FAQ

PHYSICIAN-DIRECTED BOTOX®

1. How does BOTOX® work?
   Every time you contract your muscles, they squeeze together to create a crease. Over time, that crease forms a wrinkle. BOTOX® is a purified protein that is injected into the muscle and interrupts the signal that causes the muscle to contract. This relaxes the area and prevents the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles.
    
2. Is BOTOX® safe?
   Yes, BOTOX® is extremely safe it has been used therapeutically since 1990 and was approved for cosmetic use by Health Canada in 2001. It is currently the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure. Like any other injectable, BOTOX® may cause some minor side effects, including occasional bruising and slight headaches. However most side effects are rare.
    
3. How much does BOTOX® cost and how long does it last?
   The costs associated with BOTOX® treatments are dependant on the amount of product needed for each treatment and the areas of the face being treated. For instance, treating frown lines between the eyebrows typically costs $300 - $600 depending on the size of the area and the depth of the lines. Treatments generally last up to four months.
    
4. How long does BOTOX® treatment take?
   BOTOX® treatments usually take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the area(s) being treated. There is very little, if any, downtime after treatment. In fact, many clients return to work or other obligations immediately after treatment.
    
5. Who performs BOTOX® injections?
   All of our injections are performed by our Medical Team, which includes our Medical Director, Associate Doctors and Nurses.
    

PHYSICIAN-DIRECTED DERMAL FILLERS

1. What are dermal fillers?
   Dermal fillers add volume and fullness to skin as it ages. They are used to reverse wrinkles and eliminate deep folds. They can even enhance features like lips and cheekbones to create the look you want. Dermal fillers can also be used for a non-surgical facelift, or nose bridge augmentation.
    
2. How do dermal fillers work?
   Dermal fillers bind water in the skin to give your skin a natural, supple look. They are injected into the treatment area using fine needles. To minimize discomfort, topical freezing, dental blocks, and fillers with lidocaine are used.
    
3. What is the difference between Restylane, Juvéderm, and RADIESSE? And how do I know which to use?
   Both Restylane and Juvéderm are non-animal derived hyaluronic acid injections. They are used to add volume to the skin (“plumping” it) and to fill deep facial folds and wrinkles. While they are the same type of filler, they have unique characteristics that vary, including molecule size, which may result in one being preferred over the other. RADIESSE is a calcium hydroxylapatite particle suspended in hyaluronic acid. It is similar in structure to 
dental enamel and bone. Because of its thick nature, RADIESSE is placed into the deep dermal layer of the skin and can last up to one year depending on the injection site and the client’s metabolism. An experienced member of our Medical Team can determine which filler to use based on your unique skin anatomy and the specific results you are hoping to achieve.
    
4. Are dermal fillers safe?
   Yes, dermal fillers are extremely safe. Minor side effects may include bruising and swelling at the injection site(s). There are no animal by-products in dermal fillers so there is no need for allergy testing.
    
5. How much do dermal fillers cost?
   Dermal fillers start as low as $400. The price varies depending on the area being injected, the filler being used, and the expected results.
    

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

1. Is laser hair removal safe for my skin?
   Yes, your safety is our number one priority. Since laser hair removal uses light to remove the hair it is a totally non-invasive treatment. Our team ensures your safety in a number of ways:
   • we perform a test patch during your consultation, then wait at least 24 hours before your treatment to see if and how your skin reacts to the treatment
   • we conduct a throrough skin assessment and medical evaluation to ensure that you are a prime candidate for laser hair removal
   • we shield your eyes with protective goggles during facial treatments
    
2. How does laser hair removal work?
   Everyone’s hair grows differently depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnicity, 
medications, and other factors. But all hair grows in three distinct phases:
   • The active growth phase (anagen phase) lasts up to several years. At any given time, the majority of our body hair is in this phase. During anagen, the hair has an abundance of melanin (pigment).
   • The regressive phase (catagen phase) lasts about two weeks. During this time, the hair stops growing but does not shed. About three to four percent of our body hair is in this phase at any given time.
   • The resting phase (telogen phase) lasts five to six weeks, at the end of which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to grow. Approximately 10-13% of our body hair is in this phase at any given time.
   The LightSheer Diode laser is most effective at disabling hair growth in the active growth or anagen phase. Because all hair in a treated area may not be in the anagen phase, a series of treatments is necessary to remove the hair that subsequently enters the growth phase.
    
3. How many treatments are required for permanent hair removal?
   We often say that five to seven treatments help to achieve maximum results. However, some areas of the body respond better than others. Dermal Laser provides free consultations to help you understand the hair growth and removal process and what you can expect from your treatment. Only about 20% of your hair is in active growth at any given time, which means that even the best treatments will require multiple sessions.
    
4. Does laser hair removal hurt?
   Our clinic team works to ensure that every laser hair removal client is as comfortable as possible before, during, and after treatment. Everyone has a difference pain tolerance. So it’s important to perform a test patch so you can see how your treatment will feel. Many of our clients prefer to use a topical numbing anesthetic called EMLA for sensitive and larger areas.
    

SKIN REJUVENATION

FotoFacial RF™

1.  What is FotoFacial RF™
   FotoFacial RF is a series of face, neck, and/or chest treatments using pulses of visible light to effectively improve facial redness and flushing as well as reduce signs of sun damage and aging. FotoFacial RF™ treatments provide a consistent, visible improvement to your skin with no downtime, little discomfort, and minimal risk.
    
2. How does FotoFacial RF™ work?
   FotoFacial RF™ uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and radio frequency (RF) energy to target imperfections in the more superficial or epidural layer of the skin and reduce fine blood vessels and facial redness. FotoFacial RF can eliminate abnormal pigmentation, sun damage, and freckles. IPL also helps to generate new collagen formation and tighten skin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
    
3. What can I expect from a FotoFacial RF treatment?
   During your 45-minute to an hour-long FotoFacial RF™ session, you should expect to experience a mild discomfort. This feeling will not continue after treatment. Immediately following treatment, your skin may appear red and flushed; tiny capillaries may appear more visible and brown spots will appear darker. These changes will fade over a period of a few hours to a few days.
    
4. How soon will I see results?
   After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and appear more evenly toned. These improvements will gradually increase over time and become more visible after each treatment. Five treatments are recommended to achieve optimal results. These should be performed every three to four weeks.
    
5. How should I prepare for my treatment?
   Tanning, including self-tanners should be avoided for at least three to four weeks before treatment and for at least two weeks after treatment. Your face should be free of makeup or heavy-scented creams. Use of exfoliating creams should also be discontinued 3 days prior to treatment.
    

SKIN TIGHTENING

1. What is Skin Tightening?
   Skin tightening is a minimally invasive, non-surgical process that uses an infrared light source to tighten skin by heating the collagen under the skin’s surface, causing the skin to contract (tighten). Facial skin tightening is noticeable immediately after the treatment, and there is no downtime, making this an increasingly popular procedure. Additional skin tightening occurs over the next few months, but optimal results usually require three to five treatments about a month apart.
    
2. What should I expect after a skin tightening treatment?
   You may experience a lingering warmth, tightness, or redness in the treated area. This will fade within a few hours of treatment. Because so much of the skin is unaffected by light pulses, there is a quick healing process. Generally, you can receive a treatment and return to work or other activities without any recovery time.
    
3. When will I see results?
   Most clients notice changes in skin tone and conditioning immediately following skin tightening treatment. However, because the procedure is designed to stimulate the natural growth of collagen, the patient’s optimal results may take up to a few months to be visible.
    
4. Are multiple treatments necessary?
   Although clients usually notice decreases in skin elasticity after their first skin tightening sessions, most skin tightening experts recommend up to six treatments, depending on personal expectations, to achieve optimal results. Treatments are generally spaced roughly three to four weeks apart. After the initial series of skin tightening treatments, some clients opt for yearly touch-up sessions to target areas most prone to wrinkles and lines.
    
5. How much does skin-tightening cost?
   The cost of laser skin tightening varies depending on each client’s specific skin condition, the number of treatments required to achieve desired results, and the need for combination treatments. Many clients will combine skin tightening with other treatments such as FotoFacial or dermal fillers. For additional information, please contact our call centre at 604.638.SKIN (7546) or one of our clinics.
    
6. Is skin tightening safe?
   Yes. Skin tightening is a safe and painless way to rejuvenate the appearance of your skin. Unlike other laser treatments which promote the growth of new skin by removing superficial layers of existing skin, skin tightening does not burn or break the skin. Clients who undergo skin tightening experience few side effects, most of which are minor inconveniences such as redness or minimal and temporary swelling.
    

SKIN EXFOLIATION

Microdermabrasion

1. How is microdermabrasion done?
   Our Certified Laser Technician will move the Microdermabrasion wand hand piece across the treatment area – your face, neck, chest, elbows, arms, or hands – the gentle suction will get rid of the dry skin and impurities in one visit.
    
2. Does Microdermabrasion hurt?
   No, it doesn’t generally hurt, it feels like a light abrasion. Our Certified Laser Technician will customize the level of pressure to your skin type. Your skin may feel hot and appear pinkish immediately following treatment, but this will not last.
    
3. How do I prepare for Microdermabrasion?
   There are no specific preparation instructions for this treatment. We do recommend that you avoid any substance (acid peels, heavy exfoliation, etc.) and any situation (such as sun burn) that may leave your skin sensitive on treatment day. We don’t perform Microdermabrasion on clients with Rocasea or broken capillaries.
    
4. How long does the procedure take and how many treatments will I need?


   Microdermabrasion is a quick 30 to 45 minute treatment. Most clients see and feel dramatic improvements after just a few treatments, but we recommend doing one Microdermabrasion per month or at least one per season. Severe skin problems, such as deep acne scars and dark spots, will take several treatments before any improvement is noticeable.
    
5. Can I combine Microdermabrasion with another treatment?
   Yes, you can. Microdermabrasion is the perfect compliment to other treatments, including FotoFacial RF™, BOTOX®, glycolic peels, and skin tightening. We can customize a skin treatment package for individual skin types and desired results.
    

Medical-Grade Peel

1. What is a Medical-Grade Peel?
   Our Medical Grade Peel is a combination of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), such as Glycolic Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), such as Salicylic Acids.  AHA acids are a group of compounds derived from food products, especially fruits, while BHA acids are a group of citric acids. This chemical exfoliation promotes facial rejuvenation, reduces appearance of hyperpigmantation as well as acne and minor scarring caused by acne.
    
2. How is the peel performed?
   Medique AHA/BHA exfoliative treatment is applied to the skin at a concentration predetermined level that is best for your skin type. Our medical-grade peels have the highest concentration available. The peel is left on for a very short period of time (approximately 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type) and then removed and neutralized. We apply a protective Medique Aloe gel, Medique Multivitamin Enriched Face Cream and a broad spectrum sunscreen.
    
3. How many peels will I need?
   Most clients should plan on receiving 6 to 8 peels, every two weeks or more, to achieve optimal results. A single peel will firm and freshen the skin; however improvement is gradual and seen as treatments progress.
    
4. What are the risks?
   Some people respond to a glycolic/salicylic peel with only mild redness. Adverse reactions such as peeling are possible. We do not perform medical peels on patients who use or have used acne medication, such as Accutane within one year or patients who have a herpetic lesion or open wounds within the area to be exfoliated. We also don't perform treatments on pregnant clients or clients who are allergic to ASA (Aspirin).
    
5. How do I prepare for a Glycolic Peel?
   Pre preparation with Medique's AHA/BHA home care skin product before an exfoliative treatment is beneficial but not essential. Ask your Technician about Medique's home care line. Avoid applying masks, scrubs or exfoliating agents for at least 48 hours prior to your medical-grade peel. Notify us if you have cold sores, fever blisters, or herpes outbreak anywhere on the face prior to appointment, also let us know if you have used Proactive or any other product which includes prescription based ingredients.
    
6. What should I do post-peel?
   It is important that you refrain from using any home skin care products that have active ingredients or other topical skin products that could irritate the skin for at least 48 hours post treatment. It is recommended that you apply Medique's Multivitamin Enriched Moisturizer for 48 hours after your peel as well as sunscreen and avoid exercise and sweating (sauna) for a few hours after the peel.