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I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Denver community for over a decade. During that time, one of the most frustrating questions that I consistently received, is how to address cellulite. Patients have been looking for a cellulite treatment that is safe, effective, and permanent. Unfortunately, for many years, all I could do was educate them about treatments that would provide at most a 10 to 15 percent improvement for a few months and need to be repeated every few months. Last October, when the FDA approved Cellfina™, that all changed. Cellfina™ is a permanent treatment for cellulite reduction and works like nothing else on the market. It is the only FDA-approved procedure that shows long-term results in clinical studies. The latest clinical study shows over a 92 percent patient satisfaction rate, even after four years. Cellfina™ is an in-office procedure and only takes about 45 minutes. First, the areas to be treated are identified and numbed. Then, the tiny bands of fibrous tissue that pull the skin down are isolated and cut to achieve a smooth, dimple-free appearance. This is a no downtime cellulite treatment, and patients start to see results in as few as three days. Most patients experience mild tenderness and bruising, returning to their normal activities within 24 hours. A single treatment is all that is needed for permanent cellulite reduction. Colorado Skin & Vein was one the first offices here in Denver to offer this state of the art cellulite procedure. With our background in liposuction, CoolSculpting®, and skincare, we get the most out of this technology for our patients. The treatment works best on cellulite located over the buttocks and the top half of the thighs. When my patients ask me about cellulite treatments, I am now happy to have an effective option. If you have been dreaming of smoother skin over your buttocks and thighs, Cellfina™ is the answer. Contact our office today and let one of our friendly staff get you scheduled for a consultation. Call us at 303.683.3235 or fill out our online contact form.

There is very little evidence that compression garments improve final outcome after any type of lipo. That being said they definitely reduce swelling if worn for the first couple weeks of surgery (if the surgeon uses open drainage). They also tend to make patients more comfortable and decrease the likelihood of dizziness during the first few days after the procedure.   After about two weeks you have probably gotten the most use out of your garment that you are going to get. In fact garments that are too tight can actually prolong healing times because they crush the tiny lymphatic vessels trying to take fluid and damaged tissue out of the wound site. To get the best results make sure that you have close follow-up and start getting post surgical massage therapy about twice a week starting 10-14 days after your procedure.

So the weather has started to change here in Denver and one of the most common complaints that I hear over the Fall and Winter months is dry skin. Many of my patients ask me how to treat dry skin. There are several things that you can do to combat dry and itchy skin during the winter. It all starts with your bathing routine and your environment, so here are some tips: If possible start taking more baths and even add a couple of cups of whole milk or oatmeal bath to the water. When you do take showers, keep them short about 3-5 minutes Reduce the temperature: although a nice hot shower or bath does feel great on a cold winter day, it abruptly strips the natural oils from your skin so keep the temp warm and not too hot. Use a moisturizing body wash such as Aveeno, Dove or one containing oatmeal and exfoliate at least ones or twice a week (that applied to you too guys) Blot your skin dry instead of wiping it down and leave it slightly damp and immediately apply your moisturizer Use a moisturizer with ingredients such as dimethicone (silicone), glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Lecithin and Urea Moisturize your skin at least twice a day Increase the humidity in your home or at least in where you sleep Lower the temperature in your home to between 67-70 degrees Include good oils in your diet such as omega-3s, if you don’t eat fish try supplementing about 1000mg of omega 3s per day Keep hydrated Don’t forget the sunscreen If you continue to have itchy and dry skin to the point of disturbing your sleep, it is time to give your doctor a call to make sure that there is not something else going on. At Colorado Skin and Vein, we can help you solve what may be a bigger problem, call us at 303-683-3235, or request a consult online.

Knee problems are one of the most commonly reported issues by patients who visit orthopedic physicians. Since the knee joints go through so much stress every day, there is a high chance that these weight-bearing joints will become injured or damaged at some point during our lifetime. One of the most common injuries athletes report is a meniscus tear. This injury can happen instantly as a result of a sudden change or twist in the knee position. However, the treatment and recovery for meniscus tears are not generally as fast. Patients who undergo surgery for these injuries can spend up to five months in recovery. To avoid having to go through surgery for this type of injury, more medical professionals are turning to stem cell treatment for a meniscus tear.This type of non-surgical treatment comes with various benefits to patients. Treatment for a Meniscus Tear When patients suffer from meniscus tears, they can undergo surgery. However, surgery does not actually repair the damaged cartilage in the knee. Instead, it is a process that involves removing torn pieces of the meniscus, which can leave it more vulnerable. Unfortunately, many patients experience continued knee pain after meniscus surgery. Instead of performing surgery, specialists are exploring the benefits of stem cell therapy for meniscus pain relief.Stem cell therapy is beneficial because it allows patients to receive knee pain treatment without surgery.This type of treatment provides many benefits when compared to traditional surgical treatment. Unfortunately, the invasive nature of meniscus repair surgery is not something patients want to deal with. There is a long recovery process that is painful and time-consuming. It can also disrupt the lives of busy adults and leave them unable to fully bear weight or engage in any athletic event for several weeks.  When surgery is performed on the meniscus, patients often continue to experience discomfort and pain. The meniscus is cut away and weakened instead of repaired and improved. For this reason, many people are turning to stem cell therapy to improve their meniscus recovery. Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for a Meniscus Tear There are many benefits to using stem cell treatment instead of surgery to repair the meniscus. Stem cell therapy allows the meniscus to repair itself. Stem cell treatment for a meniscus teardoes not require invasive surgery or a lengthy recovery period. Instead, patients can undergo a same-day procedure that generates stem cells around the damaged area to promote the healing of the injured tissues.  This procedure involves a quick, in-office injection of stem cells guided by fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Patients are then sent home that day. A patient is injected with stem cells and encouraged to walk on the same day of treatment to promote faster healing. Patients will begin to see results in the area within three to four weeks after receiving their injections. If a patient’s injury caused severe damage, they may be required to undergo a second injection approximately four weeks after their initial injection.  Stem cell therapy has benefits beyond repairing the tear. It also helps to decrease nerve damage and improves the function of cartilage in the knees.  Patients further benefit from stem cell therapy because it drastically reduces their dependency on pain medication used to help relieve joint pain.  See How Stem Cell Therapy Could Be the Best Choice for You Stem cell therapy is quickly becoming one of the safest and non-invasive alternatives to meniscus surgery for patients. This therapy provides quick results without needing a lengthy and painful recovery.  Our Colorado Skin and Vein team has years of experience helping patients find relief from knee and joint pain. We are dedicated to helping our patients live pain-free and recover quickly from their injuries. Our focus on stem cell therapy is to help you receive permanent relief without requiring intensive and invasive surgery. If you want or are still curious about stem cell therapy for your meniscus tear, contact our Colorado Skin and Vein team to see how this procedure can help you.

Lumps. Bumps. Dimples. Cellulite goes by many colloquial names. However, many people misunderstand what it is — and how to get rid of cellulite and its appearance. If you have been pestered by cellulite for far too long, read on to find out about cellulite and cellulite treatment options that work. What Is Cellulite, Anyway? At the most basic level, cellulite is caused when fibrous bands form between the skin and muscle. Rather than stretching and flexing, the bands grip the skin. This causes the skin surface to become uneven. Cellulite is particularly common in women and frequently shows up on the legs, bottom, hips, and abdomen. It can sometimes be seen elsewhere, such as the upper arms. Every case of cellulite tends to be unique. Some people have a predisposition for developing cellulite that’s been passed down through the generations. Other people realize they have cellulite after losing or gaining weight. Regardless of why cellulite occurs, it’s often considered an unappealing nuisance. Is There Any Way to Permanently Get Rid of Cellulite? There are several ways to treat the appearance of cellulite. These treatment methods do not necessarily get rid of the cellulite but can make the skin seem tighter and smoother. Consequently, the problem of cellulite is solved even if the bands connecting the muscles and skin remain inflexible. Some of the most common cellulite treatment methods include: Radiofrequency Energy Processes like the Profound® RF treatment system rely on radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin. As the skin becomes firmer and the energy encourages collagen production, the skin loses its signature cellulite bumpiness. It is worth noting that the Profound RF treatment has other uses as well, such as adding volume to sagging facial skin. Exercise Some people who have cellulite find success in reducing their cellulite appearance by engaging in cardiovascular and strengthening exercises. As they build muscle and burn calories, they change the amount of fat between the muscles and the skin. The result is a smoother area with reduced dimpling. Nutrition Along with exercise, those with cellulite may want to clean up their diets. A healthier diet rich in whole, nutritious foods can work to reduce weight gain-related cellulite. For instance, some women who see cellulite around their stomachs find that eating fewer processed, fatty, and sugary foods helps. Creams If you want a topical cellulite treatment you can apply at home, consider trying some of the more reputable skin firming creams with or without retinol that are available on the market. This is not a fast fix and can take months to reveal softer, smoother skin. Nevertheless, creams give you one more weapon in the battle against unwanted cellulite. Massage Numerous men and women with cellulite feel that their cellulite is less noticeable after a professional massage. Though the cellulite doesn’t actually disappear, the skin may look more toned for a few hours after the massage. When combined with other cellulite treatments, massage can work well. Plus, it reduces stress as an added side benefit. No time to get to a masseuse? Use a loofah sponge to stimulate your cellulite-prone areas. Surgical Procedures Minimally invasive and invasive surgical procedures such as subcision and liposuction are used by some people to address cellulite. However, any surgery should be discussed with your primary care physician. Even if you want your cellulite to go away quickly, you may be better off trying non-invasive treatments first. How Can I Avoid Getting More Cellulite? You have the appearance of your cellulite under control, thanks to a variety of treatments. Great! But you want to ensure that more doesn’t appear somewhere else on your body. The best way to stop preventable cellulite is to avoid fad dieting and work out on a regular basis. And if you notice any cellulite forming as you get older, address it immediately instead of waiting until it gets worse. Want to discuss your cellulite treatment with a professional who can give you personalized advice? Contact Colorado Skin & Vein today to learn all the ways that you can finally say goodbye to the look of frustrating cellulite. Smoother, younger, more attractive skin is within your reach!