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.

Ultrashape On Oprah

2010-05-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

We have been using ultrashape for difficult fat removal for a long time. it was nice to see that this procedure has finally been given the publicity it deserves. For those people to who have that persistent bit of fat that just will not go, ultrashape is great at removing that hard to get at areas.

Can collagen injections work on facial scars such as chicken pox scars? The old pock marks really bother me.

2009-12-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

Successful treatment of acne scars usually involves using several different techniques, layered on top of one another. For instance, deep acne scars may require subcision (to raise the deepest part of the scar), filler (to further plump up the scar and return it to normal skin level), and light resurfacing, to smooth out any skin texture irregularities around the acne scar. By using a combination treatment approach, I have been able to achieve results impossible to attain by using any one method alone.
For the final light resurfacing step, I have been particularly impressed by the results of the Fraxel/Mixto laser systems. I have been using these lasers in my office since it came on the market, and I find it to be an indispensable tool for management of acne scars and other scars.
After one treatment with a combination Fraxel/Mixto laser systems, the texture of the skin is remarkably improved, and the acne scars are substantially diminished in appearance.

Looking young means living longer

2009-12-14T18:21:00.001-08:00

Those baby-faced people now have another reason to be smug: a new Danish study says looking young apparently means a longer life.
Research published online Monday in the British medical journal BMJ suggests that people who look younger than their years also live longer.
In 2001, Danish researchers conducted physical and cognitive tests on more than 1,800 pairs of twins over aged 70, as well as taking photos of their faces. Three groups of people who didn't know the twins' real ages guessed how old they were. The researchers then tracked how long the twins survived over 7 years.
The experts found that people who looked younger than their actual age were far more likely to survive, even after they adjusted for other factors like gender and environment. The bigger the difference in perceived age within any twin pair, the more likely it was that the older-looking twin died first.
They also found a possible biological explanation: people who looked younger also tended to have longer telomeres, a key DNA component that is linked to aging. People with shorter telomeres are thought to age faster. In the Danish study, the more fresh-faced people had longer telomeres.
The authors said that perceived age, which is widely used by doctors as a general indicator of a patient's health, is a good biomarker of aging that predicts survival among people over age 70.

Collagen Stimulators

2009-11-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

Initially fillers were viewed as relatively inert materials, such as collagen, that were injected, immediately plumped up the area to be filled, and gradually were absorbed. These type of fillers still exist, as exemplified by the hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane and Juvederm). However, a new type of filler has emerged, a filler that works by stimulating the body to make more collagen in the area where the material has been injected.

Currently there are at least three fillers that fill this role. The first of these is Radiesse. Radiesse is a calcium based filler which was first introduced as a traditional filler. However, subsequent studies showed that much of the injected material was absorbed, and the prolonged effect seen was due at least partially to the production of new collagen in the area. In our hands, Radiesse has been essentially problem free.However, there is a much stronger collagen stimulator available now.

Sculptra has always been recognized as achieving its effect by inducing the body to produce new collagen. Sculptra consists of tiny particles of poly-L-lactic acid, the same material that is used in absorbable sutures. The Sculptra is suspended in liquid and when injected, the area appears filled, similar to the immediate filling seen in other fillers. However, the liquid is absorbed within 24 hours, and the filling effect vanishes. The filler particles gradually stimulate the formation of new collagen, and it takes at least a month before results can be seen. The final result may not be seen until two to three months.

The last of the fillers that induce new collagen formation is a permanent filler called Artefill or Artesense.This is a powerful long lasting stimulator that can last upto 10 years. More about this in a later post.

Whitish bumps after a Laser Resurfacing treatment

2009-08-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Whitish bumps after any resurfacing laser treatment can be several things. The most common are milia. These are retention cysts after injury to the skin and will generally resolve on their own without any scarring other other problems.

Rarely and more seriously whitish bumps can also represent either fungal infection or bacterial infection. In these cases, medical treatment is necessary as scarring can occur. It is best to have the physician who performed your treatment examine your face as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment, if any. If they are milia, there is no way to avoid getting them, but they tend not to be a long term problem.

World Health Comments on Tanning Beds

2009-08-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced today that it has moved UV tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category -- "carcinogenic to humans."
Prior to the move, the group had classified sun lamp and tanning bed use as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

"Don't get bitter it leads to Botox!"

2009-06-13T20:47:00.001-07:00

We just saw a great movie called "The Women" and Candice Bergen's character says that to Meg Ryan about anger. Great Line. But there is truth in that. If you frown a lot you will form lines in the forehead and the frown area and you may need botox to look relaxed and not angry. In fact a lot of people come in asking for Botox because they look angry.

Guilt

2009-06-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a very nice lady come in for treatment of her Varicose Veins. She is a single mom and she has worked very hard to give her child an excellent upbringing and she has scrimped and save, and spent time with him to make sure he does well. She made a comment though that she feels very guilty taking care of her varicose veins as it really is "stupid" She refuses to wear shorts because of the veins and otherwise has a great set of legs. So this time in a sense of a guilty treat for her self she is doing something for herself. Once she has got rid of the veins she will feel great and realise that she feels great about herself and her son. It is a win/win situation.

Melasma: The mask of pregnancy

2009-06-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Melasma is probably the most common pigmentary abnormality in women. The average age of onset is in the early 30s. Almost half the sufferers from melasma have family members who also have melasma. This condition most commonly starts during pregnancy, but it may also start before or after pregnancy. Much less commonly, it can be seen in males. Melasma is more common in women with darker skin types, and more time spent outdoors during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of melasma. Inreased maternal age at first pregnancy and multiple pregnancies both increase the risk of melasma. Birth control pill use is another factor that has been associated with the onset of melasma.

The treatment of melasma can be difficult. Sun avoidance is imperative. It's the ultraviolet A that makes melasma worse, and many sunscreens do not block Ultraviolet A well. No sunscreen works as well as shade. Bleaching creams containing hydroquinone have been the mainstay of melasma treatment in the past, and these are still used today. TriLuma is currently used as a prescription bleaching creams, but it has some risks due to the fact that it contains a relatively powerful topical steroid.Lasers have come to play a bigger role in the treatment of melasma, and we have had success with both the Fraxel Restore and the Medlite NdYAG laser. However, it's important to understand that there is no treatment that works all the time, and sometimes nothing will work.

We have found that the combination of Creams, Laser, Peels and Sun avoidance works best. There is no one treatment out there that by itself is supreme.

Botox Vs. Dysport

2009-06-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

People are constantly asking me when is dypsport going to be available? Well it will be available in the USA soon and I do not know when it will be released in Canada. Is it going to be better than Botox? I do not think so. There have been comments from some people that it will take a little time getting used to the exact dosages of Dysport that will produce nice results. I think there will some differences in dosages. Some comments have been made that it will last longer.

I am going to wait and see what happens. Let us get beyond the hype and find out exactly what results Dysport gives. All i do know that as with Botox it will require skilled injectors to deliver exacting results.

Melanoma

2009-05-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Had a new patient come in for a "pigment" treatment on the chest. 32 year old gal had been tanning all her life. She had some moles all over the body. The pigment area of concern was a "mole". I said we should send it off to the lab for exam. It came back as melanoma. The only reason she ended up in the doctor's office was a cosmetic concern. My advice yearly skin exams, no tanning, suncreen and protective clothing. There is no excuse for it.

Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

2009-05-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Keratosis Pilaris: A genetic condition of the follicles that sometimes resembles acne, but appears as rough bumps on the upper arms, backs of the thighs, and buttocks. It is also common in teens.

We use an inhouse resurfacing cleanser that works like a treat! Avoid scratching the bumps, as this may lead to scarring or spreading. Lasers DO NOT work for this condition.

Shaving Bumps

2009-05-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Shaving Bumps: Called Psudo-Folliculitis Barbae, shaving bumps are a widespread problem, especially among women with curly hair and in the bikini area and underarms. As the hair follicle grows out of the skin, it immediately curls and re-enters the skin. The skin becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps.

Wash the area twice daily with an exfoliant to raises the hairs from under the skin and prevent them from growing back into the skin. This should be done twice a day. Options include laser treatments to remove the hair follicles.

Dermatoses Papulosa Nigra

2009-05-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Dermatoses Papulosa Nigra: These little black or dark brown bumps that usually appear on dark skin, and start out as little freckles under the eyes and on the top of the cheekbones. They can grow in clusters, and tend to run in families.

Electrocautery or hot iron tip can be used to melt these right off. Carbon Dioxide or Erbium Lasers are very useful for a clean treatment.

Seborrheic Keratoses

2009-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Often known as “barnacles of old age,” these benign lesions occur from excessive growth of the top layer of skin cells. They show up on the body, under the breasts, shoulders, and in places where they get rubbed by clothing. They can range from light tan to black in colour, and look like they have been pasted on your skin. Electrocautery or hot iron tip can be used to melt these right off. Carbon dioxide or an Erbium Laser is very useful at giving a clean reduction without any scarring.

Skin Tags

2009-05-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

Skin Tags: A skin tag is a bit of skin that sticks out and may appear attached to the skin. They may be smooth or irregular, flesh colored or pigmented, raised or dangling. They can show up almost anywhere, but most commonly appear on the eyelids, neck, armpits, and chest, and especially in women. They can be instantly snipped away almost painlessly with surgical scissors. We also use a cutting laser that works at the speed of light!

Open Pores

2009-05-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Open Pores: Pores expand because they become clogged with dead cells and oil - which make them look larger. Sun damage, lack of exfoliating, and clogging blackheads are common culprits.
Treatment To get pores back to their normal size, you need to get rid of the blockage that causes them to expand. The key elements are unplugging the pores and cleaning dirt, bacteria and oil; limiting sun exposure; exfoliating and using the right ingredients like vitamin A, Azelaic acid, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Some of the latest LASER treatments really give excellent results.

Moles

2009-05-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

As moles age, the pigment gets deeper so they lose their colour and stick out more, which makes them more visible. A simple shave biopsy can bring the mole down to the level of your surrounding skin. If done right, it doesn’t even leave a scar. Moles can also be excised, but then a scar is a given

Pedicures: Be careful

2009-04-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Pedicures can cause problems if you go to any unsanitary nail salon.

1. When you have a pedicure you can be put at risk for fungal infections and serious bacterial infections.

2. Ask the salon how the instruments are cleaned

3. One physician even advises patients to buy their own instruments and ask the salon to use those instruments to minimize the risk of contracting infections.

4. Foot baths should be properly disinfected so that the risk of contracting infections is minimized.

5. It is a common myth that pushing the cuticle keeps nails healthy and make them grow. Actually the cuticle is the nail's natural protective barrier. Smoothing the nail surface with nail files and buffers too aggresively damages the cuticle.

Spider Veins

2009-04-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Some more thoughts about spider veins.

Spider veins are like little roadmaps stuck on the skin. They are very tiny superficial blood vessels that increase in size over time and usually occur on the legs. But they can occur any where on the body.
Some people are more likely to get them if they have blood relations with people who have them. If you stand a lot in your work you may get them as well. Anything that increases pressure in the venous system of the legs will cause them.
Crossing your legs does not cause them. Everyone crosses their legs and it does not occur in everyone.
Treating the veins by tanning actually may make them worse due to tanning breaking the skin collagen down.
Losing weight may increase the veins as losing fat from the skin unmasks the veins
Vitamin supplements and horse chest nut does not help reduce the veins.
Treating the spider veins with sclerotherapy is regarded as the gold standard. Lasers can be used but then you have to treat the veins slowly and it is painful.

Lipodissolve or Injection Lipolysis

2009-04-16T12:55:00.001-07:00

Injection lipolysis (breakdown of fat) may work best when two ingredients are used, according to an expert.

Phosphatidylcholine, when it is combined with deoxycholate for injection lipolysis, "may lead to reduced swelling and fewer nodules," says Adam Rotunda, M.D., a Newport Beach, Calif., dermatologist.

A recent study conducted by Giovanni Salti, M.D., of the Florence Surgical Center, Florence, Italy, has suggested the procedure is effective at breaking up fat cells in the region where it is injected, Dr. Rotunda says.

When phosphatidylcholine is included with the other agent commonly used, sodium deoxycholate, the effect was the same, but the inflammation and immune reaction was less.

Patients treated with injection lipolysis often have localized adverse effects including swelling, redness, and sometimes the development of nodules that may last for months.

At BC LASER we use combined phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate for reducing small pockets of persistent fat. The other alternative that we offer is the use of Ultrashape using ultrasonic waves to break up fat.

Laser Peel’s the most popular part of our clinic

2009-04-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

We perform laser peels for "benign epidermal pigmented lesions and rough texture". These are those irritating brown marks that people find annoying with some rough skin. We use an amazingly powerful technology from Hoya Conbio called the Medlite C6 laser which allows for an ideal light based peel. We use a particular wavelength called the 532 nm light (Green Light) that is suited for lighter skin types.

The advantage of this peel compared to IPL (which a lot of spas and clinics use) is that it does not leave any residual pigment behind that is left after 5 or 6 IPL treatments. 532nm can remove any light pigmentation effectively. We usually find that couples of sessions are enough for the treatment. Once the treatment is done a mild redness is left on the skin for 4 days. This can be nicely covered up with mineral make up. The brown spots start to lift and flake off over a period of 7 to 10 days with small crusts. It is no touch treatment.

In our practice these laser peels are even more popular than Botox or fillers. This laser peel requires maintenance once or twice a year. We prefer a real laser to an IPL. It is a much more effective treatment.

Botox for headaches

2009-04-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

We have been using Botox for the treatment of migraines for about 4 years. Recently our use has been increasing. Patients have been finding this a rather convenient way of managing their migraines. They come in and get Botox injections performed and usually they are headache free for 3-6 months. We have just completed our review of patients treated at BC LASER AND SKINCARE and have found that over a period of time the need for injections begins to reduce from twice a year to once a year. We have also noticed that whilst they are receiving their Botox injections their need for migraine medication reduces significantly from none used to minimal.

We have been using Botox for tension headaches and Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) pains for the last two years and have been getting good results. Some patients find that their extended health plans will cover the injection costs.

Latisse: The new eyelash treatment!

2009-04-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

It is rare that a product or procedure is introduced that opens up a new area of cosmetic enhancement, or redefines an old one. The introduction of collagen filler injections was one, as was the introduction of Botox. The use of lasers to resurface the skin and destroy blood vessels was also a paradigm changer. Now we have the introduction of Latisse, which reliably produces longer, thicker and darker eyelashes in the vast majority of people.
83% of American women use mascara, more than the 64% who use lipstick. The release of new mascaras with vibrating wands has boosted sales. Now, with the release of Latisse, there is a product that may make mascara obsolete for many, at a somewhat increased cost.Latisse is an offshoot of the drug Lumigan, made by Allergan. Lumigan is used as an eyedrop for the treatment of glaucoma. An unexplained side effect noted with Lumigan was the growth of longer eyelashes. Because the product had already passed safety tests for use in the eye, Allergan was able to obtain relatively rapid approval of the product for use on eyelashes. Side effects seen with Latisse have been irritation of the eyelid skin and eyes, and some apparently temporary brown discoloration of the skin near the eyelashes. When the product has been used as drops in the eyes, there has been, in a small percentage of people, a permanent darkening of the eye (iris) color.The eyelash growth takes two months to be noticeable and takes four months to reach maximum.
Latisse is not available in Canada yet. It may be released in the end of the year

Tips on getting a new Tattoo

2009-04-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Most people do not think about removal of a tattoo when they are having a tattoo applied. Nevertheless, the statistics show that 80% of people with tattoos eventually regret having them put on. That means it would be smart to at least give a little thought to the possibility that you might not be totally happy with the tattoo sometime in the future.

Removal of names is one of the most common reasons for tattoo removal. Since approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce, it is reasonable to consider that the name of a loved one may not be what you want to have semi-permanently placed on your body. There are gang and prison associated tattoos. These are not necessarily connections that you will want to make public for the rest of your life. We've had people come in saying that they're no longer associated with that lifestyle, and they want the tattoo removed. If you're going to have a tattoo, consider where you have it placed. Visible tattoos may unfavorably affect your ability to get a job or be accepted into the military.Finally give serious consideration to the colour of your tattoos.

Currently there is no standardized tattoo ink, and a variety of products such as car paint and clothing and furniture dyes may be added to tattoo ink. Some of these may change color when struck by the light from a laser, and can change from a treatable to an untreatable color. The effectiveness of the tattoo removal laser depends on the laser light being absorbed by the tattoo ink. Dark blue, black and red are colors that are relatively easy to treat. Green can be treated by a laser, but it requires a separate laser that is expensive and therefore not widely available. Other colors such as sky blue, white and pastels can be difficult or impossible to get rid of.

If you're planning to get a tattoo, it's best to think before you leap.

Ear lobe: A Non Surgical Procedure

2009-04-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

A common problem for those who wear earrings is the gradual enlargement of the earring hole due to the repeated downward pull on the hole. In some people the earring will pull completely through creating a cleft in the earlobe. The traditional treatment for this has been a surgical repair, removing the skin at the edges of the hole and suturing the edges together. Now a non-surgical approach has been described for people who have an enlarged hole, but not for people who have a cleft in the earlobe.

In the March 2009 issue of the journal "Dermatologic Surgery" there is an article reporting the use of 90% trichloroacetic acid to treat this problem. Trichloroacetic acid is a caustic that destroys cell proteins causing local inflammation and crust formation, followed by local scar formation. This may be accompanied by mild to moderate local pain and inflammation in the area. Temporary local swelling and redness occur. There may also be a temporary increase in pigmentation in the treated area.
The number of treatments required varied from 2 to 6, and the minimal interval between treatments was 2 days. This technique was used on 32 women of varying ages, and all were reported to be satisfied with the results.This concentration of trichloroacetic acid has been used previously in the treatment of acne scarring, but its use in ear lobe repair appears to represent a significant advance in the treatment of enlarged earring holes.

How can I tighten my sagging skin without surgery?

2009-04-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

There are lots of choices but the best answer I can give you is combination treatments, combinations treatments, combination treatments. No one type of aesthetic treatment is enough.
I use a combination of the following to get the individual result the person desires. There is no one treatment that is 100% effective all the time in all the patients. One has to look at the individual and figure out the best combination in consultation with the person seeking the improvement.

Rhytec plasma
CO2
Erbium
Fraxel
Thermage
Refirme
Fillers
Botox
Skin care creams

Some more ideas about a red face

2009-04-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Despite its association with passion, love, and vibrancy the color red is not what most people want to see on their faces when they look in the mirror. Redness on your face develops from inflammation and from dilated tiny blood vessels right at the surface of your skin. Sometimes the redness can be sudden, whereas other times it can develop slowly over many years. Here are five things your should know about facial redness and what to do about it.

1. The most common cause of facial redness is Rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to red, sensitive skin and sometime to pimples on the nose and cheeks similar to acne. People with Rosacea often have sensitive skin that stings when exposed to sun or cold and turns bright red when they eat hot or spicy foods. If you have Rosacea, then try products that contain anti-inflammatory and anti-redness ingredients such as feverfew or licorice.

2. Over-exfoliating or scrubbing your skin can lead to redness. This is common among young women with acne. Remember that acne is from bacteria trapped in clogged pores. Scrubbing with apricot scrubs or using alcohol based toners will not help erase your acne, but it certainly will worsen the inflammation. Often this makes a bad situation worse. Unless you have very oily, sebaceous skin, remember that scrubbing is best done in moderation and in the middle of winter when your skin is already is dry and sensitive, scrubs might not be needed at all.

3. Excess sun exposure over years can lead to redness. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun triggers blood vessels to grow like weeds across your face. If you look closely at some people’s skin, you can see that diffuse redness is actually millions of tiny threadlike vessels right at the surface. This condition can be treated by using a laser that targets blood vessels. The laser can literally explode the tiny vessels, destroying them along with their unwanted redness. The downside is that you will often have obvious bruising for a few days; however, when the bruising heals, the redness is often significantly reduced and sometimes is erased altogether.

4. Allergic contact dermatitis can also cause redness on your face. Common causes of allergy include chemical sunscreens, preservatives in cosmetics, hair dyes, and fragrances. Skin allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a particular allergen. It is the same reaction as poison ivy or poison oak and can lead to redness, scaling, and itching. If you have a rash around your eyes, a rash that is itchy, or a chronic redness and scaling on your face, then see your physician. He or she can do patch testing to determine if you have a skin allergy and can give you a list of products to avoid.

5. Rarely is redness on the face the result of an underlying medical condition. Women with lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect many organs, sometimes develop a bright red rash on their cheeks and nose, often called a butterfly rash because from a distance it looks like a butterfly on their face. The rash is triggered by sun exposure but can occur any time of the year. If you have the sudden development of this type of facial redness, then you should see a physician. A few blood tests can diagnose the condition and sometimes treatment is needed to keep the immune system from flaring.

Facial Scars, Acne Scars, Surgical Scars

2009-04-08T23:00:00.001-07:00

Facial scars are very common from injuries or surgical procedures. If you call your average physician and tell them that you have a recent scar, the chances are they will tell you that there is nothing that can be done for a year after the injury. Unfortunately, this is frequently misinformation.

There is evidence that by treating a scar early, the outcome of the result can be improved. Some studies have shown that when a scar is treated within 8 weeks of the injury or surgery that it can heal much better than waiting an extended time. I have adopted this method of treating traumatic and surgical scars of the head and neck and it has worked well. When a patient presents with a scar of the head or neck that is less than 8 weeks old, I will begin treatment with various modalities including steroid injection, silicone sheeting and pressure. When the scar reaches its point of primary healing then I will most commonly treat it with the CO2 laser. The laser performs several functions to improve the scar. Number one, it allows uneven tissue margins to be blended or smoothed down. Number two, it causes new collagen to be produced to fill in the irregularities and number three it helps blend the coloration with surrounding tissues. Lasering the scar is usually done under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes. The area will be raw for the first 5-6 days and then be a smooth pink. This pinkness will fade over the ensuing weeks but may last several months in some cases. Sometimes I will use a V-Beam laser to bring the reddness and swelling down before I clean it up with C02 laser.

Sometimes the scar is lasered multiple times as it improves with each treatment. While simple lasering may work great for simple scars, more complex scars may need surgical intervention first. Many surgical procedures exist to make scars less noticeable by changing the direction of the scar, making it it more random (straight line scars stand out more) or making the margins even. Sometimes I will send the patient out to a surgeon before I use laser resurfacing to blend the scar.

Some depressed scars (those that are like craters) respond will to filler injection. By injecting fillers, many depressed scars can be simply “popped out” by filling the base of the depression with filler. This is useful in acne or pock scars. Subcision is another useful technique. Subcision is a process in which a special needle is used to break up scar tissue at the base of a depressed scar. A depressed scar has spider web like bands called adhesions that, in part, are what keep the depressed scar tethered down. By inserting this cutting needle under the scar and swiping it back and forth, these adhesions can be separated and allow the base of the depressed scar to rise up and fill in. Subcision can be performed multiple times to improve a depressed scar.

There are many myths surrounding the treatment of surgical and traumatic scars. Applying Vitamin E, commercial products like Mederma or Scar Guard or covering the scar with silicone sheeting are probably all useful, even if not scientifically proven. Keeping a new scar protected from the sun is also important.

I am always happy to discuss scar management.

Varicose Vein treatment using Ultrasound

2009-04-07T22:16:00.001-07:00

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a safe and highly effective procedure that eliminates diseased veins that have traditionally required surgical removal.

Sclerotherapy was thought to be effective with spider veins and small varicose veins that remain after surgery. Neither surgery nor sclerotherapy can prevent new varicose veins from developing as a result of the natural progression of this chronic condition. However, UGS offers a less traumatic, less costly alternative to gain and maintain control. Your specialist has undergone specialized training required in order to treat the saphenous axis by sclerotherapy.

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is the key to the success of this procedure. First, it locates the diseased "saphenous" vein(s) hidden from view that cause the bulging on the surface. Next, DUS guides both the placement of and the number of injections required according to each individual patient. Follow-up DUS examinations will confirm success, and guide additional treatment if necessary. At BC LASER we possess an advanced Duplex Ultrasound Machine.

The success of both surgery and sclerotherapy depend on accurate control of all reflux (backward flow) points. With recent advances, both methods now share a similarly high success rate when performed by experienced practitioners who were able to accurately target veins using DUS.

Unfortunately, varicose vein disease is not curable. Like many other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, it requires ongoing care and surveillance after the initial course of treatment gains control. Treatment in the earlier stages helps avert unpleasant complications (leg ulcers, dermatitis, phlebitis, blood clots), and relieve bothersome symptoms.

We can work with to find the best course of treatment for you.

Stretch Marks Any Suggestions?

2009-04-07T22:03:00.001-07:00

Stretch marks are very difficult to treat. They form when a person grows quickly, gains weight rapidly, or is pregnant. The skin stretches so quickly that the elastic tissue in the skin actually tears. That is why stretch marks don't go away when the person loses weight or is no longer pregnant. There seem to be genetic factors that make some people more prone to stretch marks than others.

Fractional resurfacing is the treatment of microscopic columns of skin within the treatment area. It doesn't treat all of the skin at once, which could create a large wound, rather it treats a fraction of the skin at a time. The skin in these fractional zones then heals from the untreated adjacent skin. Ablative fractional resurfacing, with the carbon dioxide laser, appears to be the best treatment option for stretch marks. At the very least you should get some fading and blending into the surrounding skin, and in some people (with multiple treatments) they may go away completely. Fractional lasers that do not use carbon dioxide will give you more subtle results, and will require many more treatments.

Rosacea Treatment?

2009-04-06T20:37:00.001-07:00

Rosacea can be divided in to three stages

Stage I is the general redness and flushness on the cheeks, nose, and central face.
Stage II is the addition of papules or pustules, and is referred to as acne rosacea.
Stage III includes the changes associated with long standing rosacea, namely a larger bulbous nose or chin. In addition, rosacea patients can also suffer from blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin) and the formation of styes.

For stage I rosacea, treatments include a topical medication such as metronidazole, sodium sulfacetamide, or azaleic acid twice a day. The effects of these topicals are varied. Laser is an excellent treatment for these cases, and sometimes the only acceptable cosmetic treatment. We use Prescribed Solutions (TM) products which have natural products that help in Calming the skin down.

For both stage I and stage II rosacea, the addition of doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline is usually added. Low-dose accutane can also be used in these cases.

For stage III changes, a small surgical procedure or laser can correct some of the changes seen with long standing rosacea.

The goal is to calm down the acne portion of your rosacea, then to perhaps do laser once that part of it is controlled.

Accutane is a reasonable option if you are a good candidate.

Don't I need all of my veins. If you treat them what will happen?

2009-04-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

The veins that we treat are already diseased and are not functioning properly (or pumping blood). Therefore, your body has already created new, healthy veins to take over and do the work for the failed ones. Removing the varicosities actually improves your circulation by forcing the pooling blood out of the failed vein and into surrounding, healthy veins.

I've heard that sclerotherapy does not work and that my spider veins will just come back - is this true?

2009-04-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Sclerotherapy done badly and/or with an ineffective sclerosant such as saline does have a high recurrence rate. This is why training in phlebology is important. Also, we use Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy to accurate pick off for removal the offending veins.

I've heard that varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem. Can this be true? I am in so much pain

2009-04-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Less than 20% of the procedures performed for varicose veins at the BC Laser and Skin Care are done for purely cosmetic reasons. Varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, phlebitis and sometimes hemorrhage. We have treated dozens of patients whose severe venous ulcerations have been present or recurrent for several years, and many of them have experienced long lasting healing within a few weeks.

Which is the best wrinkle filler for the lip lines, marionette lines etc?

2009-03-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

There is no best filler. It really depends on what is best for you in terms of your biology and your needs. The "best filler" will depend on many factors including:

1. The length of time the filler will last.

2. The area on the face that needs to be filled.

3. Your skin type, thick or thin, if you have sun damage or acne scarring.

4. The amount of "fill" that is required (fine wrinkles, etched wrinkles, troughs and major volume - cheeks and mid-face).

Hyaluronic acid fillers have become the "gold standard" these days. I believe the other fillers still have niche roles and I still frequently use them. The reason that hyaluronic acid fillers have become so popular is because they are softer than the other fillers, they are more forgiving (harder to feel or see bumps) in thinner skin and soft tissue, they can last up to 12 or 18 months in some locations, they are cheaper than other longer lasting fillers and they can be reversed instantly with a solution of hyaluronidase if needed.

The two major hyaluronic acid players are Juvederm (by Allergan) and Restylane (by Medicis). The major hyaluronic acid fillers can differ in the "particle size" of the hyaluronic polymer, the cross-linking of the polymers and the final concentration of the hyaluronic acid in the syringe. Juvederm has a wider range of particle sizes and Restylane has a more uniform particle size. Both have similar concentrations and cross-linking of hyaluronic acid. The variations of these products have greater concentration or cross-linking to achieve better and longer lasting correction at the expense of a thicker, less forgiving product in thinner skin.

The bottom line is that each of my patients is evaluated first, then I discussed the different filler options available for each area of concern and finally we select a filler to give the best correction for that area. I photograph each patient before and after the treatments to follow the patient's progress and document the length of time each correction lasts. I insist that patients return two weeks after a treatment so we can reevaluate the treatment area and determine if any additional corrections are necessary.

I use radiesse and evolence as well. I tend to reserve these for patients who have already experienced fillers and are comfortable with fillers in the skin and are ready for more longer lasting results.

I have a brown mark or a mole on my face. What can i do about it?

2009-03-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

First, it needs to be examined thoroughly for possible cancer risks. If there is any likelihood of cancer it will have to be biopsied and taken care of.

If it is not malignant then it can be cosmetically taken care of with laser. Most commonly these pigmented brown spots tend to be in the top layer of the skin and are called Solar Lentigos. They can be easily removed with a pigment laser. Usually couple of treatments are required at the most.

Can you treat warts with laser?

2009-03-09T01:19:00.000-07:00

Yes we can treat warts with laser.

Generally people come to us with the tough to treat resistant warts. Generally most people will have tried a variety of treatments before they have come to us. Most warts are classified as "common warts".

Common warts usually occur:

* On your hands
* On your fingers
* Near your fingernails

Warts may occur singly or in multiples. They may bleed if picked or cut and often contain one or more tiny black dots, which are sometimes called wart "seeds" but are actually small, clotted blood vessels. Common warts are usually painless. Young adults and children appear to be affected most often.

Once people come to us they are pretty frustrated and want to get rid of the warts fairly quickly as they have tried multiple treatments already. We use laser treatments to get rid of the warts and usually depending on the laser used they can take one or multiple treatments to eradicate.

Is it possible to get tattoo removal for lips or the eye brow?

2009-03-09T01:12:00.001-07:00

Yes it is possible. A few things need to be clarified.

1. You need to be treated with a q-switch laser (Alex, Ruby or Nd-yag).
2. You will require multiple treatments
3. On a few occasions, there is a paradoxical darkening that occurs with the colour of the tattoo, depending on the colour, especially if it is red. This would then require many regular treatments to get through this phase. No guarantee can be given, though, that the colour will lighten or go away completely.
4. The treatment is fast and often done with a numbing cream only, although an anesthetic can be injected to make it less uncomfortable depending on your symptoms.

Guide to Laser Resurfacing

2009-03-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

How is Laser Resurfacing Performed?

Laser skin resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove skin layers by vaporization rather than with chemicals or a sanding device. Dr Shah is able to specify the amount of energy transmitted to the skin's surface by the laser beam and control the depth of penetration.

What kind of conditions can Laser Resurfacing treat?

Any of the following conditions may indicate that you might be a good candidate for Laser Resurfacing.

wrinkled or sun-damaged facial skin
vertical wrinkles around your mouth, such as those that cause lipstick "bleed"
"crow's feet" lines around your eyes and perhaps some skin laxity in your lower eyelid area
fine wrinkling of your upper eyelids
brown spots or blotchy skin coloring
certain precancerous skin growths
acne or chicken pox scars
superficial facial scars from a past injury

Like the other resurfacing methods, the laser is effective in treating wrinkles, blotchiness or age spots, and scars from acne or other causes. It can be used on the entire face or specific areas. Certain other characteristics of your skin, such as its thickness and texture, may influence whether you are a good candidate for laser resurfacing. Some patients may benefit from the laser's mild "tightening" effect on the skin, particularly in the lower eyelid area where the skin often becomes somewhat loose as a result of aging.

Doctor Consultation: what to ask about laser skin resurfacing

In addition to History and a Physical Examination, the following will be performed.

Skin Evaluation: You should be carefully examined to determine which resurfacing technique, or combination of treatments, will provide you with the best results. Your skin type, the severity of any sun damage, the extent of uneven pigmentation and the depth of skin imperfections will be evaluated. Fine lines, coarse wrinkling or deep acne scarring each may require a different approach to treatment.

Medical History: You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, and medications that you currently take. Be sure to tell your plastic surgeon if you have ever had x-ray treatments of your facial skin such as those used in the treatment of acne or if you have had a prior chemical peeling procedure. Current or past use of AccutaneT, as well as Retin-AT and other topical skin preparations, must be reported to us. For your safety, it is important that you provide complete information.

Getting ready for Laser Resurfacing

We may may place you on a pretreatment program during which you will apply special creams, lotions or gels to your skin for a few weeks or longer. You may also be given certain oral medications that you should begin taking prior to your treatment. We will provide you with additional instructions.

You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and probably assist you for a day or two.

During Laser Resurfacing

Medications will be administered for your comfort prior to the treatment. Frequently, local anesthesia alone or combined with oral analgesics is used for patients undergoing skin resurfacing procedures.

After Laser Resurfacing

When the treatment is completed, your resurfaced skin may be covered with petroleum jelly or other protective ointment. In some cases, dressings, tape or a bandage may be applied.

Recovery from Laser Resurfacing

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. We will probably see you on multiple occasions in the first two weeks.

First few days: Laser skin resurfacing will produce redness and swelling to varying degrees. Depending on the post treatment regimen selected by your plastic surgeon, a scab may or may not form over the treated area. You will be advised about cleansing your skin, as well as if and when you should apply any ointments. In the case of men who have undergone resurfacing procedures, shaving must be delayed for a while. It is essential that you follow our instructions and avoid doing anything that might interrupt the healing process.

Within 7 to 10 days: New skin will have begun to form. After the initial redness subsides, your skin may be pink for several weeks to months. Camouflage makeup usually can be used within a couple of weeks, but we will advise you.

Depending on the type and depth of your skin resurfacing, straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early period following your procedure. For deeper resurfacing, you should be able to return to work within a week or two.

Results: what to expect from Laser Resurfacing

Because of the persistence of skin pinkness following many types of resurfacing procedures, it may take months before you can fully appreciate your new look. Most patients feel that the results are definitely worth waiting for and, in the case of deeper treatments, the benefits are relatively long-lasting. More superficial resurfacing treatments may need to be repeated periodically in order to maintain their benefits.

Your skin will, of course, continue to age. Also the type of wrinkles caused by movement of your facial muscles will eventually reappear. Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. Despite this, you can expect that improvements in skin quality and texture achieved by resurfacing will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come..

Laser Resurfacing side effects

The subject of risks and potential complications of laser resurfacing is best discussed on a personal basis.

Potential risks include:

infection
abnormal healing
allergic reactions
if prone to herpes, possible eruption
raised or thickened scarring
unanticipated skin color changes or skin blotchiness

Following all resurfacing treatments, it is important that you avoid direct or indirect exposure to the sun until all the redness or pinkness of your skin has subsided. Even after that, it is advisable for you to protect your skin by regular use of a sunblock and, whenever possible, a wide-brimmed hat. If the area around your eyes has been treated, you should wear good quality sunglasses when outdoors. After some types of skin resurfacing treatments, you may need to be careful about exposing your skin to chlorinated water.

You can minimize certain risks and help to maintain the results of your skin resurfacing treatment by following the instructions given to you.

Laser Resurfacing cost

Laser Resurfacing cost can vary widely due to the nature of the laser used and the area being treated.

How can I increase collagen production?

2009-03-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

As you age the following things take place in your skin:

1. The amount of collagen produced is diminished and the type of collagen changes from a more youthful type of collagen to an older type of collagen. The production of collagen never ends.
2. The Elastin in your skin decreases in content as well as production. But it also does not completely stop being produced.
3. The Melanin granules (colour/pigment in your skin) in the upper layers of your skin coalesce into pocket, we call them freckles, sunspots or brown spots.
4. The cells of the skin age and more dead layers of skin pile up in the upper layers of the skin.
5. Skin cancer risks go up because of environmental influenced - sun, pollution.

What you can do to correct these problems:

1. Retin-A - increases collagen production, slows the loss of elastin, decreases the production of metalloproteases, cause the dispersion of melanin granules, reduces the rate of topical skin cancers, exfoliates the dead skin layers and improves acne as well. the down side to retin-a is complinace - you have to start at a low concentration and move to the highest concentration as your skin allows.
2. Hydroquinone - Bleaches the sunspots and retards the production of melanin.
3. Sunblock- Zinc Oxide sunblock is the best.
4. Some of the Laser Facials can be very effective as well.
5. Anti-oxidants - Obagi or the Alyria are the best available.
6. Avoiding sun-worship and healthy eating with drinking lots of water are requisite to good skin health as well.
7. . In my practice I use the Mixto SX laser for skin resurfacing (but many good options exist) and have had great (often amazing) success improving the health and appearance of my patients skin, beyond what Retin-A and skin care had done. Over 3-4 months, the laser treatment leads to increased collagen production with improved firmness and tightness of the skin

How do I choose the best CO2 laser treatment?

2009-03-02T17:58:00.001-08:00

Is there a difference between the UltraPulse CO2 laser /Fraxel repair /Pixel /Mixto/DOT lasers? I'm confused by all the different names and think the doctor will try to sell me on whatever machine he has- without it necessarily being the best for me. How can I know I'm doing the best treatment?

There are a lot of laser devices out these days and you do have to do your homework to keep things straight. There are basically 3 categories of lasers: 1) Fully ablative that includes CO2 and Erbium lasers, 2) Fractional Ablative lasers that include Mixto, Fraxel Repair, Lumenis Total Fx (these are both fractionated CO2), Pixel, DoT and others, 3) Fractionated non-ablative lasers such as Affirm, or Fraxel Restore

The main difference between these categories is the amount of downtime that goes along with them. The Fully ablative lasers require 1 treatment and will require 2-3 weeks to heal and possibly some redness beyond this time frame. The fractionated ablative CO2 lasers usually only take 1 treatment and reduce the healing time to about 1 week. The nonablative fractional lasers require 4-5 treatments but only have 1-2 days of redness for healing.

The other main consideration is results and what the treatment is for. A basic rule is that the more aggressive the laser, the better the results and the more the downtime. All lasers are indicated for wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, and sun damage. For wrinkles, more aggressive treatments are better.

This is some basic information to help you along. The other questions you should ask are what are my options. If the practice only offers one laser and one laser for everything then you should be wary. If options are presented to you with variable results and healing times then it is reasonable. Any serious laser practice will offer options or combination treatments. For example, our practice has multiple lasers for various applications so that we can offer options to patients depending upon their needs and lifestyle (healing time tolerance).

In terms of the CO2 laser, it is not the machine that is important, it is the kind of experience that your doctor has in dealing with the machine. CO2 machines are powerful and they do give wonderful results. But your physician has to have experience in the use of the particular machine.

What is a Obagi Blue Peel?

2009-03-02T17:46:00.001-08:00

Obagi is a company that was founded by a dermatologist. Its main products use a retin-a and hyrdoquinone product line that allow for good penetration of the product. The Blue peel is a TCA peel that uses a blue dye to allow better visualization that the product is evenly distributed on the skin.The Obagi Blue Peel is a light to medium depth TCA (trichloracetic acid peel) that can be applied in the office. The 'blue' is a carrier pigment that allows the physician to see where the chemical has been applied and to ensure even distribution.

The goal is to lighten pigment spots and reduce fine wrinkles. It typically has a burning sensation that lasts for a few minutes after application.

The recovery time is between five to seven days depending on the depth of the peel and results desired.

Multiple treatments can be used to treat mild acne scarring, but other modalities (fractional resurfacing) are often times more effective.

What's the best laser for hair removal?

2009-03-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

What to look for in laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990’s. Older generation lasers were slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skinned. Lasers for hair removal can be performed on any (yes, any) area of the body.

When considering a hair removal laser treatment, people should consider the following questions:

1) Is this laser Health Canada approved for hair removal on my skin type and hair colour?

There are several lasers for hair removal available. No one laser is ideal for every individual. Depending on your skin color and hair color, some lasers will be more effective than others.

The Ruby Laser: This is the "original " hair removal laser. Its deep red color at 694nm is very well absorbed by the melanin pigment in hair, making it an excellent choice for fine and light hair. However, because melanin is present in the skin as well, the Ruby laser cannot be used on patients with skin that is not very light, including tanned skin. Because of this limitation, slow repetition rate, and relatively small spot size, Ruby lasers have become less popular for laser hair removal in recent years. We do not use the ruby for hair removal at BC LASER. We use it for tattoo removal.

The Alexandrite Laser: This laser produces reddish light. With its large (up to 18mm) spot size and high repetition rate, the Alexandrite laser is the fastest hair removal laser, and is suitable for rapid treatment of large body areas in patient with light to olive complexion. An entire back can be treated in less than 30 minutes. We tend to use this at BC LASER for light skinned people.

The Diode Laser: This laser, consists of a high power laser diode emitting infrared (invisible) light at ~800-808nm. The longer wavelength allows deep penetration into the skin and safety for darker skin types, but with less efficacy for lighter and finer hair. A smaller spot size means a longer treatment. That may mean a more expensive treatment. A longer treatment may also increase discomfort and a need for topical numbing

The long pulse Nd:YAG: This laser can be used on all skin types, including tanned skin. Large spot sizes and fast repetition rates allow large areas to be treated quickly. Then disadvantage is less effective clearance for fine and light hairs than some other hair removal lasers.

IPL devices are not lasers, because they emit non-coherent light of many different wavelengths. However, because most of the light energy is in the shorter wavelengths, treatment of darker skin types is less effective than with the appropriate laser. The disadvantage here is that these IPL treatments require many more treatments and can cause darkening of the skin.

2) What is the spot size of the laser? A larger spot size offers not only the advantage of faster treatment, but also additional safety and efficacy. As spot size increases, a lower percentage of the delivered light energy scatters outside of the treatment area, increasing the depth of pentration, and allowing a lower energy setting to be used for treatment.

3) What type of cooling system is the laser equipped with? It is important that a laser have consistent cooling in order to ensure patient safety and comfort.

4) Is there a physician on site? Although complications with new lasers for hair removal are rare, in the event of a complication, you need to know who will provide medical attention.

5) Are treatments sold in a package or one at a time? Because every person will respond at a slightly different rate, and some individuals will require more treatments than others for complete clearance, most laser centers will offer individual sessions.

6) Are complimentary consultations and spot tests available? You should be able to meet the technician and experience a pulse or two before committing to a treatment.

How do I get rid of forehead wrinkles?

2009-03-02T17:18:00.001-08:00

"People always say I look angry or worried because I have wrinkles on my forehead. Which wrinkle treatments will get rid of these forehead lines?"

Different forehead wrinkles require different treatment modalities
Forehead wrinkle treatment depends on the underlying cause and extent of damage to the skin.

Dynamic wrinkles are those that are present only during animation (active movement of the face) and are best treated with Botox. Botox will temporarily stop the underlying frontalis muscle from pulling on the skin and creating the furrows and wrinkles. A typical treatment will last three months.

Static wrinkles are those that are always present even when the face is at rest. If these creases are deep, a combination of Botox to stop the primary culprit (frontalis muscle) and a filler material (e.g. Restylane, Juvederm) to fill the dermal defect are quite useful. Filler materials are temporary as well lasting six months or more.

More aggressive and longer lasting treatments include Fractional laser resurfacing that work well on static wrinkles as well as a forehead lift in which the frontalis muscle is weakened.

Every individual requires a customized approach to meet their goals and expectations within their budget and recovery time constraints.

Can ultrashape be used to treat fat on the arms?

2009-02-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately at the moment it is not possible simply due to the size of the transducer. However, in very short time the company that manufactures Ultrashape is going to produce smaller transducers so we can get rid fat from the arms.

What is ultrashape?

2009-02-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

UltraShape is a non-surgical treatment that uses ultrasound to destroy fat cells without damaging your surrounding tissue or nerves. UltraShape is typically used in fighting fat in your stubborn fatty deposits such as saddle bags, belly fat, cellulite, and love handles. We all have them: places that simply don’t respond to stomach crunches, jogging, or dieting.

If you have a low pain threshold, you may be attracted to the fact that ultrasound energy emitted by the UltraShape device is considered pain free. Vibrations from the device may cause minimal discomfort. UltraShape patients also have the benefit of returning to their daily routine without downtime.

Does UltraShape work?

Yes, for those patients who regularly exercise, they will be able to burn off the breakdown products of the fat that the ultrashape produces. Ultrashape causes breakdown of fat into triglycerides and glycerol. The glycerol is excreted via urine and the triglycerides are burnt by the liver providing you perform regular physical activity. This is a body contouring porcedure not a weight loss procedure.

How does UltraShape work?

UltraShape claims that its fat reduction betters liposuction through superior technology. The UltraShape device is a hand-help unit the size of a hair dryer (called the transducer). The device is pressed against the unwanted fat region to deliver the ultrasound energy and to vibrate the tissue.

This targeting prevents damage to surrounding skin and tissue. UltraShape can only affect a small region of fat per treatment, thus, multiple sessions are required.

A competitor to Ultrashape is Smartlipo which uses lasers to break up and destroy fat cells.

People commonly ask which areas of my face can I get injected with Botox™ (Botulinum Toxin)?

2008-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Botox is most commonly used to treat these problems:

"Frown lines" between the eyes

"Crow’s feet" on the sides of the eyes

"Worry lines" on the forehead

Experienced physicians may use Botox Cosmetic to:

Raise the corners of the brows

Widen narrow eyes

Improve “gummy smile” by lowering the upper lip by several millimeters

Treat “smoker’s lines” around the mouth

Decrease the depth of “smile lines” from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth

Soften “Marionette lines” from the corners of the mouth down

Reduce “pebble chin”

Decrease “neck cords” from the chin to the neck

Treat “necklace lines”

I have seen success with all these treatment areas, but some uses of Botox may not be appropriate for certain patients. There are some risks to treating any area, and the risks must be weighed against the benefit of treatment.

Mineral Makeup

2008-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

Natural Makeup works. It has a whole bunch of benefits. I would like to list these here. Mineral Makeup has skin care benefits that conventional makeups can only envy. As physicians we use and recommend these lines of makeups. In our practice we use the Jane Iredale Line. Jane's line is a highly-sophisticated blend of minerals and pigments that are micro-pulverized, using proprietary technology and processes to form microscopic flat crystals. These crystals overlap each other on the skin to form a filter that allows the skin to breathe and function normally while still protecting it from air-borne pollutants. The staying power of the minerals is so great that they rarely need a touch-up during the day. And because these silky-feeling powders are water resistant, they won't crease or smear even during the most strenuous exercise. These state-of-the-art minerals are available in so many shades that there's one for every complexion no matter what the ethnicity. Non-comedogenic, will not block pores. Virtually no allergy risk. All products have been sensitivity tested.Broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection - up to SPF 20. Anti-inflammatory, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin. Very water resistant rating by an approved FDA lab. Complete coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea and redness following treatments like chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Contains no talc or parabens. Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria. Environmentally aware. No products have been tested on animals