SHORTWAVE DIATHERMY
Diathermy uses high frequency electro-magnetic energy to generate heat. It can be used to effectively treat a variety of skin conditions. Please click on the options below for more information and pricing.
THREAD VEIN REMOVAL
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
Thread Veins / Telangiecstasis Telangiectasia is the medical term for capillaries that have become dilated and remain permanently visible on the skins’ surface. They result from a gradual loss of elasticity in the walls of the vessels where they fail to contract back after stimulation. You may also come across the term Telangiectasis. The more common terms to describe this condition are:
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Broken veins
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Thread veins
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Split capillaries
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Red veins
Originally situated in the deeper layers of the skin these capillary blood vessels dilate and rupture into the surface skin layers. They are easily visible through the superficial strata. The blood cannot flow away back into the skins vascular system and becomes trapped and stagnant, turning a bluish colour. They assume a line-like, network appearance and can even become bulbous and blue in colour due to the congestion of vascular circulation in the area. On a finer skin texture, especially on the face, they actually assume a more general, vascular appearance.
Usually the skin responds quite freely to stimulation and a very 'florid' effect is the unfortunate result. Thread Veins can be apparent anywhere on the body, but the most common site is the face due to the skin being finer here and much less protected than other bodily sites. The areas most affected are the cheeks and nose. The severity of Thread Veins varies; a few trace vessels may only be suffered initially, although these should definitely be heeded as a 'warning' and extra care then taken to prevent a more pronounced and noticeable condition from developing. The condition affects both males and females and tends to be more common in the older age ranges. It is a distressing condition, which is quite difficult to cover successfully with make-up. Diathermy cauterisation generally offers the best results.
Categories of Telangiecstasis
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Red Veins: these are normal capillaries which appear on the skin surface due to enlargement or the thinning of the skin above them. These can be treated successfully with diathermy provided they are small and easily visible.
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Thread veins: when blood escapes from the capillaries, possibly due to damage, it can leave small red thread like formations very superficially near the surface of the skin. These can easily be treated with diathermy, but further damage can result if the causes are not determined and removed.
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Couperose conditions: this can be identified as permanent blushing which shows the affected area to be pink or red, but without clearly defined capillaries. This condition is NOT suitable for successful diathermy treatment
Causes of Telangiectasia
There are many reasons why Thread Veins develop prior to treatment and it is essential that the therapist ascertains the cause(s). This is in order to determine whether or not the condition is suitable for treatment, and the likely success rate and the probability of them returning. It also enables the therapist to help to counsel the client in the way she or he will best avoid recurrence.
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Allergies - People who suffer with allergies often find that their skins 'flush' easily, which can cause Thread Veins to develop. Sufferers of hay fever and sinus allergies will find that constant sneezing and blowing the nose will rupture capillary walls. Allergies to other sensitisers such as foodstuffs / cosmetics / medication etc, can also result in Thread Veins developing.
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Asthma - As a result of the air passages narrowing in the lungs, oxygen supply to the skin is impaired. Thread Veins may well develop on the cheeks and nose.
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Circulatory disorders – As a result of a condition of this type, weakened capillary walls often occur, leading to Thread Veins.
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Comedone extraction - Unfortunately repeated extraction of comedones, especially around the nose, particularly with too much fingernail pressure usually results in capillary damage.
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Diabetes - The diabetic skin, especially of the chronic suffer is badly affected. It becomes dry, thin and very delicate. The blood is slow to coagulate and the skin bruises very easily. In diabetics the blood circulatory system is also adversely affected - Thread Veins are quite common.
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Diet - Some foods are very stimulating and cause vasodilation such as hot curries and very spicy foods.
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Alcohol also causes vasodilation as do very hot beverages i.e. tea and coffee. Sometimes the biggest problem is the steam coming off the hot drink, so the tip there is not to hold the drink too close to the facial skin! Other known stimulants, such as caffeine found in coffee, are bad news as well. A poor diet, low in nutrients, will also have an effect. Clients are recommended to make sure their diet contains adequate supplies of necessary and vital vitamins.
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Glasses - Glasses that sit heavily on the bridge and sides of the nose as well as along the upper cheek bones can encourage the development of Thread Veins. Clients are advised to visit their opticians, as the problem would soon reoccur again if the glasses were not changed.
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Heredity - An inherited weakness or susceptibility within the genetic family tree is unavoidable and comes high on the list of causes.
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High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure sufferers often develop Thread Veins especially on the face as the blood vessels dilate to accommodate the volume and rate of flow of blood in the surface and subcutaneous blood vessels.
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Incorrect Skin Care - Skin that is poorly managed, especially if it is delicate, can result in Thread Veins developing. Overuse of harsh astringents / facial scrubs / lack of application of correct 'protection' and splashing the face with icy-cold water!
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Liver Diseases - the skin is typically affected, and there is a tendency for the skin to bruise easily and develop Thread Veins.
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Medication - Certain medication may predispose to the formation of Telangiectasia. The worst offenders tend to be the topically applied steroid-based creams, such as Betnovate, especially if used over a prolonged period. The skin becomes delicate and fine, almost tissue-like in appearance and Thread Veins quite readily develop. Antibiotics and anti histamines may also predispose to the development of Thread Veins
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Occupation - Certain occupations predispose to the development of Telangiectasia i.e. cooks working in hot / steamy kitchens, gardeners who are outside at the mercy of the elements, clients on their feet i.e. hairdressers.
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Pregnancy - Due to the natural changes occurring within a woman's body at this time it is not unusual for Thread Veins and spider veins to develop, commonly these disperse within a few months following the birth. A long and arduous labour may exasperate a telangiectastic condition.
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Rosacea - This is a relatively common condition in which the dilation of vessels in the papillary dermis is a hallmark. There are various forms from mild to severe. As the cause is still relatively unknown it is not always suitable to treat Rosacea suffers, as there may well be little improvement in the Thread Veins leading to client dissatisfaction.
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Smoking - This reduces the oxygen supply to the skin and affects the tiny capillaries. Cellular regeneration is decreased, and the skin is slower to heal.
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Skin damage - Minor knocks and injures to the skin may result in developing. Recurrent careless 'nips' with tweezers during eyebrow plucking often causes blood spots to develop.
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Sporting Activities - The problem here is being exposed quite violently to the elements, usually if the activity involves 'speed' such as horse riding / mountain climbing / water skiing and snow skiing, the risk of developing Thread Veins is higher. Exposure to biting winds and UV radiation is extremely damaging. This type of client must be carefully advised on suitable skin protections.
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Temperature - It is important to avoid extremes of temperature as rapid and continual vasodilatation and vaso-constriction can result in the weakening of capillary walls. Care must be taken with saunas, steam baths, hot / cold showers etc.
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Tight Clothing - Restrictive clothing puts pressure on the vascular network and may lead to Thread Veins developing.
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Ultra-violet Light - Over exposure to UV light, whether it is from the sun or from a sunbed, is extremely damaging. If the skin is actually 'burnt' then there is every likelihood of Thread Veins developing. Continual exposure to UV causes many undesirable changes within the skins structure, capillary blood vessels will become weakened and Telangiectasia will result.
SPIDER NAEVI
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What are Spider Naevi?
Spider naevi are another form of vascular blemish and are closely related to telangiectasia. They may also be called spider angioma.
Recognition and Description of Blood Spots Spider naevi are slightly different in appearance to thread veins since they normally have a central red spot (the body) from which thread veins radiate, like a spider’s web.
Where are Spider Naevi located on the body?
They are typically found on the face but may also found on the body.
What causes Spider Naevi?
They are caused by damage to tiny dilated blood vessels which are close enough to the surface of the skin to be visible. Most spider naevi result from an external trauma to the skin, such as a picking a spot or general bumps and knocks. They can also result through over exposure to the sun, and sunburn. They may also occur during pregnancy.
BLOOD SPOTS
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What are Blood Spots?
Blood spots are vascular lesions that are also known as cherry angioma or haemangiomas. When presenting as larger and raised they are known as Campbell De Morgan spots (named after Campbell Grieg De Morgan (1811-1876) a British surgeon who was the first to note them in medical literature). Blood spots are small blood concentrations in the skin surface and may occur singularly or in a large number together. They are not fed by any vessels, so they are usually quite straightforward to treat. These bright red blemishes, which do not blanch when pressure is applied, are caused by leaking from blood vessels under the skin . This type of blemish can vary in size from as tiny as a pinprick to about the size of a penny. They can be tiny and flat to the surface of the skin, but larger ones may be domed. They range in colour from a bright red colour (seen on more superficial blood spots) to a darker red/ purple (seen on larger, deeper blood spots). Larger ones will need more than one treatment. Smaller ones often disappear at time of treatment.
Where are Blood spots located on the body?
They are mostly seen on the trunk of the body, particularly the midriff, back and chest. They may also be seen on the limbs and the face.
What causes Blood Spots?
Although blood spots are thought to be genetic, physical trauma, sun damage, and pregnancy are all said to be associated causes. There also seems to be an increased occurrence with ageing, therefore they tend to be more common in middle aged and elderly clients. They are more common in men than women. However, as women normally have less body hair to conceal them, their presence tends to be more obvious on women's bodies.
SKIN TAGS (PEDUNCULATED PAPILLOMAS)
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What are skin tags?
Also known as acrochorda or fibro-epithelial polyps, skin tags are benign growths of fibrous tissue which vary in their size, shape and attachment. They are a very common skin condition that affect around 45% of the population.
They are derived from epithelial cells and consisting of loose fibrous tissue they form single or multiple distributions and are often hyper-pigmented making them more obvious. These benign growths typically grow to about the size of a grain of rice but can be as big as a raisin or even larger. They may be flesh coloured or pigmented and some are pedunculated (grow on a fleshy stalk). They are viral in nature (Human Papilloma Virus - HPV) and whilst not infectious they can proliferate on individuals with some people suffering from hundreds of them. Like all fibrous growths, they receive their blood supply and nourishment from the dermal layers of the skin. Therefore, the objective in their successful removal is to terminate their blood supply, via their stalk attachment.
How to distinguish a Skin tag from a Mole
Sometimes there can be slight similarities between the appearance of a skin tag and a mole and it is therefore important to know the differences. Skin tags are benign growths, which pose no threat to a client’s health, whereas moles may potentially be malignant. Skin tags appear soft and mobile, whilst moles will feel firm to the touch. Skin tags will not have hairs growing out of them, whereas moles often do. Skin tags usually develop in areas prone to friction, whereas moles can develop anywhere on the body.
Skin tags have a smaller attachment to the body and are not anchored deeply in the skin, whereas moles have a wider, deeper attachment as the main body of the mole rises up out of the dermis. Skin tags tend to develop later in adulthood, whereas moles will have been present for longer, usually from adolescence.
Where are Skin tags located on the body?
They are commonly found in areas of friction such as the armpits, under the breasts, groin or around the neck where necklaces or collars may irritate. Skin tags which occur where clothing or jewellery irritates them can become very sore and may be treated for this reason. However, most people have them removed because they consider them unsightly. Advanced electrolysis is probably the quickest, easiest way of removing the problem in a safe and effective manner. They can normally be quickly, safely and successfully removed by ACP leaving smooth skin once the area has completely healed (normally within a couple of weeks).
MILIA
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What are milia?
Milia are tiny, white raised blemishes, usually occurring on the face. A milia is a minute epidermal cyst, which is a disorder of the sebaceous glands where sebum becomes trapped in a blind duct with no surface opening. A fine cuticle of skin grows over the top surface preventing the contents escaping. Sebum and dead cells stay trapped below the surface of the skin and appear as small, rounded, pearly-white globules under the skin, or raised above it, depending on their size. They may occur They may occur independently or cluster together in a large group.
Lying very superficially under the epidermis milia present themselves as small white lipid-epithelium plugs which contain lamellated keratin deposits and often show as hard, solid lumps lying in the superficial papillary dermis. They are a retention of keratin and sebaceous material within the pilosebaceous duct, eccrine sweat duct, or the sebaceous collar surrounding vellus hair. They can all be treated easily with ACP using diathermy which gently dries them up so that the hard keratinised centre is broken down and this will then be absorbed by the skin following treatment. This is a much gentler way to treat them, as opposed to removing them with a microlance, which can damage the skin.
Where are milia located on the face?
Common sites are around the obicularis oculi area and upper cheek area, particularly on people with a dry skin. Milia can occur anywhere on the body but are more commonly found on the face. Milia can appear between the eyelashes, on the eyelid itself, the cheek area or anywhere on the face or neck where dry skin is present. They tend to grow in size, become harder (as the contents keratinize) and then become noticeable to the eye and cosmetically unattractive.
What are the causes of Milia?
Although the exact causes of milia are unknown, it is understood that milia occur due to sebum and keratinocytes being compressed beneath the surface of the skin within a blind duct. The exact cause of milia is unknown, although they are often related to diet with a high cholesterol count, excessive Vitamin C, too rich moisturising cream and are also associated with dry skin which can be acidic. Milia are more common in clients with dry skins, and this is most likely due to a build-up of excess skin cells that trap the sebum under the skin. Associated causes also include high levels of cholesterol, sunburn and the use of products which are too rich, strong, or abrasive for their particular skin type.
MOLE REMOVAL
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £80 | 30 Minutes £140 | 45 Minutes £170 | 60 Minutes £190
Subsequent moles added to above timeframes: £70
Consultation: compulsory
What is a Mole?
Moles are small coloured spots or patches on the skin, that form due to a collection of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour (pigment) in your skin. The scientific name for moles is melanocytic naevi. Most moles are completely harmless. However, they may be unsightly and affect a client’s confidence. Moles can also be a nuisance, for example if they regularly catch on clothing or you cut them while shaving. GP’s will not remove benign moles, as this is classified as a cosmetic procedure. However, with a Doctor’s advice certain moles may be treatable with ACP.
Moles are often a brownish colour, although some may be darker or skin-coloured (unpigmented). They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some have hair growing from them. There are certain characteristics that enable us to distinguish a ‘normal’ mole from an ‘unusual’ mole.
What causes Moles?
Some moles are present at birth, although most develop during the first 30 years of life. People with fair skin often have more moles than people with darker skin. Moles are often hereditary, and clients may develop certain types of moles if they are common in their family. Sunburn or excessive exposure to UV radiation can contribute to the formation of new moles and those with Fitzpatrick skin types I and II are most at risk.
Where are Moles located on the body?
Moles can be found anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the back, legs, arms and face.
Checking Moles
Clients should be advised to check their skin every few months for any new moles that develop (particularly after your teenage years, when new moles become less common), or any changes to existing moles (moles can change in a matter of weeks or months)
Things to look for include:
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moles with uneven colouring – most moles only have one or two colours, but melanomas have lots of different shades
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moles with an uneven or ragged edge – moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth border
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bleeding, itching, red, inflamed (swollen) or crusty moles
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moles that get a lot bigger – most moles are no bigger than the width of a pencil
A helpful way to remember what to look for is to use the ABCDE method:
A – asymmetry
B – border irregularity
C – colour change
D – diameter
E – elevated (raised) or enlarged
Moles can occur anywhere on your body, but most happen on the back, legs, arms and face. If a client notices any changes to their moles or are worried about them, they are advised to see their GP. Changes to a mole may be an early indication of a type of skin cancer called melanoma. While most moles are benign (non-cancerous), in rare cases they can develop into melanoma. Melanoma is a serious and aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanomas usually appear as a dark, fast-growing spot where there was not one before, or a pre-existing mole that changes size, shape or colour and bleeds, itches or reddens. The main treatment for melanoma is surgery, although your treatment will depend on your circumstances. If melanoma is diagnosed and treated at an early stage then surgery is usually successful, although you may need follow-up care to prevent melanoma recurring.
Diathermy Treatment of Small Benign Moles
There are several types of harmless mole (naevi) and most can be safely treated following examination by a medical practitioner. A mole itself is easily treated, but rather than ‘removing’ we ‘visibly reduce the appearance’ of the mole using diathermy. Although technically they are not removed, their appearance can be so reduced/flattened that when the area is completely healed, it can be difficult to see where they once were. The first treatment will visibly reduce the mole by up to three quarters of its size and then a follow up treatment can smooth it so that it is flat to the skin.
NB. It is important for clients to understand that the colour can never be guaranteed to exactly match the surrounding skin, but if the mole is much darker the remaining skin, following treatment, will almost certainly be lighter.
Care must be taken when deciding to remove a mole. When assessing a mole, you must ensure that the mole is:
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No bigger than the size of a blunt end of a pencil
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More than two years old
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A regular size and shape
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Not bleeding, flaking or itching
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No inflammation or changes in its size
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Not showing any pigmentation on the surrounding skin
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There are no black areas or red edges
NB. If you are in any doubt a doctor’s advice should be sought before attempting to remove any skin lesions. ** The word “mole” is often misused in general speech. Someone may be described as being “covered in moles” when in reality they have a large number of lentigines or skin tags (especially pigmented ones). Haemangioma, seborrhoeic keratoses and epidermoid cysts may all be mistakenly referred to as “moles” too. Moles tend to feel firm but may also feel a bit squidgy (like the end of your nose).
WART REMOVAL
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £80 | 30 Minutes £140 | 45 Minutes £170 | 60 Minutes £190
Consultation: compulsory
What are Warts?
Warts are benign (non-cancerous) rough viral lumps on the skin. They are normally a similar colour to the skin but can be slightly pigmented.
What causes Warts? Warts are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV) which causes the protein keratin in the top layer of the skin to grow too much. Warts are usually acquired from person-to-person contact. The virus is not highly contagious but can cause an infection by entering through a small break in the skin. In the same way, warts can be spread to other places on your own body. The virus is rarely transferred by touching an object used by an infected person. Hygiene must be of the highest importance to avoid cross infection and if not treated they may spread.
There are several types of warts, all of which are treatable with ACP:
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Plane Warts (flat) - A plane wart is a small wart with a flat surface. They are slightly raised smooth skin coloured bumps which occur mostly on the face, backs of hands and wrists. Like many other types of warts, they are usually caused by a virus and are contagious. Although these warts will not usually cause any major problems, they can itch and be unattractive to look at. Plane warts can develop in clusters (it is possible to have between one and several hundred plane warts).
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Common Warts (raised) - This type of wart is raised in appearance, and presents as rough, thick, skin-coloured, pink, or white bumps. They are round or oval-shaped, firm and raised, have a rough, irregular surface similar to a cauliflower. They often developing on the knuckles, fingers and knees (vary in size, from less than 1mm to more than 10mm in diameter). Common warts are actually an infection in the top layer of skin, caused by viruses in the human papilloma virus. When the virus invades the outer layer of skin (usually through a tiny scratch), it causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin, creating the wart.
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Filiform warts - These types of warts are long and slender in appearance and are brown, pink, yellowish, or flesh-coloured. and are usually found on the face, neck, eyelids and nose. Filiform warts have an unusual, distinctive appearance, being made up of thin projections of skin that can be 1–2 millimeters long. They are usually found on the face, neck, eyelids or nose and are usually isolated, rather than being in clusters.
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Verruca (plantar wart.) - These usually develop on the soles of the feet. The affected area of skin will be white, often with tiny black dots (blood vessel) in the centre, be flat rather than raised and sometimes be painful if they are on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Sometimes, if you have clusters of verrucas, they can fuse together. These are called mosaic warts.
SEBORRHOEIC KERATOSIS
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £80 | 30 Minutes £140 | 45 Minutes £170 | 60 Minutes £190
Consultation: compulsory
What is Seborrhoeic Keratosis?
Seborrhoeic keratosis are common benign fibrous growths, which present as a raised mass of keratinized tissue (some have a vascular supply, more often they do not). They are usually brown because of melanin and so can be mistaken for moles to the untrained eye.
They start as light brown to skin-coloured, flat areas, which are round to oval and of varying size (usually less than a half inch, but sometimes much larger). Their surface can vary from slightly rough to very hard and crusty, and range in colour from pale or golden, through mid- to very dark brown. They can be a few millimetres across or up to several centimetres, single or numerous, and they can become inflamed or itchy. They can also be pedunculated in which case they are often confused with skin tags. As they grow thicker and rise above the skin surface, seborrhoeic keratoses may become dark brown to almost black with a "stuck on" appearance. These domed or plate-like benign growths tend to increase with age hence the outdated term, senile wart. They are often confused with warts, but they are neither viral nor contagious and the term, "seborrhoeic wart", though commonly used, is based on their appearance, rather than being medically correct.
Where are Seborrhoeic Keratosis found in the body?
They are typically found on the face/head, neck and trunk. What causes Seborrhoeic Keratosis? The cause is unknown, although they are thought to be connected with a slowing down of the basal mitotic activity of the skin (this explains why they are commonly found in older clients.) ACP is an excellent treatment for these growths which generally leaves little or no evidence of the original blemish and flat, soft skin once healing is complete.
DERMATOSIS PAPULOSA NIGRA
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
DPN is a harmless papular disorder, which develops in adolescence and only in Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. This is generally a very common disorder and the famous actor Morgan Freeman has many of these on his face. The lesions appear as multiple smooth, dome shaped brown to black papules and are 1-5mm in diameter. Histologically, they are identical to seborrhoeic keratosis.
Where are Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra found in the body?
They are found on the face and upper body.
What causes Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
The cause is unknown although there is a strong genetic basis for this skin condition. They are very easily and successfully treated using diathermy and ACP techniques
SEBACEOUS HYPERPLASIA
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What is Sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is Latin for benign little bump on the skin, and is the term used for enlarged sebaceous glands. Sebaceous hyperplasia is technically a form of benign hair follicle tumour. The lesions are sometimes confused with basal cell carcinoma, although sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless and does not require any medical treatment. Clients usually hate these unsightly bumps and therefore, for cosmetic reasons they may be successfully removed with diathermy. They usually appear as small yellow bumps and upon close inspection they reveal a central hair follicle surrounded by yellowish lobules. The surface of the lobules are usually smooth and shiny, although occasionally they present as rough. The depressed centre of these bumps is one of the primary ways you can tell you're dealing with sebaceous hyperplasia, and not with something else such as a whitehead (milia). It's not uncommon to have several of these bumps at once, sometimes spaced apart, but they can be clustered, too. They are typically 1.5mm in diameter but can become enlarged (up to 3 mm in diameter) and become clogged.
Where are Sebaceous hyperplasia found in the body?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is most often seen on the forehead and central part of the face, but can appear anywhere on the body, especially in areas where the skin has more oil glands.
What causes Sebaceous hyperplasia?
These bumps are the result of damage, which leads to overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous gland. The damaged sebaceous glands can become enlarged or blocked. One of the causes is long-term exposure to the sun, as sunlight damages the skin and the sebaceous glands.
SEBACEOUS CYSTS (EPIDERMOID CYSTS)
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £80 | 30 Minutes £140 | 45 Minutes £170 | 60 Minutes £190
Consultation: compulsory
What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A Sebaceous Cyst is a common benign (non-cancerous) nodule of the skin. Recognition and Description of a Sebaceous Cyst? They are painless, slow-growing, small bumps or lumps that move freely under the skin and to the trained eye, are usually easily diagnosed by their appearance. The size of the cyst can vary from a pea to a few centimetres wide (size of an egg). They may have an open or closed top and treatment is dependent upon the size and location.
Where is a Sebaceous Cyst found in the body?
The areas most affected are those where there are more sebaceous glands, i.e. face, chest, scalp and back, although sometimes they also appear in the underarm and can be found on the trunk and the vaginal area, or other parts of the genitalia.
What causes a Sebaceous Cyst?
They are caused by a retention of keratin trapped under the surface of the skin trapped within a sebaceous sac, which is created from skin cells. Sebaceous cysts are formed often due to swollen hair follicles, blocked glands, skin trauma and higher levels of testosterone in the body. Although they are harmless, clients usually want them removed as they can be unsightly. If the sebaceous cyst is small, the most gentle and least invasive method is ACP which will usually prove to be very successful. If a cyst is large, a client would need to be referred to their medical practitioner for treatment. Larger cysts can usually be easily removed by a simple operation, under local anaesthetic.
NB. Sebaceous cysts can become infected, where they may become red, inflamed and painful. In this case, avoid treatment and you should seek advice from your medical practitioner.
Please note it is not always possible to remove all the contents of a cyst, and apart from generalised erythema (redness) the nodule may not look any different initially following treatment. Over the next week or so the nodule should reduce in size, irrespective of whether contents are expelled. Further treatment will almost certainly be required. If ACP is carried out it may be necessary to treat the nodule more than once depending on its size and location, and successful treatment cannot always be guaranteed as every cyst is very individual in nature.
AGE SPOTS (SOLAR LENTIGINES)
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £80 | 30 Minutes £140 | 45 Minutes £170 | 60 Minutes £190
Consultation: compulsory
What are Age Spots?
Age Spots are most commonly called liver spots or solar lentigo. They are harmless, flat discolourations, and are associated with older skin.
They present as flat, round or oval areas of increased pigmentation. They range in colour from light brown to a darker brown. They can range from the size of a freckle to around 13mm in diameter and may be singular or clustered together. Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they are more common in adults with light skin.
Where are Age spots found on the body?
They are generally located in areas most often exposed to the sun, in particular the backs of the hands, face, shoulders and arms. They are very common in clients over the age of 40 and are usually disliked as they are a sign of increasing age. They usually increase in number and size after a person reaches about 40 years of age.
What causes Age spots?
Generally associated with age and exposure to sun and/or sunbed use, these areas of pigmentation range from light to very dark brown and are common on hands and arms, face (and scalp if bald), neck, chest and shoulders. They are caused by an accumulation of a yellow pigment called lipofuscin from ageing of the collagen producing cells. In spite of being benign and flat, many people consider them unsightly, especially as they are associated with ageing.
NB. The appearance of an age spot is generally slow. If an age spot appears very suddenly, with an unusual combination of colours, is increasing in size or has an irregular border, medical advice should be sought before treatment commences.
Before treating it is important to carry out a test patch in order to determine if the age spot can be treated successfully. The edge of the blemish is lightly treated to expose the underlying tissue. If the skin underneath is pink, then treatment may be continued. If the pigment is still visible then the removal will give unsatisfactory results, as the remaining pigment will still be visible in the skin.
SYRINGOMA
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What is a Syringoma?
Syringomas are benign eccrine sweat duct tumours. They are small skin coloured or yellowish bumps and range from 1–3 mm in diameter and are firm to the touch. They are easily treated with diathermy/ advanced cosmetic procedures.
Where are Syringoma found in the body?
They are typically found around the eyes, including on the eyelid (upper and lower). They are easily treated with diathermy/ advanced cosmetic procedures.
What causes Syringoma?
The cause of syringoma is not exactly known, but it is though they may be hereditary. They are completely harmless and are caused by an overgrowth of cells from the sweat glands. They can appear at any age, although they usually occur after puberty. They tend to occur in clients with an oily skin type, or those working in a moist, hot environment. Syringomas can appear at any age, though they usually occur after puberty. Syringomas can develop in people of any race and of either gender, though females are more commonly affected.
XANTHELASMA
18+ only
Duration and Cost: 15 Minutes £55 | 30 Minutes £90 | 45 Minutes £120 | 60 Minutes £150
Consultation: compulsory
Results: Instant, however healing can take up to 4 weeks
What is a Xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma are deposits of fatty material (cholesterol fat) under the skin. They present as soft, creamy yellow blemishes which range in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. They often appear yellow to red in colour, usually occurring in clusters. They are usually painless but can be unsightly.
Where is Xanthelasma found in the body?
They are normally found on or around the eyelids.
What causes Xanthelasma?
The exact cause of Xanthelasma is unknown but is typically associated with an elevated cholesterol level.
NB. Xanthoma will reduce in size and appearance although the milky yellowy colour remains, and more than one treatment is often required over a period of time.