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Now a women’s healthcare physician, who understands and treats women’s concerns, can eliminate unwanted hair, remove unsightly spider veins, and promote vibrant and healthy looking skin. A novel concept: one doctor to maintain the health and beauty of women. From annual exams, contraceptive management, and surgical procedures to in-office laser hair and vein treatments and laser skin rejuvenation. All consultations, exams, and procedures are performed by Dr. Nancy Carlson Fisher in a private, professional office located on Dorset Street in South Burlington, Vermont.
Please Call (802) 859-9500 for details and appointments.
Dr. Nancy Carlson Fisher, M.D.
364 Dorest St.
So. Burlington, VT 05403
802.859.9500
or visit our Website at: www.nancyfishermd.com
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Laser Vein Treatment
What are varicose and spider veins?
Varicose veins are large distended veins that are located deeper below the skin than spider veins. Spider veins are small, superficial dilated veins that do not perform any useful function. Most spider veins are caused by a hereditary weakness in the walls of small blood vessels. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause and the use of birth control pills can increase spider vein formation. Prolonged sitting or standing also worsens spider veins.
What treatment is best for my varicose and spider veins?
There are two general treatment options: Conservative measures such as compression stockings, or “corrective” methods such as sclerotherapy, laser treatment or surgical removal. Surgery is usually required to remove large varicose veins whereas laser and sclerotherapy are best for spider veins. Sclerotherapy uses a needle to inject the veins with a solution that irritates the lining of the vein. In response, the veins collapse and are reabsorbed. You may need many treatments and may receive many injections per session. Bruising and hyper pigmentation can occur after sclerotherapy. Laser therapy uses light energy to heat the vessel which destroys the wall. The vein is absorbed over a 6-8 week period. Many veins can be treated during one session.
What does it feel like?
Although many patients report little or no discomfort, some patients may experience a mild stinging sensation when the laser pulse is delivered. The cold tip of the CoolGlide hand piece helps soothe the skin as the laser is delivered. Ice and topical anesthetics can be used prior to a treatment.
How long do the treatments take?
Treatment time varies depending on the number and size of the vessels to be treated. A typical treatment session is 20 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
In many cases, significant improvement is realized in as few as 1 to 2 treatments. Treatments are done at 6 to 8 week intervals. In some cases, new spider veins may appear and therefore additional treatments may be necessary.
What do my veins look like after a treatment?
The vein appears red and swollen for a few hours and then turns a dark purple before it is absorbed.
Are there any special instructions after the procedure?
Pressure dressings such as ace bandages or support stockings are sometimes recommended for the first week to reduce the bruising. Do not take aspirin products while under treatment. Minimize sun exposure during treatment and always apply 30 SPF sunscreen if you are exposed to the sun between treatments. Although we encourage you to resume normal activities almost immediately, we do ask that you refrain from vigorous activity and prolonged standing for 72 hours after treatment. Also avoid hot baths and hot tubs for 72 hours after treatment.
Laser Hair Removal
What is laser hair removal?
The laser beam sends light energy to the pigment in a hair follicle. This energy permanently removes the hair follicle. Each laser pulse lasts a fraction of a second affecting several hairs at one time. Both blond and white hair will have little or no response to the laser. Dark, coarse hair responds best. Hair has active, resting and dormant growth phases. Because the hair follicles that are in the active growth phase are more susceptible to the laser light, multiple treatments are required to remove all hair.
Is the hair removal permanent?
The Cool Glide Laser System is approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction.
What can I expect?
The length of a laser session may be a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.
How many treatments will I need?
In many cases, significant improvement is realized in as few as 4 to 5 treatments for legs, underarms and bikini. The face usually requires 8 to 9 treatments to be hair free. For best results schedule treatments 6-8 weeks apart.
What does it feel like?
Although many patients report little or no discomfort, some may experience a mild stinging sensation when the laser pulse is delivered. The cold tip of the CoolGlide hand piece helps sooth the skin as the laser pulse is delivered. For those who are interested, a topical anesthetic is available.
What complications may occur?
Redness and local swelling of the skin, similar to sunburn, may occur in some patients. These effects typically last for 2-3 hours.
What happens after treatment?
Following your treatment you can return to normal activities immediately. Sunscreen is recommended for areas exposed to the sun. Tan skin can be treated but not sunburned skin. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck the hair; only shaving will not harm your end results.
How does laser treatment compare to electrolysis?
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time, and the electrologist can only treat the hairs that they can see. The laser sees all of the hairs that are actively growing, even those beneath the skin. Laser can treat large areas in a fraction of the time and requires fewer treatments for a better result. Electrolysis is the only option for white or blond hair.
LASER GENESIS SKIN THERAPY
What is Laser Genesis?
Laser Genesis is a procedure that uses laser technology to safely treat and remove scars, redness, large pores and fine line wrinkles. It is a comfortable and non-invasive treatment without side effects like bruising, peeling, and skin irritation. You can expect to see subtle and progressive results after each treatment.
What areas can be treated?
Laser Genesis can be used to treat your face and neck as well as scars on other parts of your body.
What does the procedure feel like?
You will feel a gentle warming of your skin as the laser hand piece is moved back and forth about 1&Mac218;2 inch above your skin. Patients describe the procedure as relaxing and therapeutic. You can expect to return to normal activities immediately utilizing sunscreen if going outdoors.
How does Laser genesis work?
The laser gently heats the upper layer of your skin. This stimulates collagen re-growth in the upper dermis. Additionally, redness is reduced when the dilated capillaries (small blood vessels) are heated.
How many treatments will I need?
On average, you will need 4-6 treatments to achieve the desired results. Over the course of these treatments you will notice a subtle progression toward even, smooth and healthy appearing skin as changes caused by aging, sun damage and scars are diminished. The overall effect of multiple treatments can be quite dramatic. Every patient’s needs and conditions vary. More information regarding the number of treatments and expected results will be provided at your consultation with your physician.
What are the possible side effects?
Although most patients report few if any side effects, the most common is a slight redness that disappears within a few hours of treatment.
How do I prepare for a treatment?
Before the Laser Genesis treatment, you will be asked to remove all make-up and moisturizers. No gel, topical anesthetic or ice is required.
Schedule your consultation to determine of you are a candidate for Laser Genesis
PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE : TIPS FOR WOMEN
Breast Cancer Screening
Early detection of breast cancer has been shown to decrease the chance of dying from breast cancer. A women’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer (based on a lifespan of 80 years) is 12.5%. Women aged 40-49 should have a mammogram every 1-2 years and women over 50 should have one yearly. Concerns regarding the radiation from mammography have been greatly reduced with improved technique and technology. Monthly self examination and a breast exam annually by a physician is also an important component of early detection.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Health care providers screen for cervical cancer by performing a Pap test. This test uses a brush to remove cells from the surface of the cervix. Women should begin cervical cancer screening within three years of becoming sexually active. Women under thirty should undergo screening annually. Some women over 30 with a history of normal Paps and no risk factors for cervical cancer may only need a Pap test every two to three years. Risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus), multiple sexual partners, exposure to DES, and HIV. The decision to reduce the frequency of cervical cancer screening should be discussed with your health care provider. Annual gynecologic exams (breast exam and pelvic exam) should be performed annually regardless of a woman’s need for a Pap test.
Colon Cancer Screening
All women should have a baseline colonoscopy when they turn fifty to screen for colon cancer and precancerous polyps. The frequency of screening after the baseline exam is determined by the results of the first screening test. Some women with a family history of colon cancer may undergo a colonoscopy before the age of 50 and have more frequent screening tests than women without a family history.
Cholesterol Screening
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. All women should have their cholesterol checked starting at the age of 20 and then at least every 5 years. If the results of any of the screening tests are borderline or high risk, more frequent screening should be recommended. Also, women with a family history of heart disease should be screened at closer intervals. In addition, women over 55 should be screened more frequently (every one to two years) even if they do not have a family history of heart disease.
PRECONCEPTION CARE
Reproductive Health Plan
Nearly one half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. The goal of preconception care is to reduce the risks to the mother and baby by optimizing a woman’s health before getting pregnant. Developing a reproductive health plan with a health care provider allows a woman to ensure the best possible outcome of a pregnancy.
Medical Conditions
Many medical conditions are a risk to either the mother or fetus during pregnancy. Some examples include diabetes, hypertension, depression, seizure disorders, congenital heart defects, asthma and lupus. Occasionally the medical condition worsens with pregnancy and should therefore be in good control before conception. Sometimes women are on medication for these conditions which can be harmful to a developing baby. Frequently safer alternatives to these medications exist and changes should be made before conception.
Nutritional Issues
A well balanced diet is extremely important for the health of both the mother and fetus. Adequate folic acid intake prevents a significant number of neural tube defects which occur in a developing fetus. A woman should initiate folic acid supplementation before conception or immediately upon finding out she is pregnant as the neural tube develops early in pregnancy. Obesity places the mother at risk for pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and hypertension. Babies born to obese mothers tend to be large and sometimes this can make the delivery process more difficult resulting in complicated operative deliveries. Weight loss should be considered before conception to help reduce these risks.
Family History and Genetic Risks
Some families have a history of genetic mutations which can result in serious and sometimes fatal illnesses in off spring. For some of these conditions screening parents through a blood test can be very important in determining a couple’s chance of having a child with this illness. An example of one such disease in Tay-Sachs. It is important for all couples considering pregnancy to know if any such risks exist so that pre pregnancy screening can be offered.
Tobacco and Drug Abuse
Smoking during pregnancy poses many risks to the mother and fetus. Two of the biggest concerns are the development of smaller babies and pre term deliveries. Babies born to smokers have a greater chance of developing complications during delivery and the new born period. All women who smoke and are considering pregnancy should seek smoking cessation counseling before conception. The use of illegal drugs also poses significant threats to a developing baby. The incidence of birth defects, pre term delivery, and long hospital stays after birth are significantly increased in babies born to mothers who abuse drugs. Frequently these babies are addicted and go through withdrawal from the drugs. These babies can become very sick and may have long term complications. If a woman has a drug use problem she should seek treatment before getting pregnant.
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