Bailey Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Centre: June 2014

Monday, June 23, 2014

10 Common Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins

The veins in our legs have many "one-way" valves which allow blood to travel up toward the heart. When you stand, the valves close in order to keep the blood from traveling backwards down the leg.

Sometimes, the valves become damaged and will not close properly. This allows the blood to travel backwards in the direction of gravity. This valve problem is known as venous reflux or venous insufficiency. The symptoms that occur because of the damaged valves are due to the high pressure that develops in the veins as the blood travels backward.

Over time the veins below the bad valves can become dilated and varicosed. This condition always progresses and often leads to complications such as skin damage, chronic leg swelling, blood clots, ulceration and even spontaneous bleeding.

Many people suffer from the symptoms of Venous Insufficiency and are completely unaware of the underlying problem. Symptoms vary from person to person but the following symptoms could indicate venous insufficiency and require the attention of a doctor.

Leg aching, heaviness and tiredness that is worse at the end of the day
Leg swelling that is worse at the end of the day
Leg cramps at night
Itching
Restless legs
Blood clots
Eczema type skin rash on lower legs
Leg ulcers
Spontaneous bleeding
Occasionally patients experience a burning or numbness in their legs

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Colin E. Bailey. Bailey Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Centre' provides the most comprehensive vein treatment utilizing state-of-the-art care to achieve excellent results.

Dr. Bailey’s goal is to provide his patients with safe, leading edge, minimally invasive vein surgery and cosmetic surgery in a comfortable non hospital setting. Dr. Bailey offers a professional and personal consultation to discuss how he can help you look and feel your best.

Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Tel: 573-723-1344

www.baileycosmeticsurgeryandveincentre.com

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Contact us at one of our 3 Missouri locations below!!

Springfield Office
636 W. Republic Rd.
Suite C108
Springfield, MO 65807
Tel: 573-723-1344

Sedalia Office
1708 West Main St.
Sedalia, MO 65301
Tel: 573-723-1344

Osage Beach Office
5780 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 200
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Tel: 573-723-1344

Monday, June 16, 2014

8 Frequently Asked Questions about Varicose Veins and the Health of Your Veins

What is phlebology? Phlebology is a branch of medicine that deals with vein disease. The body of knowledge in phlebology has progressed to the point where specialists who are committed to the field can become Board Certified in Phlebology. Prior to the opening of the Bailey Vein Institute there was only one other Board Certified Phlebologist in the state of Hawaii located on Oahu.
Do all patients with venous insufficiency have varicose veins? NO. Some patients may

Hemosiderin Staining

just have leg swelling that is worse at the end of the day. This chronic leg swelling leads to the development of a brown skin color near the ankle over time. This is known as hemosiderin staining.
What is a Venous Ultrasound? Venous ultrasound is a sophisticated noninvasive technology that uses sound waves to visualize which valves are abnormal. The exam is painless and also allows the physician to identify blood clots and other abnormalities. The result of this testing allows the physician to tailor treatments to each individual patient. The procedure is performed in the office and takes about 45 minutes.
Is restless leg syndrome related to venous insufficiency? According to a study by Clint Hayes, M.D. published in the Journal of Phlebology, almost 40% of patients with restless leg syndrome also have venous insufficiency. When their venous insufficiency was treated, symptoms were improved by 80%. Approximately 30% of the patients had no improvement however.
Can venous insufficiency lead to chronic leg swelling? There are many reasons why people develop chronic leg swelling. Venous insufficiency is a very common underlying cause. Left untreated, this can damage the lymphatic system of the legs, which further exacerbates the leg swelling. Ultimately, the skin becomes damaged and a condition known as stasis dermatitis occurs. In this situation, the skin becomes brown in color and can develop an open ulcer or even become infected. Other things that can lead to chronic leg swelling include blood clots, heart failure and some blood pressure medicines.
What are venous stasis ulcers? Venous ulcers or stasis ulcers are often the result of long

Venus Stasis Ulcers

standing venous insufficiency (faulty vein valves or reflux). In most cases there is reflux of the saphenous veins and perforating veins. The high pressure within these veins eventually leads to chronic leg swelling, darkening of the skin and ultimately skin breakdown, ulceration and even bleeding. These ulcers are generally near the ankle and are very painful. Dr Bailey was one of the first 11 physicians in the country to use the revolutionary VNUS radiofrequency perforator closure system and has taught many other physicians how to use the device.
Can I be cured of my predisposition to develop venous insufficiency? Venous Insufficiency can be treated but the patient cannot be cured of the genetic propensity to develop reflux. Therefore as the patient ages it is possible that reflux or venous insufficiency will develop in other veins.
What are reticular veins? Reticular veins are often seen as blue-green veins under the skin. They can become large and unsightly and may lead to the development of spider veins. Some patients may experience tenderness, burning and itching in the legs.

Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Tel: 573-723-1344

www.baileyveinandskincare.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with Dr. Bailey on LinkedIn
Add us on Google+
Follow us on Pinterest

Contact us at one of our 3 Missouri locations below!!

Springfield Office
636 W. Republic Rd.
Suite C108
Springfield, MO 65807
Tel: 573-723-1344

Sedalia Office
1708 West Main St.
Sedalia, MO 65301
Tel: 573-723-1344

Osage Beach Office
5780 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 200
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Tel: 573-723-1344

Monday, June 9, 2014

The Difference Between UVA and UVB Ultraviolet Rays and How They Can Harm Your Skin!

We all enjoy soaking up the sun and getting a nice summer glow; however, this summer glow can produce some very unappealing short and long term effects. Last week we discussed the SPF factor of your sunscreen and how to apply sunscreen correctly. This week we want to clear up the subject of UVA and UVB rays and how they effect your skin.

First of all, what is a "suntan?" A suntan occurs when ultraviolet light penetrates the epidermis causing the skin to produce melanin. The increase in melanin is what gives your skin a darker tint or a "suntan." This doesn't sound harmful, right? Well, unfortunately the ultraviolet rays that are penetrating your skin can be very harmful, both short term and long term. Here's a quick lesson on the different types of rays and how they can effect your skin.

The sun produces three types of rays; UVA, UVB & UVC. UVA is a long ultraviolet wave, UVB is a shorter ultraviolet wave and UVC is the shortest ultraviolet wave. UVA rays are the rays that cause long term effects by aging our skin. UVB rays are the rays that cause the skin to "burn" but can also cause long term damage to the skin. The UVC rays are the strongest but do not typically reach the earth and are absorbed by the ozone.

UVA rays are able to penetrate the dermis (the thickest part of your skin) very deeply. The rays will not only cause premature aging but can also break down the immune system which can put you at risk for skin cancer.

UVB rays cause the most damage to the superficial layers of the skin and are the rays that cause you to "burn." These rays have fluctuating intensity depending upon the season, location and time of day. They typically reach their peak between 10 am and 4 pm.

Since BOTH rays are harmful to your skin, it is imperative to find a quality sunscreen that will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. These products should be marked as broad spectrum or specifically state they protect against both types of rays. We carry a variety of quality UVA/UVB sunscreens by some of the most trusted names in skin care like Jane Iredale, Obagi, Skinceuticals, Tizo and Hydrafacial.

If you're concerned about sun damage that has already occurred or you would like to learn more about protecting your skin, call for a FREE consultation with our Licensed Aesthetician, Lacey Moore. We have a full service medical spa offering a variety of skincare services and products that will help you achieve the results you desire.

Dr. Colin E. Bailey, Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

5780 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 200

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Tel: 573.302.0032

Tel: 573-723-1344

www.baileyveinandskincare.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with Dr. Bailey on LinkedIn
Add us on Google+
Follow us on Pinterest

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Is SPF 50 any better than SPF 15?

It's almost Summer and many of us are already day-dreaming about sunny days, sandals, bikinis and bronzed skin. However, before we start baring more skin during the summer months, it's time to get educated about SPF and face the sun rays with the best possible knowledge AND protection.

One of the first things most people look for when purchasing sunscreen is the "SPF" number which stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is simply a number representing how well the sunscreen deflects UVB rays. The SPF number is determined by the amount of time it takes for the skin to sunburn when sunscreen has been applied to the skin (compared to skin that is unprotected).

The logical assumption is that a higher SPF is a much better sunscreen, however, this can be a little misleading. Assuming the sunscreen is applied correctly, an SPF 30 will provide slightly more protection from UVB rays than an SPF 15. However, the SPF 30 is NOT DOUBLE the protection of the SPF 15. There is only a slight increase in the protection for your skin.

The best way to get the most out of your sunscreen is to make sure it is applied properly. Often, sunscreen is not applied completely or is not applied thick enough. Use about a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and about 2-3 ounces for the body and make sure it is applied thoroughly. If you are unsure if you have enough, opt for too much rather than too little.

Another factor in the effectiveness of your sunscreen is how often it is applied. A good rule of thumb is to re-apply every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating, there is a very good chance the sunscreen will be wiped away or washed away leaving your skin unprotected. In these instances, be sure to re-apply every hour to attain the greatest benefit from your sunscreen.

Last but not least, when choosing a sunscreen, find one that is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect you from both UVA and UVB Rays. If you're unsure about the different types of rays, be sure to look for next week's blog where we will explain the difference!

Have a great summer and make sure you pack your sunscreen!

If you're concerned about sun damage that has already occurred or you would like to learn more about protecting your skin, call for a FREE consulation with our Licensed Aesthetician, Lacey Moore. We have a full service medical spa offering a variety of skincare services and products that will help you acheive the results you desire.