Austin Dermatology and Vein Treatments

Watch Dr. Zimmet on a Vein Health PBS Special

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:26 +0000

Dr. Zimmet was recently on a PBS Special, “Vein Health: Discoveries, New Technologies and Breakthroughs” hosted by Dr. Helane Fronek, a leading specialist in the study of vein disease.

Our very own Dr. Zimmet is one of the distinguished vein care experts on the panel who helps viewers understand venous system basics, what happens when veins deteriorate, discusses vein treatment options and takes questions from the live studio audience.

The show aired on March 13, 2012, but you can watch clips of Dr. Zimmet, and learn more about vein health right here:

Ultherapy on the Today Show!

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:16:08 +0000

Be sure to watch the TODAY Show on Thursday, May 3 during the 10 a.m. hour to see Ultherapy in action!

Dr. Pat Wexler, a New York City dermatologist, will showcase Ultherapy, a revolutionary procedure that uses ultrasound waves to gently heat tissue to lift and tighten skin without harming its surface.

TODAY Show host, Kathy Lee Gifford will get a Ultherapy treatment during a segement that includes a round-up of beauty treatments. It might be on earlier than 10 a.m., so make sure you watch so you don’t miss it.

To learn more about Zimmet Vein and Dermatology’s Ultherapy treatments, contact us today.

Sunscreen Labels Undergo Changes in June

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:16 +0000

This summer, sunscreen bottles will be getting a makeover. The FDA recently announced that sunscreen manufacturers will be required to disclose whether their sunscreen protects against UVA rays, UVB rays, or both. Additionally, labeling that describes sunscreen as water- or sweat-proof will be removed and replaced with either “water resistant (40 minutes)” or “water resistant (80 minutes).”

The purpose of the changes is to encourage consumers to seek out sunscreen that protects against skin damage, not just sunburn, as well as to re-apply sunscreen every two hours at least. The changes will first be enforced at the beginning of summer, when exposure to the sun and skin damage are most common.

Protecting yourself against the sun’s harmful rays is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health. Be sure to apply sunscreen any time you go outside, especially in the summer. Furthermore, avoid tanning beds completely, as they have been strongly linked to melanoma even after only a few sessions. If you have any concerns about your skin, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

Can Botox Treat Depression?

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:14 +0000

Botox has been used for years as a way to smooth frown lines, but now, new research is revealing that Botox can actually help treat depression. In a psychiatric study, patients were administered Botox or saline placebo injections along the glabellar frown lines. After sixteen weeks, the patients with Botox injections reported a significant decrease in depressive symptoms like prolonged sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and perpetual fatigue.

Intuitively, one might guess that Botox boosted the patients’ self-esteem. However, while the individuals did report feeling more attractive, researchers attribute the results to another cause. The facial muscles and facial nerves are linked to the part of the brain that processes emotion, so using Botox on the parts of the face that are used for frowning may actually make patients happier.

Treatment for depression is just another off-label benefit of Botox injections; Botox has also been used to treat migraines and vulvodynia. For more information regarding the benefits of Botox injections, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

Radiofrequency Technology Rejuvenates Hands

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:00:05 +0000

Generally when someone mentions aging or wrinkles, we think of frown lines, crow’s feet or skin sagging. However, fine lines, wrinkles, and prominent veins on hands are also a key indicator of age. Recently, a new procedure has been reported to reduce the signs of aging of the hands using radiofrequency technology.

There are a number of devices that use radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate skin, including Endymed 3DEEP, Thermage and Ellman. The radiofrequency energy delivered to the skin stimulates new collagen formation. The new collagen acts as a foundation for the skin, creating a firmer, smoother appearance. A recent study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the procedure using 29 participants, each of whom received three of the treatments. After completion, 89% of the women saw a noticeable improvement in their hands’ wrinkles. Although some of the patients described the treatment as slightly uncomfortable, no adverse effects were reported.

If you would like more information about smoothing the fine lines on your hands, reducing prominent hand veins, or addressing other signs of hand aging contact Zimmet Skin & Vein for more information.

Brazilian Blowout Poses Health Risk

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00:54 +0000

The safety of Brazilian Blowouts, an increasingly popular chemical hair-smoothing treatment, has recently been called into question by the California Attorney General. The makers of the treatment, GIB, will pay $600,000 in fines and be required to inform both consumers of the product and hair stylists of the potential health risks due to carcinogenic ingredients.

Previously, the company had advertised Brazilian Blowout products as “formaldehyde-free,” yet recent studies have revealed that many of the products contain formaldehyde–up to 8% in some of the samples tested. Several salon owners, hairdressers, and consumers have reported reactions to the products, including burning eyes, skin rashes, and severe headaches. Additionally, long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to cancer, usually myeloid leukemia.

The lawsuit settlement requires that Brazilian Blowout products sold and used in California be affixed with a “Caution” sticker that alerts users of the formaldehyde content. The FDA has approved Brazilian Blowout products for use in the United States, but recent class action suits have prompted new investigations regarding the products’ ingredients.

Dr. Zimmet recommends that clients thoroughly research any beauty or health products before using them. For more information about safe cosmetic procedures and products, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables for Bronzed Skin

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:15:44 +0000

Eating a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is good for your heart and helps you get the nutrients your body needs. However, eating plant-based foods can also deliver results that are “skin-deep,” according to recent research. A study performed in Scotland shows that adding three extra servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet can brighten your skin and make you look and feel healthier.

The study monitored the diet of college students and measured color changes in their skin. Individuals with a diet dense in veggies and fruits had amplified red skin tones, whereas decreased consumption of these foods resulted in a paler complexion. The researchers attributed this phenomenon to carotenoids, which are chemicals present in plants that give the skin a healthy glow and pigment. For example, eating carrots and sweet potatoes, foods rich in beta carotene, can give you a tan-like glow. Individuals with an already pale complexion will notice changes more easily than those with more natural skin pigment.

Filling your plate with fruits and vegetables is a much more healthy alternative to spending hours getting sun damage in tanning beds. For more information about how to keep your skin healthy, contact Zimmet Skin & Vein today.

What You Need to Know About Body Piercings

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:28:29 +0000

Body piercings are a common trend that doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon. A small amount of pain, a few months of healing, and a small risk of infection are normal for most piercings. However, serious complications can and do occur.

Complications vary based on site of piercing, hygiene used, and experience of the piercer. General or systemic complications include infections of various types, in some cases leading to brain abscess. Localized complications such as allergic reaction, scarring, and local infection can occur.

Individuals who choose to get pierced–especially in a place that’s particularly susceptible to infection–should keep the following warnings in mind.

Piercings always carry a risk of complications. Seek out an experienced piercer in a clean, licensed parlor to minimize risk.
Make sure you’re not allergic. Sometimes complications arise due to unknown allergies to latex or the metal in the jewelry, like nickel.
Piercings in certain places on the body can make infection more likely. Additionally, certain piercings come with extra risks (for example, genital piercings could result in infertility if infection develops). Oral piercings often create dental problems and crack teeth, and ear, nipple and navel piercings are more likely to tear.

As with any other procedure, Dr. Zimmet recommends that patients thoroughly research the practitioner who will be performing the procedure. For more information, contact Zimmet Vein and Dermatology today.

Study Shows Tanning Salons Lie About Skin Cancer Risks

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:35:49 +0000

Almost every day, more evidence is found that indoor tanning is a serious health concern. Indoor tanning has been linked to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer at alarming rates. Health experts have recommended to the FDA an indoor tanning ban for minors, and several states have already enacted restrictions for use of tanning beds.

Additionally, a recent study published by the U.S. House of Representatives have found that tanning salon companies are often dishonest to their clients about the long-term health risks of using tanning beds. Almost 90% of the companies involved in the studies told “secret shoppers” that there were no health risks associated with indoor tanning.

The results are particularly frightening in light of recent research that indicates that only four sessions in a tanning bed can increase one’s risk of developing cancer by 15%. Tanning beds expose the skin to UVA rays that are up to 15 times more intense than the sun’s.

Skin damage brought on by tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, can have significant consequences that go beyond wrinkles. Dr. Zimmet recommends using sunscreen any time you’ll be exposed to harmful UV rays and avoiding indoor tanning altogether. If you have damaged skin, spots with irregular pigmentation, or abnormal moles, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

Varicose and Spider Veins Mythbusters

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:32:36 +0000

Myth: Varicose veins are the same as spider veins.

Busted: Both varicose veins and spider veins are characterized by dilated blood vessels and malfunctioning valves inside of veins, leading to blood back-flow. However, spider veins are thinner visible blood vessels on the surface of the skin, whereas varicose veins are larger and deeper, and often are visible as bulging veins.

Myth: Varicose veins are solely a cosmetic issue.

Busted: Varicose and spider veins are unsightly, and often our patients feel insecure about the appearance of the veins. However, varicose and spider veins can also cause significant health issues that reduce quality of life. Symptoms include a pain, aching, heaviness, night cramps, itching, restless leg syndrome and swelling. In more severe cases, serious health issues can develop, including Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) that can lead to lead ulceration, phlebitis and deep vein thrombosis.

Myth: Varicose veins only affect women.

Busted: Both men and women are commonly affected by varicose and spider veins. The risk increases if a patient has a family history of vein issues. Pregnancy, standing occupations, injuries and advancing age also contribute to the likelihood of developing a varicose veins.

If you have varicose or spider veins, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology to schedule a consultation today.