Depression and MenopauseWhile there has been a long-standing debate over whether or not depression occurring around menopause is due to physical hormonal changes in the body or the mental and emotional effects of this transitional period, new research indicates that it is likely a mixture of both.

First off, let’s get a handle on some terminology:

  • Depression – a word that can be used to describe three distinctly different conditions:
    ○     A Depressed Mood – a normal, brief period of feeling sad.
    ○     Depression as a Symptom – a short-term reaction to any number of medical or psychological problems, (most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years).
    ○     Clinical Depression – a pathologic disorder believed to be the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain.
  • Perimenopause - the stage of a woman’s reproductive life that begins 8-10 years before menopause, and lasts until menopause.
  • Menopause – the period of time when a woman stops ovulating and experiences symptoms related to a lack of estrogen production. When you have gone 12 months without a menses, prior to that is perimenopause.
  • Serotonin – a hormone that helps regulate sleep, energy, mood, and libido. Central to our well-being.

 During menopause, women often experience a number of symptoms related to a lack of estrogen. These can range from weight gain, limited energy, hair loss, low sex drive, mood swings, sleeplessness, poor concentration, memory loss, fatigue, and depression. Because serotonin requires estrogen to be produced in the brain, the decrease in estrogen during menopause can result in low in serotonin levels. All of these symptoms can be helped by using Bioidentical Hormones.

Are You Depressed?
So how can you tell if you’re experiencing menopausal depression of if you’re just a little down? That’s not an easy question to answer. You’re more likely to suffer from menopausal depression if you:

  • Have a history of depression earlier in life
  • Have a family history of depression
  • Suffer dramatically (or used to) from PMS
  • Had post-partum depression
  • Have a history of depression when on oral contraceptives
  • Had a recent, major loss

The drastic life changes that accompany menopause can also take an emotional toll. Depression is already more common in women as in men, and studies have shown that women are more likely to have symptoms of depression during perimenopause as previously in their lives, which can be further increased when you include:

  • Drug and Alcohol Use – these substances are depressants, and can interfere with hormone activity, triggering symptoms of depression.
  • Response to loss – this period in a woman’s life can often be accompanied by loss of parents or spouse, children leaving home, divorce, loss of youth, etc.
  • Medical Conditions – some medical conditions can increase a person’s chances of suffering from depression.

 Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of clinical depression are the same:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or despair that last longer than two weeks
  • Feeling very tired, or tired all the time
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • An increase or decrease in appetite or weight
  • Loss of enjoyment of activities that you have enjoyed in the past
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Feeling restless or “slowed down”
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or dying

It’s Important to Seek Help
During menopause, women often feel guilty about their changes in mood and behavior, and might avoid seeking treatment. It’s normal to feel down for a day or two occasionally, but when depression becomes the norm in your life, it’s time to do something about it.

It’s important to remember that depression is just as serious during menopause as it is at any other point in a person’s life. And, just like at any other time, menopausal depression can be effectively treated.  Any form of depression can require medical intervention; depression is extremely dangerous in some individuals, it is important to know this.  One week of depression or even one day can and has resulted in death.  If you, or someone you know feels helpless or any other symptom that is really bothersome you should seek help immediately and find someone who will advocate for you.  You do not need to “man up” and take it, too many people do not have the other tools in life to get through it!

Get Your Life Back!
Effective techniques that may help you cope with the symptoms of menopause include:

  • Finding a self-calming skill to practice such as yoga, meditation, or slow, deep breathing.
  • Avoiding tranquilizers.
  • Engaging in a creative outlet or hobby that fosters a sense of achievement.
  • Staying connected with your family and community; nurturing your friendships.
  • Seeking emotional support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor.
  • Taking steps to stay cool during hot flashes, such as wearing loose clothing.
  • Keeping your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats and disturbed sleep.
  • Eating healthfully and exercising regularly.

Eliminate Depression with BioIdentical HormonesHowever, if these methods aren’t enough and you’re ready to take control of your life then you want to consider Bioidentical Hormones, (BHRT) which have been shown to be effective, especially for women who didn’t see results with other treatments.

In menopausal women, the base cause of menopausal depression is likely a decrease in estrogen and BHRT can treat these symptoms by balancing out the hormone level in the body.  By returning it to a state of balance using hormones identical to the ones produced by the body and not artificially produced your body chemistry adjusts itself and the symptoms of depression are eliminated, naturally, easily and permanently.

If you’re looking for relief from the biochemical chaos raging in your body, give Caddell’s a call at 425-998-0181 to arrange a consultation with our BHRT expert compounding pharmacist and physician. Or plan on attending one of our monthly meetings where we discuss how BHRT can help you improve your life. The only things you stand to lose are your symptoms!

Enjoy vein free legs this summer!Varicose and spider veins are enlarged veins that can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and, in extreme case, present a risk to your health. An estimated 50 – 55%of women and 40 – 45% of men in the United States suffer from varicose or spider veins. While spider veins rarely present any problem other than a slight discomfort in the legs, varicose veins are likely to cause sores, cramping, and other pain. A few factors which may play a part in the development of varicose and spider veins are:

● Heredity – There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of varicose veins and spider veins.
● Age – The development of varicose veins and spider veins may occur at any age but usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and peaks between 50 and 60 years.
● Gender – Females are affected approximately four to one to males.
● Pregnancy – Pregnancy is a common factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve or even disappear a few months after delivery.
● Lifestyle/Occupation – People who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
● Binding clothing
● Chronic constipation
● Birth control pills/estrogen replacement therapy
● High-heeled shoes
 Menstrual cycle
 Obesity
 Sedentary lifestyle
 Exposure to sunlight or heat

At Caddell’s Laser Clinic, we offer non-invasive laser vein therapy treatments for spider veins and other unwanted veins. The use of lasers has revolutionized many cosmetic procedures, and the treatment of spider veins is no exception. Unlike previously used treatments, laser treatments are quick and effective, with little to no down time. A technician uses a hand-held laser to pinpoint the offending vein, and uses the heat of the laser to facilitate coagulation, closing the vein permanently. It may take several treatments to attain the desired effect.

However, Caddell’s does not treat varicose veins, which require more drastic measures to remove, including invasive procedures or even surgery. This is why it is so important to understand the causes of spider and varicose veins, so that you can prevent ever getting them in the first place:

● Avoid crossing your legs.
● Elevate your legs when possible, especially when sleeping, keeping your feet above heart level.
● Exercise daily. Walking, climbing stairs, cycling, and swimming keep your calf muscles in motion to activate the calf muscle pump. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins.
● Move your legs frequently. Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs (simulating walking). During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes. Try to avoid sitting for extended periods throughout your day.
● Wear support compression hose. These provide external graduated counter-pressure to aid in venous blood flow to the heart. They reduce pooling and pressure in the veins. They also may reduce the risk of forming a deep vein blood clot. Consider wearing them during long plane or car rides.
● Maintain your ideal body weight to reduce excess pressure on your legs.
● Avoid prolonged sitting and standing. On long car or plane trips activate your calf muscle pump by moving your feet up and down frequently as described above. You should also consider stopping for short walks every few hours.
● Avoid excessive heat on your legs, such as hot tubs and hot baths. Heat will tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.
● Avoid hormonal birth control or non bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
● Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
● Avoid tight, binding clothing.

Call Caddell’s for a Free Consultation

For a free consultation on the Laser Vein Therapy and how it can make a difference in your life, call Caddell’s at 425-998-0181 or go to their website and request more information to start the process towards healthier, happier legs in time for summer.

In case a vein ruptures and starts to bleed it is advisable to immediately elevate your leg and compress the area. Contact your physician or seek emergency medical care immediately.

Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments Successfully Remove Stretch Marks

Most of us have them – stretch marks!  When our skin is subjected to more stretching  than it can handle, it will tear. Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or rapid loss of weight. Stretch marks may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, muscle building, hormone replacement therapy, etc. The most common spots for stretch marks are on the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs, hips and buttocks.

Something Exciting is Happening in the Laser Industry!

For years creams have been used to help reduce the itching involved with stretch marks but that didn’t prevent them.  Recently new advances in skin treatments have been tried on these marks such as dermabrasion, prescription retinoids, and laser treatments and they offered some success on stretch marks. But something exciting is happening in the laser industry today! With the development of what is called “fractional CO2 technology” stretch marks can in some cases be resolved by as much as 50 to 80 percent in one treatment.  Using scattered pulses of light only a fraction of the scar is zapped by the laser over the course of the treatment, which creates microscopic wounds.  The body responds to the treatment by producing new collagen which improves both texture and appearance of mature white stretch marks.

A Caddell’s patient had fractional CO2 treatment in December. She said it removed stretch marks from an earlier pregnancy. “I’m ecstatic,” she said. Another patient had embarrassing stretch marks removed from her breasts after a fast growth spurt. These before and after photos are below.

The fractional CO2 laser treatment is an easy, uncomplicated treatment. Most patients chat away through the procedure.  A recent article from Webmd.com called the treatment “the anti-aging breakthrough of the decade.”  It is now the gold standard in laser wrinkle removal – without the long down time and complication rate.

“It is the best laser-treatment technology that I have ever seen,” said Dr. Greg Laurence, a spa owner from Tennessee reports.  A single treatment can lighten sun damage, lift fine wrinkles, remove freckles, reduce pore size, soften scars and tighten skin and eyelids. After the treatment patients look like they have a bad sunburn.  Antibacterial creams, moisturizer and sterile mineral water to mist over the areas makes the skin feel better and promotes healing.  Most clients can return to their normal routines in about two to four days.

No Down Time After Treatment

There is no down time with the stretch mark treatments – it may burn a little the evening of the treatment and is tender for one or two days.  After about a week any tiny dot scabs fall off; so with this technology Caddell’s is now able to help women and men reduce their new, reddish stretch marks more than ever before.

It can take up to 6 months to see the full effect of the treatment. The laser penetrates so deeply and affects the deeper structures of the skin in such a way that collagen remodelling will still occur a year and a half after the initial treatment.

I will continue to take photos of clients who come in for stretch mark removal and with their permission I will post them on the Caddell’s website.  I know how much getting these stretch marks can bother my patients.

I hope I will have the opportunity to help you and I hope you will gain comfort in seeing other patients on their journey to a less stretch-marked body!

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I wanted to write today about the difference between a wonderful product we sell at Caddell’s, Latisse®, and Eyelash Extensions.

As humans, we’re hard-wired to pick up subtle clues about a person from their eyes, so making yours stand out can be one of the best ways to make a lasting impression. But how strong will that impression be if your eyelashes are lacking? Short or absent eyelashes can give the impression of an unhealthy or an older person.  If your lashes have gradually become shorter, lighter, or have lost thickness, you may be wondering if there is a way to make them long and luscious again.

Latisse® is a prescription medication used to stimulate eyelash growth, and more people are ranting and raving about its amazing results. Now, you may be thinking something along the lines of, “But don’t lash extensions do the same thing? Aren’t they more affordable?” Well, let’s take a moment to check it out and see.

The Basics ~
When comparing these two methods, you obviously want to consider time, money, and how effective and lasting the desired results are. Latisse® helps you regrow your natural eyelashes and make them thicker and longer, while lash extensions can imitate your natural lashes, or offer a more bold and daring effect with a variety of colors and style.

No matter how much we want to deny it, sometimes beauty has a bit of a price tag. Lash extensions vary in cost, and like most beauty enhancements, there is a broad range of expenses you can pay to have them done. The more inexpensive method is using false eyelashes which can be purchased at any drugstore for $3 and up. These are glued as one strip just above your lashes, will last throughout the day, and may be used (for most brands) up to 10 times. While this is highly affordable, it can look fake if not done right. Some women opt for the more practical route; professionally done eyelash extensions. These are individual hairs that are attached to your existing eyelashes with an adhesive and are indistinguishable from natural lashes. However, they can cost between $250 – $600, and while they can begin to fall out as soon as two days after application, they are said to last from 2-4 weeks. If you want to maintain your eyelash appeal with this method, touch ups are a must, and these can add up fast since they can cost anywhere from $50 – $100 and can require visits as frequently as every two weeks.

Latisse®, on the other hand, costs $120 per bottle here at Caddell’s Laser Clinic, and while it comes with a month’s supply of brushes, the amount of liquid in the bottle itself can easily last for up to two months. All you have to do is buy inexpensive brushes at the drugstore for a longer lasting alternative, as the dosage itself varies depending on how generous you are with the dropper. Below you will find before and after photos of me after using Latisse® for only 2 months!

How much time exactly is this going to add to your daily routine? Obviously being able to do an at-home treatment in your own bathroom can save an exponential amount of time when compared to having to travel back and forth to a salon, but what about the actual application process? With extensions, it can take from 90 to 150 minutes for the first application, and then touch ups can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. That is a huge chunk of your day!

Latisse®, on the other hand, takes only a matter of minutes. First, you remove any make-up and clean your face, and take out your contact lenses if you have them. Then you take out a brush and drop the prescription on and apply it to your upper lid, sweeping along where your eyelashes meet your skin on each eye. And volia, you’re done! It’s that simple.

So Latisse® is more affordable per month and takes less time to apply than extensions, and you don’t need to go to the salon, but are the results just as good?

The Results ~
To be honest, comparing the results is a bit tricky, because this expectation varies depending on what you want. Extensions are nice because of their instant results; you walk in with dull lashes, and come out with fantastic ones on the same day. Latisse® does, in fact, give great results, but it can take awhile for these results to show, so it requires a little patience. But after about two months, you can say hello to natural, dramatic lashes! Your lashes will be longer, thicker and appear darker than before. The side effects are minimal, with only 4% of initial test subjects reporting any side effects at all, which is far less than most people report from lash extensions, as the glue they use can irritate eyes.

Another thing to consider is that extensions can limit a lot of daily activities. Itching or rubbing your eyes at all is discouraged, as it can lead to infections. You also can’t get them too wet, which complicates showering, and limits swimming during the upcoming summer months. Putting on too much make-up or make-up remover can cause problems as well, making any morning routine an additional chore. With Latisse®, you just apply and resume your routine. Also, extensions require a solid base of lashes to build on, so if your lashes aren’t quite thick or supportive enough, it can be recommended that you consider Latisse® treatments anyway.

So basically it boils down to this; if you are looking for a permanent and effective treatment to fix your dull lashes, then Latisse® is right for you. It requires less time and effort, and is more cost effective. If you are only looking for a temporary improvement, like for a special event or party, then falsies or extensions may be the better option, but if you’re tired of lackluster eyelashes and are looking for a permanent solution, come to Caddell’s and ask about Latisse® today!

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Friends,

I wanted to share this testimonial I received that inspires me to continue the work that I do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed receiving it!

I never thought I would make it to a high-paying professional job that I’d dreamed of having. It seemed so far away, but recently I was finally offered my dream job, which I was thrilled about.

Unfortunately I didn’t quite have the professional look I wanted to start building my image as a successful and compelling businessman; I still had a tattoo that I had gotten on a stupid 21 run and had outgrown. With this new job, I wanted to be able to forget about whatever bad decisions I had made when I was younger and forge a new road ahead to be the professional grown up that I am now. This was difficult with one of my bad decisions lingering on my forearm, so I went to Caddell’s to have it removed. I was very impressed by them, they were helpful and courteous during my treatments. They did a great job all around, and I would recommend them to anyone who has a tattoo they’ve outgrown.

Now my tattoo is gone and I have fully stepped into the shoes of the serious professional.

~K.J.. 38

If you have a tattoo that you’ve outgrown or one you simply want to lighten for a coverup, please contact Caddell’s Laser Clinic.  We will work closely with you to give you the results you really want! Please call us at 425-998-0181 for a free consultation where we can discuss what you’re looking to change with your tattoo.

Debbie Caddell, owner, Caddell’s Laser Clinic
Enhance Your BeautyTM

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Skin Care BasicsWashing your face seems like a simple task to complete, but doing it well may be more complex than you think. Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, says that if you’re doing it wrong, you may actually be causing damage to your skin, but she has some helpful advice to help save your pretty face and keep it clean and healthy for good.

Essentially, it’s not all about what you use – it’s how you use it. Her advice is simply this; “Stick to the basics—skincare is in the details.” She states that when washing your face, the most important thing to do is to use something other than your fingers. Gently rub cleanser into your skin using cotton pads or cotton balls; they are easy to use and dispose of, and are always clean. A washcloth will work as well, but it has to be clean to keep bacteria and dirt from finding its way into pores.

Where you’re scrubbing is also important. When you are rubbing in a cleanser, focus on these problem areas: around the nostrils, lips, and along the hairline where dirt and make-up can collect and build-up.

As for the cleanser itself, Jaliman recommends gentle facial cleansers above all else, such as the Image Skincare products, which are gentle on skin. Caddell’s carries Image Skincare products including the Total Facial Cleanser, which is great for all ages and skin types, and the Total line, which is effective in reversing the signs of aging for younger and healthier looking skin. If you have oily skin, try using products with salicylic acid, as Jaliman says they are effective at removing oils. Image Skincare products also has face peels that have salicylic acid for treating oil and acne, as well as basic cleansers and moisturizers to maintain clean and healthy skin.

Jaliman also states that if you’re looking for a more immediate and dramatic change, investing in an exfoliator can do the trick. Most drugstores carry cheap exfoliation systems, but they are not as good or effective as what dermatology clinics and skincare specialists like Caddell’s carry. They may be more expensive, but results reflect the price.

New York University professor Rhoda Narins, MD, president of the American Society of Dermatology Surgery also adds, “Sometimes all you really need is a good moisturizer and a mild cleanser, and you can take years off your face.  When skin is dry, every wrinkle is accentuated, making you look older.” With Caddell’s Epionce® unique delivery mechanism which allows their blend of active botanical ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin, resulting in a stronger barrier that can help resist the effects of aging & disease.

Great skin is not hard to come by, even if you’ve neglected your skin in the past. Caring for your skin now, no matter your age, is a long-term investment that will help you remain on good terms with your body. And remember, use sunscreen and moisturizer daily to keep your skin protected and hydrated, and when in doubt, stick to the basics!

As a licensed medical esthetician I would love to help your skin look its best and to help you Enhance Your BeautyTM! If you have troubled skin or questions, please contact me and I will be happy to set up a free consultation to review your skin issues and repair damaged skin.

Get Ready for Summer! Being comfortable in your own skin is a fundamental part of braving that beach, but even the most confident people can have trouble with unwanted body hair. It’s a hassle and a worry, especially where summer is concerned, but getting rid of it is much easier than you think. Laser hair removal has become more and more popular over the years for both women and men, especially after the FDA approved its use as a safe and effective method for hair reduction.

Laser hair removal is a quick and thorough way to reduce or remove unwanted hair on any part of your body – including the face. And now is the best time of the year to schedule an appointment, before the season of sun starts. Treatments can last anywhere from 5 to 50 minutes, depending on the area, and are generally less painful than tweezing or waxing. People of all sorts are using laser hair removal and receiving amazing results.

At Caddell’s, safe and effective treatments are standard, as well as a professional and considerate environment. If you have unwanted hair that you’re tired of worrying about, give Caddell’s a call, and we can help you feel even more comfortable in your own skin. As an added convenience, you can schedule your free consultation for the same day as your first appointment, saving you time and travel money, and having that beach-ready body even sooner than you thought!

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Symptoms, such as ~

• Weight gain
• Limited energy
• Hair loss
• Low sex drive
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Sleeplessness
• Poor concentration
• Memory loss
• Fatigue

Did you know that all of these symptoms can be caused by hormone imbalance and that this condition is easily treatable? There’s no reason to continue suffering with these symptoms any longer.

As we age a number of uncomfortable symptoms can occur – adverse conditions and notable changes in the body – including menopause and perimenopause in women and andropause in men. A natural decline in hormones, lifestyle choices, genetics, personal habits, dietary intake, and physical activity all play a role in how well our bodies experience the aging process. All of these factors can contribute to conditions and diseases that can occur at any stage in life – and they all are the result of an imbalance of hormones. The good news for all of us is that hormone imbalance and loss is easily correctible.

There have been many studies conducted both in the US and Europe and the overwhelming winner is Bioidentical hormones (BHRT). This debate started in the late 1800’s and it continues today. But findings have consistently shown that people treated with Bioidentical hormones get faster, safer, and more consistent relief than those who used regular Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). With over 50 hormones in our body, when one is off balance it can wreck the entire party; that’s why using BHRT can bring the party back under control.

Bioidentical hormones are the natural alternative to synthetic hormones and are identical to the ones made in our body. This is what makes them safe and effective.

When done right, Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for hormone imbalance. Here at Caddell’s, we take your health very seriously and are proud to offer the bioidentical alternative to synthetic hormones. We are pleased to be working with compounding pharmacists Lynn Irwin and Dr. Ron Brockman so that we can bring you their fine Bioidentical hormone products.

Specifically, we offer compounded Bioidentical hormones, which are prescribed mixtures of hormones individually formulated for your body. These treatments are mixed in prescribed ratios. By closely monitoring your hormone levels while using the compounded BHRT, you can arrive at the perfect balance for your body. If you want to take charge of your body and life, consider Caddell’s BHRT services. At Caddell’s, we believe the more natural way is the better way, and that a healthier body means a happier person!

If you are interested in learning more about BHRT, we hold a complimentary, informational meeting the last Saturday of each month. Plan on attending one of these meetings and meeting Lynn Irwin and Dr. Brockman to learn how they can help overcome some or all of the symptoms you’ve been suffering through. Go to our website and fill out the form or give us a call and reserve your seat at our next meeting. You’ll be glad you did!

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Jerry Norris using the laser
Jerry Norris using the laser

Sometimes a tattoo that looked good when you first got it needs to go because it’s outdated, faded, you have a new job or it’s just time for a change.

For over 10 years, Caddell’s Laser and Electrolysis Clinic has been a trusted and respected center for tattoo removal and cover-up. Being the only tattoo removal clinic invited to the Seattle Tattoo Expo since 2002 has its own distinction and we’re proud of it.  Did you know that we work with many tattoo artists in our area?  As an artist matures so does their art and we’ve found that most artists have tattoos they don’t want because they have outgrown them or they aren’t as high a quality as they’d like.  It’s becoming more common to have unwanted tattoos.  Now they know they have somewhere to go to do something about them; Caddell’s. And now we have something new to brag about: Jerry Norris.

A member of the National Tattoo Association, Jerry has 16 years of experience already in the tattoo industry, and an abundance of skill and knowledge to offer to the company’s sterling reputation. A newly Licensed Esthetician, Jerry will have much to offer on this side of the needle—his years in the tattoo industry have prepped him for all things tattoo.

There are many reasons for wanting to have a tattoo removed; a bad artist, getting a new job, wanting a newer, more relevant tattoo.  Sometimes you just get tired of the tattoo you’ve got and either want it removed or replaced.  People who choose to have their tattoo lightened do so because sometimes even the best artist might not be able to cover up that particular tattoo.For those of you unfamiliar with tattoo removal and the process, here’s what you need to know: It is performed by applying a laser directly to the tattoo. Here at Caddell’s we use the Hoya ConBio laser and the Ruby Laser. These types of laser use different wavelengths to remove multiple colors of tattoo ink.  The Ruby Laser is particularly good at removing turquoise and blue ink. The lasers use energy to safely penetrate the skin and target the tattoo at its core. The laser is attracted to the color where it shatters the ink and turns it into tiny crystals that the body then removes.  How does this work? For those of you who decided to skip physics, different colors have different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Our eyes detect these wavelengths and allow us to see these colors. The laser we use in tattoo removal emits these different wavelengths to adhere to the frequency of the color on the spectrum, and allows it to break down the colors.

More often than not, after the technicians at Caddell’s complete the Laser tattoo removal treatments and the healing is done, there is no visible sign that a tattoo was ever there, however it is important to understand that laser tattoo removal may not restore your skin to its pristine pre-tattoo condition.  The skin is wounded when you get a tattoo and it is wounded when you have a tattoo removed.  Your skin may look a little shiny after the tattoo removal treatments and over time that will resolve itself.

There are many variables to consider when doing Tattoo removal.  Some tattoos lift after two treatments while others can take up to 15 treatments.  It all depends on the type of ink used, the skill of the artist, how deep the ink is, what color it is and what skin type you have.

Laser tattoo removal can also be used to get the skin ready for a tattoo cover up.  This is where Caddell’s works closely with the tattoo artist.  After two treatments we send our client back to their tattoo artist to see if it’s light enough for a cover up.  Most tattoo cover ups take between 1 – 4 treatments before it is ready for a cover-up with the majority of clients needing 2 – 3 treatments.

So, if you are looking to remove that tattoo that you got the moment you turned eighteen, or any other tattoos you have outgrown, remember Jerry and Debbie at Caddell’s Laser and Electrolysis Clinic.

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With added years comes added wisdom, but unfortunately wrinkles and other signs of aging come as well. For those of us who are young at heart, sometimes our skin can make it difficult to feel that way. While age is just a number, having healthy skin is the best way to look and feel beautiful at any age.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment has been one of the biggest breakthroughs in skin treatment because of the quick recovery time and its effectiveness with very few treatments. This type of laser is pinpoint-accurate and forces the body’s natural collagen processes to kick in – it penetrates to the deeper layers of skin, minimizing damage to the outer layers. This treatment is a highly effective way to reduce and sometimes eliminate major skin problems, such as acne, scarring, sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage. It has also been proven to be highly effective on removing new stretch marks.

Dramatic results can be seen as soon as the first treatment, but usually more treatments are needed for the full effect. Treatment can take 5 to 10 years of aging off your skin, and these amazing results are long lasting! So, even if you tend to be more frugal, your years of added wisdom can’t argue with getting behind a long-term investment like that.

Caddell’s offers CO2 laser treatment for all sorts of skin complications. Retaining your youthful vigor inside and out is easy when you have the courteous and skilled team at Caddell’s on your side. Contact us today by phone at 425-998-0181 or through our website for a free consultation or to set up your appointment!

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