Acne treatments – the good news for acne sufferers
While it’s never good to suffer from acne, the good news is that specialist acne treatments have advanced significantly in recent years. Treating acne no longer needs to involve a guessing game to figure out which age-old acne myths are true or false. And skin therapy clinics now offer a wide range of treatments for mild to severe acne, targeting both the cause and the effects of the problem.

Today’s acne and acne scarring treatments are technologically advanced, using lasers, light and highly sensitive equipment to treat the surface and deeper layers of the skin. Most of the treatments are suitable for virtually anyone with acne or scarring problems, with only minimal side effects that heal quickly.

We’ve outlined some of the most effective acne treatment options below, with links to more details for each one. While some procedures are non-invasive, others involve more invasive techniques, and each is suited to slightly different situations.

If you are considering any of these options, keep in mind that there is never a ‘one size fits all’ solution, and each treatment must be tailored to the individual. Remember, a professional skin clinic will always ensure you have a thorough consultation before embarking on any treatment.

Microdermabrasion for acne
Microdermabrasion combines a very fine abrasion treatment with gentle suction. This gently removes dead and diseased skin cells and clears blocked pores, so oil build-up will reduce. Once the unwanted cells are removed your skin benefits from improved circulation and more nutrients and oxygen to regenerate it. With repeat treatments your skin becomes noticeably smoother and clearer as healthy skin is established over the top of previously problematic areas.

Find out more about microdermabrasion treatment for acne.

Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) for acne
Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) uses alfa levulinic acid (ALA) combined with blue and red light to treat acne and sun damaged skin. First, the ALA is applied to the skin, then light is exposed onto it. The reaction that occurs destroys abnormal and damaged cells, leaving healthy cells to grow and thrive.

PDT is a targeted treatment that acts on damaged or abnormal cells, so in addition to being an effective treatment for mild to severe acne, it can also treat other skin damage, such as sun damage and other skin conditions.

Read more about photo dynamic therapy here.

Intense Pulsed Light therapy for acne treatment
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive light treatment for acne. It can also be used to treat reddened skin, visible facial blood vessels, sun-damaged skin and pigmentation. It can be used in conjunction when PDT (see above) for enhanced results.

With some of the same approach as PDT, intense pulsed light therapy uses special wavelengths of light to treat damaged and aged skin. These particular wavelengths are absorbed by damaged areas of the skin, minimising the effect on healthy skin cells. This targeted approach is effective and minimises recovery time.

Find out more about intense pulsed light therapy.

Laser skin resurfacing for acne
Laser skin resurfacing is an effective procedure for treating mild to severe acne scarring. A laser is used to scan over the top of your skin and remove an extremely fine layer of damaged skin. While this is a more invasive procedure than microdermabrasion, it is an extremely effective way to allow your skin to become smooth and promote the production of new healthy skin.

Find out more about laser skin resurfacing for treating acne scars.

Fraxel laser for acne scarring
Fraxel laser treatment is a laser treatment that penetrates deep into your skin, reaching the middle layer. Thousands of minute laser beams remove damaged skin cells and prompt fresh healthy skin to develop in its place.

Fraxel treatment allows very accurate treatment of acne damage and stimulates collagen production. It is also effective for treating a variety of other skin damage, such as uneven colouring and sun damage.

Read on for more information about fraxel laser treatment for acne.

Collagenesis for acne
Collagenesis is an option for just about anyone who has significant acne scarring. Severe acne can leave skin with an uneven appearance, and with ‘holes’ and thickened areas of skin.
Collagenesis goes a step further than treatments like microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing, by going deeper into the skin and applying medication that penetrates right down into the affected areas. By reaching right into the skin, the medication works to encourage new collagen production, smoothing acne scars.
Virtually anyone of any age with acne scarring can benefit from this procedure. Find out more about collagenensis for acne scarring here.

When considering acne treatments…
The above treatment options can work very effectively to address acne and acne scarring. But bare in mind that each person’s skin is highly individual. You should only undertake the above treatments after proper consultation with a professional skin therapist.

In the Melbourne area, The Ashley Centre offers a professional, personalised service. You can get in touch with us here with your confidential enquiry.

Let us clear the air, and hopefully help you clear up some of your acne as well!

We’ve compiled our ‘Top 10 Acne Myths’ to set the record straight. To find out more about treatments for acne, go to the Ashley Centre’s Acne Treatment page.

Top 10 Acne Myths – busted!

Acne Myth #1 Dirt causes acne
Not true! Acne is not caused by dirt, or poor hygiene. Acne actually develops when follicles under the surface of your skin become blocked by dead skin cells and oil from the oil gland. The follicle becomes blocked, but the oil gland continues to produce oil, causing the follicle to expand and rupture. When this happens, oil and dead skin are released into the top layer of your skin, and it reacts by becoming red and inflamed. When bacteria get in the follicle, it creates infections, leading to nasty pimples.

Acne Myth #2 Clean more to combat acne
More cleaning is not the answer. In fact, excessive cleaning can actually make your acne worse, not better.  There are a few issues to be aware of here. Firstly, over-cleaning your skin can make it dry out more, leading to more dead skin cells that can go on to block your skin follicles and pores. More rubbing, and using unsuitable cleansers or harsh exfoliants is not good for skin with acne and will only irritate existing acne and spread the infection more. You need to use a gentle face wash, applied using only your hands, no more than twice a day to keep your skin clean. Look for cleansers either with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or antibacterial agents to help.

Acne Myth #3 Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne
Debate about the link between diet and acne has been ongoing for decades, but studies show that diet does not cause acne (remember, acne is caused by blocked follicles). The warnings about chocolate, fries, pizza or other foods might help your figure, but they aren’t necessarily going to have any impact on your acne. The proviso here is that some people find that they have various reactions to some types of foods, which can trigger acne breakouts (including people who are insulin resistant, whose bodies react to sugar). If you suspect that certain foods do make your acne worse, try keeping a detailed food journal recording everything you eat, and any changes in your skin.

Acne Myth #4 Sunlight helps clear up acne
It’s true that sunlight can help ‘dry out’ skin and oily pimples. But sunlight is not going to stop you getting acne or make it any better. Sun burn or ‘tanning’ may darken or redden your skin and help mask some blemishes, but that’s only a temporary answer, and meanwhile that sun burn is actually going to do more harm to your skin. Of course, limited sun exposure is fine and is unavoidable. Just don’t try and use it to address your acne – it’s not going to help.

Acne Myth #5 Using moisturisers – Yes or no?
It’s understandable for acne suffers to be confused about using moisturisers. Should I use less moisturiser because my skin is oily, or should I use more moisturiser to combat dry skin and dead skin cells? The answer, like many things, is moderation – and using the right type of moisturiser. Keeping your skin lightly moisturised will help it heal and stay healthy. Be sure to use an oil-free moisturiser. If you can, find one that contains salicylic acid, or one that states it will help prevent acne breakouts.

Acne myth #6 Acne is a teenage problem
It’s true that acne is a problem many teenagers battle, as hormone levels change dramatically around puberty. But did you know that about 1 in 4 people aged 25-44 also have active acne? Many adult women continue to deal with acne as their hormones fluctuate during their monthly menstrual cycle.

Acne myth #7 A quick fix? Give it a squeeze!
However tempting it may be, squeezing pimples will only make the situation worse. When you squeeze a pimple you damage the structures under the skin, causing the area to become inflamed, which can even lead to a permanent scar. There’s really no ‘safe’ way to squeeze a pimple. If the situation is just too dire (you have a big date and that big juicy pimple feels more obvious than your nose!) then either conceal it with make up, or if you have to squeeze it, use sterile gauze pads and apply a hot compress for five minutes before squeezing. Follow with an anti bacterial treatment on the area, and apply some ice to minimize inflammation.

Acne myth #8 Oral contraceptives as an acne treatment
So what’s the link between oral contraceptives and acne? Basically, oral contraceptives are hormone pills, so some people find that, if their acne is driven by hormones (which can affect oil production), taking oral contraceptives can help reduce acne problems. This is actually true, however it does not mean you should simply start taking these pills. First and foremost, remember that oral contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy – they are not designed as acne pills. And, they can have a number of side effects. If you are considering this as a way to deal with acne you must discuss this with a doctor and thoroughly consider the issues and risks.

Acne myth #9 Sex makes acne worse
Not true – although adults trying to steer young people away from having sex may like to tell them this! However, it is known that high levels of androgens (male sex hormones) can be related to more severe cases of acne. Androgens can also cause increased sex drive. So, while there is a relationship between hormone levels and acne, the act of having sex does not cause acne.

Acne myth #10 You’ll just have to let acne run its course…
No, no and no. Don’t let people tell you that you’ll just have to wait it out, or that acne is ‘just’ a cosmetic problem. We know as well as you do that when you are confident in your appearance you feel better about yourself, and that severe acne can have a big impact on people personally and socially. There are in fact many effective ways to treat acne, from specially designed cleansers to sophisticated clinical treatments. Our next blog discusses a number of these acne treatments in detail. For more help you can even contact the experts at The Ashley Centre directly. Or try talking to your pharmacist or doctor, or seeing a local skin treatment clinic or dermatologist.

 However, come winter and spring we often forget about the harm it can do to our skin. We leave our skin exposed to dangers such as high intensity winds and sun reflection, when what we need to remember is that even though there is a chill in air and the sky is overcast the sun might be doing irreversible damage. 

Most of us do not know about the effects of ultra-violet (UV) radiation and so don’t change our routine skin-care products as the seasons change. The sun continuously emits UV rays, even on the greyest and cloudiest of days, and scientists consider these UV rays as one of the most harmful forms of radiation for humans.   According to the Cancer Council, chances of skin cancer soars during winter and complete protection should be taken to minimise the risk.

The visible effects of these radiations are premature wrinkles, sun spots and skin with lost elasticity. Many develop brown spots on their face and hands (especially on the right side, which gets more exposure to sunlight through the driver’s-side car window) and are more likely to build up red crusted spots which can later extend into skin cancer. So our advice is to use a clinically tested sunblock cream all year long - even during the winter season when you think you may not need it.

Know the facts….
Ultra-violet rays are not minimised during the winter. Even the most cautious outdoor enthusiasts may unknowingly put their skin at risk by leaving it unprotected or under-protected.

Fresh snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays. This means that UV radiation not only reaches you directly, it reaches you indirectly as well when scattered and reflected by the snow. Water and snow are like concrete mirrors that significantly increase sunburn. Skiing supporters should also be particularly careful to protect their eyes and skin while enjoying vacations on the higher altitudes. 

The Cancer Council of Australia has recently released an information sheet to help people know about the facts related to skin cancer:  http://www.sunsmart.com.au/about_us/our_research/facts_and_stats_at_a_glance

The most (biggest) damage to our skin is often done in our youth and if you don’t look after your skin when you’re still young, chances are you will have problems later in life. By giving your skin full protection until 25, you can reduce the risk of skin cancer by more than 50 per cent. So don’t wait for the signs of aging to occur and the risks of cancer to increase, be proactive instead of reactive, as once the damage is done it’s too late. Taking a couple of minutes out of your day to apply a sun block can save you from skin problems in the future and add years to your life.

Don’t let the winter chill fool you, always slip slop slap no matter what the temperature is.

Keep in mind…..
As we strive for convenience and companies promote products as all in one healers, it is important for us to remember to use a separate sunblock, as the one mixed in with your makeup or moisturiser is usually not sufficient for the harsh weather conditions. To safeguard your skin, we offer these tips:

- If you are enjoying the fresh breeze at the beach or are outside for more that 20 minutes, wear a broad-spectrum sunblock all year-round which filters both UVA and UVB rays.

- Consult your physician if you continuously have itchy skin for more than 3 days. Have adequate knowledge about sunburn; do not assume every winter rash as windburn. In cold winter conditions, a lot of people mistake sunburn for windburn due to the similarity in symptoms.

- Devote time to make sure your face is evenly protected throughout the day and ensure you reapply.  The Cosmedix range we use at The Ashley Centre offers a spray on design of sunblock for added convenience.

- Choose an SPF of 30+ or above when at higher altitudes, around snow or water.

- Wear a hat as the scalp is especially susceptible to sunburn in higher altitudes. And don’t forget to shield your eyes from UV; they can get burned too! Use sunglasses with UV protection in the snow. You’ll definitely look gorgeous and your eyes will thank you.

- If your line of work demands routine sun exposure, such as a landscaping, building, visits to construction sites etc, never underestimate the damage your job may attract. Consider sunblock as a part of your everyday routine.

At the Ashley Centre we like to remember that beautiful skin is a wonderful way to flatter the inside YOU.

So, try not to forget the importance of sun block during the cooler months, fundamentally apply it 20-30 minutes in advance before you go out. Let your skin shine and allow it to help you look younger and healthier.

Among the international guest speakers were Miami based dermatologist Dr Leslie Baumann, Canadian plastic surgeon Dr James Daniel, and Italian plastic surgeon Dr Daniel Cassuto.

Attendees from The Ashley Centre included Dr Ashley Granot, Dr Simon Rosenbaum and Dr Ahmed Omarjee.

Dr Omarjee was particularly interested in lectures about the latest techniques with fillers and Botox, presented by Dr Betser and Dr Kane.

Dr Rosenbaum attended all the lectures on breast augmentation, in search of anyone who could better his own statistics on complication rates. He came away feeling assured that his complication rate is one of the lowest (no accident).

And Dr Granot was asked to be on the panel in the interactive session on liposculpture, along with four of his colleagues. Of particular interest to him in the lecture program were Dr Evans’ lecture on melasma and of course the hot topic of stem cells.

Our practice manager Helen Winter and patient manager Frances Genovesi went along too. They attended all the lectures on how to improve the delivery of services to the most valuable person - the patient.

In between the formal presentations, our doctors and staff also got to mingle and share ideas with Australian and international specialists, and compare their thoughts on all things cosmetic and the future trends in the cosmetic arena. One of the social evenings was the Taste of South Australia night at the University of Adelaide’s Kerry Packer Gallery, where everyone appreciated sampling cheeses and wines from the Barossa and surrounds. Esthelis sponsored this shindig and we thank them for the yummy night!

Our staff are now back at work and will continue applying their newfound skills and knowledge to deliver the best services and results they can.  Stay tuned!

It’s only natural to have questions and some hesitation when considering any type of surgery. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions about breast implants and breast augmentation to help you understand a bit more about it.

Are breast implants and breast augmentation safe?
Breast augmentation and breast implants have an excellent safety record, and the latest technologies in silicone gel filled implants enhances this further. In Australia, silicone gel-filled implants are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and have been registered on the ARTG since 2000. Both silicone and saline implants are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, which means that an implant has been rigorously researched and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety.

Can I get any breast size and shape?
Much is possible, but the results are not limitless. Your natural body type and build will in part determine what results are achievable, so you need to be realistic about your expectations. Whatever happens, there should be no surprises - a good surgeon should clearly explain what results you can expect before embarking on surgery. If you are at all unsure about the process and what you can expect, either ask more questions, or consult another surgeon.

Do breast implants feel ‘real’?
How the implants feel in your breast will partly be determined by the method of placement (on top of, under, or partially under your chest muscle).  While breast implants may sometimes not be as supple to the touch as natural breasts, the vast majority of women are very satisfied with the results and enjoy their fuller, firmer breasts.

Will everyone be able to tell I have implants?
If you have a carefully planned and performed surgery, with realistic goals, taking your height, weight and natural build into account, you should expect a nice, natural looking result; so the only people who will ‘know’ are those you want to know. (At the other end of the scale, there are some women who are in the market for something extreme… with extreme results!) Of course, most women are after a natural look, and with a good surgeon this is easily achieved.

Will implants make my breasts sag more?
A breast with an implant will weigh more than one without, so naturally the force of gravity will be greater once your implants are in place. However a breast with an implant will not sag any more than a natural breast of the same size. How your breasts appear over time is largely down to genetics. A supportive bra will still be a good friend once you have implants.

Is there a ‘best’ way for the surgery to be performed?
When it comes to breast augmentation, each woman needs to be treated as an individual, and what is best for one woman won’t necessarily be best for the next. There are different options for the size and shape of the implant, where incisions are made and how the implant is placed. All these factors need to be considered and balanced to get the results you desire.

How much scarring does it cause?
Today’s techniques for breast augmentation are very advanced, and implants can be placed with only very small incisions. Incisions can be made under the armpit, around the nipple or in the crease under the breast. Your surgeon’s skills and techniques will play an important role, so be sure to discuss this in detail until you are comfortable with the technique to be used. With ‘sharp’ incision methods these days you should be able to expect any scarring to fade to be barely visible over time.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?
Breast implants have a good lifespan, but are not designed to last forever. Some studies have indicated the average lifespan to be more than 16 years. Some implants can last for 25 years. Others will have a shorter lifespan. Implants can be replaced with ease.

Why is breast augmentation surgery better than acupuncture?
You may have heard about a new craze – breast augmentation using acupuncture. Breast augmentation surgery remains a superior way to get the result you want regarding breast size and shape. Acupuncture only works on the top part of the breast, and results cannot be guaranteed. Conversely, breast augmentation surgery is now a very established and safe practice that promises long term results that are tailored to specific individual requirements.

Can I still breastfeed with breast implants? Is it safe?
The ability to breastfeed varies in all women regardless of whether or not they have implants. There is no medical evidence that shows that breast implants interfere with normal breastfeeding.
In terms of safety, there is currently no method to test for silicone levels in breast milk, however there is convincing evidence that babies who are breastfed by mothers with silicone breast implants are not receiving any higher amounts of silicone.

Do breast implants make it harder to detect breast cancer?
All women are advised to self-check for breast lumps and changes in breast tissue. Mammograms are an important health check for women to undergo. If you have implants you should tell your mammogram technician. While it’s not quite as straightforward, your technician can compensate and ‘work around’ your implants. They should not pose a problem.

Further, contrary to common myth, there is no medical evidence to suggest that women with breast implants have any higher chance of developing breast cancer or autoimmune disease than those without implants.

How much recovery time will I need after surgery?
This will differ between individual patients, but in general terms most women are mobile and able to look after themselves two days after surgery. Most are able to return to work after five to seven days. After a couple of weeks you can do most regular activities (light exercise is encouraged), and after six weeks there should be no restrictions on even vigorous physical activities.

Modern cosmetic treatments really are helping improve women’s quality of life. Now, even breast reduction can be done without scarring and the usual risks of traditional surgery. Breast reduction with liposuction is a much less intrusive, safer, more convenient way for women to address problems associated with having large or very large breasts.

Breast reduction using liposuction can help alleviate the problems that some women experience, such as:
• Neck, back or chest pain due to heavy breasts
• Limited physical / athletic abilities
• Discomfort, embarrassment and self-consciousness
• Limited wardrobe options
• Unequal breast size

Advantages of liposuction over traditional breast reduction surgery
Compared to the traditional style breast reduction surgery, liposuction is a lot less intrusive, with fewer risks.
• Less cutting and scarring. Liposuction makes tiny incisions in your breasts (less than three millimetres across), which heal to be almost invisible. Traditional surgery involves making extensive (e.g. 12-inch) cuts across each breast.
• Less anaesthetic and less risk. Breast reduction using liposuction only requires light sedation and local anaesthetic. You don’t need a general anaesthetic as with traditional surgery. This greatly reduces the risks and complications usually associated with surgery, such as infections developing.
• Quicker recovery. Because you don’t require a general anaesthetic or invasive cutting, healing and recovery time is quicker. You can go home the same day as the procedure.
• Breastfeeding not compromised.  Unlike traditional surgery, the liposuction procedure does not cut through or across the breast. So the breast tissue, glands and ducts associated with breastfeeding are not damaged. Women who have this procedure are usually able to breastfeed as normal. Nipple sensation is also not affected by the procedure.
• Mammograms more accurate. Reduction via liposuction does not interfere with mammograms. In fact they can become easier for clinicians to read after liposuction has been performed.
• More accurate. Your surgeon can accurately measure how much fat to remove from the breast, making it easier to correct unequal breast size.
• Natural result. Because we are simply removing fat cells, the result is very natural looking. Your breasts will retain the same shape, just be significantly (up to 50 percent) smaller. Often the procedure also produces a natural ‘lift’ in the breast due to the reduced weight.

What’s involved?
Of course, the first step is always a full consultation and personal assessment to answer your questions and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Some women are more suited to liposuction breast reduction than others. Largely this depends on the amount of fat in your breasts (as compared to glandular tissue). This will be discussed thoroughly at your consultation.

Once your surgeon has carefully determined how much fat to remove from each breast, and you are all prepared, you will have some sedation and local anaesthetic will be applied. Liposuction involves making tiny incisions into a few places on your breasts, and removing fat cells in the same way as liposuction performed on other areas of the body. This takes about 25 minutes for each breast. Breast size can be reduced by up to 50 percent.

Recovery is reasonably fast, and you’ll be able to go home the same day (although you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the night).
There is a schedule of check-ups to monitor your recovery and ensure everything heals properly. We will see you for a check-up the following day, then weekly for six weeks, then monthly for six months.

Results
The results of breast reduction with liposuction are natural looking and long lasting. Even if you were to gain a lot of weight in the future, your breasts would remain more or less the same size, as the fat cells in those areas have been permanently removed. Besides the obvious result of significantly reducing breast size, women commonly report greater physical comfort, more confidence and improved self-image.

More information
While this page outlines the general procedure and benefits of breast reduction using liposuction, you may have further questions. You can get more even information about this procedure and The Ashley Centre’s professional service by visiting the breast reduction page on our main website, where you will also be able to contact us regarding a confidential, personal consultation.

Laser hair removal

It is not difficult to be enticed by low prices and claims if you’re not properly informed of the pros and possible side effects of the treatment on the skin.  According to the Australian Medical Association, it is illegal to make such claims. However since it is not possible to put a regulation on who can buy medical laser equipment or acquire training for hair removal, you are put at risk.

Smaller beauty salons that boast of offering laser treatment at rates that are much less than industry standards conveniently ignore the need to protect the sensitiveness of skin from undue exposure to laser beams and are often not able to deal with all aspects of the treatment.  For example complications.  Are they equipped to deal with the side effects and complications should they arise?  Be sure of the laser therapist’s qualifications and experience.  

How to find the right laser treatment clinic?
Finding a well qualified laser professional or clinic is one of the most important aspects of getting laser hair removal done. Each year hundreds of new centres pop up across the country claiming to be the best service providers and it can be a tough task to select the one that will work for you.

A knowledgeable and well trained physician can ensure your hair removal experience is well worth the investment whereas an unqualified person using inadequate lasers can easily damage your skin.

Finding a centre that offers and practices the finest techniques is very much similar to shopping for an expensive gift. The best way to do it is to take your time, look around, and ask others.  Word of mouth is often the most reliable source as they have experienced the treatment first hand and by observing the reactions of previous patients, you will immediately learn about the quality of care that the medical centre provides.

Most good clinics these days enforce a consultation where they assess the hair density and hair colour.  These steps are vital in ensuring that the strength of the laser can be adjusted to suit your skin type and hair colour.   A treatment program that cannot be individually tailored often causes the most damage. 

At The Ashley Centre, we often come across patients who have made the mistake of going to less qualified centres, which not only expose their skin to non-approved technology which can also cause extensive damage to the skin, such as blistering and permanent scarring or pigmentation.  Cheaper salons may neglect the need to have specialised equipment for different hair types.

So you need to ask yourselves is it quality you are after or a cheaper deal?  Don’t be fooled into using unqualified centres as these are not specialised clinics, they are merely tanning salons or beauty places which have seen the demand in the market for hair removal and tried to capitalise on this. When it comes to any sort of cosmetic enhancement, price is usually a good indication of quality. 

The advantage of getting hair removal at a professional cosmetic clinic is that you will be able to walk away with confidence knowing that under your therapist’s guidance, a program has been tailored to your needs, reducing the risk of permanent scarring and skin damage.  Where a therapist is present you can be assured that all aspects of the treatment have been well thought out and that there is medical supervision on hand should some untoward complications arise.
 

Unprincipled claims
Having practised for more than 20 years, we have seen plenty of fraudulent claims made by salons and smaller clinics such as –

- “Virtually painless” or “100 percent painless”
Although the procedure of hair removal through laser does not require clients to have anaesthesia, it is an overpromise to state that treatment will be 100 percent painless for every patient.

-  “Everlasting hair removal” or “100% permanent”
This is a false claim and no clinic can guarantee 100% hair removal.  Even those who seem to be the ideal candidate for laser hair removal may not get optimum results.  The results are different for every person.

-  “No re growth”
Even though laser damages the hair from its roots, some hair is bound to grow back with time. A well trained therapist using good equipment ensures that maximum number of follicles are damaged.  At The Ashley Centre we are open to the fact that the treatment cannot guarantee 100% permanent hair removal. Instead we ensure our clients are informed from the beginning that additional treatments may be required as “top ups.”

The Ashley Centre has been in practice for the last 20 years and with a team of vastly trained and skilled surgeons, nurses, consultants and support staff, it is committed to achieving the result you are looking for.  We have the expertise and we put in the effort to achieve the best results for our clients.

Read this FAQ on varicose veins to discover all the answers to your commonly asked questions, including how to get rid of them without going under the knife.

Who suffers from varicose veins?
Two out of ten Australians suffer from varicose veins. Depending on the degree of severity, home remedies such as exercise or compression stockings can relieve the discomfort, while others are not so lucky. For them, constant pain, intense swelling and uneasiness are all part of their daily experiences. Both males and females suffer from varicose veins.

Is it true that hormones can affect varicose veins?
Yes. Some women experience excessive pain from varicose veins during their menstrual cycle due to hormones and blood flow, which occurs due to venous reflux, or reversed flow of blood in the veins. Misbalanced hormones and pregnancy can also cause varicose veins.

What are some other causes of varicose veins?
About 70% of people suffering from varicose veins have a direct genetic link to it. Other causes include standing for long periods of time, but contrary to a popular belief, wearing high heels doesn’t cause them!

Can varicose veins lead to serious complications?
If they’re not taken care of at the right time, varicose veins can be a continuous condition that leads to phlebitis, blood clots, dermatitis and venous ulcers. Also, anyone with varicose veins has a higher risk of developing other circulatory problems.

What are some common symptoms of varicose veins?

•  Enlarged veins: bulging and enlarged veins that are very clearly visible and can be felt with fingers.
•  Swollen body parts: some people may experience swelling in lower legs, ankle or feet especially if they have been standing or sitting in a same position for a long time.
•  Cramps: you might feel burning, throbbing or warmness in your veins.
•  Bleeding: bleeding is definitely a sign of a vein tearing near the surface of your skin. It can also be a signal of a more serious vein disease. If it is the case with you, see a doctor as soon as possible.
•  Blue or red veins: varicose veins differ from spider veins, which are the small blue or reddish streaky lines often found near the ankles.
•  Changes in skin: your skin may start to darken or even become hard around affected veins.
•  Continuous pain: affected portion may hurt immensely when touched.
•  Tired and heavy feeling: varicose veins generally ache, not sharply but rather a dull ache, which gives the feeling of heaviness.
•  Itching: varicose veins may itch or produce a rash in the area and can lead to a more serious skin condition.

What treatments are available for varicose veins?
Safe, fast procedures like sclerotherapy, laser and endovenous laser can help treat varicose veins without much pain. You can walk out of the medical facility immediately after having the treatment.

What’s sclerotherapy and how does it get rid of my varicose veins?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical treatment which involves administrating injections directly into the enlarged veins which aggravates the inside layer of the damaged blood vessels. It makes the varicose or spider veins shrink and disappear after some time, and is used for both large and small veins with an excellent success rate. Depending on the severity of your varicose veins, each vein may require several injections within a space of a few weeks. Sometimes, multiple veins are injected in one session. People start witnessing the effect of sclerosing in about 3-4 weeks.

How does laser treatment work on varicose veins?
If you don’t want to use needles or incisions to make your varicose veins disappear, try laser. It sends strong bursts of light into the veins – a typical session lasts for 15 to 20 minutes and depending on the severity, visible results can be achieved in 3-4 sittings. Just like sclerotherapy, you can walk in and walk out directly after the treatment.

My varicose veins are large. Is there a treatment for me?
Yes. Endovenous laser ablation, which is a minimally invasive procedure, is used to treat large varicose veins. It involves firing a laser fibre inside the leg and along the length of the faulty, varicose vein. The energy emitted by this laser damages the vein walls and shrinks them so that blood can no longer flow through.

To discuss getting rid of your varicose veins drop by for a friendly, professional consultation.

What is labioplasty?
Labioplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reduces the size, and can reshape, the labia minora (the small lips on the outside of the vagina). Labioplasty can enhance the appearance of the outer vagina and provide a number of other benefits for women.

Why do women have the procedure?
Women have labioplasty for a range of reasons, including functional and aesthetic reasons. Elongated or irregular labia often occur naturally (after all, we are all created differently) or can be exacerbated by things like childbirth, sexual activity, hormones, or simply ageing. Many patients complain that elongated labia cause pain during exercise, sex, and during extended periods of sitting. This can affect your enjoyment of sex and other activities, and also affect your self-esteem. Some women are reluctant to wear tight clothing because they feel self-conscious.

Of course, labioplasty is not a common topic of discussion over lunch, but if you are experiencing a problem, you can be rest assured that you are certainly not alone.
The good news is that labioplasty is a relatively straightforward and quick procedure that gives lasting results.

So what’s involved?
Labioplasty is usually performed under a light anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything. The surgeon will make small incisions to remove the excess tissue to reduce or reshape the labia minora. Tiny stitches are used, but they are dissolvable, so they don’t have to be ‘taken out’. Normally, you don’t require any dressings either.

The whole procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, and you can go home the same day. Afterwards, patients usually have a bit of discomfort for a few days while some swelling subsides. You’ll be advised to take it easy for about a week, perhaps with a few days off work to allow for healing. Full healing and returning to everyday activities such as sport, sex etc can take anything up to six weeks.

Labioplasty is usually suitable for all women. Of course, if you are considering this procedure your surgeon will be able to answer any and all questions in an understanding way, so you know what to expect and feel at ease. For a fuller explanation of what’s involved, visit The Ashley Centre’s labioplasty page. You’ll also find a link there to get a private assessment, as well as online help.

What are the benefits of labioplasty?
Once you’ve had labioplasty and allowed for everything to heal up, you’re likely to notice some real improvements. Some are physical, but others will enhance how you feel about yourself and your body.

The most common benefits women find include:
• Confidence to wear tight fitting clothes, such as sportswear and swimsuits
• No pain during sex, and increased sensation and enjoyment of sex
• Reduced discomfort during other activities, such as prolonged sitting, cycling etc.
• Increased self-esteem and feeling happier and more comfortable about their body.

You can get more information about labioplasty and The Ashley Centre’s confidential service by visiting the labioplasty page on our main website.

What causes excessive underarm sweating?

Sweating is controlled by the hypothalamus, in your brain. Most of the time, sweating is a useful and natural process that does not cause problems. However, hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating, does not just occur if it’s particularly hot, or you are being particularly active and physical. Excessive sweating occurs because your sweat glands are in overdrive – they are getting a false message that they should jump into action, when really you want them to wait silently until there is a ‘real’ need. Unfortunately, excessive sweating is often hereditary (it runs in families), so you may have your parents to ‘thank’ for your uncomfortable position.

Excessive underarm sweating can be treated
Excessive underarm sweating has been successfully treated using a well known muscle relaxant which is now widely used for a number of cosmetic treatments, as well as providing relief for chronic conditions such as excessive sweating. When used to treat excessive underarm sweating, the muscle relaxant targets the problem at its source. Given by injection, the muscle relaxant enters your sweat glands and blocks the release of acetycholine, the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands into action.
Muscle relaxant treatments are quick – it only takes about ten minutes, and can give very effective and lasting results. Responses vary from person to person, but on average the first treatment can provide relief for more than seven months.
The most common side effects include increased sweating in other areas, pain at the injection site, and temporary arm weakness. Of course, you should always discuss the risks and benefits of treatment fully with your doctor before proceeding.

Feel the freedom – what a difference it can make
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from this condition, it’s likely you’ve been dealing with uncomfortable and embarrassing sweating for quite some time, even years. If you can be successfully treated with the muscle relaxant you will find you have a new confidence and enjoyment of life. Things that others take for granted, such as wearing tight fitting clothing (of any colour), having the confidence to socialise more intimately with others, and not feeling self-conscious about wet patches, will become ‘normal’ for you once again.

More information
Treatment for hyperhydrosis using muscle relaxants is offered in Melbourne by the professional and caring staff at The Ashley Centre. You can contact us via our website.