Metroeast Cosmetic Specialty believes it is essential to carry a healthy positive self-image. We are here to listen and assist you in enhancing your natural beauty. We pride ourselves in offering the best and most appropriate care designed specifically for you.

Our staff shares a common goal of providing a warm, professional atmosphere where patients’ concerns and safety come first. We strive to evaluate and treat each patient sensitively and individually using medically sound methods developed and delivered by talented, experienced and credentialed health professionals. We provide comprehensive medical care to persons with troublesome varicose veins & spider veins. We provide safe, state-of-the-art laser hair removal and liposculpture.

Vein Treatment
Metro East Cosmetic Specialty is a comprehensive vein center specializing in varicose and spider vein treatments. Our unique approach and ability to deal with venous problems in patients of all ages is world class. Our staff expertise encompasses both operative and non-operative techniques. We are devoted to the most effective, affordable and minimally invasive treatments. Equipment used for the diagnosis and treatment of venous problems is state-of-the-art and on the cutting edge of proven technology.

Board-certified surgeon Dr. Keith Thomae established the Vein Center to provide affordable, high quality, state-of-the-art treatment for varicose veins. All patients are evaluated and treated personally and individually. In the majority of instances, only minimally invasive techniques are used. Since no one treatment is ever appropriate for all conditions, many techniques and procedures are available. Varicose veins are best entrusted to surgeons knowledgeable about the underlying physiology that causes varicose veins.

It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer from some form of venous disorder. Varicose veins differ from spider veins. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3mm or more in diameter. Moreover, varicose veins are deeper than spider veins. Varicose veins may be of primarily cosmetic concern, but can cause pain, leg heaviness, fatigue, itching, night cramps, restless legs at night and leg swelling. Moreover, severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin and lead to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg. In addition, varicose veins increase the risk for infection.

Varicose veins are often caused by an underlying problem. A painless noninvasive ultrasound test is usually done to determine if an underlying source exists. Sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy may be used to treat the visible, bulging varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation may be used to treat the etiology of the condition.

Normal veins have one-way valves that allow blood to flow upward only to return to the heart and lungs. A varicose vein has valves that are not functioning properly. The blood can flow upwards, but tends to pool in the vein because of valve dysfunction. The valves themselves may be abnormal or the vein walls may be dilated such that the valve leaflets are too far apart. The varicose veins bulge because they are filled with pooled blood.

Symptoms are often worse at the end of the day because more pooling has occurred. Other things which increase pooling and therefore symptoms also include prolonged standing and sitting, exposure to heat (summertime, hot baths) and hormonal factors (pregnancy, around the time of the menses).

Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Statistics show that up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors can affect the disease. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume, which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.

Liposculpture
Body sculpturing by liposculpture permanently removes localized areas of inherited fat cells difficult to eliminate by exercise or diet. Liposculpture involves the use of small stainless steel tubes the size of a small straw connected to powerful suction. The cannula tubes create tiny tunnels through the fat resulting in flattening and improved body contour.

Areas Treated:
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Beneath chin
• Breasts

“This has been the best investment I could have made in myself. No more ‘saddlebags’ gives a boost to your self- image. You and your staff were terrific.”
- Bev
“My recent experience with Dr. Thomae and his staff was incredible. The procedure was virtually painless, and the results were fantastic!”
- Ann

We have been using tumescent local anesthesia for the last 10 years at our facilities, and now outpatient liposculpture without general anesthesia.

Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment to remove unwanted hair. Areas of treatment can include your legs, arms, face, back and the bikini line. The laser emits a tiny beam of light through the skin, down the hair shaft to the hair follicle, damaging the hair follicle. Destruction of the hair follicle provides you with long-term results of unwanted hair.

Hair growth is defined in three different stages. The first stage is the actively growing stage and this is the best time to use the laser for treatment of unwanted hair. In the actively growing stage, the hair contains the most melanin (pigment). Laser hair removal works best on dark brown or black hairs. The laser beam is absorbed by the melanin and transferred to the hair follicle for destruction. The second stage of hair growth is known as the regressive stage and the third stage is known as the resting stage. Because of the different stages of hair growth, you will need more than one treatment for removal of unwanted hair. You may see up to 50% reduction in hair growth after one treatment.

Success of Laser hair removal is influenced by hair color and skin type. Lighter skin tones and dark hair have the best results. If you have a suntan or use sunless tanning products, you should wait until the tan fades before having laser hair removal. You have a higher risk of side effects such as blistering or discolorations when your skin is tanned. Avoid sun exposure for four to six weeks before treatment.

Keith R. Thomae, M.D., F.A.C.S.
President, Metroeast Cosmetic Specialty
For more than 14 years, Dr. Keith Thomae has specialized in treatment of varicose veins.

His vast experience in the ELAS procedure as as well as varicose and spider vein treatments makes him a leading physician in the treatment of venous problems.

Dr. Thomae received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1988, followed by surgical training at Loyola University Medical center in Chicago. Dr. Thomae attends national seminars regularly to keep his knowledge current.

Dr. Thomae has been an Associate Professor Surgery as well as a Director of Trauma in Jackson, Mississippi. He owns and operates Metroeast Cosmetic Specialty, Metroeast Surgical Specialty and Highland Ambulatory Surgical Center in Highland, Illinois. He has participated in numerous educational seminars and symposiums for Vascular Surgery and In-office Vein Surgery.

Dr. Thomae lives in Highland, Illinois with his wife Anne and his six children.

Credentials for Liposculpture:
Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians
Member of the American College of Surgeons
American Board of Surgery, certified since 1994
Liposculpture advanced course at the Medicare-Approved Capistrano Surgicenter, CA
Traumatic Reconstruction: Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS

Credentials for Vein Surgery:
Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians
Member of the American College of Surgeons 1988
American Board of Surgery, certified since 1994; General Vascular Surgery
Midwest Vein Center, Vein Treatment, Centerville, OH 2007
TriVex and Tumescent Enhanced Vein Treatment, Aurora, IL 2006
Advanced Vein Treatments / Dornier Lasers: New Orleans, LA 2001

> What are “varicose veins”?
> Do these veins serve any useful purpose?
> What causes “varicose veins"?
> What can be done to prevent varicose veins?
> How many treatments are necessary to remove such veins?
> How successful is sclerotherapy?

Q: What are “varicose veins”?
A: The term varicose veins refer to abnormal and unwanted veins that vary in size from small spider veins up to larger bulging “varicose” veins. Varicose veins occur on the legs. Common symptoms include aching, leg fatigue and heaviness, itching, measures such as walking, compression hose and leg elevation typically temporarily improve these symptoms.

Q: Do these veins serve any useful purpose?
A: In the vast majority of cases, spider and varicose veins do not serve any useful function. In fact, they are dysfunctional veins. Removal of these veins may actually improve circulation. In extremely rare cases, when the deep veins of legs are blocked, varicose veins of legs may carry useful circulation and should not be removed.

Q: What causes “varicose veins"?
A: The causes of these veins are unclear. However, some factors have been identified that may contribute to the development of varicose and spider veins: family history or varicose veins, female hormones (internally produced or taken by prescription), pregnancy, trauma, age, obesity, and prolonged standing. Extensive exposure to the sun may also cause spider veins on the face.

Q: What can be done to prevent varicose veins?
A: Since the causes are still undetermined, prevention of these veins is debatable. However, maintaining a normal weight, walking, limiting the use of external female hormones and wearing supportive stockings may help limit the disease’s progression.

Q: How many treatments are necessary to remove such veins?
A: The severity and extent of each case will determine how many treatments will be required. A thorough evaluation of your specific needs will be done to determine the best method of treatment for you.

Q: How successful is sclerotherapy?
A: After several treatments, most patients notice a 50-90% improvement in the appearance and symptoms. The full effect and benefit of treatment usually takes several weeks. For this reason, many physicians recommend waiting several weeks in between treatments.

Dr. Keith R. Thomae, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Metroeast Cosmetic Specialty
1212 Broadway Suite B
Highland, IL 62249
618.654.8100
kthomae@charterinternet.com

Metroeast Cosmetic Specialty Website

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