Aching or tired legs are such a common symptom that many people feel it is normal at the end of a long day on their feet.  In fact, normal legs with good arterial and venous circulation shouldn’t cause such symptoms and this is very often a sign of chronic venous insufficiency which usually means you have varicose veins which are not always visible on the skin surface.  If your symptoms of aching and tired legs are significant and there may be other symptoms like ankle swelling, itchy skin on the lower legs, restless legs then it is a good idea to see a phlebologist (vein doctor) and arrange for an ultrasound scan of the lower legs.

Liposculpture for calves and ankles

“Cankles” is such a terrible term but this is what woman call their calves and ankles when they are disproportionately large compared to the rest of their body.  Such women feel so badly about their situation that they won’t even wear shorts or skirts.

The good news is that fat calves and ankles are easily treated with liposculpture which removes the excess fat.  It is important when removing fat with liposuction in this area that the patient is able to be rotated frequently to ensure a three dimensional reduction in fat which is sculptured and smooth. That is why Palm Clinic in Auckland uses the liposcultpure technique.

Is ultrasound necessary?

An ultrasound map of your deep and superficial veins is an essential component of making an accurate diagnosis of the extent of your varicose veins.  The Duplex ultrasound gives an accurate picture of the flow within the veins, excludes any problems with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or superficial thrombosis (STP).  The ultrasound also determines what would be the best way to treat your varicose veins with laser, injections or surgery.

Most men and women are suitable for liposuction or liposculpture to improve the abdomen.  However those who have very loose skin and particularly those with an overhang would benefit from tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

At Palm Clinic our liposuction surgeon Dr John Barrett will give non biased advice as to which is the best treatment for you.  If liposuction or liposculpture is right for you it will be performed by Dr Barrett.  If a tummy tuck is the better option he will refer you to a plastic surgeon.

Dr John Barrett inaugural Chairman

Dr John Barrett of Palm Clinic was appointed the inaugural Chairman of the New Zealand Faculty of the Australasian College of Phlebology at the last ACP meeting.

Phlebology is the medical term for vein treatments which can involve varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis management and vascular malformations.

Dr Barrett will be responsible for ensuring the training programme for NZ trainees meets their requirements and the high standards of the ACP.

Male chest reduction

Many men complain of “Man Boobs” or “Moobs” which in our outdoor focused, body conscious and beach going Kiwi culture becomes a hugely distressing problem. Often our male friends may be less than helpful in teasing sufferers of this  condition which is also called Gynaecomastia.

While in male adolescence this problem is usually due to hormonal influences and will in the main resolve over time in the adult male this is not the case and surgical intervention is the most effective treatment.

There are so many lasers out there – I don’t know which one is right for me.

This is a common problem and really you have to be seen for an initial consultation to answer the question but broadly speaking if your problem is pigment (brown spots) or facial veins then IPL is likely to be a good option.

For skin texture improvement and acne scarring or melasma there is nothing better than Fraxel.  For skin tightening there is no one laser system that is perfect and options include Elos Polaris and Thermage.

Hair removal can be performed with a number of IPL or laser systems including Coolglide, Alexandrite lasers and diode lasers.  A good operator can make a big difference and sometimes a mix of hair removal systems can improve the results.

Stretch marks can be improved with Fraxel laser.

Liposculpture refers to the modern method of liposuction which is performed under a type of local anaesthetic called tumescent anaesthetic. The main advantages over traditional liposuction which is performed under general anaesthetic are: increased safety, use of smaller cannulas which…

Restless legs is a distressing condition causing a variety of sensations in the leg which makes it necessary to move the legs constantly.  This occurs frequently at night …

which greatly disturbs sleep.  Whilst the cause of restless legs syndrome is not clear in all cases there are a large number of restless legs sufferers who find the symptoms disappear or improve when their varicose veins are treated.

Varicose veins are easily treated these days with non surgical techniques such as laser (endovenous laser ablation) or injection (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy).  Both procedures are available from Palm Clinic in Auckland.

Many women find large breasts more of a pain than an asset. Neck and back pain are common problems and exercise can be impeded. Previously breast reduction surgery was the only option but now breast reduction can be performed without surgery and therefore without the characteristic T bone scar that surgery creates.

Liposuction breast reduction removes fat from the breast and significant breast reductions can be achieved in this way. The small cannulas that remove the fat enter through tiny incisions under the breast and when these heal they cannot be seen.

When the fat is removed a breast lift also occurs as the weight of the breast is reduced. Young women love the fact there are no tell tale scars and older women love the relief of troubling symptoms.