Cellulite

Cellulite is one of the greatest enemies a woman can have. Almost every woman has it and not even models and athletes are spared. It appears earlier than ever and oftentimes we see it with children aged 12. The causes are genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and not enough activity. Contraception additionally creates cellulite and worsens the condition. Cellulite is more than just an aesthetic issue it is a chronic degenerative inflammatory condition whereby disorders of metabolism, circulation, lymphatic drainage occur followed by connective tissue damages. This is a condition that worsens with time, it expands and cannot disappear on its own. The longer and more expressed the condition is, the greater degenerative-inflammatory changes are and more time is needed to remove the changes that occurred.

A combination of more factors is responsible for the development of cellulite: estrogen, genetics, insufficient water intake, wrong type of nutrition, insufficient activity and lifestyle. Corpulence is not necessarily connected to cellulite, but people with weight problems have a greater chance to have it. Lifestyle, water intake, nutrition and physical activity have a preventive role and help with initial stages of this condition. When dealing with developed cellulite only treatments can help, and are followed by preventive measures.    
In later stages of cellulite it is painful to the touch and it is necessary to treat it. There is no single best cellulite treatment but a winning combination of treatments depending on the type and cellulite location because one treatment cannot affect all cellulite causes. Today we can finally say that thanks to newest technologies we can beat cellulite and it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Cellulite cannot be completely removed because of the built of fat tissue nor is it necessary to do so because childbirth would thus be impossible. It can be removed almost completely, while maintenance treatments should be done on a yearly basis because it has a tendency to return.

Why does cellulite appear?

The structure of fat tissue in women is responsible for the development of cellulite and women have 30% more fat tissue then men. In areas which are typical for cellulite there is a special type of a fat cell, which has a role to accumulate fat and cannot be affected with a diet or physical activity. These clusters of fat represent a reserve of energy so that a woman could carry a pregnancy to term. The connective tissue is weaker in women then in men and they have a 20 to 30% less of it. Fat cells penetrate the connective tissue which in women spans vertically in the skin direction so the growth of fat cells is possible only in the direction towards the skin surface which creates the orange peel skin look. It is discovered that in women with cellulite the connective tissue which supports the fat cells is not as developed as in women who do not suffer from this condition. In men the connective tissue supports the fat cells in a direction parallel with the skin and their growth does not reach skin surface. The main reason why men do not have cellulite is the protective role of the male hormone testosterone. Cellulite develops only in castrated men. Estrogen, a female hormone, is responsible for the enhanced accumulation of fat tissue in areas typical for cellulite and water accumulation. The role of estrogen is to weaken the connective tissue so that the uterus, in case of pregnancy, would stretch and so that breasts grow bigger in purpose of breastfeeding. Estrogen enhances the activity of enzymes that destroy the connective tissue and therefor enables the growth of the uterus and breasts. Unfortunately this also causes stretch marks and veins and capillaries in legs. We can say that cellulite and stretch marks are the price of childbirth.
Enhanced intake of estrogen through contraception or food is an important cause for early and frequent cellulite development. Today's lifestyle with insufficient physical activity, wrong type of diet, enhanced sugar intake additionally induces cellulite development. Bad circulation and lymphatic drainage decrease the oxygen and nutrients supply while harmful substances pile up. All is followed by an inflammation and a metabolism disorder which induces degenerative changes along with connective tissue damages. Food rich in sugar provokes a sudden jump of insulin which induces the development of fat tissue. When sugar links with protein the role of protein weakens and an inflammation occurs which causes pain to the touch in later stages of cellulite. Women do not take enough protein but as a source of energy use food rich in sugar. Digestion disorders caused by diets, irregular bowel movements, hunger and intake of food which the organism doesn't tolerate additionally provoke the creation of fat tissue. Irregular bowel movements additionally deteriorate the digestive system and a regulation of bowel movements is needed (this is done with food rich in fiber). Bad digestion is, in accordance with newest research, linked to cellulite.  The reason is an enhanced permeability of bowels which causes the bacteria and toxins to penetrate the organism. Lately in areas typical for cellulite bacteria typical for bowels have been found. Insufficient activity and sitting weaken the circulation and lymphatic drainage. Low water intake benefits the accumulation of harmful substances in the organism, slows down the metabolism and decreases the  consumption of fat as a source of energy. Elastic stockings, tight clothes weaken the circulation and lymphatic drainage and additionally worsen the condition. Smoking decreases the oxygen supply and thus slows down the circulation and metabolism. Genetics is an important factor but is not crucial because with a lifestyle change we can decrease or even cancel its effect.

Scars removal

Scars are a result of damaged skin, most often caused by injury or inflammation. By growing new connective tissue the organism tries to compensate for the damage whereby the created defect can never be completely removed. Due to the above a scar forms. First and foremost it  is an aesthetic issue but can also limit movement if located near a joint.

Scars are created as a result of skin damage, most often due to injury or inflammation. By growing new connective tissue the organism tries to compensate for the damage whereby the created defect can never be completely removed. Due to the above a scar forms. First and foremost it  is an aesthetic issue but can also limit movement if located near a joint. Methods and treatments that we know of cannot remove scars completely but can reduce them almost entirely.

Scar types:

• A hypertophic scar – has a red livid color, is located just below skin level, initial pain or itching is possible and with time the scar will even out and lose its red color.
• An atrophic scar – due to a bad healing process the scar expands, usually located on the back (common after birth mark removal). It can be at skin level or underneath it. Usually appears in people with weaker connective tissue.
• Keloid – a special type of a scar which doesn't reduce in volume, painful, sometimes itches, expands outside the injury area and is prone to return after treatment. Alway above skin level.  

Methods for scar reduction:

• Led technology
• abrasion
• peeling
• laser
• IPL treatment
• AFT treatment
• fractional radio-waves
• subincision
• imiquimod
• silicone creams
• creams based on vitamin A and protein
• freezing with liquid nitrogen
• transference of one's own fat
• intralesional corticosteroid injection
• fillers
• growth factors from one's own blood
• laboratory development of one's own cells
• rollers 

There are numerous other methods not mentioned because they are rarely used. We use numerous methods and treatments, on a daily basis, to remove and reduce scars with better efficiency so there is a possibility that some methods are not mentioned here. We always take into account new methods and treatments once they appear.

Scar reduction

A scar can never be completely removed but can be reduced so it is aesthetically acceptable. Unfortunately because of location, shape and size a scar can cause psychological issues because it deteriorated one's appearance. Regardless of its age, size, location and cause there is always help. In order to reduce the scar as much as possible, we advise treatments immediately after stitches are removed, although it is never too late. With injury one should start with the treatment immediately after the skin heals. For even better results, a combination of various treatments and methods is advised. One method or treatment cannot affect all scar types. Today lasers give best results. Usually more different lasers are used. There are those which induce development of new collagen, those which remove redness by burning blood vessels and ablative lasers which remove skin irregularities mechanically. One of unsolvable issues is the retrieval of color in white scars, which is not always possible. If we start with a treatment and the injury, i.e. inflammation, is not too grave coloration can return. In that purpose photo-therapy, excimer and fractional lasers are used. New treatments based on the growth of one's own cells which then fill out the scar give new hope. Before starting the treatment it is necessary to individually adjust the treatment type and method in accordance with the scar shape and client's needs. Every scar treatment is individual.

Lips

Lips are one of the symbols of femininity. Fullness of lips is desirable because it is connected with beauty, youth, attractiveness and health. Thin lips are connected with aging and sickness. Therefor, it is not odd that most women want to have accentuated lips. Nature provided this feature to the lucky ones, while some women unfortunately have thin lips from birth. It is typical that with age lips get thinner, especially th upper one, and applying lipstick gets harder.

How to correct your lips?

Fillers are used for this particular problem since they mechanically fill out the gaps and correct the volume and shape of the lip. Initially collagen was used but now not as much because of often and serious complications. Also with collagen, lips would usually have an unnatural look. Along with collagen one's own fat tissue is used. Hyaluronic acid, a structural skin ingredient, has become the main and best preparation for lip correction. Apart from giving the best results, it is also the safest solution. Its role is to link with water and give elasticity and fullness of skin. With years its amount decreases and lips get thinner. New products for lip correction are being produces daily, and it is impossible to count them all.

Which issues can be corrected?

Before the treatment it is necessary to explain in detail what you wish to be corrected:

• augmentation
• accentuating the edge of the lip
• correcting the lip angles
• everything mentioned 

To what should you pay attention before the treatment?

With first lip correction it is advised to use fillers based on hyaluronic acid which last from 3 to 10 months. Do not start a treatment with fillers that last longer because complications are more common and serious. The safest fillers are the ones based on hyaluronic acid because of minimal complications, which if they do occur pass quickly. Also, use only fillers from tested manufacturers. Before the treatment have the doctor introduce you with all the details of the procedure and explain to him your wishes. Do not go over board with augmentation because big is not always pretty. Sometimes it is better just to accentuate the edges.
It is advised that the initial treatment is discrete, and if needed fillers can be added. It is easier to add more filler, while in cases where we start with too much our correcting options are limited. If too much filler was added the only option is to wait for it to dissolve on its own, which is a long time, or to try and dissolve it with an injection by which we disintegrate the filler in its entirety. It is necessary to choose a filler type which suits the conditions of your lips. The filler mustn't be too dense, but of moderately thick consistency which is a prerogative of a natural look. There are various techniques for correcting lips, and let the doctor recommend the best one. Usually the upper lip and corners of the mouth are treated. If needed surrounding wrinkles can be treated as well. For you to look your best we recommend a correction of the upper lip beneath the nostrils. The lower lip is rarely corrected because usually there is no need. Lip corrections are demanding because great experience of the doctor is needed. The doctor's imagination is also important because it effects the final result.

What is important to know?

The lips will be significantly swollen because of the treatment and we won't be able to asses the results. Usually the swelling passes the same or the next day. Therefor, to asses the results we need to wait for the swelling to pass. In people who wish to augment or accentuate their lips discreetly the problem appears when lips are initially bigger then they desired. You do not need to fear because they reduce. Sometime women even feel disappointed when the swelling disappears. If needed they can be corrected again. Because of the swelling sometimes it is hard to evaluate if we injected an even amount of filler and rarely, after the swelling passes, we need to correct the difference.

How many treatments are needed?

Usually one, repeated treatments are an exception.

How long is the recovery?

Most women can go back to work the next day or they have a minor swelling for a couple of days.

General dermatovenerology

Most diseases from the field of dermatovenerology are treated and processed. Because of numerous devices a huge progress has been made in treating various diseases. Antibiotics are no longer the main acne or rosacea cure because we achieve excellent results with lasers and radio-waves, therefor antibiotics are not always necessary. Every day we have more examples of a classic dermatologic therapy being replaced with new methods which give better results.
The goal is to combine newest knowledge with the application of new devices and methods in order to treat dermatologic conditions.

Aesthetic-corrective procedures

Our goal is to find a way to solve your aesthetic-corrective problem in a safest manner and with the shortest recovery period possible. We mostly practice non-surgical methods which are not aggressive. If needed, we do practice surgical methods. We use newest technologies and knowledge available. We are up to date with novelties, we acquire new devices and apply new methods. We wish to offer as many solutions as possible to our client's aesthetic-corrective problem.

All treatments are individual and adjusted to the client's need

If the treatment is performed immediately, you will not have to pay for the examination. 

Our goal is to find a way to solve your aesthetic-corrective problem in a safest manner and with the shortest recovery period possible. We mostly practice non-surgical methods which are not aggressive. If needed, we do practice surgical methods. We use newest technologies and knowledge available. We are up to date with novelties, we acquire new devices and apply new methods. We wish to offer as many solutions as possible to our client's aesthetic-corrective problem.
All treatments are individual and adjusted to the client's need. 

Permanent body hair removal

Thick hair was always desirable but the desirability of body hair is determined by its location. Unwanted body hair has always been a great aesthetic issue which was given a medical, social and cultural meaning. From ancient times man has waged wars with unwanted hair which he tried to remove unsuccessfully. The most famous was Cleopatra's preparation based on lemon and honey. After her many different methods appeared: plucking, wax, shaving, enzyme epilation...   

These methods are unpleasant and give temporary results. Most methods have various unpleasant side effects such as pigmentation development, most commonly on the upper lip and ingrowth of hair which causes scars.

Everything about hair

A hair develops from special stem cells which are located in the hair root. Just by destroying stem cells in the hair root we can prevent their growth. There are two hair types: vellus and terminal hair. Vellus is the thin, gentle light blond hair with which we are born. Out total number of hair is determined by birth and cannot be amplified. Hair which grows after a removal treatment is immature hair which matures in time (this is not new hair). Shaving does not increase the total number of hair but strengthens the existing root and speeds up their maturing process.
During time and  due to hormones and other factors a vellus hair matures into a terminal hair which is darker and thicker. Hair color depends on the quantity of pigment melanin, which is the main target of laser hair removal or an IPL treatment. There are two types of pigment which give hair its color: eumelanin and pheomelanin. If there is more pheomelanin, as is with light blond and red hair, the removal result is poor because that pigment type absorbs the laser ray poorly. If there is more eumelanin, the result will be excellent because that type of pigment absorbs the laser energy very well.
The amount of one's hair depends on numerous factors: race, genetics, age, climate, skin color... For Mediterranean climate, thicker black hair is usual, while in more northern parts hair is lighter and gentler. In many families the amount of hair is plentiful, especially with women of darker complexion, and the cause are not hormonal disorders.

Rejuvenation laser treatments in Croatia

Croatian Rejuvenation treatments are recommended to people who wish to keep their youthful look, with slight and moderately accentuated skin damages caused by the sun (wrinkles, lifeless skin, capillaries, redness and pigmentation).

To whom do we recommend rejuvenation treatments?

They are recommended to peoplewho wish to keep a youthful look, with minor or moderately damaged skin caused by sun exposure such as wrinkles, lifeless skin, capillaries, redness and pigmentation. Numerous research have shown that most examinees, contrary to expectations, do not think of wrinkles as signs of aging, but of pigmentation and complexion unevenness due to skin damage caused by the sun. Treatments are recommended before an important event, if you want to sparkle and look nice. If you don't have enough time for yourself and you want to remove the tired and lifeless look after a sleepless night then these treatments are of extreme help. The look and quality of skin are improved immensely. If you stayed too long in the sun and have damaged your skin, these are the best treatments for removing the done damage.

When are these treatments recommended?

Treatments in order to prevent aging are recommended after your 30s and until your 50s. There is no age limit for removing signs of damaged skin. Newest research has proved that it is possible to considerably slow down the aging process if the treatments are applied in time. More aggressive treatments or operations are not needed then. The basic mistake is that most people wait for the wrinkles to develop and then they consider taking action. For best results it is recommended to start with the treatments on time, although it is never too late.

What do we treat?

• Face
• neck
• decollete
• forearms
• fists

Which treatment to choose?

The doctor chooses the treatment type in accordance with your skin condition and quality. To achieve best results sometimes a combination of different treatments, which are not aggressive and can be repeated, is recommended regardless of skin sensitivity or damages.

Early aging

One of the main reasons for premature aging is the sun. Skin damages caused by the sun are added throughout the life and become more and more visible. Since we can damage up to 80% of our skin until we are only 18 it is of uttermost importance to care for our skin before that. Although we should protect our skin from the sun throughout our whole life. Sun induces the development of blood vessels and capillaries and redness appears on exposed areas. Pigmented cells are damaged and they do not produce enough melanine which protects us from the sun. Undamaged pigmented cells start an enhanced production of pigmentation  to protect our skin and thus cause pigmentation. If skin damage is severe loss of pigment occurs. With rejuvenation treatments we remove signs of premature aging.

Signs of premature aging:

• pigmentation
• dry, thin and sensitive skin
• capillaries and redness of skin
• enlarged pores
• initial and moderate wrinkles
• uneven skin complexion
• thin skin 

What do we achieve with this treatment

Minor and moderate wrinkles around ones eyes are reduced and the development of new wrinkles is prevented. The skin becomes more tense, elastic, smoother and generally looks better. That tired and lifeless look is removed and your face becomes fresher and glows. Unevenness of complexion, i.e. skin is removed as well. By stimulating the metabolism, which slows down with age, the skin becomes more resilient, thicker and stronger. The development of new collagen reduces wrinkles and improves the overall look and skin quality. Pigmentation, capillaries and redness cannot be removed completely but can be reduces significantly. This treatment is not intended for treating melasma, although it has some beneficial effects.

Which treatments are used?

AFT treatment

Capillaries are burned, redness is removed and pigmentation destroyed with optical energy. The goal of this treatment is to burn the pigmentation, capillaries and redness which will then peel off in a few days. Minor wrinkles are removed in purpose of refreshing the skin and to give it a significantly better look and quality.

Radio-waves

The connective tissue is damaged with electro-magnetic energy which is then repaired by the organism an followed by an effect of rejuvenation and skin tightening. Wrinkles are reduced, the skin becomes soft, smooth and elastic. The final result is visible in the next few months.

Neodymium Yag laser 

The principle and the effect is the same as with radio-waves, only optical energy is used but the effects are somewhat weaker.

Fractional radio-waves

The treatment has a double effect: a peeling effect and tightening of skin followed by the creation of new connective tissue which additionally reduces wrinkles. High frequency electricity is used, which then creates an electro-magnetic field, i.e. radio-waves which change the movement direction with great speed. Thereby water molecules are being treated and they start turning and create an energy which then damages the tissue and causes inflammation. The created damage and inflammation are a sign for the organism to create new connective tissue and strengthen the existing one. This is followed by a strong tightening effect and skin rejuvenation. A peeling effect is created through contact of the spike like extensions with the skin causing it to peel. The old damaged skin is then being replaced with new one. With this process superficial irregularities such as wrinkles, scars, pigmentation and enlarged pores are removed. This treatment is extremely quick, it lasts 30 to 60 seconds and almost no uneasiness is felt because of its quickness. The skin remains red 1 to 3 days although redness can sometimes last only several hours. The skin should be treated with a skin care cream and cold compresses. The result is visible immediately after the treatment and in the next 6 months improvements will be visible on a daily basis. 

Fractional non-ablative laser

The goal is to induce microscopic damages underneath the skin which will then be ejected and replaced with new connective tissue. In that way pigmentation is removed and skin quality improved. This treatment is painless and does not cause complications. After the treatment your skin will darken as if you fell asleep in the sun.

Fillers

Hyaluronic acid which is a structural ingredient of our skin is used. Hyaluronic acid reduces with time and our skin becomes dry, wrinkled and of lesser quality. Acid is injected into the skin with needles. The treatment is not painful or unpleasant. Generally there are no complications apart from rare bruising which heals in a few days. The goal of this treatment is for the skin to gain volume, strength and tension and hyaluronic acid is responsible for that.

Q-switched KTP laser

Removes pigmentation with optical energy. As a sign of being destroyed pigmentation darkens and starts to peel. The treatment is painless and there is no need for recovery.

Pulsed Dye laser

Used for removal of capillaries, redness and pigmentation and for skin rejuvenation.

LED technology

Diodes are used which rejuvenate with a light of a certain wave length and induce development of new collagen and stimulate the metabolism.

Ingrown hair removal laser treatment in Croatia

Usually an issue which bothers most women. Caucasian men are not as affected but with colored men this is a common problem. Apart from being an aesthetic problem this can be a health issue since inflammations can appear. The main cause for ingrown hair is that just before reaching the surface the hair starts going back and grows into the skin causing inflammation. Each hair leaves the skin under a certain angle and depending on the root angle there is a tendency of ingrowing. With stronger curly hair ingrowth is more common.

With certain women plucking hair with tweezers provokes ingrowth. In the area of ingrowth scars and pigmentation appear as a result of inflammation. The biggest problem is that most people make it worse by touching the ingrown hair and trying to pluck them with tweezers. Do not touch ingrown hair. Usually ingrown hair can be seen under the surface or they are visible through skin. Many women avoid skirts because of that.

Inflammation of the root

Folliculitis is the inflammation of the root of the hair. It can appear for several reasons. Usually it is a bacterial infection although it can be provoked by other infections, for example yeast. Excessive sweating, sitting, hairiness, tight clothes and non-permeable fabrics such as synthetics all provoke the inflammation. Hair removal, especially with wax or a razor make an opening for the infection to reach the root.
With men usually the chin and neck are affected, and with women it's the bikini zone. Just remember how many times you missed out on swimming because of an inflamed crotch. In the summer the buttocks are affected as well. Apart from pain a strong itch and uneasiness after hair removal are present, weather you do it with wax or a razor. Wax causes irritation of the hair root followed by inflammation. Folliculitis is not just an aesthetic issue because stronger inflammation of skin can occur which must be treated immediately. People with sensitive skin who need to shave a lot are prone to folliculitis. Typically men who have to shave often for work are affected. A wrong shaving technique and bad hygiene are also causes. Razors should be covered after use and cleaned with alcohol before use. Hair should be soaked in mild water before shaving to soften the skin. Gel is advised instead of foam. Strokes with the razor should be gentle, slow and not larger then 1 to 2 cm.

Treating ingrown hair and root inflammation

Usually antibiotics are used which affect the after-effects and not the causes. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent hair ingrowth efficiently. With folliculitis it is necessary to remove the provoking factors: the correct shaving technique, comfortable cotton footwear, pay attention not to sit for too long in the summer, avoid waxing, change razors frequently. Do not lend your shaving equipment to others, every now and then use antibacterial products. If shaving is no good, we advise using a shaver. With men local retinoids help the skin to harden. Method of choice for treating ingrown hair and folliculitis is a laser which destroys the root of the hair with optical energy and can treat any upper body part. With men the affected area is usually the neck, and rarely the chin while in women it is the bikini zone with crotch and legs. The hair doesn't need to be removed completely, the goal is to thin them out so they do not grow in and to reduce shaving, i.e. waxing.

How is the laser helpful with ingrown hair?

First it destroys the permanently ingrown hair. After the treatment it is not necessary to pluck the ingrown hair, the organism will eject them.

How to get rid of the scars and pigmentation?

We recommend another type of laser, a fractional lasers. Usually they can be used only after the second hair removal treatment.

I have a tendency for ingrown hair, how do I prevent scars?

Do not wait, start with preventive treatments at first signs of hair ingrowth, because usually the problem only gets worse.

How many treatments are needed?

Usually 2 to 4 treatments are needed to thin out the hair and stop ingrowth and folliculitis.

What if in-between treatments I have an inflammation?

If this happens report as soon as possible so that we could remove just the ingrown hair.