ask dr. braun
* As
seen in the Vancouver Province Newspaper.
Topics:
Q & A's:
Aging and the Neck Q: I’ve been using BOTOX® for several years,
and I’ve had a few IPL treatments. The results are fantastic,
but my neck is really showing my age, especially the lines. What
do you recommend?
A: The skin on the neck can really show a person’s
age. The good news is that the same IPL and BOTOX® treatments you’ve
used for your face can significantly improve the look and feel
of the skin on your neck. Intense pulsed light (IPL) photorejuvenation
targets skin changes that develop with excess sun exposure and
age. IPL is extremely effective for improving some fine lines,
redness, age spots and pigment problems. BOTOX® offers an excellent
complementary treatment by reducing the horizontal neck lines
that deepen with age.
BOTOX®
- Excessive Sweating Q: I’m interested in treating my excessive
sweating with BOTOX®. My cousin had her underarms treated with
BOTOX® and now she swears by it. Is it covered by medical?
A: More
and more, people are turning to BOTOX® as an effective method
for controlling excessive sweating of the underarms and palms.
Excessive
sweating is a medically recognized condition called hyperhidrosis
causing both physical and social discomfort. The therapeutic
effects of BOTOX® on excess sweating are almost immediate and last
up to 6 months, or even longer in some cases. The good news is
that most extended health-care insurance programs will cover the
cost. The patient need only pay the administering physician the
cost of the injection itself.
BOTOX® - Side Effects
Q: Most of my friends are using BOTOX® and the
results are amazing! I’m not worried about immediate side
effects, as I know they’re
rare. What evidence is there on long-term use?
A: For more than 20 years,
doctors have been using BOTOX® with increasing frequency to treat
a growing list of medical conditions. It has become the most popular
procedure in cosmetic dermatology, and is endorsed by the FDA
and health agencies the world over for both medical and cosmetic
usage. Millions of people have benefited from BOTOX®’s therapeutic
and cosmetic advantages. No long-term adverse effects have been
found. That’s why
BOTOX® continues to be the focus of leading-edge medical research,
as well as the most increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for
eliminating wrinkles.
When
do I apply sunscreen? Q:
I know that daily use of sunscreen is important, but I’m
not sure when to apply it. Do I apply it before or after my
moisturizer?
A:
You should always apply your moisturizer first. An effective
moisturizer should penetrate the skin and lock the moisture
inside. Sunscreen should be applied last, as a barrier, and
should have an SPF of at least 15. The daily use of a sunscreen
with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection is an important
part of a healthy skin-care regime. Sunscreens and sunblocks
not only protect you against premature aging, they are associated
with reducing the possibility of skin cancer. Many moisturizers
today contain sunscreens — try
to find one that offers multiple benefits related to your skin
type.
Skin Care: Women
in Their 30's Q: I am 30 years
old, and am worried about my skin aging. What types of skin-care
products do you recommend?
A: You should use a sunscreen daily
with an SPF of at least 15 to protect against photo-aging
and sun damage. You should
also consider using anti-oxidants such as water- and fat-soluble
forms of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A acids and alpha-lipoic
acids. The daily use of anti-oxidants play an important role
in the skin’s defense against damage associated with
sun exposure. They can also help to repair some of the damage
that has already occurred, helping reduce sun spots and fine
lines and smoothing skin’s texture.
Laser Hair Reduction for Blonde Hair
Q: I have blonde facial hair. I’ve read that laser
hair reduction isn’t effective for treating blonde hair.
Is this true?
A: In laser hair reduction, the pulses of light search out
pigment, or melanin, to target a hair follicle. Blonde hair
contains little melanin, so it is more difficult to treat.
Today, there are more sophisticated lasers that have proven
success in removing blonde hair. The Vasculight Laser is
one such laser. It is probably the most versatile laser available
today, and is more effective than others for permanent reduction
of blonde, grey and red hair.
Removal of
Sun Spots Q:
I used baby oil to tan when I was a teenager. Now I’m
covered with freckles from head to toe. Can you recommend
a treatment
to remove
all these freckles?
A: Intense pulsed light (IPL) photorejuvenation will work
wonders for all that pigment! This non-invasive treatment
selectively targets abnormal changes that come with sun damage
like excessive pigmentation. With IPL treatments you are
left with the skin colour and texture you were meant to have.
There are topical treatment products that help as well. Look
for those containing hydroquinone, Vitamin C, Vitamin A acid,
azelaic acid and kojic acid. And, from now on, use a sunscreen
with an SPF of at least 15 every day!
Non-Surgical
Facelift - Thermalift Q: I have
been hearing a lot about a non-surgical facelift. What can
you
tell me about it and is it available in Canada?
A: The latest procedure in non-surgical facelifts is called
the ThermalLift by Thermage. This breakthrough treatment
has been featured in lots of news segments in Canada and
the United States recently. Because Thermage has a dramatic
ability to produce face-lifting results without surgery,
it has received a lot of media attention. The treatment uses
radio frequency energy to tighten loose skin. And as it stimulates
the skin to produce more collagen, its effects continue to
improve over time.
What is the
Age to Start BOTOX®? Q:
I’m
25 and some of my friends are already getting BOTOX®. They
say
it’s for preventative measures. Why would someone my age get BOTOX®?
A: BOTOX® therapy is being used by millions as a safe, fast
and effective treatment for anti-aging and age-prevention.
Deciding if BOTOX® is right for you is an individual decision.
Because our skin is elastic, like an elastic band, it wears
out over time, producing deep wrinkles from expression lines.
BOTOX® targets the muscles responsible for expression lines,
reducing their movement for up to four months, making wrinkles
less pronounced. With continued use, BOTOX® prevents wrinkles
from deepening and helps expression lines from developing
into wrinkles.
Are Creams
as Effective as BOTOX®?
Q: What about all these new creams that claim to be as effective
as BOTOX®?
A: BOTOX® is so effective for reducing
wrinkles it’s
causing a lot of concern in the skin care industry. So much
so, that dozens of companies now compare their products’ anti-aging
benefits to BOTOX®. While the use of good skin-care products
is an important part of any healthy beauty regime, there
is no cream, lotion or potion available today that compares
to BOTOX® for effectively reducing wrinkles.
Thermage
- How does it Work?
Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about
a non-surgical facelift called Thermage. How does it work
and will I see a real difference?
A: Thermage is a breakthrough treatment
that uses non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten
loose skin. By heating up the deep tissues, while cooling
and protecting the skin, it is designed to cause immediate
collagen contraction followed by new collagen production
which occurs over a period of time.The most common areas
treated by Thermage are the forehead, around the eye, the
mid and lower face and the neck. The effects aren’t
instantaneous as the tightening effect continues over a two
week to six month period, providing a more youthful and luminous
look.
Thermage & the
Non Surgical Face Lift
Q: Several years ago I tried a non-surgical
face lift at a spa. I didn’t notice any difference.
So why should I expect any more from the Thermage process?
A: With all the cosmetic products and treatments
on the market, it is easy to become skeptical about results,
especially after a disappointing experience such as yours.
By heating up the deep tissues, while cooling and protecting
the skin, it is designed to cause immediate collagen contraction
followed by new collagen production which occurs over a period
of time. Thermage is a sophisticated treatment that has been
proven through clinical trials to tighten skin and provide
a more youthful appearance. It is recommended for those who
aren’t prepared to have facial surgery, but want to
see results that no skin cream or facial can provide.
Thermage - Special
After Care Required?
Q: At 48, I’m not prepared to have
facial surgery, but I’ve heard I can treat my “jowls” with
Thermage. Do I need to book extra time off work or have any
special after-care?
A: As Thermage is a non-invasive process
for tightening sagging skin, it is an ideal treatment for
those who are either not ready or not interested in facial
surgery. Some mild redness can be expected, but it doesn’t
last long after the treatment. Some people get a bit of swelling
and prefer to do the procedure at the end of the week so
that they have the weekend off. Other than the use of sunscreen,
no specialized after-care is required.
Thermage & BOTOX®
Treatments
Q: I’m considering getting Thermage
to tighten the skin around my eyes. Do I need to stop the
BOTOX® treatments I’ve been having for the lines?
A: BOTOX® therapy is an excellent method
for smoothing the lines around the eyes – and there
is no conflict with using Thermage. In fact, some patients
choose to have both treatments at the same appointment. Thermage
of the brow can lift the area. This results in a more defined
upper eyelid crease and a more youthful appearance. Of course,
those who treat the brow and lower face with Thermage can
expect to see an improvement in their overall look, not just
the eyes.
Is Thermage
Safe?
Q: I’ve just learned that there is
a non-surgical face lift called Thermage. No surgery is one
thing, but is it safe and is it painful?
A: Thermage is gaining popularity as a
non-invasive method for treating loose skin. It is safe,
and patients are kept very comfortable during the treatment.
Thousands have had the procedure now. The comprehensive clinical
research behind Thermage is well respected in the medical
world. And with the unique delivery method, patients are
treated to a refreshing sensation of cool following each
brief feeling of heat.
How many Thermage
Treatments are Required?
Q: How many Thermage treatments will I
require before I see results?
A: Results are as individual as each person’s
skin. Thermage actually stimulates new collagen production,
so tightening happens gradually. Studies show measurable
tightening happens over a two to six month period following
the treatment. Many patients see results sooner and find
one session produces the look they want. Through consultation,
we can identify the right Thermage program for you.
Is Laser Hair
Reduction Safe for all Skin Types?
Q: My friends and I are so sick of shaving
and waxing that we got to thinking about Laser Hair Reduction.
Is it safe and effective for all skin colours?
A: More and more people are choosing laser
hair reduction because of the superb results. Over the years,
thousands of people have come to us for laser hair reduction.
In fact, ours was the first clinic in Canada to provide the
service. And keeping up with technology ensures our patients
the best of benefits and safety. We currently offer four
sophisticated lasers for hair reduction, each with advantages
for different skin types.
Treating Upper
Lip Vertical Lines with BOTOX®
Q: My girlfriend just had her lips enhanced
with Restylane and BOTOX®. I’ve heard about Restylane
for lips, but why BOTOX®?
A: BOTOX® placed selectively above
the upper lip reduces the vertical lines and prevents them
from getting deeper. These lines are caused by pursing the
lips, which happens in speech. Smoking makes them worse.
Eventually lipstick bleeds into the lines. Small amounts
of BOTOX® can also enhance the upturned edge—the
vermilion border— to create a pouty look. And using
BOTOX® in the lip also helps the Restylane or Perlane
effect last longer.
Treating Rosacea
Q: My face is so red I look permanently
sunburned! Is there way to get rid of it?
A: If you are like millions of people,
you may be suffering from rosacea, a skin disorder that causes
redness across the nose and cheeks. The red and bumpy look
of rosacea is often mistakenly presumed to be alcohol related.
Yet rosacea can happen to anyone, and usually worsens with
middle age. The good news is that Intense Pulsed Light and
Laser procedures can treat the condition with little or no
downtime. Besides getting the red out, these treatments usually
smooth the texture of the skin.
Treating Adult
Acne & Acne Scars
Q: What treatment do you recommend for
adult acne and acne scars?
A: You are not alone—acne affects
80 per cent of the human population. Until recently, the
only effective treatment for severe acne was Accutane, but
it has many side effects. Now people with acne and scarring
can choose Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). PDT effectively treats
moderate to severe acne with a photosensitizing natural compound
called Levulan and/or intense pulsed light (IPL). There is
no downtime and unlike Accutane, there are no systemic side
effects. PDT is used to detect and treat early skin cancers,
acne and rosacea, and to minimize pores.
Early Skin Cancer & Photodynamic
Therapy
Q: My face is covered with white marks
from the liquid nitrogen treatments I had for early skin
cancers. Is there a better treatment now?
A: Don’t feel bad. Liquid nitrogen
has been used to burn off early skin cancers for decades,
but it can leave white scars. Today, you can choose Photodynamic
Therapy (PDT), which doesn’t leave scars. PDT uses
a photosensitizing compound called Levulan on the skin and
activates it with intense pulsed light and/or a Blu-U light.
The Levulan works directly on the early skin cancers, removing
them without scarring. As a bonus, the skin feels silky smooth
with finer tone and texture. Levulan even targets cancers
not yet visible to the naked eye.
BOTOX® and the "Browlift" Effect
Q: I ‘m getting married this summer
and I want to try BOTOX® for the “ browlift” effect.
How far ahead of my special day should I have the procedure?
A: Fallen brows can leave a person looking
tired and old. A lifted brow is a sign of youthfulness and
a lateral brow flare can be a sexy, feminizing feature. BOTOX® is
the only non-surgical procedure to lift your brow besides
Thermage. You can have BOTOX® as early as one week to smooth
out those dynamic wrinkles but the effect will even be better
at four weeks.. Brow lifting and shaping can also be done
with BOTOX® – and are frequently requested these
days. Your brow is the cosmetic center of your face. It deserves
special attention.
Discolored Skin and
Neck Lines
Q: I have discolored skin and lines across
my neck. Can anything be done about this?
A: The condition you are describing is
likely poikiloderma of Civatte, a red-brown discolouration
on the sides and front of the neck. Thankfully, it can be
faded with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. The lines
on the neck that are horizontal are called necklace lines.
The vertical lines are playsmal bands and can resemble a
turkey's legs. And they will age even the most youthful face.
If you want to ease them, you can have BOTOX® injected
along the necklace lines or platysmal bands. Of course, a
combination of IPL and BOTOX® would give the best overall
result.
Treating Dark Eye
Circles
Q: What can be done about the dark circles
around my eyes? More sleep is not an option!
A: Dark circles around the eyes are usually
due to vascular congestion and /or pigment. Vitamin K creams
can help reduce the congested vessels. Skin bleaching agents
with retinol can help address the altered pigment. However,
these products must be used very carefully not to irritate
the sensitive skin around the eyes. Another option is using
Intense Pulsed Light treatments to lighten the area.
What is Lipodissolve & Mesotherapy?
Q: I’ve been hearing so much about
this new face and body sculpting called Lipodissolve and/or
Mesotherapy. What is involved in this procedure?
A: Lipodissolve is an innovative cosmetic
application of mesotherapy, the practice of injecting small
amounts of medication and/or vitamins into the skin. Lipodissolve
specifically targets localized fat and cellulite deposits
and slowly dissolves them with injections of phosphatidylcholine,
a fat-dissolving natural substance that is derived from soy
bean lecithin. It’s the next big thing in cosmetic
rejuvenation in North America. The Vancouver Laser and Skin
Care Center is currently offering treatments in Vancouver.
Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy:
How many treatments are needed?
Q: A few of my friends have had Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy
treatments and are thrilled with their results. How many
treatments do you need before you notice a difference?
A: Lipodissolve is an excellent method
for smoothing the skin and eliminating fat deposits in a
clinical setting . You can obtain results in usually one
to four treatments. These treatments consist of a series
of small injections into the target areas of localized fat..
Lipodissolve uses a natural substance called phosphatidylcholine,
to eliminate fat with few side effects. It’s the latest
hype in magazines and media, in North America and is available
in B.C. at the Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Center.
How does Lipodissolve
and/or Mesotherapy compare to liposuction?
Q: I’ve just learned that there is
a new non-surgical alternative to liposuction called Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy.
How does it compare?
A: Lipodissolve is a faster, safer and
less expensive way to eliminate fatty pads and cellulite
deposits than liposuction. Lipodissolve treatments consist
of small injections of a natural soy bean substance that
is highly-effective for dissolving the small, stubborn fat
deposits that resist diet and exercise. Doctors in Europe
and South America have been using Lipodissolve with success
on thousands of patients for over five years. It’s
gaining popularity in North America because unlike liposuction,
it is very precise, can smooth the skin and doesn’t
involve a general anesthetic or a hospital stay. It’s
the next big thing in cosmetic rejuvenation in North America
and is available in B.C. at the Vancouver Laser and Skin
Care Center.
Does Lipodissolve
and/or Mesotherapy treat cellulite
Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about
Lipodissolve for treating cellulite. What kind of side effects
does it have?
A: Lipodissolve is gaining popularity as
a non-invasive method for eliminating fat and cellulite safely
and comfortably. Lipodissolve is an innovative treatment
that precisely targets and dissolves stubborn fat deposits
through small injections of a soy bean derivative called
phosphatidylcholine, a substance the body itself uses to
break down fat cells. The method has been used on thousands
of patients with great success. It is performed in a medical
setting, but doesn’t require a hospital stay as it
is a quick office procedure with minimal side effects such
as temporary bruising, itching and soreness for a day or
two. It’s the next big thing in cosmetic rejuvenation
in North America and is gaining widespread popularity in
B.C. at the Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Center.
Non Surgical
treatments to minimize wrinkles?
Q: Even the most perfectly smooth skin
is going to have some wrinkles. What kinds of treatments
are available to minimize or eliminate wrinkles?
A: While fine lines and wrinkles cannot
be permanently eradicated, there are some excellent choices
to minimize and to ease that tired older appearance that
wrinkles give to the skin. Crow's feet, wrinkles round the
eyes, furrows on the forehead, tiny lines around the lips
and the mouth — these are the complaints we hear most
when it comes to wrinkles. Treatments that we recommend and
have found to be successful are combinations of BOTOX® and
Restylane which can also be added to Thermage treatments,
the latest advance in non-surgical facial.
Advantages
of using BOTOX® & Restylane together
Q: What are the advantages of using BOTOX® and
Restylane together?
A: Advantages are many. Both procedures
are non-surgical procedures. Neither requires general anesthesia
and the results are seen quickly. The procedures take only
a few minutes and the results can be dramatic. Patients can
return to their everyday activities immediately. Neither
BOTOX® nor Restylane hamper future cosmetic treatments
should a person elect to have other procedures, even plastic
surgery, in the future.
How do I optimize
cosmetic filler results?
Q: What can I do to optimize cosmetic filler
results?
A: Filler agents like Restylane do a terrific
job of smoothing out lips, facial wrinkles and facial folds.
And the results are easily enhanced with the addition of
BOTOX® treatments. In fact, wrinkles such as frown lines
and crow's feet, respond better with BOTOX® than a filler
agent. The combination of the BOTOX® and filler will
allow the filler to last longer. To make the most of non-invasive
anti-aging skin treatments, you could also include a skin-rejuvenating
or skin tightening procedure.
Before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure,
we encourage you to call or contact
us with any questions. |
