BC Laser & SkinCare Clinic

Single Biggest thing you can do for your health

2011-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Coolsculpting (Zeltiq) at BC LASER

2011-11-22T16:11:00.000-08:00

We are having a great time with the Coolsculpting procedure. It is amazingly convenient procedure for fat removal.
It really is a convenient procedure to have performed oneself.
Check out these two videos on Dr. Oz
Video 1
Video 2

Some comments about adult acne for people in their 30's

2011-10-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

Adults, and particularly women, tend to flare occasionally with adult acne. In women, fluctuation of hormones during the menstrual cycle play a significant role. Aside from this a few simple measures of prevention of acne include:
1. Cleansing your face twice daily! with a great cleanser! This will remove excess sweat and fatty residue that traps the pores and feeds bacteria the excess oils. By the way, never sleep with your makeup for the same reason.
2. While working out at the gym never put your face on the vinyl on a workout bench and do not touch your face while working out wash or shower right after this. Remember you could also get acne on your back.
3.Fatty meals, nuts and chocolate have again been linked to an exacerbation of acne. Eat them with measure.
4. Take plenty of antioxidants. Fruits are preferred like blueberries or oranges. Otherwise, vitamin C 1 gram twice daily ( you'll stay looking younger too!)
5. Continuous use of a thin layer of a retinoid cream on your face at bedtime will not only keep your skin smooth and looking healthy, but will also prevent acne flares.
6. Stress will trigger acne. There is even the 'vacation pimple' because of all the stress of traveling and packing, plus the change in food and sleeping habits that can happen on a vacation.
7. Avoid heavy makeup ( mousse and mineral makeups are preferred for acne prone skin). Avoid heavy oily sunnlocks. Micronized preparations of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunblocks offer superior coverage and do not flare acne

Any concerns from switching from Revitalash to Latisse?

2011-10-17T14:20:00.001-07:00

Positive effects when switching from Revitalash to Latisse

When making the switch from Revitalash to Latisse, the effects should only be positive. Your eyelashes will not fall out. In fact, they'll very likely get longer, thicker, and fuller, as Latisse truly contains the active ingredients that cause the effects the other products often claim to.

Latisse, or bimatoprost, is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes on a nightly basis. There are potential side effects, so be sure to see a physician with experience for your prescription. You will likely begin to see the results in 4-6 weeks.

What works better Revitalash or Latisse?

2011-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, Latisse works better than Revitalash
Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment used to grow eyelashes. Latisse make the eyelashes longer, thicker and darker. Revitalash, on the other side, improves only the length and the thickness of the lashes, not the color, and it isn't FDA-approved. Revitalash is a cosmetic conditioner, not an active ingredient.

California Bans indoor tanning for minors

2011-10-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

Great Idea!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/tanning-law

How to Remove Milia Under Eye Problem?

2011-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me how to rid myself of under eye milia? I've heard that only a physician can lance them. Is there not a treatment or cream that you can buy?

A combination of treaments works best for milia
Milia are tiny little cysts. They may form from use of thick creams, rubbing the skin (especially in people who have itchy allergy eyes), or they may form for no identifiable reason.
The best way to treat milia depends on how many you have and where they are located. In almost all patients, I start with a topical retinoid cream to help exfoliate the skin and "open up" the milia. Regular use of a retinoid also reduces the formation of new milia.
For larger milia, I sometimes use a chemical peel or "lance" them and extract the contents. Or I may use a light electric current or a very light laser to remove the top layer of skin over the milia and destroy it.

Your skin tone may also help determine the best method of treatment. Patients with darker skin tones have a higher risk of discoloration, so I am very conservative and very careful in their treatment.

Thermage CPT on Stomach - Will It Help?

2011-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

I've had 2 kids (gained 50 pounds with both and lost the weight each time). I'm back to my weight, very thin, but have lost the elasticity in my skin on my abdomen. Attached is a picture. I have a 3 year old and 1 year old, no help and little money so the option of a tummy tuck is out for me for now. I found a place that is doing Thermage CPT for $900 any area and am going in in a few days to have it done.

Thermage CPT can tighten loose skin anywhere on the body. Thermage CPT is not a surgical treatment, but many people do not want surgery or the resulting scars, can't afford it, or are not good surgical candidates. The results that you see depend on several factors: the condition of your skin, age, sun exposure history, smoking history and how the treatment is performed. Thermage CPTworks by tightening your collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen, so the better your skin is before treatment the better your results will be. During treatment, energy is put into the skin in individual "pulses" and the total amount of energy put into the area is important. If it is cheap chances are that some corners are being cut. If you do not have enough energy (enough "pulses") you will not see much in the way of results. Based on your picture I think you could see a noticeable improvement if you had a treatment with enough energy. Be sure that you ask about the energy and pulses being given to you.

Thermage CPT works and works better than older Thermage

2011-10-12T12:08:00.001-07:00

Thermage is a non-surgical skin tightening treatment that provides subtle skin tightening and contouring. It absolutely works, but it isn't surgery so no one should expect the same results as with surgery. Anyone who expects dramatic skin tightening is going to be disappointed. People choose Thermage because they want skin tightening without the risks of surgery, without the downtime, and without anyone knowing they have had anything done. They also choose Thermage to postpone or prevent the need for surgery, or to maintain their surgical results.

Thermage CPT is different from previous versions of Thermage. There is more cooling of the skin surface and more energy delivered with each pulse. More energy means a more effective treatment. There is also vibration with each pulse, and between the vibration and the increased cooling the treatment is quite comfortable. Patients do not need any pain medication and report that the treatments do not hurt. Thermage CPT gives a more comfortable, more effective treatment.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

My 18 year old daughter sent me a text last night ( I am giving you this context as she is a new college student thousands of miles away and having a time of her life and contacting parents is not high on her list of priorities) saying Steve Jobs had passed away. She was in a profound shock and could not believe it. She has grown up with Apple Products around her and his death has clearly had an effect on her.
He clearly changed the way we experience technology.
He summarizes living very nicely for me:

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

2011-10-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Nail fungus can severely damage your nails, leaving them discolored, jagged, and brittle. While nail fungus is often attributed to poor hygiene, the fungi capable of causing this condition are present in nearly every environment. In most cases, the immune system is able to fight and destroy these fungi. It is when a person’s immune system is compromised that this fungi can take over and lead to this condition. The elderly are most at risk, especially those with weakened immune systems, decreased blood circulation, and diabetes. Moist and humid environments are also a risk, such as a communal shower at a gymnasium or pool. These moist environments can even include socks and shoes that do not absorb perspiration or allow for proper air flow. People with athlete’s foot and psoriasis are also at increased risk.

There are many ways to combat nail fungus. Be sure to wear socks that are breathable, such as those made out of natural fibers. When in a communal shower or other wet area, be sure not to walk barefoot. In the case that you have a nail injury, pay careful attention that it stays clean and dry so that it may heal without any fungi entering it. Also, give your shoes a break every few days and let them air out. For those who partake in salon pedicures and manicures, be sure to go to a clean and reputable one. Most places will even allow you to bring your own files and clippers.

Even with these precautions, fungi may still strike your nails. It is important to treat this condition as early as possible. One infected nail is much easier and cheaper to treat than five or ten. Nail fungus can cause serious problems in people with diabetes, AIDS, leukemia, or those who have had an organ transplant. These problems may include decreased circulation to the nerve supplies to the feet or even cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin.

Once you have nail fungus, no amount of scrubbing or soap will destroy it. Oral medications work, at best, 50–60% of the time and have potential risk to your liver, kidneys, retina, and taste buds. Topical medicines can be a hassle to apply and must often be used in conjunction with oral medication. Laser treatment is one of the most effective ways to deal with this condition. This method is painless and requires no anesthetic. A single treatment can be completed in less than an hour

Beauty No No's for this Summer

2011-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

#1: Multicoloured eyes and lips
It is the season to use colour on the eyes and lips but NOT both at the same time. That is overkill! Choose one feature that you want to showcase that day and pick a colour that is complimentary to your skin or eyes. Subtle make up enhances your features.

#2: Too light or too dark brow colour
Does your hair get lighter in the summer? Make sure that your brows match your colouring. Thick and shapely brows are very trendy but going too dark or too light will make you look fake! Use brow powder that is a perfect match for you.

#3: Too much blush/bronzer
Create a warm look with a bronzer blush this summer and create a sunkissed finish to your look but beware that you do not overdo it. Choose a blush that is the right color family for your skin and blend, blend , blend to create gorgeous contours without harsh breaks.

#4: Cakey Foundation, Flaky Foundation
Do you get drier in the summer? If you do then liquid foundation may not be suitable for you as there is a good chance that you will be caking and flaking by the afternoon. Too much foundation will melt in the summer months so stick with a primer like Colorescience's Line Tamers, a good moisturizer like Prescribed Solutions Lasting Results with SPF and good mineral make up like Jane Iredale or Colorescience and you will have a flawless look this summer.

#5: Multi toned lip colours.
Lip glosses in lovely shimmery or nude tones this summer look natural. If you want your lip gloss to last use lip liner but DON'T use a colour that is too dark and seeps through your gloss. It's not good any time but especially when you use light colour lipsticks or glosses. Our favourites? Jane Iredale lip glosses or Alyria's Lip treatment ( the most fantastic treat for your lips).

#6: Fake Baking
As much as having a great looking tan makes you look warmer and golden brown this summer , the fastest way to have wrinkles, sunspots and an increased risk of cancer is to hit the tanning booths at any time. Your way to look fantastic this summer looking brown safely is to use sunless tanners like Jane Iredale's Tantasia. It's an ideal way to look tanned without the risks of any other tanners. Alternatively get a spray tan.. Its quick, lasts 7-10 days and can be kept for longer with sunless tanners. So lose the risk and get a fake bake the natural way with sunless tanners/ bronzers/ spray tans. Save your skin!

Selphyl aka "Vampire-filler facelift"

2011-07-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

ELLE the magazine has just voted Selphyl as one of the top 10 innovations of the last decade. Selphyl has been approved by the FDA since 2002 and in Canada since 2010 is a facial injection that is applied by your physician. Your own blood is used to produce plumping and tightening effects. The blood is collected and placed in a special centrifuge that separates the platelets from blood cells. Rich in human growth factors, the platelets are blended with a fibrin mixture and injected into wrinkles. Anti-aging results last up to 2 years.

You can not keep your breast implants for life!

2011-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a growing trend to use silicone breast implants. Recent review by the FDA shows that there may be complications that may be worth considering if you are thinking of getting breast implants. These are the latest comments as reported in the Globe and Mail.

"Women who get silicone breast implants are likely to need additional surgery within eight to 10 years to address complications such as rupture of the device, U.S. health regulators said Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration will work to revise safety labels for silicone breast implants after reviewing data from several long-term studies, which also showed that implants had a small link to a rare form of cancer.
More related to this story

Debate still rages on breast implants
Breast size may indicate diabetes risk

“The key point is that breast implants are not lifetime devices,” said Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

“The longer you have the implant, the more likely you are to have complications.”

There were almost 400,000 breast enlargement or reconstruction procedures in the United States in 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That includes silicone and saline implants.

Post-approval studies showed up to 70 percent of all women who received reconstruction surgery, and up to 40 percent of those getting an enlargement procedure using silicone, needed another surgery within eight to 10 years.

The FDA first approved silicone gel-filled breast implants in 2006 for Allergan’s Natrelle and Mentor Worldwide’s MemoryGel. Since then, the manufacturers and the agency have been conducting studies to review post-operation safety.

The FDA said the most common complications were hardening of the breast area around the implant, additional surgeries and rupture or deflation of the implant.

Other local complications include implant wrinkling, asymmetry, scarring, pain, and infection at the incision site."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-news/you-cant-keep-breast-implants-for-life-fda/article2071042/

Vancouver Canucks

2011-06-15T16:06:00.001-07:00

Go Canucks Go!
We have our fingers and toes crossed for the canucks!

Dr Oz and Bad Botox

2011-05-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Patients have been asking me questions about bad botox. Very valid questions. Some tips for patients to make sure that they are getting the legitimate botox. Make sure the physician purchases the botox directly from Allergan ( Manufacturer of Botox). Make sure the logo is imprinted on the Bottle. Make sure the physician is listed on the botoxcosmetic.ca website. These physicians have been properly trained and certified to inject Botox. Ask to see the bottle and box if you are unsure. Also, please note that if the price is too good to be true there is something wrong.

Pearly Penile Papules

2011-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

We have recently had a rush of patients with this condition. Obviously it is a benign condition that affects the men. Clearly young men do not like these and usually with one treatment we are able to eradicate it. Obviouly can not guarantee that it will be permanent sometimes a few years down the road it can return. Not to be confused with Genital warts.

Megan Fox disappearing tattoo

2011-04-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Megan Fox disappearing tattoo on her right forearm? Just the way it is slowly coming off looks like she is being treated with a Q switch laser that is probably 1064 nm. Have also noticed that she does not have a tan around that area to make sure that it heals well?
Check out this link Megan Fox Disappearing Tattoo

HCG diet

2011-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

HCG diet was discussed on Dr. Oz. I can not believe it! It must have some momentum behind it. Things are certainly changing. We have been using it and people have been getting results. We use it for a maximum of 6 weeks only. Most patients are happy with just 3 weeks use. Presently there is anecdotal evidence and the best studies were done in the 70's with a small number of patients. I would love to see a double blind randomized trial for this diet. Presently it's use is controversial and in the realm of alternative medicine.

It is important to note that the use of HCG is off label and that the Federal Drug Administration in USA insists on this label for the HCG “This weight reduction treatment includes the use of HCG, a drug which has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective in the treatment of obesity or weight control. There is no substantial evidence that HCG increases weight loss
beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or “normal” distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie restricted diets.”

New way of doing tattoo removal treatments

2011-02-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

We are doing a new way of doing tattoo removal treatments in order to get a quicker result combining the Q-switch laser with the Fractionated Laser (fraxel) to reduce the ink in the skin. I think this will turn out to be the way to go in the long term.

Botox and new Botox = Dysport?

2011-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

I have had quite a few patients asking me about Dysport which is the competitor to Botox that is now available in USA. However, it is not available in Canada yet. Patients have said to me that it is cheaper. From my understanding talking with colleagues in USA it appears that with Dysport one has to use either twice or four times as much medication as Botox. The dosing appears to be variable and difficult to determine. So the cost to the patient works out to be the same at the end. However, once it is released in Canada I will certainly use it and see if it is effective for my patients.

Excessive Sweating Help

2011-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

I found this excellent article on excessive sweating from sweathelp.org

What's Your Sweat IQ? Quiz Yourself with our Myths vs. Facts

With the first month of 2011 already under your belt, maybe you're reflecting on your New Year's resolutions. Any self-improvement achieved yet? Don't worry, we're not going to nag you to stick to your fitness regimen or to floss daily (although they are both good ideas). Instead we're going to give you some insight, debunk some myths, and try to help you kick sweating problems into the next decade. Read on…

Myth #1: Antiperspirants are for underarms only

Think outside the pits! You can glide, stick, spray, and roll-on nearly any where that sweating is a problem (think hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin.) But talk to your dermatologist before applying an antiperspirant to sensitive areas. He or she may have recommendations about which antiperspirants or active ingredient concentrations may be more suitable for different regions of the body. Learn more about expanding the usefulness of antiperspirants.

Myth #2: If someone sweats a lot, he or she must be overweight, out-of-shape or nervous.

The average person has 2 to 4 million sweat glands. Sweat is essential to human survival and serves as the body's coolant, protecting it from overheating. Many athletes actually sweat more than other people because their bodies have become very efficient at keeping cool. Meanwhile, people with hyperhidrosis (a medical condition characterized by overactive sweat glands) sweat excessively regardless of mood, weather, or activity level – often producing 4 or 5 times more sweat than is considered “normal”. You can't tell much about a person by his or her sweat, so stick to good old-fashioned conversation instead. Think you may have hyperhidrosis? Get the facts.

Myth #3: You should ditch the stick because antiperspirants can cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

No and no. There is no scientific evidence to support either claim. In fact, the American Cancer Society, Susan B. Komen Cancer Foundation, National Cancer Institute, and Alzheimer's Association have each made statements refuting the rumors that antiperspirants (and specifically the aluminum salts used as active ingredients in antiperspirants) have any significant links to cancer or Alzheimer's. There are better ways to cut your disease risks. The International Hyperhidrosis Society has done the research for you. Visit Cancer Myth and Alzheimer's Myth to learn more.

Myth #4: Like caffeine, antiperspirants are best used in the morning.

It's time to change it up. Nope, don't start drinking espresso before bed but DO start using your antiperspirant in the p.m. Antiperspirant application twice daily—and especially before bedtime—has been shown to be more effective. Sweat production is at its lowest at night, giving the active ingredients in antiperspirants a better chance to get into your pores and form the superficial plugs necessary to block the flow of perspiration in the morning when you really get moving. (The plugs can stay in place at least 24 hours and then are washed away over time.) Learn more about how antiperspirants work from experts.

Myth #5: If you want to live a normal life (without your sweating problem), you have to have surgery.

Not only is it a myth that you have to have surgery to stop excessive sweating, it's an especially tragic myth. The major side effect of ETS surgery (endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy) is called compensatory sweating and it's often more disabling than the original sweating problem. Compensatory sweating is sweating on the back, chest, abdomen, legs, face, and buttocks after ETS surgery and it doesn't go away. In a Danish study conducted at the Aarhus University Hospital, 90% of the patients undergoing ETS for underarm sweating, reported compensatory sweating, half of whom were forced to change their clothes during the day because of it. Don't choose a “cure” that's worse than the disease: experts agree that antiperspirants, iontophoresis, Botox injections, and combinations of these less invasive treatments should all be tried (in many different iterations) before anyone turns to ETS surgery. The International Hyperhidrosis Society has all the latest news about safe and effective treatments for excessive sweating. Visit our treatments pages today.

Reality:

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a real but treatable skin disease affecting 178 million people worldwide. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition recognized by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may sweat 4 or 5 times more than the average person. This level of sweat production is often embarrassing, uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and disabling. It can disrupt all aspects of a person's life, from career choices and recreational activities to relationships, emotional well being, and self-image. But it doesn't have to be this way. Effective treatments are available.

If you or someone you love suffers from excessive sweating the International Hyperhidrosis Society can help. Visit www.SweatHelp.org to learn about the support and treatments available.

School administrators and school nurses may also contact the International Hyperhidrosis Society to learn about the Know Sweat in School program (made possible by grants from Secret Clinical Strength® and Gillette Clinical Strength® antiperspirants). The program helps school nurses to better help children and teens suffering from excessive sweating (and the social stigma, depression, and self confidence issues that go along with excessive sweating) to find treatment and support.

Latisse (R)

2010-10-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Latisse (R) is the first and only prescription only FDA and Health Canada approved treatment for inadequate or not enough eye lashes. It helps them grow them longer, fuller and darker. The girls in the office have been trying them and they have enjoyed using Latisse thoroughly and come and see their eye lashes in the office. They are amazing. They have been trained in the technique of applying it properly to the upper eye lash and they can teach you how to do it. We are releasing it on November 15th 2010 to our clients.

Latisse is a mark owned by Allergan Inc.

10 things to know about Varicose Veins

2010-07-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Things to Know About Varicose Veins

1. Pregnancies, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, the use of female oral contraceptives as well as occupations that require a standing position are additional causes of varicose veins.

2. Females usually have multiple risk factors for the development of varicose veins, about three fourths of the persons who have varicose veins are women and 25% are men.

3. Varicose veins are a problem that can be successfully treated but the disorder cannot be permanently cured.

4. Sclerotherapy is the treatment of varicose veins by injection of the veins with chemicals that cause destruction of the veins.

5. Depending on the size of the vein and area, several treatments are necessary for the veins disappearance.

6. Veins, whether they be deep, invisible under the surface of the skin, or visible on the surface, enlarge for one reason only; increased pressure exerted on the thin walls of the veins by an increased volume of blood.

7. Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a blood clot that usually forms in the veins of the lower leg, or calf, and can extend to involve the large deep veins of the legs.

8. As with any wellness program, exercise is an important component of prevention. A consistent exercise program can help promote circulation and improve muscle tone.

9. Avoid standing for long periods of time. This will reduce pressure on the valves in the veins in your legs.

10. If you are pregnant or if your occupation puts a lot of stress on your legs, wear support stockings or flats. High heels are the ultimate “don’t.”

Softlift goes viral!

2010-05-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Soft Lift™ makeover with BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvéderm™ refreshes your natural look, so you can make the most of you!

Many products and treatments plans only target one result of skin aging such as fine lines or loss of fullness. Soft Lift™ is a new treatment that combines the benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvéderm™ dermal filler to address's multiple signs of aging at the same time, for an overall refreshed look that’s subtle and natural looking.
Soft Lift™ smoothes deep wrinkles and fine lines, restores lost fullness and enhances facial contours – all in just one treatment session. The overall effect is a balanced, refreshed look that’s totally you. No wonder Soft Lift™ is quickly becoming the preferred choice for a natural, rejuvenated look.

The idea behind Soft Lift™ is that by combining the treatments of Juvéderm™ dermal filler with BOTOX Cosmetic you can get an optimal, overall result that keeps your own natural look in balance. So you can make the most of you.