The Dermal Dish
If you have a question for Dr. Fung, please email it to info@dermallaser.com
Benefits of Exfoliation. What's best for you?
October 13
Red wine. Natural Himalayan Pink Rock Salt. Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Sounds like the beginning of a great Mediterranean feast ... right? Well, what if we told you the most important thing you could do for your outer “you” involved everything that is mentioned above?
We’re referring to exfoliation. It is the step that a lot of people skip in their skin care routine. You can wash, tone and moisturize the dead skin living on your body’s surface day and night, but it will never truly improve the look or function of your skin. Have you ever taken a good look at your grandmother’s skin? (I'm referring to the average grandma…not the modern Botox wielding grandma!) If you have, you may have noticed that her skin is dull, lacklustre and grey-looking. Here’s why - dead skin residing on the surface absorbs light, giving the skin an unhealthy, dull look. However, once proper exfoliation of the skin begins; an almost immediate difference will be noticed. Although grandma could whip up her own exfoliant at home with ingredients found in her pantry, enlisting the help and knowledge of a skin care professional is only a phone call away!
The most popular methods to exfoliate the skin are microdermabrasion, chemical peels and the use of Retinoids. All are very effective and easily accessible through your neighbourhood Dermal Laser Centre. In-office exfoliation treatments are both gentle and effective treatments that will help to minimize age spots, lighten pigmentation and control oily skin. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation that removes dry dead cells, dirt and debris from your skin, leaving it bright and balanced.
At Dermal Laser Centres, our chemical peels are medical grade and use alpha and beta hydroxy acids, such as Glycolic and Salicylic for skin revitalization and resurfacing. These chemical peels safely target and remove a thin layer of damaged skin while promoting new cell growth. The results are often noticeable right away and the treatments are so gentle that you can keep up with in-office visits as often as every 14 days, improving your skin over the course of several treatments.
Equally important to in-office treatments (and often easier to fit into your schedule) is your at-home routine. Thanks to its tartaric acid, red wine was used for exfoliation long before you and your girlfriends started organizing spa dates. Fortunately, with so many reputable skin care lines available today, you can save your red wine for its other health benefits and take home some products that will do the trick!
What should you look for in a good exfoliant? It's important to know that you have two choices, physical and chemical exfoliants. For your physical exfoliant, a rice based exfoliant is a good choice as it is gentle enough for daily use but effective enough to remove skin-dulling debris. An all time favourite and best selling product is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. For your chemical exfoliants, a product containing either Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid is your best bet as either choice would offer excellent results. Lucky for you we’ve found a product that contains both - Dermalogica’s Daily Resurfacer! The beta hydroxy acid is salicylic while the alpha hydroxy acid is derived from apple fruit and sugar cane extracts – all packing a serious punch for at home exfoliation! If you can keep both physical and chemical exfoliants on hand, your skin will thank you. If you are on a budget, whether it be time or money, have let our skin care professionals help you decide on the best product for your skin, your budget and your skin care routine.
At Dermal Laser Centres, we carry a number of exclusive physician-developed and recommended products. Our respected and proven skin care products will help you maintain your skin’s health and its healthy glow. Put your skin in our hands and let us brighten up your day (and your face!)
Refreshing your look for 2011
December 30
I’m interested in having my look refreshed to ring in the New Year. I’d like to look my best, but am afraid I will end up not looking like myself. What should I consider of before making my decision? - Carolee, Richmond, B.C.
The first thing to consider would be what exactly it is that stands out to you when you look in the mirror. Is your skin looking dull? Do your laugh lines look as though you laugh all the time? Do you miss having cheeks that could be pinched? Have your lips lost some of their pout? Most women (and many men) have taken notice of these things which are all a natural part of aging.
You may brighten and tighten your dull skin by removing broken capillaries and sun spots with a fotofacial. To soften the lines around your eyes and lessen (often completely) the frown lines between your brows, you would receive Botox. If restoring volume is your goal, your injector would recommend a dermal filler.
The choice to go ahead with treatment is equally personal and important. A knowledgeable injector will begin by listening to your concerns, and will generally advise combination therapy. It is often recommended to combine a few different treatments to obtain your best results rather than trying to achieve an overall result with only one type of treatment.
In the hands of a qualified injector, your end result should not be an expressionless face with bee stung lips, which has become a concern heard all too often. Subtle changes to enhance and restore what has changed over time should allow you to walk away from your treatment with both the confidence in how you look, as well as the confidence that you will still look like you.
How to get rid of sun damage
September 20
I have been a sun worshipper my whole life, as I get older I’m starting to notice large sun spots on my face. Is there any way to get rid of them?
- Chloe, Surrey, BC
Over time your skin ages from an accumulation of both the pleasures and stresses of life. Typically, areas exposed to environmental elements age much more quickly, resulting in brown discoloration, redness and dry skin.
Sun damage, also known as "brown spots", "sun spots", “age spots”, or even "wisdom spots," usually appear on the face, neck, arms, hands and chest. By the age of 30, most people have superficial signs, as well as "invisible" damage beneath the surface.
An effective method of reversing the appearance of sun spots is known as photo-rejuvenation, also referred to as a FotoFacial RF™. This technology uses patented intense pulse light (IPL) combined with electrical energy to remove discoloration and improve tone and texture. Generally, the number of treatments to correct both reds and browns depends on the depth of damage. This can be established during the initial consultation.
After the treatment any sun damage will darken temporarily as it is brought to the surface. This can be easily removed using either at-home exfoliation or more quickly with an in-clinic microdermabrasion treatment. The redness caused by Rosacea can also be diminished using IPL, while superficial veins and broken capillaries will shrink and often disappear. After a treatment your skin will be sensitive and may look similar to a mild sunburn. Keeping the skin cool and avoiding exercise and heat on the area for 48 hours is extremely important.
For any treatment, always ensure that your skin care partner is physician-directed and has medical grade equipment for safe, effective results. Although photo-rejuvenation works well on brown tones due to sun damage, it should not be used to treat Melasma.
Before you begin any course of treatments, be sure to get a thorough skin assessment by a trained professional.
How to get the most out of your BOTOX treatment?
August 6
I’ve had BOTOX treatment about a week ago, any suggestions of how to obtain longer lasting results?
- Maria K, Surrey, BC
BOTOX will look natural when you have a skilled, experienced injector, and will last longer if you follow a few simple tips.
1. After your first treatment have a follow up in about two weeks. Getting your perfect dosage will ensure that you are going to have a treatment that lasts. Our injectors would rather be a bit conservative so you are not paying for product you don't need. We do a follow up after two weeks when the BOTOX is fully effective. You may need a few more units but then we will know the perfect dosage for the area. If you do not have enough product injected the area will move, and this movement will cause the BOTOX to wear off faster.
2. Pre-book your next appointment for four months. This is an average for most first time clients. If you feel you need to come in earlier we can do this, but we would like to ensure that your muscle is not going to be overly active before your next appointment. We do your initial treatments regularly so that the muscle will not build its strength back in between visits.
3. Use the muscles immediately to help the BOTOX start working. Don't lie down for 4-6 hours after your treatment. If you are having any laser treatments please wait 24 -48 hours.
4. Call immediately if you have any concerns or questions, and if you cancel your first follow up appointment please re-book this as soon as it is convenient. Communication with our staff will ensure you get the best possible results.
What's the best dermal filler for deep lines, cheeks, jawline and chin?
July 26
I’m a graceful age of sixty years old. I feel younger for my age and I want my face to look as young as I feel, what are my options?
Sam, P. North Vancouver, BC
All women age differently: skin either deflates (thinning skin), descends (sagging skin) or both, which equates to volume loss and loss of definition in the face. Many individuals are now familiar with adding dermal fillers and BOTOX® to their regular beauty maintenance routine, and in doing so have been able to smooth wrinkles, treat fine lines and fill thinning areas such as lips. Though wrinkles and deep lines are often identified as initial problem areas, few people realize that the mid-face including the cheek area is one of the first areas to show the signs of aging. Deep volume loss can cause a woman’s face to change shape.
Older anti-aging techniques primarily tightened the skin, which often produced unnatural looking results since lost volume was not replaced. Now we know that youthful contours can be more successfully re-created using a non-surgical volume lift.
A volume lift restores fullness. We now treat age-related volume loss in the mid-face, particularly the cheeks, cheekbones and around the mouth using a variety of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm VOLUMA or RADIESSE® are designed to smooth deep wrinkles, decrease shadowing around the lower mouth, and restore volume in the cheeks. Both fillers produce instant, natural looking results for up to one year and there is no downtime required. Apart from temporary swelling or bruising (at the injection site) there is little risk of complications and no allergy tests are required.
As everyone ages a little differently, each procedure is customized accordingly. The volume of product used varies according to the number of areas treated as well as the degree of correction required. A personal consultation with an experienced physician, trained specifically in advanced techniques should answer all your questions.
What is a Microdermabrasion?
July 15
I have heard all kinds of different things about a Microdermabrasion treatment, how do I determine if I am the right candidate?
Agatha, K. Vancouver, BC
Most of us have heard that exfoliating makes your skin look great, but don’t know enough to really understand the benefits. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that is good for virtually any age and skin type.
Our skin has a dead layer (the stratum corneum) which covers the living skin. Although it slowly sloughs off as new skin cells skin die, it also acts as a barrier to topicals such as your sunscreen and moisturizer. This rough, dry surface can hold debris and can make your skin look older than it is.
There is more than one kind of microdermabrasion treatment, but the most popular uses abrasive wands and gentle suction to get rid of the dry skin and impurities in one visit. For a full face it takes less than an hour and can be followed with products like hydrapeptides, and moisturizers to boost the results. Moisturizer will be able to penetrate the skin much better now that the dead skin has been exfoliated away.
Not only does the microdermabrasion reveal healthy, hydrated skin, but it also helps to stimulate increased collagen activity and cell regeneration. If you have superficial sun damage, fine lines, age spots or dry, dull skin, just one microdermabrasion can help. It gives good results as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with the FotoFacialRF in anti-aging therapy, and with glycolic peels for acne-prone skin.
The microdermabrasion gives immediate gratification and it’s one of the easiest and most affordable treatments available.
I've heard a lot lately about Soft Lift, what is it? and how can I benefit from the treatment?
June 4
I’m a 49 year old female drawn to new wrinkles around my eyes and mouth. I’ve also noticed that the rosy glow I had in my 20s is gone. I feel fantastic for my age and as I approach a milestone birthday next year, I want to look as good as I feel. Besides make-up or surgery, is there anything else I can do to improve my appearance?
Alison, R. Squamish, BC
Your story is quite common among women (and men) your age. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and volume, and skin renewal slows down. This is due to the loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid – two important anti-aging substances that naturally hydrate skin. As our skin loses these essential ingredients, we experience what’s called the “3 Ds” of aging.
The “3 Ds” of aging, also known as deterioration (the development of fine lines and wrinkles); descent (sagging or drooping skin); and deflation (loss of facial volume) causes our skin to lose the fullness we remember having at a younger age, and the overall shape of our face may change as well, causing us to look older than we really are.
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are increasingly becoming popular skin care options because they enhance your natural beauty, with very little downtime.
One of the newest customized approaches combines Botox Cosmetic with dermal fillers such as Juvéderm to directly address the “3 Ds” of aging.
Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, in between the eyebrows and forehead are treated with Botox Cosmetic, which works by relaxing facial muscles underneath these wrinkles. Facial filler is used in the mid and lower face to replenish lost volume in the cheeks and lips, contour and shape the jaw line, enhance thin lips, and fill in smile lines.
When the treatment uses a combination of Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm, it is also referred to as Soft Lift. This non-surgical approach treats the whole face – upper, middle and lower – to make facial features appear fuller, proportioned and balanced.
Most women want to look refreshed overall and get back that glow in their skin. Soft Lift achieves that subtle effect safely without any drastic changes so you still look like you, only better.
A combination of the right amounts and the right treatments can go a long way in helping you look as great as you feel.
The best way to get personalized information is to have a consultation with an experienced physician, Often you can book a follow up appointment within a couple of weeks to ensure that you are getting the best and longest lasting results possible.
Can BOTOX treat hyperhidrosis?
May 18
I have excess sweating in my underarms and feet which tends to be bothersome in the summer months. Can I get rid of it with Botox injections? And is it permanent?
David, L. Langley, BC
Sweating is an essential bodily function. Whether you’re working out at the gym or just outside on a hot day, you sweat to keep your core body from going beyond 37 C, a “safe” temperature at which your vital organs will not overheat. It’s normal, too, for stress and even spicy food to make you sweat a little. However, about three percent of adults sweat excessively in areas such as the face, under the arms, the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet, without even moving a muscle. This condition is called hyperhidrosis.
The body’s estimated four million sweat glands, which are connected to nerves in the sympathetic nervous system, trigger the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. For some unknown reason, certain people overreact to the release of this chemical and sweat excessively on their face, hands, feet and underarms.
Treatments can be simple and inexpensive depending on the severity of hyperhidrosis. To control mild cases of hyperhidrosis, consider over the counter antiperspirants that contain high concentrations of aluminum, such as Drysol. Or use of prescription topical cream called Dehydral. These preparations are relatively affordable, but they can irritate the skin and cause burning and a rash.
For more severe cases, injections of Botox in the hands, feet and underarms or scalp block the action of acetylcholine to stop excess sweating after about one week, and the benefit of a single treatment lasts about seven months. Botox injections are considered safe and have few side-effects.
As a last resort, you may consider a surgical procedure called endoscopic thoracic sumpathectomy, during which physicians cut the nerves that cause excessive sweating in other areas (such as on the face, scalp, back and chest).
How to look best in your 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's
May 4
When is the best time to start IPL and/or Botox and Dermal Filler treatments?
- Patricia H, Vancouver, BC
To look your best, treatments with medical-grade equipment and products are the key. It is never too early or too late to start thinking seriously about your skin. Treat your skin like anything you really value. Regular maintenance is critical for looking great at any age. Common skin problems at any stage of maturity can be addressed effectively and being pro-active means not only looking your best today, but looking better in the future. Many people wait too long and find that reversing problems is more difficult and expensive than preventing them.
For clients in their teens and early twenties, typically acne is the complaint. Using various medical exfoliation techniques, like Microdermabrasion and physician grade peels, is recommended in most cases. This dries up outbreaks and then gently removes the dry layer to leave skin looking and feeling fresh. As unwanted lines appear in the thirties on the forehead and around the eyes, many use Botox to ward off wrinkles and keep the skin smooth. The results look natural and your features look youthful and refreshed. In the forties, fifties and beyond, skin starts to loose it's elasticity and often noticeable red and brown discoloration adds to the aging process. Various laser and IPL therapies will eliminate veins, sun damage and tighten the skin. For lost volume due to collagen depletion (and gravity), dermal fillers can be injected in very targeted areas to fill wrinkles and deeper folds, and to restore facial contours.
Our technology and techniques result in treatments that are quick and require virtually no recovery time. Getting the information is available at no cost, so no one should go without finding out what is possible with all the recent advances in skin care.
Does BOTOX produce the same results for men as it does for women?
April 12
I’m a 40 year old male starting to notice wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes. I know that it’s more common for women to get Botox, but do men get this treatment as well and is it different for men?
- Steve J, Burnaby, BC
Men, just like women, want to maintain their youthful appearance. Typically, clinics see a majority of women, but the number of male patients using Botox and Dermal Fillers is growing steadily.
For both sexes, Botox works by relaxing the underlying muscles where dynamic lines, wrinkles, and creases tend to appear, such as around the eyes and on the forehead. After a Botox treatment, existing lines fade or disappear, resulting in a smoother, younger-looking appearance. Regular use of Botox also prevents new wrinkles from forming. Regardless of your mood, frown lines can make a man look angry or stressed. Botox treatments can give a confident, relaxed and refreshed look in any situation.
Because they tend to have larger and stronger muscles, men often need more Botox than women for optimal results. However, it is important to use enough to adequately relax the area. If not, the treatment will not last as long. For a first treatment we offer a free follow-up visit to ensure the optimal dosage has been injected. In this way we can offer the best possible value.
The only way to get meaningful information about your individual requirements is to have a consultation with well trained, experienced physician. You can see before and after photos, have a personal assessment and find out more about the products used. There is no recovery period, with most clients coming in 3 -4 times per year. We often refer to Botox as a lunch hour procedure as a treatment takes about 15 – 30 minutes. Our male clients love Botox because there virtually no effort or time required to look great.