher dose is required to get the same effect as the initial dose. The risk of becoming dependent on these medications is also very high. Taking Ambien®, which is a short-acting sleeping medication, is not meant as a long-term solution since it is habit forming. You will become emotionally if not physically dependent upon it for your sleep. In general, most sleep disorder experts recommend against treating chronic insomnia with continuous sleeping medications. Regardless of the mechanism of action of sleeping medications, they are all “downers”. They depress brain function, and if mixed, overused, or taken in conjunction with alcohol or drugs may create a dangerous health condition where the brain can become depressed where the body begins to stop and breakdown. Natural supplements, such as Melatonin, have been proven to be effective for both short-term and chronic insomnia. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes may also disrupt sleep. Calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, folic acid and melatonin deficiencies may impair sleep. Melatonin is a brain hormone (pineal gland) that is secreted according to a person’s biorhythm. It is low during the day and peaks in the middle of the night. It has been well documented to be lower than normal in subjects with insomnia and administration of it may improve sleep problems in most people. Melatonin levels are lower in menopausal women who have insomnia and higher in menopausal women with depression and hyperprolactinemia. The hormone is a marker for circadian rhythm disturbance (as is cortisol) but not necessarily something that needs to be replaced on a daily basis. If you feel you are becoming overmedicated with prescriptions, feeling that you are only masking your sleep disorder with drugs, or believe that you are not receiving the results from traditional therapies by your physician you may want to do something pro-active to control and limit this disorder

• Female Sexual Dysfunction

  Sexual Dysfunction is very common among both men and women, it is estimated that 43% of women and 31% of men report having at least one symptom. Sexual dysfunction disorders are generally classified into four categories: sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorders, and sexual pain disorders. Sexual desire disorders (decreased libido) may be caused by a decrease in the normal production of estrogen (in women) or testosterone (in both men and women). Other causes may be aging, fatigue, pregnancy, and medications — the SSRI anti-depressants which include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are well known for reducing desire in both men and women. Psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also cause decreased libido. Sexual arousal disorders also known as frigidity in women and impotence in men. Impotence is now known as erectile dysfunction, and frigidity is now described as any of several specific problems with desire, arousal, or anxiety. For both men and women, these conditions may appear as an aversion to, and avoidance of, sexual contact with a partner. In men, there may be partial or complete failure to attain or maintain an erection, or a lack of sexual excitement and pleasure in sexual activity. There may be medical causes for these disorders, such as decreased blood flow or lack of vaginal lubrication. Chronic disease may also contribute to these difficulties, as well as the nature of the relationship between partners. As the success of Viagra attests, many erectile disorders in men may be primarily physical, not psychological conditions. Orgasm disorders are a persistent delay or absence of orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase. The disorder occurs in both women and men. Again, the SSRI antidepressants are frequent culprits — these may delay the achievement of orgasm or eliminate it entirely. Sexual pain disorders affect women almost exclusively, and are known as dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the vaginal wall, which interferes with intercourse). Dyspareunia may be caused by insufficient lubrication (vaginal dryness) in women. There may also be abnormalities in the pelvis or the ovaries that can cause pain with intercourse. Vulvar pain disorders can also cause dyspareunia and inability to have intercourse due to pain.

• Female Sleep Apnea

  Sleep Apnea is a disorder of breathing during sleep and typically it is accompanied by loud snoring. Sleep Apnea consists of brief periods throughout the night in which breathing stops or they do not get enough oxygen during sleep. There are 2 major types. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep. Bed partners notice pauses approx. 10 to 60 seconds between loud snores. The narrowing of the upper airway can be a result of several factors including inherent physical characteristics, excess weight, and alcohol consumption before sleep. Central Sleep Apnea – caused by a delay in the signal form the brain to breath. With both obstructive and central apnea you must wake up briefly to breathe, sometimes hundreds of times during the night. Usually there is no memory of these brief awakenings. The most common symptoms for Sleep Apnea include: Loud Snoring Waking up unrefreshed and having trouble staying awake during the day Waking up with headaches and/or sweating. Waking up during the night with the sensation of choking and gasping for air. Frequent trips to the bathroom during the night Insomnia – problem staying asleep Sleep researchers have suggested that men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women, and that women are more likely to have sleep apnea after menopause. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by postmenopausal women was associated with a lower prevalence of sleep apnea in sleep laboratory tests, with the participants’ risk level slightly less than the already low frequency seen in pre-menopausal women. Postmenopausal women without HRT had a significantly higher prevalence of sleep apnea, though still not approaching that of men. HRT improves sleep in menopausal women. HRT reduces hot flashes that disturb sleep as well as improve sleep-related breathing disorders. If you are suffering or believe you are suffering from sleep apnea and feel that conventional treatments are not working or frustrated with your present care. Sleep Apnea has many other causes and is multi-factorial in that it is influenced by a number of conditions. We can personalize your individual care, run additional tests to help control your sleep apnea and give you piece of mind.

• Vitamin D Deficiency

  Depending upon the level of Vitamin D that experts believe someone should have, it is estimated that as many as 97% of Americans are lacking in Vitamin D. Conventional values for Vitamin D consider “30” but new data suggests that values of “50” are optimal for better health. Even at the lower levels over 60% of Americans do not produce or supplement Vitamin D. Milk and other sources for Vitamin D do not make a significant difference in blood levels and 5,000IU of Vitamin D daily is considered optimal. Why is this important? Vitamin D is the only vitamin produced in the skin and is the result of sun exposure on the skin. 10 minutes of sun exposure to the skin results in the body producing more than the daily amount of Vitamin D needed per day. Vitamin D controls over 2,000 genes (30%) within the body and indirectly affects your resistance to disease, hormone levels, bone density, energy levels, and other body immune functions. Vitamin D has also been recently reported as a natural prevention for common ailments and general well being. So why can’t we supplement Vitamin D within our diets? Because it is naturally made within the skin it is not easily absorbed properly through oral (capsule) form. Magnesium, Boron and other vitamin and mineral supplements are needed to be taken in conjunction for the body to properly absorb over-the-counter vitamins. Common symptoms/complications linked to and from Vitamin D deficiency are: Increased susceptibility to Colds and Flu Periodontal Disease and Cavities Depression – other mental affective disorders Osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis High Blood Pressure Various Cancers (Lung, Breast, Ovarian, Colon) Asthma, Fatigue Though not necessarily the cause for any of these diseases or disorders as there are other factors involved the common risk factor for each and every one of these diseases is a low Vitamin D level which raises the question as to the correlation to and relationship to these conditions. Conventional medicine typically does not address nutrition deficiencies until a medical condition occurs or if by accidental finding. Many physicians do not understand the varying relationship between vitamin levels and medical and physical well being or how to replace or supplement properly your body’s own chemistry. Men, women, and children are all at risk for Vitamin D deficiency, blood tests can be performed to have these levels checked and new advances in nutriceuticals (physician prescribed supplements) can restore proper balances. If you are not happy with your general health or would like to receive piece of mind concerning your overall health and wellness please contact us.

• Female Anxiety Disorders

  Anxiety attacks and panic attacks are the most common form of anxiety disorders, panic and anxiety disorders affect an estimated 2.4 million Americans annually. Panic attacks are twice as common in women as in men. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and helps one cope with everyday life, when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it has become a disabling anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be accompanied by physical effects such as heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach aches, or headaches. Physically, the body prepares to deal with what it perceives as a threat. Blood pressure and heart rate are increased, sweating is increased, blood flow to muscle groups increases and immune and digestive system functions are inhibited (the fight or flight response). External signs of anxiety may include pale skin, sweating, trembling and many others. Panic attacks are sudden surges of overwhelming fear that that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the feeling of being ‘stressed out’ that most people experience. One out of every 75 people worldwide will experience panic attacks at one time in their lives. People who have full-blown, repeated panic attacks can become very disabled by their condition and should seek treatment before they start to avoid places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. Panic attacks are not dangerous by themselves, but they can be terrifying, as one feels crazy and out of control. Panic disorders are frightening not only because of the panic attacks associated with it, but may lead to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse or medical complications. Traditional medicine provides prescription and narcotic drugs to produce anxiety relief without addressing the cause for such attacks. Dependent upon the severity and number of these attacks, there are natural supplements that can be taken for long-lasting relief that are not addictive or habit forming. There are no withdrawal symptoms associated with these supplements and over 93% of patients report positive results. Many women in menopause develop anxiety disorders, some moderate and some severe which may require a complete hormone panel workup as it is suggested that the neuromodulatory effect of estrogens may contribute to a greater risk of depression and anxiety in women as well as other mood disorders.

• Osteoporosis

  Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that causes the bones to deteriorate and eventually lead to fractures. Osteoporosis causes the bones to gradually loose bone mass resulting in porous, brittle bones. The different causes of osteoporosis usually interrupt the bone remodeling process causing the bones to become brittle and thin. Osteoporosis affects 44 million Americans, 68% of whom are women. In the United States today, 10 million people already have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass (weak or thin bones); these people are at increased risk for fractures and osteoporosis. Half of women and a quarter of men older than 50 years will have an osteoporosis-related bone fracture in their lifetime. The actual breaking down and rebuilding of bone tissue is performed by two groups of cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Bone remodeling occurs when small amounts of bone are broken down by cells known as osteoclasts. After the bone has been broken down and reabsorbed in the body, cells known as osteoblasts move in to the area and start building new bone. Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body may fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or both. Bone loss in women occurs fastest in the first few years after menopause, but bone loss continues into old age. Until recently osteoporosis was thought of as a natural part of aging. Osteoporosis is not a natural part of aging. Due to a loss of bone mass and tissue, bones that were once strong may be unable to endure the stress of normal activities. Each year osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures. These fractures usually occur in the spine, hip or wrist, but they may occur in other bones as well. Osteoporosis fractures can be debilitating, painful and sometimes can result in death. For example, only one-third of the people who break a hip ever return to being as active as they were before the fracture! There are (2) accepted modes of treatment and one way that we prefer to approach the patients presented with osteoporosis. First, we test their hormone levels through either saliva, urine, or serum panel. These tests determine if there is a feedback mechanism that may be inhibiting the osteoblasts from building new bone or whether too much bone is being absorbed. It is important to try and isolate the (2) effects of osteoporosis since various treatment options are available depending upon the results. These tests will also confirm whether hormone replacement is contraindicated and other types of prescription drugs would be used. There are a number of factors that need to be explored for treatment especially when many of the prescribed drugs for osteoporosis have serious side effects or may be less efficacious in treating osteoporosis. The best treatment (though may not be indicated for everyone) is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and estrogen replacement therapy as they are now approved for both prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This is because declining estrogen and progesterone levels do not just affect a woman’s reproductive capabilities; they also cause bone density to decrease and the risk of fractures to increase. Estrogen (a reproductive hormone) is important for bone growth and strength because it works with the cells responsible for forming bone (called osteoblasts). Estrogen works with these cells to stimulate the substances in the body that encourage bone growth. The taking of Estrogen either as ERT or as HRT, bone loss is slowed and bone density can even be regained. Prescription drugs such as Bisphosphonates, Calcitonins, Parathyroid Hormone Derivatives, and other Investigation Drugs come with serious side effects and may not be as effective. There are also lifestyle and natural approaches to osteoporosis when combined with treatment protocols also prove very effective. Exercise, Calcium & Vitamin D, foods enriched in calcium or Vitamin D, as well as lifestyle changes (limiting alcohol and quit smoking) all enhance the treatment for osteoporosis. There are also other natural supplements that stimulate bone health.

  Link: Osteoporosis

• Male Hypothyroidism

  An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health, so understanding more about the thyroid, and the symptoms that occur when something goes wrong with this small gland, can help you protect or regain good health. Women are at the greatest risk, developing thyroid problems seven times more often than men. A woman faces as high as a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during her lifetime, a risk that increases with age and for those with a family history of thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. A condition called secondary hypothyroidism sometimes occurs as a result of a failing pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland fails, it no longer stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. The thyroid has the only cells in the body capable of absorbing iodine. The thyroid takes in iodine, obtained through food, iodized salt, or supplements, and combines it with the amino acid tyrosine. The thyroid then converts the iodine/tyrosine into the hormones T3 and T4. The “3″ and the “4″ refer to the number of iodine molecules in each thyroid hormone molecule. When everything is working proper 80% will be T4 and 20% T3. T3 is considered the biologically more active hormone — the one that actually functions at the cellular level — and is several times stronger than T4. Upon T3 and T4 hormones being released by the thyroid, the T3 and T4 travel through the bloodstream to help cells convert oxygen and calories into energy. As mentioned, the thyroid produces some T3. But the rest of the T3 needed by the body is actually formed from the mostly inactive T4 by a process sometimes referred to as “T4 to T3 conversion.” This conversion of T4 to T3 can take place in some organs other than the thyroid, including the hypothalamus, a part of your brain. The thyroid is part of a huge feedback process. The hypothalamus in the brain releases Thyrotropin-releasing Hormone (TRH). The release of TRH tells the pituitary gland to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This TSH, circulating in your bloodstream, is what tells the thyroid to make thyroid hormones and release them into your bloodstream. There can be many causes for thyroid problems including overconsumption of soy protein (isoflavin) and powders, exposure to radiation, certain prescription drugs, surgical treatments of thyroid, over consumption or shortage of iodine in your diet, as well as an over consumption of uncooked “goitrogenic” vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, kohlrabi, and radishes. Certain risk factors are associated with hypothyroidism and include family history, pituitary or endocrine disease, autoimmune disorders, female, over 60 years of age, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, menopausal, smokers, post pregnancy, or diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It is important to understand that conventional medicine will treat this disorder with prescription drugs designed to stimulate the thyroid but research has shown that bio-identical hormonal treatments work best when a patient is confirmed as having “hypothyroidism”. As part of our regimen for treatment we will educate the person as to the various options for treatment available, test for other hormonal deficiencies that may affect the T3 and T4, and replace bio-identically the hormones to restore gland function. There are also natural supplements and vitamins that may also be helpful in promoting good health of the thyroid and hypothalamus glands including certain enzymes. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones. Dosage of thyroid hormone may need to be increased over the years. Yearly or biyearly checkups are usually required to ensure the proper dosage of thyroid hormones is taken. A patient usually takes thyroid hormones for the rest of his/her life. Hypothyroidism is especially frustrating for patients that have not gotten the results they desired from conventional medicine. We understand your concerns and have solutions to where pharmaceuticals fail only to mask the need for interventional and innovative forms of treatment.

  Link: Male Hypothyroidism

• Male Hormone Supplements

  Decreasing hormone levels associated with menopause, andropause, and aging can be corrected in different ways. There are instances where the body needs an adequate amount of supplement required for the production of the hormone indicated. The following is a listin of the most important supplements related to naturally stimulating hormone production as well as helping to maintain equilibrium to the body: L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid (protein building block) that the body synthesizes from phenylalanine, another amino acid. Tyrosine is converted inthe body into dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Supplementation can help in alertness and mental arousal and can be used to increase alertness and focus. L-Tyrosine is natural in most dairy products, meats, fish, wheat, oats, and most other protein containing foods. It is not indicated for most people so prior to supplementing L-Tyrosine it is necessary to consult with our physician prior to taking. There are also weight loss suppressant qualities and medical benefits that can be arrived for certain kidney diseases, depressed people, and people affected with PKU. L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine is an amino acide that can stimulate HGH, help in the anti-aging proccess, increase brain function, and in stabilizing blood sugars thereby indirectly improving your overall nutritional status. Glutamine, Glutamate, & GABA are all neurotransmitters which means they are chemical messengers in the brain without which the brain could not function. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter, Glutamine is highly concentrated in the brain , being 10-15 times more concentrated in the cerebro-spinal fluid than in the blood. It is an important fuel for the brain, & can provide adequate energy in the absence of glucose (the other major brain fuel). For this reason it is helpful with focus, concentration, memory, intellectual performance, alertness, attentiveness, improving mood, & eliminating brain fog & cloudiness. Glutamine also helps suppresses insulin to stop the further decline of the sugar levels. It also stimulates glycogen (a stored form of glucose) to be released to help increase the blood sugar to normal levels. Glutamine increases the growth & absorptive capacity & is the main fuel source for the cells lining the intestinal tract. It is critical for the maintenance of proper gut metabolism, structure & function. It has been shown to be the most abundant amino acids found in the skeletal muscles. It plays a pivotal role in the nitrogen balance in the body. Glutamine is required for their proliferation & is therefore critical in wound metabolism & healing. Glutamine supplementation has been proven safe, beneficial, and has failed to demonstrate toxicity even in high doses. The only contraindication to Glutamine are for individuals suffering from liver or kidney failures or disorders. Pregnenolene: Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineral and glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. Pregnenolone stimulates DHEA, sex hormones, memory, and aids memory function. Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring metabolite that is made in your body. It is often referred to as the ‘mother steroid compound’ because it is the basic raw material for all steroid hormones in the body. Pregnenolone itself is not a steroid hormone. Instead, Pregnenolone is made from cholesterol in the cells of both the adrenal gland and the central nervous system. Using Pregnenolone as a supplement can have a number of positive effects. Pregnenolone appears to share many of its effects on the body with cortisol in that it can reduce allergic reactions, buffer the effects of stress, and lessen arthritis inflamation. Pregnenolone is very well tolerated by the body and has no known negative effects. Pregnenolone may offer many post-menopausal women a natural oestrogen replacement therapy. This is because Pregnenolone converts into DHEA which in turn converts into oestrogens. Because Pregnenolone has antagonistic effects on what are known as GABA receptors in the central nervous system, Pregnenolone supplementation may cause problems in people with a history of seizures. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Synthetic melatonin supplements have been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep. Melatonin possesses antioxidant activity, and many of its proposed therapeutic or preventive uses are based on this property.

  Link: Male Hormone Supplements

• Male Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. Typical symptoms of CFS include fatigue for 6 months or more and experiencing other problems such as muscle pain, memory problems, headaches, pain in multiple joints, sleep problems, sore throat and tender lymph nodes. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown. Some researchers suspect it may be caused by a virus, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), however no specific virus has been identified as the cause. What is known is that CFS is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it and can last for years after the onset thereof. Traditional medicine believes that there is no cure for CFS, the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms – certain medicines may treat pain, sleep disorders and other problems but in many cases just mask the symptoms with little or no real long-term relief from the disability. Our approach to CFS goes far beyond where traditional medicine fails and our goal is quality of life not pacifying the condition with prescription drugs. We begin by educating our patients to have a better understanding about the body’s hormone producing organs, otherwise known as the endocrine system, and how the brain orchestrates this system helps to see the connection to CFS. It is true that there is no exact cause for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) but there is a correlation to what appears to be reduced production of hormones of these controlling glands (adrenal glands) as well as reduced cortisol production in CFS patients. There also appears to be an improper response of these hormones and other hormones due to the lack of one or more hormones to each other. In many cases, persons with CFS have significant reduction in both blood and urine levels of important adrenal hormones including cortisol. In many patients, the adrenal glands are half that of normal persons, however the problem may not be with the adrenals themselves but of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system as disturbed in CFS. Our treatment protocol is two-fold, first we test your adrenals by performing a complete saliva and blood spot panel and confirm adrenal hormone insufficiency. Patients with either low hormone production or a low reserve will be treated in low doses of bio-identical (natural) adrenal hormone with often drastic improved results (these are not adrenal glandulars from health food stores). We use actual (therapeutic) cortisol which is molecule to molecule identical to that of the human body and to further avoid possible side effects we avoid high doses and receive highly favorable results from (10-15mg) in CFS patients.

  Link: Male Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Male Insomnia Disorders

  Inadequate or dissatisfying sleep is the most common sleep disturbance in America. Over 40% of adult Americans report at least occasional insomnia and nearly 20% have severe insomnia. Chronic insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep at least three times a week for 1 month or more, with the problem being bad enough to cause fatigue during the day or impaired functioning. Many people have transient sleep disturbances and treat them with over-the-counter medications, while others turn to their healthcare provider for prescription medications – and there are plenty of choices for medications. Each has its benefits and risks, indications, and side effects, and these medications are not interchangeable. More importantly, they aren’t safe to use together. Many things can cause insomnia. Insomnia is not a disorder – it is a complaint. The goal is to find the underlying problem causing the complaint. Almost any sleep disorder can present itself as insomnia including circadian disorders, sleep apnea, restless legs, and the list goes on. So ruling out a sleep disorder can be important for a positive prognosis. Medications, herbs and caffeine can cause insomnia. Most medications will report the possible side effect of insomnia and sleepiness. The same medication can cause both since we all react to medications differently. Life events can cause insomnia but it is usually temporary. Anxiety about falling asleep can also be responsible, however, if the anxiety is due to a long history of insomnia, the anxiety is probably not the problem and you need to find out what is the underlying cause. Once sleep is restored to normal the anxiety will usually go away. Physical problems such as pain can be the underlying cause. Transient and short-term insomnia generally occur in people who are temporarily experiencing stress, temporary sleep/wake schedule problems (i.e. jet lag), medication reactions, or have conditions in their environment disturbing their sleep. Though annoying, this type of insomnia is not a disorder and can be improved by the use of natural supplements or by medications. Chronic insomnia is more complex and often results from a combination of factors, including underlying physical or mental disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is depression. Other underlying causes include arthritis, kidney disease, heart failure, asthma, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and hyperthyroidism. However, chronic insomnia may also be due to behavioral factors, including the misuse of caffeine, alcohol, or other substances; disrupted sleep/wake cycles as may occur with shift work or other nighttime activity schedules; and chronic stress. The most widely used sleep medications are the benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine drugs. These medications are believed to be safe because they are difficult to overdose, but long-term studies have not been completed as to their total safety. Tolerance develops quickly, and over time, a higher dose is required to get the same effect as the initial dose. The risk of becoming dependent on these medications is also very high. Taking Ambien®, which is a short-acting sleeping medication, is not meant as a long-term solution since it is habit forming. You will become emotionally if not physically dependent upon it for your sleep. In general, most sleep disorder experts recommend against treating chronic insomnia with continuous sleeping medications. Regardless of the mechanism of action of sleeping medications, they are all “downers”. They depress brain function, and if mixed, overused, or taken in conjunction with alcohol or drugs may create a dangerous health condition where the brain can become depressed where the body begins to stop and breakdown. Natural supplements, such as Melatonin, have been proven to be effective for both short-term and chronic insomnia. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes may also disrupt sleep. Calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, folic acid and melatonin deficiencies may impair sleep. Melatonin is a brain hormone (pineal gland) that is secreted according to a person’s biorhythm. It is low during the day and peaks in the middle of the night. It has been well documented to be lower than normal in subjects with insomnia and administration of it may improve sleep problems in most people. Melatonin levels are lower in menopausal women who have insomnia and higher in menopausal women with depression and hyperprolactinemia. The hormone is a marker for circadian rhythm disturbance (as is cortisol) but not necessarily something that needs to be replaced on a daily basis.

• Premature Hair Loss in Men

  Hair loss is a common problem these days and no single factor can be attributed to it. Hair loss afflicts millions of people—and not just men, though their hair loss is often the most noticeable. Most women, too, experience some degree of hair loss as they grow older. The causes of hair loss are several and vary from person to person. The causes of hair loss can be broadly divided into two groups. One is a temporary effect and the other involves a prolonged action, usually involving genetics. In most of the cases when the hair loss is temporary it can be cured by medications and treatments. In contrast, long-term (prolonged) hair loss may require long term treatment and sometimes, surgery such as hair transplantation may be required. Hormonal imbalance can play a major role in temporary hair loss and can have a severe impact. Some of the common causes of hair loss diseases are: Hormonal Imbalances, Inadequate Diet, and Medical Illnesses. In men hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of hair loss. The male hormone that causes severe hair loss is testosterone. The enzyme, 5 alpha reductase, which is present in the hair follicles converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT is the most potent androgen that promotes androgenetic alopecia – the common pattern of male baldness or premature hair loss. Hair loss in women is often difficult to diagnose and can be caused by many factors, including alopecia areata, hormone imbalances, menopause, dietary protein and amino acid deficiency, intestinal parasites, damage from hair treatments, and stress. Imbalance in thyroid hormones is one of the more common causes of sudden hair loss in women. When the thyroid gland is overactive or under active, the hair may fall out. The hair follicles are particularly sensitive to concentrations of thyroid gland derived hormones. Thyroid hormones have a large influence on the cellular metabolism of scalp proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and minerals. The cells of the hair matrix, due to their high degree of metabolic activity, are most profoundly influenced by the deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones. Hair loss due to a hormonal imbalance is also largely seen in women during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a high level of estrogen hormones, but after the child birth there is a rapid fall in the estrogen level and large number of hair follicles fall out. Sometimes, hair loss in women is observed during the post-pregnancy period. Childbirth almost always causes some degree of temporary hair loss, sometimes occurring after a delay of a few months. Long-term hair loss after pregnancy may indicate the presence of a hormonal imbalance in the body. Nutrition also has an impact on hair loss and takes on many forms of over and under absorption of various nutrients. American’s high-fat, high-animal protein and high-salt diet damages the kidneys and creates acidic blood, thereby leading to hair loss. Also, the typical American diet is also usually low in vitamins and sometimes can either be under or over absorbed by an individual. Poor appetite, digestion and poor absorption are also experienced by adults with zinc deficiency and even taking too large amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin A over long periods can be toxic to the body. Some people take up crash diets in order to achieve rapid weight loss that are low in protein, vitamins and minerals and may lead to malnutrition. Other people are prone to abnormal eating habits leading to an unhealthy diet. When there is a lack of nutrients being absorbed or consumed, the body will naturally try to economize by shifting growing hairs into resting phase. As hair is made up of keratin, a form of protein, and requires several minerals and protein to make the hair, during protein scarcity period, the hair fibers are forcibly sent into a resting phase, and hair shedding occurs after a period of time. But the condition can be reversed and prevented by eating a proper nutritious diet. So if you are experiencing hair loss, baldness, or thinning hair, always remember, many of the causes of hair loss are temporary and can be prevented with the right measures and proper care. Our approach to hair loss is multi-factorial, we take into effect nutrition, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle issues, and your past medical history in addressing the issue. Hormonal panels are typically performed and a natural balancing of your hormones is prescribed if needed as well as recommendations for diet and nutritional products to reverse thinning or premature hair loss. We understand that hair loss is multifaceted and will address these factors in a variety of treatment protocols. Most hair loss is avoidable, so give yourself piece of mind that you have pursued all avenues in reversing your hair loss concerns.

• Male Sexual Dysfunction

  Sexual Dysfunction is very common among both men and women, it is estimated that 43% of women and 31% of men report having at least one symptom. Sexual dysfunction disorders are generally classified into four categories: sexual desire disorders, sexual arousal disorders, orgasm disorders, and sexual pain disorders. Sexual desire disorders (decreased libido) may be caused by a decrease in the normal production of estrogen (in women) or testosterone (in both men and women). Other causes may be aging, fatigue, pregnancy, and medications — the SSRI anti-depressants which include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are well known for reducing desire in both men and women. Psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also cause decreased libido. Sexual arousal disorders also known as frigidity in women and impotence in men. Impotence is now known as erectile dysfunction, and frigidity is now described as any of several specific problems with desire, arousal, or anxiety. For both men and women, these conditions may appear as an aversion to, and avoidance of, sexual contact with a partner. In men, there may be partial or complete failure to attain or maintain an erection, or a lack of sexual excitement and pleasure in sexual activity. There may be medical causes for these disorders, such as decreased blood flow or lack of vaginal lubrication. Chronic disease may also contribute to these difficulties, as well as the nature of the relationship between partners. As the success of Viagra attests, many erectile disorders in men may be primarily physical, not psychological conditions. Orgasm disorders are a persistent delay or absence of orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase. The disorder occurs in both women and men. Again, the SSRI antidepressants are frequent culprits — these may delay the achievement of orgasm or eliminate it entirely. Sexual pain disorders affect women almost exclusively, and are known as dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and vaginismus (an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the vaginal wall, which interferes with intercourse). Dyspareunia may be caused by insufficient lubrication (vaginal dryness) in women. There may also be abnormalities in the pelvis or the ovaries that can cause pain with intercourse. Vulvar pain disorders can also cause dyspareunia and inability to have intercourse due to pain.

  Link: Male Sexual Dysfunction

• Male Sleep Apnea

  Sleep Apnea is a disorder of breathing during sleep and typically it is accompanied by loud snoring. Sleep Apnea consists of brief periods throughout the night in which breathing stops or they do not get enough oxygen during sleep. There are 2 major types. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type and is due to an obstruction in the throat during sleep. Bed partners notice pauses approx. 10 to 60 seconds between loud snores. The narrowing of the upper airway can be a result of several factors including inherent physical characteristics, excess weight, and alcohol consumption before sleep. Central Sleep Apnea – caused by a delay in the signal form the brain to breath. With both obstructive and central apnea you must wake up briefly to breathe, sometimes hundreds of times during the night. Usually there is no memory of these brief awakenings. The most common symptoms for Sleep Apnea include: Loud Snoring Waking up unrefreshed and having trouble staying awake during the day Waking up with headaches and/or sweating. Waking up during the night with the sensation of choking and gasping for air. Frequent trips to the bathroom during the night Insomnia – problem staying asleep Sleep researchers have suggested that men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women, and that women are more likely to have sleep apnea after menopause. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by postmenopausal women was associated with a lower prevalence of sleep apnea in sleep laboratory tests, with the participants’ risk level slightly less than the already low frequency seen in pre-menopausal women. Postmenopausal women without HRT had a significantly higher prevalence of sleep apnea, though still not approaching that of men. HRT improves sleep in menopausal women. HRT reduces hot flashes that disturb sleep as well as improve sleep-related breathing disorders. If you are suffering or believe you are suffering from sleep apnea and feel that conventional treatments are not working or frustrated with your present care. Sleep Apnea has many other causes and is multi-factorial in that it is influenced by a number of conditions. We can personalize your individual care, run additional tests to help control your sleep apnea and give you piece of mind.

  Link: Male Sleep Apnea

• Smoking Cessation

  Over the counter medications simply replace nicotine and there are no long-term controlled studies to determine effectiveness. Other independent studies show that these self-directed treatments work less than 20% of the time. As with any addiction, you need to want to quit smoking to be successful. There are many proven prescription medications and conjunctive therapies that will assist you in being successful, but the process of becoming smoke-free requires a mental decision to want to quit. The physical addiction to cigarettes and bi-products can be overcome with the programs we offer, but the psychological addiction to cigarretes is a personal decision to quit. There are (2) FDA approved prescription drugs to suppress the cessation of smoking. Chantix is a prescription pill taken twice per day that is designed to help adults stop smoking.?Chantix blocks nicotine from activating the nicotine receptors in the brain so if you relapse and have a cigarette the cigarette doesn’t give you the pleasurable sensation you are used to. Although Chantix is not nicotine nor does it contain nicotine, it occupies and activates the nicotine receptors in the brain, producing a pleasurable sensation just like nicotine without the carbon monoxide, tar and cancer-causing compounds present in tobacco smoke. Zyban (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication. Zyban is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Zyban is also used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects. While it isn’t understood exactly how Zyban exactly works, we do know that this prescription-strength medicine alters the brain’s chemistry. The result is a reduced interest in smoking, nicotine cravings are diminished, and often people find it easy to quit because smoking loses its appeal. As part of your treatment protocol we will also be offering additional services to ensure your success. These services include counseling (mentors) and treatments using cold level lasers. When you stop smoking, a sudden drop in endorphin levels lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritation, and depression. The laser treatment protocol is to stimulate the release the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals, which can help eliminate the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. These chemicals are endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When these chemicals are re-introduced into the body it makes it easier to cope with the addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings that arise from giving up nicotine. Throughout the process of going through our stop smoking program you will have access to our staff that will help you each step of the way. Our staff is trained in supporting you in a variety of ways including answering questions you may have concerning your treatment and in giving you the moral support to succeed now and for a lifetime.

  Link: Smoking Cessation

• Laser Vein Treatments

  Laser vein treatments effectively treat facial veins and unwanted leg veins that are superficial residing in the epidermal area of the skin. Lasers work very well in eliminating spider veins and telangectasias by selective photocoagulating of the unwanted vein by targeting hemoglobin (oxy and de-oxy). The laser light energy is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin but the real target is the blood vessel wall which is achieved by thermal transfer. Selectivity ensures that the thermal effect is limited to the vessel and the surrounding tissue structures are spared. Laser vein removal works in 1-2 sessions, and treatments are approximately 4-6 weeks apart depending upon the area and extent of the treatment. Laser Vein treatments have advantages over traditional sclerotherapy as it allows for better coverage of areas, not limited to certain body areas, and is painless to the patient for spider veins, telanectasias, and blue reticular veins. Treatments are done in 15 minute or 30 minute sessions which is ample time to cover the effected areas. Reasons for the development of unwanted facial and leg veins range from genetics, lifestyle, sun damage, workplace factors, and hormonal changes (ie pregnancies). Laser vein treatments eliminate the veins that are present at this time, new unwanted spider veins and telangectasias can continue to appear after the treatments so maintenance is sometimes necessary for total clearance. Give yourself the gift of being able to show off your legs without the unwanted look of spider veins. Clearance rates vary from 80% to 100% and is very affordable. Avoid the pain and discomfort of traditional sclerotherapy of leg veins and enjoy wearing shorts and dresses again without the uncomfortable sight of unwanted veins. Smaller facial veins are easily eliminated in 1-2 treatments and everyone will notice a difference and no longer will you need makeup to coverup these blemishes.

  Link: Laser Vein Treatments

• IPL Photofacial

  Photofacial is the most popular of the various laser procedures performed each year. A PhotoFacial involves a series of treatments, applied to the face using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which improves the appearance of sun damaged/aging skin, as well as reducing redness and flushing. Photofacial treatments clear all pigmentation issues (browns/reds) with the skin, age spots gradually fade after 1-3 treatments and works very well with solar lentigos and other pigmentation issues. Areas of the body where pigmented lesions (browns/reds) that can be performed and treated include the face, hands, legs, and décolleté areas. The aim of IPL is to use light energies that will be selectively absorbed by pigmentation and vasculature (located in the upper dermis) to thermally coagulate all visible leasions. Over a series of treatments (1-3), the visible signs of aging such as age spots, uneven skin tone, and other brown/red spots will fade away. These lesions are destroyed permanently, however the propensity to create new lesions is permanently associated with your skin as it reflects prior damage created by UV rays and other damages. The key to any successful laser treatment is to prevent future damage by protecting your skin from additional UV damage as well as to increase cell turnover that will increase vasularization to soft tissues, create collagen, and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin. IPL is gentle enough to allow for additional conjunctive treatments to be performed simultaneously but is strong enough to correct these skin disorders in a couple of treatments. Other conditions that IPL/Photofacial works very well with are the outbreaks of Rosacea, hypertrophic scarring, burns, activating photodynamic acne therapies, and in fading hyperpigmentation that may have been created by other procedures to the skin. The procedure is painless, does not require any type of anesthesia, there is no downtime after the procedure, and your treatment can be performed in about (20) minutes or less with little or no side effects. The improvement to IPL technologies now make this type of laser the choice of Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and other specialists in comparison to lasers. The wavelength that IPL can define is from 530nm to 1080nm wavelength that allows for the best tissue interaction between light and soft tissue creating the controlled wounding needed to correct a variety of aesthetic skin conditions. Flexibility of treatments now allow for better results in that adjustments to laser light energies now allow for more aggressive treatments for non-responders and insure better results!

  Link: IPL Photofacial

• IPL Laser Hair Removal

  Laser hair removal remains the #1 cosmetic laser treatment performed in the United States. Underarms, facial hair, bikini, legs, back and other body part areas are easily eliminated using the latest in IPL laser hair reduction technologies. For permanent hair removal, the hair follicle’s bulb, bulge, and papilla must be destroyed using joules of light energy. IPL laser hair removal requires a target (melanin) to see the actual hair within the follicle so it is not as effective with blonde and white (gray) hair individuals. The number of treatments vary based upon the hair growth cycles of various body locations and is safe and comfortable to the patient. The reason for multiple treatments is due to the target of the laser hair treatment being melanin, only actively growing hair contains melanin in the bulb and germinal matrix of the hair. The growth cycles for hair are Anagen (active growth), Telogen (no growth), and Cathagen (hair is ejected) stage of development. Lasers only effectively treat hair in its Anagen Phase: multiple treatments are required. The other important factor in IPL laser hair removal is the differences in patient skin types and how we are able to safely treat patients with higher Fitzpatrick types or have different ethnic backgrounds where treatments need to vary for each individual skin type. There are (2) factors that are important in determining the right type of treatment, laser wavelength and pulse duration. Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper under the skin sparing the epidermis (where malanocytes are contained) and effectively wounding the hair follice residing in the dermis. Pulse durations determine the amount of thermal damage that can be obtained when each laser shot is administered. Short pulse durations give more thermal damage and longer pulse durations are safer for darker skin and compromise effect. IPL laser hair removal requires an expertise in wavelength selection, fluency, pulse duration, and cooling (skin relaxation) in order to give comfortable and effective treatments. We are the IPL laser hair removal experts and we are able to make the fluency adjustments for anatomical location, hair and skin color, diameter and depth of hair follices, and hair density. When it comes to lasers no one setting is correct for every individual, call us today and setup your free consultation for a lifetime of being hair free.

  Link: IPL Laser Hair Removal

• IPL Laser Vein Treatments

  IPL laser vein treatments effectively treat facial veins and unwanted leg veins that are superficial residing in the epidermal area of the skin. IPL works very well in eliminating spider veins and telangectasias by selective photocoagulating of the unwanted vein by targeting hemoglobin (oxy and de-oxy). The IPL light energy is selectively absorbed by hemoglobin but the real target is the blood vessel wall which is achieved by thermal transfer. Selectivity ensures that the thermal effect is limited to the vessel and the surrounding tissue structures are spared. IPL Laser vein removal works in 1-2 sessions, and treatments are approximately 4-6 weeks apart depending upon the area and extent of the treatment. IPL Laser Vein has advantages over traditional sclerotherapy as it allows for better coverage of areas, not limited to certain body areas, and is painless to the patient for spider veins and telanectasias. Treatments are done in 15 minute or 30 minute sessions which is ample time to cover the effected areas. Reasons for the development of unwanted facial and leg veins range from genetics, lifestyle, sun damage, workplace factors, and hormonal changes (ie pregnancies). IPL laser vein treatments eliminate the veins that are present at this time, new unwanted spider veins and telangectasias can continue to appear after the treatments so maintenance is sometimes necessary for total clearance. Give yourself the gift of being able to show off your legs without the unwanted look of spider veins. Clearance rates vary from 80% to 100% and is very affordable. Avoid the pain and discomfort of traditional sclerotherapy of leg veins and enjoy wearing shorts and dresses again without the uncomfortable sight of unwanted veins. Smaller facial veins are easily eliminated in 1-2 treatments and everyone will notice a difference and no longer will you need makeup to coverup these blemishes.

  Link: IPL Laser Vein Treatments

• Laser Assisted Liposuction

  Mechanical liposuction (PAL/MAL) has been conducted by removing the fat from a person’s body by means of a surgical tube and power aspirator where excess fat was pumped out of the body and the body was reformed into something sleeker. This same concept is now carried out by aesthetic laser and the body procedure is known as laser assisted lipolysis. These aesthetic lasers use a special cannula with a fiber optic cable that delivers the light energy that heats and emulsifies areas of the fat. Specifically, energy from the cannula blows up the walls of fat cells and liquefies the fat, which is then removed with the traditional/mechanical lipo technique (PAL). This light energy literally liquefies the fat, which allows for greater precision and vastly superior results,compared to traditional liposuction. The newer devices use tissue-selective parameters that will conserve other body tissues while only targeting and eliminating fatty deposits. A secondary feature and benefit of this laser is that it can also be used as a stand-alone treatment and small fat areas that traditionally cannot be corrected using liposuction are not able to be treated. What distinguishes the makes these laser assisted lipolysis procedures different is its ability to differentiate targeted fat from other important tissues, such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The other purpose for this technology is to supply skin tightening of the reticular dermis and to reduce bleeding from the traditional liposuction procedure. Skin tightening can be quite dramatic and can occur for (9) – (12) months post procedure eliminating the possible need for tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks. Laser Assisted Lipolysis is used to remove fat from under the chin, cheeks, jowls, neck, upper arms, breast, chest, abdomen, buttocks, hips, inner and outer thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. The partially emulsified fat is removed by inserting a small cannula into one or more tiny incisions near the treated area to be aspirated either manually or with power aspiration using a device. The incisions are usually less than a quarter of an inch and placed in natural skin folds, making them less visible. The benefits of using Laser Assisted Lipolysis: No general anesthetic required. Minimal discomfort and downtime. Tissue selective, targeting fat deposits only without damaging other body tissues. Minimal risk of bleeding, bruising and discomfort. Results in significant fat loss, tightens loose skin and sculpts the body. Safe and effective procedure

  Link: Laser Assisted Liposuction

• Sub Ablative Therapy

  The latest in ablative laser technologies is the introduction and advent of new sub-ablative technologies by using the Pearl procedure to selective ablate tissue leaving surrounding tissue undamaged and accelerating the healing process. Do not confuse this type of device with others used for skin tightening as the light energies are specifically focused for sub-ablation of tissue. The Pearl procedure combines the impact of resurfacing lasers with the gentleness and safety of non-invasive procedures to treat aging and sun-damaged skin. Pearl reduces wrinkles, uneven texture, and solar damage with fewer treatments and less overall recovery than other technologies to provide a healthy, pearl-like glow. During the procedure, the top layer of skin is treated with pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern. The laser simultaneously sends heat to the deeper layers of skin, causing a natural dressing to form on the skin to minimize downtime during the restorative process. On day 3 or 4, this natural dressing will peel or slough off, revealing new, healthy, vibrant skin underneath. In a short time, patients will notice overall skin clarity, smoothness and softness-all from a 30 minute procedure with only 3-4 days of “social” downtime. With “social” downtime, you can continue your normal daily activies. However, you many not wish to attend important social events because your face will appear pink/red for 3-4 days. Results are noticeable by day 3 or 4 when the superficial tissue has peeled off. Make-up may be applied at this time.The Pearl treatment feels like a series of brief pinches, On a scale of 1-10, with 10 representing pain, most patients report the treament feeling like a 2 or 3. After the treatment, the skin will look and feel mildly sunburned. You will apply ointment on the skin for 3-4 days. Since you can not wear sunscreen at this time, you will need to limit sun exposure for a few days after the treatment.Patients may choose to have a Pearl treatment combined with other laser procedures such as Laser Genesis and /or Titan, as well as fillers or Botox .

  Link: Sub Ablative Therapy

• Laser Tattoo Removal

  Whether the tattoo is a living art form, the result of peer pressure, a dare, an intoxicated state, the result of mind altering substances, a form of memorializing a lover, a close relative (mom is commonly used), a friend, a poem, a philosophical thought, or the end of life. All of these points can be debated to great lengths-But for those who have an old, faded tattoo or one in a bothersome area- Tattoos can be removed, whether unusual colors were used or only black ink. The MedLite from Cynosure/HOYA Con Bio has special handpieces that destroy colored pigments. The treatments are relatively short. However, they are done in a series of several sessions. Minimial to no scarring is seen.

  Link: Laser Tattoo Removal

• HcG Therapies

  HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It is best known as a pregnancy hormone that is produced by the embryo soon after conception. HCG is the hormone that is used to test for pregnancy. This hormone evolved to direct the bodies of pregnant women to use their own fat as a source of calories for the developing fetus. When produced during pregnancy, HCG is meant to help the corpus luteum remain intact. The corpus luteum, which is part of the ovary, is integral in maintaining production of the progesterone that is an important component of human pregnancy. In addition to preventing the disintegration of the corpus luteum, researchers believe that HCG provides pregnant women with extra immunity during pregnancy. The high levels of HCG that are produced during pregnancy have no negative effects on the pregnant woman’s body. In fact, doctors have used HCG for many years in order to help women who are experiencing hormonal issues or fertility problems. More recently, however, researchers have found that HCG can actually help the body burn fat and can be used to aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy low calorie diet and a moderate exercise routine. This discovery confirmed that patients who used HCG plus a 500-calorie per day diet to direct the bodies of overweight people to burn fat instead of muscle. Although HCG is associated with pregnancy, it can safely be used by both men and women that are looking to get their weight under control. Most of the information that is circulating on the internet fails to mention what you can do to get optimum results from an HCG Weight Loss Program. Getting and taking HCG for weight loss is just the beginning, and even that first step is full of pitfalls if you don’t know what you are doing. For that reason, I have created and incorporated into our program that entails the following components for ensuring maximum health weight loss: Sublingual (oral) HCG that is exactly as effective as injections Set of critical supplements that boost nutrient absorption (a must if you are consuming only 500 calories per day), increase metabolism, and control blood sugar and insulin spikes that slow down fat metabolism. Complete directions and recipes for getting the results you want. Consultations and Q&A with professionals to guide you from beginning to end, step by step, to your successful and long- term weight loss.

• Diet Plan FAQs

  1. Where do I get HCG? hCG is a natural substance that is produced in the human body during pregnancy. Pharmaceutical companies extract this substance from the urine of pregnant women. It is purified and made into pharmaceutical grade hCG. Although it is a natural substance, it is classified as a .drug. and available by prescription only. You must get hCG from a medical doctor with a prescription. The FDA has not approved hCG to be used in weight loss treatment but it is not illegal. According to the FDA, it is in fact, legal for doctors in America to prescribe medications for purposes that are not approved by the FDA. 2. What if I just did the diet without the hCG injections? If you just do the diet without the hCG injections, you will, in fact lose weight. The problem is, during the diet you will be losing muscle and structural fat; you will not lose any of the abnormal fat deposits in the problem areas. Your body will not be reshaped and re-sculpted. When you finish the diet your metabolism will be lower than before and your hunger higher than before. You will not have achieved the results you want. 3. What does the FDA say about hCG? They state that .HCG has no known affect on fat mobilization, reducing appetite or sense of hunger, or body fat distribution.. They further state, .HCG has not been demonstrated to be an effective adjunct therapy in the treatment of obesity and does not increase fat losses beyond that resulting from caloric restriction.. They even say specifically that, hCG should never be used in the treatment of obesity because serious problems can occur.. These statements are blatantly and flagrantly false. There is absolutely no documentation or substantiations backing up and proving that these negative statements are true. Dr. Simeons was very clear that if the protocol was not followed exactly as described, the results would not be achieved. The truth is that in all properly conducted studies, people on the diet with HCG have, in fact, lost both weight and inches. These dieters have seen a dramatic reshaping and re-sculpting of their bodies. They have lost fat in the problem areas. 4. My doctor says this won.t work and is not safe. Find another doctor. If your doctor has not personally treated patients using the Simeons weight loss cure protocol, exactly and precisely as instructed, how would he know whether the protocol was effective and safe? That is the benefit of coming to Creative Image Laser Solutions. We have successfully treated hundred of patients using this protocol with great success. Our clinic understands the issues associated with this protocol and will be there every step of the way to help you succeed in your weight loss quest. 5. Is it true that 500 calories a day is too low to be safe? No. Research now confirms that eating very low calorie diets actually increase overall health, have anti-aging effects, and increase lifespan. This was reported recently in The New York Times. Most importantly, however, is when you are doing the diet combined with the hCG injections, Dr. Simeons reports that your body is being flooded with over 2,000 calories of nutrition from the releasing of the abnormal fat reserves. This is one of the reasons that during the diet, consisting of the diet and hCG injections, you are not hungry and generally have an increase in energy levels. 6. During the diet am I allowed to take supplements and prescription medication? Yes, it is the view of this clinic that in order to maintain a healthy nutritional balance you should use supplementation. Our clinic will make recommendations based on your medical intake package or blood work (if provided) of supplements that will help you achieve an even greater weight loss. It is also imperative that you continue to take any necessary prescription medication that your primary doctor has ordered. 7. Have any changes been made to the original Simeons .weight loss cure protocol.? Our diet is in fact, the original instructions as described in Simeon’s manuscript “Pounds and Inches: A New Approach to Obesity”. There are two exceptions. Simeons used 125 i.u.s of hCG. He suggested that taking larger amounts do not improve results, but rather have the opposite effect. Doctors in the 1970s and 1980s began dealing with patients who had many more issues and causes of abnormal hypothalamus activity than Simeons dealt with. Therefore, after Simeon’s death in 1970, doctors began researching with slightly higher amounts of hCG. It was found that between 175 and 200 i.u.s were the optimal daily doses. It is still recommended that the dosage should never be more than 200 i.u’s. The second modification to Simeons. original protocol is the exclusion of melba toast, or an Italian grissino breadstick with lunch and diner. It has been found that by eliminating the small melba toast or grissino breadstick from the lunch and dinner meals speeds up the fat burning process.

• Vitamin b12

  Vitamin b12 is the largest and most complex of all the vitamins as it helps maintain healthy nerve cells and blood cells needed in making DNA, the foundation of all materials in cells. Vitamin b12 is bound to protein in all food, is stored in the liver, and is in most proteins we consume including dairy, meats, and egg products. Vitamin b12 is unique among vitamins since it contains cobalt, a metal ion which works together with pyridoxine and folic acid. It helps you turn carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from foods into energy for your cells thus increasing your metabolism and its use in weight loss programs. Deficiencies in Vitamin b12 have many side effects but mainly consist of elevated rates of DNA damage with links to general weakness, loss of balance, cancer, depression, and anemia. Elderly are the most at risk of having Vitamin b12 deficiency as well as strict vegetarians, and vegans who are not taking in proper amounts of Vitamin b12 from the foods they consume. The benefits of Vitamin b12 shots include a general reduction in stress, healthier skin, energy level increase, and additional weight loss. Having Vitamin b12 injections are good for most people, it is not going to be effective for everyone taking it. However, if you are feeling run down, always very active, or feel you need a boost, Vitamin b12 may just be the right supplement to help. If you decide taking Vitamin b12 may be what you need, we recommend the shots over pills, nasal spray, or patch. Injections of Vitamin b12 are much more effective than these other methods as the vitamin is injected directly into your blood stream. Shots may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly depending upon desired results.

• Cellulite Treatments

  Maybe you have lost the weight, exercise regularly, eat health, had lipo-surgery, or recently had a baby only to realize that no matter what you have tried you still suffer from the unwanted appearance of cellulite. In a recent study, over 80% of women claimed to have some unwanted cellulite part of which because females connective tissues are vertical as compared to males which tend to be more diagonal in the subcutaneous fat compartments where fat is stored thus causing the contour issues of the skin associated with cellulite. However, the major causes of cellulite are multi-factorial but mainly include one or more of the following conditions: Poor Vascular Function Poor Lymphatic Drainage Stiff Connective Tissue Trapped Fat Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance) Poor Muscle Tone Lifestyle Issues Cellulite cannot be eliminated by dieting and exercise alone. Diet and exercise affect deep fat but fail to reach the superficial tissue of the skin. Weight and fat may be reduced but cellulite remains even for women who exercise regularly and follow low-fat, nutritious diets may still have cellulite. Not all available treatments address all of the possible factors for cellulite, thus various therapies are combined to receive results. We take a combination approach to the treatment of cellulite using all available technologies and research available. There is no one solution for cellulite as many claim and therefore Creative Image Laser Solutions offers the newest in treatment modalities for our patients so they can gain clearance from this aesthetic condition for the greater Brownwood, TX area.

  Link: Cellulite Treatments

• Skin Cancer Treatment

  Skin Cancer begins in your skin’s top layer-the epidermis. This is a thin layer that provides a protective cover of skin cells that your body continually sheds. The epidermis contains three main types of cells: Squamous cells, Basal cells, and Melanocytes. Much of the damage to these skin cells is a result from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in the lights used in tanning beds. Sun exposure doesn’t explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may contribute to your risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic substances or having a condition that weakens your immune system. Your options for treatment for skin cancers and precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratosis will vary depending on the size, type, depth, and location. Small skin cancers limited to the surface may not require treatment after an initial skin biopsy that removes the entire growth. Each skin cancer treatment option works differently and may have side effects. Skin cancer treatment can include surgical procedures or other techniques for physically removing the cancer such as freezing, surgical excision, Photodynamic or laser therapy. You may also get a combination of therapies. At your visit at Creative Image Laser Solutions you and Dr. Gary Butka will make a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment options available include: Cryotherapy. Freezing. Dr. Butka may destroy actinic keratosis and some small, early skin cancers by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). The dead tissue sloughs off as it heals. Excisional surgery. This treatment may be appropriate for any type of skin cancer. The cancerous tissue and a surrounding margin of healthy skin is excised (cut out). Curettage, Electrodessiccation. After removing most of a growth, layers of cancer cells using a device with a circular blade (curet) will be scraped away. An electric needle destroys any remaining cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy. This treatment destroys skin cancer cells by using a combination of laser light and medications that make cancer cells sensitive to light.

  Link: Skin Cancer Treatment