What
are the benefits of aesthetic vs. Plastic surgery?
Plastic surgery is surgery. It involves cutting away tissue, restructuring
of the tissue to achieve a different morphological look. Aesthetic
medicine is less aggressive, but attempts to address each aspect
of the whole picture. This includes quality of the skin and morphology
to a more limited degree using different techniques correcting
sun damage, fine wrinkling, hair presence, obesity and general
age management health issues which will make you project a younger
self to the world. This comes from tending to each aspect of health.
Thermage
FAQ's
What
is the Thermage procedure?
Thermage is a safe, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that is clinically
proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin to restore a naturally
younger looking appearance. The Thermage procedure uses the ThermaCool®
System to help tighten existing collagen and stimulate new natural
collagen growth. Immediate results are usually visible and continue
to improve for up to six months. Unlike lasers, the procedure
can be performed on patients of all skin color.
How
does the Thermage procedure work?
The procedure works by heating collagen fibers deep in the skin
and underlying tissue, while protecting the skin's surface with
a cooling spray. A ThermaTip™ treatment tip is attached
to the ThermaCool System's handpiece. The ThermaTip briefly touches
the skin, delivering the non-invasive capacitive radiofrequency
energy beneath the skin. This deep uniform heating action causes
the structures in the skin and underlying tissue to immediately
tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to
further tighten and contour skin.
When will I see results?
Visible results are often immediate and improve over time. Measurable
tightening and contouring improvements appear gradually over a
two to six month time period following a single treatment session.
How many treatments will I need?
Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions,
most Thermage patients benefit from a single treatment. The treating
doctor will determine the course of treatment that is right for
each patient, based on the patient's needs and goals.
Where is the Thermage procedure performed?
Thermage procedures can tighten skin safely on most body parts,
including the face, eyes, lips, tummy, arms, hands, thighs and
buttocks.
How long does the Thermage procedure
take?
The Thermage procedure is a completely non-invasive, safe treatment
that is performed only in a doctor's office. Depending on the
size and location of the area to be treated, the procedure may
take as little as 20 minutes or up to two hours.
Is
there any special preparation or follow-up regime?
No. Unlike surgery, there is no pre-procedure preparation, such
as blood work or fasting required. With little to no downtime,
most patients can return to their regular activities immediately
following treatment. There is no special care after treatment.
Some patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after
treatment; this usually resolves within 24 hours. Good skin care
and sunscreens are recommended as part of your regular skin care
regimen. The only signs of treatment are naturally smoother, younger,
and healthier skin.
How long will the effects of the Thermage procedure last?
The Thermage procedure immediately tightens existing collagen
and stimulates new natural collagen production for up to six months
following the treatment. Results may last for years depending
on the patient's skin condition and natural aging process.
Is
the Thermage procedure safe?
The Thermage procedure has an excellent safety record. With over
450,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date, the reported
incidence of side effects is less than 0.2%. The most frequently
reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps,
and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects
have disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.04%) but
longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity
has been reported.
Botox FAQs
What should I tell my doctor before using BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only your doctor can decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for
you. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you:
•
have any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles. These diseases
may increase your chance of side effects with BOTOX® Cosmetic
treatment.
• are breastfeeding
• are planning to become pregnant soon.
Can
any of my medicines interact with BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Be sure that your doctor knows the names of all the medicines
you are using, including:
• antibiotics used to treat infections, such as gentamicin,
tobramycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin
• medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, such as
quinidine
• medicines used to treat different conditions, such as
myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer's disease.
As with all prescription medicines, you should also notify your
doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal
products.
Laser
Vein and Varicosity Treatment FAQ's
How
does it work?
We use the latest in laser technology to perform laser vein therapy.
Our laser wavelength is designed to only be absorbed by the pigment
found in the blood of the veins, not the surrounding skin. The
vein will absorb the laser energy, which will heat it and seal
off the blood flow to the varicosity. What remains may look similar
to a bruise. This will be absorbed naturally by the body as would
any bruise.
How much does it cost?
Cost is based solely on the time neccessary for your treatment.
These appointments are timed in 15-minute increments, with a minimum
of 15 minutes per appointment. The laser therapy is quick &
efficient. Many veins can be treated in a short period of time.
A free consultation will determine approximately what treatment
length is required to get the results you desire.
Will
they all be gone after one treatment?
Although you will see significant results after one treatment,
we seldom get them all in one treatment. The majority of clients
have layers of veins that can only be treated one layer at a time.
Typically clients require 3 or more treatments.
Will
I be burned?
When treating veins we are using the highest energy settings on
the laser. Although highly unlikely, it is possible for you to
develop a small blister. If this happens, we recommend using an
antibiotic ointment to keep it moist while it heals to avoid any
scarring.
Does
it hurt?
Clients who have had schlero-therapy (saline injections) will
be pleased to know that laser treatments are significantly more
comfortable. You can expect it to feel like a rubber band snapping
on your skin.
What
do I need to bring to my appointment?
If you wish to have laser vein therapy on your legs, you may want
to bring a pair of shorts to wear during the treatment and a pair
of support hose to wear after the treatment. There is no need
for any special preparation prior to your treatment.
Can
I return to work after my treatment?
Yes, you may return to work immediately after your treatment.
We ask that clients who have leg varicosities treated stay off
of their feet as much as possible for twenty-four hours after
a treatment. The additional pressure caused by standing may reopen
the sealed vein. If this is not possible, we ask clients to wear
support hose for the twenty-four hours following their treatment.
Dermal Fillers FAQs
How is a Dermal Filler treatment done?
During treatment the dermal filler is injected into the skin in
tiny amounts with a very thin needle. The gel then gives natural
volume and smoothes out the wrinkles.
How long will the treatment session
take?
In general a treatment takes 30 minutes. The time can differ somewhat,
depending on the correction to be performed.
What
can be treated?
Each of us has natural lines that can be improved. Dermal fillers
can be used to give you a long-lasting and natural beauty lift:
smoothing wrinkles and folds, and giving your mouth a fuller,
more sensuous appearance.
Does
it hurt?
For wrinkle treatments no pain relief is generally necessary,
however it can be easily arranged at your request. When enhancing
the lips, pain relief in the form of a local anaesthetic is often
used.
How
soon will I see the results?
The results of most dermal fillers can be seen immediately.
What
will I look like after the treatment?
Immediately after the treatment you can expect slight redness
and swelling. This is a normal result of the injection. The inconvenience
is temporary and generally disappears in a day or two. If the
inconvenience continues or if other reactions occur, please contact
the clinic. The initial swelling after lip treatment may last
longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week and
the lips can look somewhat uneven during this time. This means
that the result directly after the treatment should not be looked
upon as the final result.
top
Photorejuvenation
FAQ's
Do
I have to miss work or scheduled social functions?
No. This procedure is a "no downtime" procedure meaning
that you may return to all scheduled activities immediately.
What
will my skin look like after the procedure has been done?
Your skin may look slightly flushed temporarily. This mild "glow"
will usually not be noticed by other individuals. If you wish,
you may apply powder or make-up right away.
Is
the procedure painful?
You will experience a slight sensation as the pulses of therapeutic
light are passed over your skin. The sensation is very mild and
easily tolerated. Topical anaesthic creams are not required but
are available for individuals who wish to numb the skin.
How
many treatments are required?
A series of five treatments is scheduled. Each treatment takes
less than one hour to perform. Treatments are scheduled approximately
three weeks apart. A series of treatments will take about fifteen
weeks to complete.
Will
I be able to interrupt my treatments for a holiday or trip or
other event?
Yes. We are able to reschedule your visit and will always endeavour
to accomodate necessary changes. We request notice as soon as
possible in advance as that time has been reserved for your treatment.
We appreciate seven days notice for rescheduling.
How long do the results last?
The results achieved from the treatment series can be expected
to last for possilby several years or longer. However, with the
passage of time and with environmental exposure, skin ages as
we do. IPL Photorejuvenation will provide beneifts and significantly
reverse many of the visible signs of sun-damaged skin. The improvement
that has been achieved following a first series of five treatments
can be maintained by occasional single maintenance treatments.
Are
maintenance treatments necessary?
Maintenance treatments are recommended in order to maintain the
positive benefits that have been achieved after completing the
first series of five treatments.
Can
I have a treatment while my skin is tanned?
No. We prefer to treat skin that is not tanned, although a slight
"chronic" tan may be acceptable. We will assess your
skin at the time of your consultation.
What
areas can benefit from IPL Photorejuvenation?
Areas of skin which will benefit the most are generally sun exposed
areas. The commonest areas treated are the face, the neck, the
chest and the backs of the hands.
Laser
Hair Removal FAQ's
Is
Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The general opinion is that laser hair removal is permanent, and
the Food and Drug Administration approved it as “permanent
reduction,” but doesn’t work on everyone. Generally,
this means that you shouldn’t expect laser to remove every
single hair from an area. Most people need to follow up with electrolysis
treatments for any remaining hairs for complete clearance as hair
becomes too fine for laser to target and you reach diminishing
returns. Most will also need touch-up treatments 1-2 times a year
after the initial set of treatments for any new growth your body
develops with age.
A set of at least 6-8 treatments at specified intervals are generally
necessary to achieve substantial hair removal with laser. Factors
that determine the length of treatment include the particular
area to be treated, the texture of hair, frequency of treatments,
history of temporary measures to remove hair (waxing, tweezing,
shaving, and depilatories, etc.) etc.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Lasers are optical devices which produce intense coherent, collimated
and mono-chromatic beams of light. A laser consists of an active
medium such as a crystal, gas or liquid that amplifies light when
excited by an external energy source (a flash amp or electric
discharge, for example). When the appropriate medium is employed,
the laser can be fine-tuned to generate a very narrow band of
light wavelengths (such as the individual colors of the visible
spectrum).
What Should I Expect Before and After Treatment?
You should shave the area to be treated 1-3 days before treatment
(some clinics will offer to do this for you, but beware of irritation
caused by disposable razors etc). No waxing or removing hair with
the root with any other way is allowed 4-6 weeks before and throughout
the course of treatment as hair needs to be in place to be targeted
by laser. The area should be shaved as closely as possible so
that laser can target the most energy towards the hair follicle
and not waste energy on the part of the hair above the skin’s
surface. If your hair is the type that you can’t see where
it was right after you shave, make it a bit easier on your tech
not to miss the spots you want treated by shaving 1-3 days before
so the outline of where hair is growing is just VERY slightly
visible.
After treatment is completed (underarms take under 10 minutes,
back treatment can take 1 hour or so), you should apply aloe vera
to soothe the skin for a few days. Within 2-3.5 weeks, you should
experience shedding of all treated hair. At first, hair will look
like it’s growing back in, but it is just coming through
the skin to shed. Shedding starts at about 1.5 weeks and can last
until 3.5 weeks post-treatment or so. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing
gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process.
After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots
still “stuck” in the skin. These are commonly referred
to as “pepperspots” and will shed eventually, but
might take a bit longer. Exfoliate to help those out as well.
After shedding occurs, you should experience a hairfree period
for a few weeks, until next set of hair that was dormant before
starts to come in. Once you have enough to justify one, go in
for another treatment. This usually happens within 6-10 weeks
post-treatment. Patient continues this process until he/she has
reached diminishing returns and the remaining hairs are too fine
for laser to target, or until you have reached you desired reduction.
If you don’t experience shedding, the settings used might
have been too low and you should inform your technician that it
didn’t happen. Also, if you feel that a lot of hair didn’t
shed, the technician might have missed a lot of areas, and you
might consider asking for a free touch-up. This should be done
4 weeks after treatment as by then shedding will be complete and
you will know that whatever remains wasn’t affected. Certain
clinics might offer these touch-ups free of charge when you sign
up for treatments as their standard practice.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
In one pulse, the laser can remove all the hair on a patch of
skin the size of a nickel (depending on the specific laser spot
size ranging from 9-18mm on average – i.e. the “head”
of the laser from which the power is coming with every pulse).
Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but generally laser
hair removal is not much more painful than waxing, but the sensation
is different. It resembles a rubber band snapping against the
skin for a quick second with each pulse. Most people do not require
an anesthetic cream (like EMLA), but one may be used for very
sensitive patients/areas (can be provided or prescribed at the
clinic). Be aware that using anesthetic creams is only safe on
small areas (like upper lip, bikini, or underarms) and in small
quantities. Using it on large areas like the back can cause adverse
effects or even death. Consult with your tech and doctor if unsure.
Microdermabrasion
FAQ's
Am I a candidate for Microdermabrasion?
If you have or have had acne, discolorations, superficial lines
and wrinkles, uneven texture or sun damaged skin -- you may be
a candidate for Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion can not be
expected to removed deep scars or wrinkles, birth marks or tattoos.
If you have no history of hypo/hyper-pigmentation or keloid scarring
in your family you should consider microdermabrasion as an alternative
to a deeper invasive peel.
What
is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a mini procedure that involves the skin being
"sandblasted" by aluminum oxide crystals to remove the
horny (top) layer of the skin; dead skin cells. And to promote
the production of new cells in the basal (deepest) layer of the
dermis. This procedure may not work for everyone but it works
for me and Marc. It can clean your pores incredibly and hinder
any future breaks outs if used on a regular basis. Microdermabrasion
also stimulates collagen net working to further even out skin
texture and appearance.
When is Microdermabrasion usually performed?
Microdermabrasion can be performed anytime, with sessions at 10
days apart from each other for best results. Although this procedure
can nit be expected to remove serious sun damage. It is best for
women to schedule this procedure in the first two weeks after
their menstrual cycle as, the skin is more sensitive nearing and
during this time
How is Microdermabrasion performed?
A cleansing toner is applied to the skin to remove excess oils
for better application and penetration. A self contained wand
is manually passed over the skin in areas of damage or all over
the face, which is usually the case. The machine delivers fine,
sanitary aluminum oxide crystals to the face that "sand blasts"
away dead skin and impurities. The procedure lasts about 20 to
30 minutes, depending upon the 'depth' or 'strength' of the peel.
Afterwards a cotton ball saturated with a soothing toner is passed
over the face then a re-hydrating cream and sun block are applied.
What should I expect after Microdermabrasion?
You can expect to feel as if you have a mild sun burn or windburn.
You skin will feel very dry and may peel. This is natural and
is the purpose of the procedure. You should regularly apply a
high quality moisturizer as well as a high protection sun block.
Do not expose your face to sunlight for long periods of time,
not even tanning beds. You should not use any exfoliating scrubs
or lotions beforehand or afterwards for at least 3 days. Your
skin will be smoother and the damage will be lessened. Although
for serious damage a series (of 4 to 6 sessions) can be scheduled
at 5 day intervals. It truly depends upon your technician.
Does Microdermabrasion hurt?
Microdermabrasion does not hurt although it may sting a little
around the eye area. The patient normally works up as they go
to increase the penetration level. Your skin may feel a little
hot and appear a little pink for the first day.
Will Microdermabrasion get rid of
my fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars?
In most cases, yes. Although severe scarring will not be lessened
in appearance with solely Microdermabrasion. Sometimes a regimen
of Retin-A and or Glycolic treatments in conjunction with Microdermabrasion
will increase your chances the best results possible.
Peels
FAQ’s
How much discomfort should be expected when having a peel?
The level of discomfort experienced depends on the treatment.
Most chemical peels are gentle and create little or no burning
or stinging sensation in the skin. Dramatic wrinkling, sun damage
or acne scars may require a deeper peel, which may cause moderate
stinging for a few minutes. More dramatic results can be expected
from a deeper peel, however deep peels are not necessary for most
skin types and conditions. Our philosophy of taking a low-dose
approach means our superficial chemical peels create minimal discomfort
and produce beautiful and immediate results for most patients.
Should
people who are frequently in the sun receive peels?
Yes, but only if they are compliant with using sunscreen protection
every day. Sunbathing should be avoided directly following a treatment
and while the skin is peeling. If you are getting peels to lighten
the skin, it is imperative to use an appropriate sunblock such
as the Atzen skincare line.
Will a chemical peel make thin skin even thinner?
Dry skin is partially the result of dead cell buildup, which actually
hinders natural exfoliation as well as the absorption and penetration
of vitamins and nutrients. Having a chemical peel will remove
surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a plumper, “thicker”
appearance. The use of topical vitamin C and peptide products
in a treatment, as well as in your daily care regimen will help
build collagen in the skin, thus making it stronger and more durable.
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