Grant L. Carter, MD and Gayle M. Carter, MD are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and are proud to announce the opening of Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics. Both physicians are laser certified and have extensive backgrounds in gynecologic laser treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics allows our physicians to build on their backgrounds to provide professional laser aesthetic skin treatments for both women and men.

Grant L. Carter, MD attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was recognized by the AOA Medical Honor Society and Chief Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing in Southern Utah since 1982 when he founded Southern Utah Womens Health Center. He is currently director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Dixie Regional Medical Center. Dr. Carter is well known for his practice of comprehensive women’s health care, including laser surgery, which he pioneered in the Southern Utah area. He was laser certified using Laserscope laser in 1989 and since then has had experience treating multiple conditions. Dr. Carter is licensed in Utah and Nevada and has privileges at both Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah and Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah.

Gayle M. Carter, MD joined Grant Carter, MD at Southern Utah Womens Health Center in 1984. He attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Carter was the first recipient of the Michael Worley Award, presented to the outstanding resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1980. He has been board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1986. He was laser certified using the Laserscope laser in 1989, and has had extensive experience with laser surgery and treatment of various medical conditions, encompassing all facets of women’s health care. Dr. Gayle Carter is currently serving as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, as well as serving on the Medical Executive Committee, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He is licensed in both Utah and Nevada.

The revolutionary new laser treatment can quickly and safely eliminate veins on your thighs, calves, and ankles. These veins can either be small, thin capillaries (spider veins, or telangectasias), or larger veins, called reticular veins. Varicose veins are the very largest veins. Many factors contribute to the development of these unsightly veins including pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged standing, and genetic predisposition.

Spider veins are those small red, blue, and purple blood vessels that appear most frequently on the face and thighs.

Reticular veins lie well below the skin’s surface and are larger than the spider veins. They often are the source of spider veins and must also be removed in order to achieve long-term results in your treatment.

Varicose veins are quite large and tend to bulge with a rope–like texture on the skin’s surface. They are usually larger than ¼ inch in diameter and may appear raised with a bluish color. They may also be related to more serious vein disorders and require a careful evaluation by your doctor prior to treatment.

The best techniques used to treat spider and reticular veins are either laser or injection (sclerotherapy) vein removal. At S.U.L.A., we can use a combination of these treatment options. The use of a laser for vein removal requires knowledge and expertise. Our staff is trained to use the best laser and the proper settings for the size of each vein. Our physicians will design the best and most effective treatment for your particular problem and skin type.

How does it work?

The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in your blood and collapses the unwanted vein. These vessels later dissolve. The laser energy is delivered through a hand-held device with a cooling tip. The cooling tip provides additional comfort during the treatment by lowering the thermal effect on the surface of your skin.

What should be expected after treatment?

The appearance of leg veins will either dramatically fade or completely disappear after the treatment plan is completed. Some vessels may show temporary swelling that may resemble a cat scratch appearance. This should subside within a few hours, and may take up to a few days. This may take between two and eight weeks. Most patients achieve a significant reduction in the appearance of their veins and are very satisfied with their treatments. However, the development of new veins cannot be prevented. If your body tends to develop these veins, you may need to come back for additional treatments. Our physicians may recommend that compression hose or compression socks be worn after each treatment. Compression hose and compression socks may be purchased at our facility. Please visit our Support Hosiery and accessories section for more information.

Is the treatment painful?

Most patients describe a tingling sensation during the brief time the laser is actually firing. However, because our laser utilizes a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during and after laser exposure, we are able to minimize discomfort during this procedure. Topical anesthetic cream or nitrous oxide may be used for additional comfort during the treatment.

How long does the treatment take?

Most treatments will take between 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated. A prescribed topical anesthetic should be applied 30-60 minutes prior to the treatment time. Typically, you will need two to three sessions to achieve the appearance you desire. Of course, you may stop the treatments at any time or continue with additional treatments if you desire.

Are the treatments safe?

As in laser hair removal, there are a few side effects associated with both laser and injection vein therapy. These include pigment changes, redness and blistering. However, because our physicians and aestheticians are experienced in the use of laser technology, the occurence of these events are rare. Also, although it is not the intended purpose of this particular treatment, hair growth may be impaired in the treated area.