Frequently
Asked Questions
Photo Facials or Photo Rejuvenation
with
BBL (Broad Band Light)
What is Broad Band Light (BBL)?
BBL technology is a non-invasive procedure that improves the appearance
of aging skin from the inside out. Since it treats skin damage
without disruption of the skin's surface, there is no recovery time and
patients can return to regular activities right after treatment. In
addition to treating the face; the neck, chest, back, arms and hands are
commonly treated as well. The overall effect is to give skin a
more youthful appearance.
How does BBL work?
BBL consists of a very bright, controlled light that is absorbed by
various components of the skin. The colours in the light are attracted
by the red and brown discolouration in the skin and by the collagen
tissue. The body's healing mechanism takes over and absorbs the reds,
sloughs the browns and stimulates the production of new collagen. The
light is customized to your specific condition and colour to effectively
improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin. It will appear smoother
and younger-looking.
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation
with
BBL is a safe and effective treatment for men
and women to reverse sun-induced skin damage. It improves the texture of
the skin, stimulates your own collagen to help smooth fine lines and
wrinkles, clears red blotches and spider veins, and fades brown spots,
including brown age spots found on the backs of hands. It can also
soften shallow acne scars and reduce pore size, all with very little
down-time.
How is the treatment done?
Goggles are worn to protect your eyes from the bright light. A cool gel
is applied to the skin to help the absorption of light and keep the skin
cool. The pulse of light feels like a small sting, but it is well
tolerated. The treatment takes about 30 minutes. Usually
5 to
6 treatments,
3 weeks apart, are required to see maximal results. Improvement is
natural and gradual. You must avoid tanning while undergoing treatment.
How will I look right after treatment?
If you have red, blotchy skin, you will probably have some temporary
redness. If you have brown age spots or freckles, they will appear
darker for the first few days and then peel off. Immediately after
treatment, most patients can carry on with their normal activities and
must use sun protection
- SPF 60.
What conditions can be treated?
-
sun damage
-
redness, flushing and small veins
-
rosacea
-
red discolouration and enlarged pores caused by acne
-
brown pigmentation, age spots and freckles
-
a dull complexion
-
acne
and mild scarring
What improvement can I expect?
Your skin will appear smoother, firmer and refreshed. Improvement in
tone and texture will give a more polished look. You will have a more
even skin colour, with reduced pore size, softened fine lines and
improved acne scarring.
How long will the results last?
The results can last for years, depending on the aging process and
environmental factors such as sun exposure.
Regular
maintenance, the use of anti-aging products recommended
specifically for you by Dr. van Aardt and Associates, and sun protection
will give long-lasting results.
Can photorejuvenation be used in combination with other procedures?
Absolutely. This treatment complements and enhances other
anti-aging treatments such as Botox, facial fillers and microdermabrasion to keep skin healthy and attractive. During your
consultation,
we
customize a skin
rejuvenation program for your specific concerns.
Laser Facial
Vein Treatments
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are red or purple thread veins that can occur on the face,
neck, chest, thighs, and legs. These blood vessels are just beneath the
surface of the skin and can be unsightly. Heredity may play a role in
the cause of spider veins, but environmental factors, such as sun
exposure, and certain diseases, such as rosacea, can cause these veins
to develop.
What is a port wine stain?
This red to purple birthmark is a collection of veins that may develop
on the face, body or extremities. Laser treatments will help fade it,
but multiple treatments are necessary over 1 to 2 years.
How does the laser remove veins?
The blood cells inside the vessel absorb the laser energy. The heat
coagulates the blood and the vein collapses and is eventually absorbed.
the normal surrounding skin is not injured.
Is it painful?
You will experience a mild sting, similar to the snap of an elastic
band.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically, 1 to 3 treatments are needed to
facial
veins. Facial
treatments are 3 to 4 weeks apart. Some areas, such as around the nose, may require
additional treatments.
Will the veins recur?
Veins around the nose tend to recur and new veins
usually develop with time. These area can be retreated when necessary.
Can removal of my facial veins be combined with any other treatment?
Absolutely. Photorejuvenation with broad band light can remove
facial
veins and brown discoloration, and improve the texture and tone of your
skin.
Botox®
Cosmetic
Botox®
Cosmetic is a procedure that can smooth frown lines on the face
and neck for both men and women. It can soften lines and wrinkles that
make you appear tired, upset or angry.
Botox®
Cosmetic can help you maintain your appearance without surgery and
no down time. It is the most popular physician-administered cosmetic
procedure, with over one million patients receiving treatment. It is one
of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures done. Dr. van Aardt
has had extensive training and experience injecting
Botox®
Cosmetic.
What is Botox Cosmetic? Botox® is a drug manufactured from a bacterial protein C. Botulinum (similar to penicillin). Botox® has been thoroughly researched and clinically used for over 20 years. The amount of product used for cosmetic treatment is significantly smaller than it typically used to treat medical conditions. Botox® is approved by both the HPB (Health Protection Branch of Canada) and the FDA (US Federal Drug Administration).
Is it safe?
It has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 15
years and in wrinkle therapy for over 13 years. The procedure was
developed by two Canadian physicians.
Botox®
is also used to
treat migraine headaches and several neurological problems (i.e. blepharospasm of Parkinson's disease). It is also used
by Dr. Van Aardt
to treat hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) of armpits.
How does Botox Cosmetic work?
Wrinkles and frown lines are the result of muscle activity. Dr. Van
Aardt analyzes this activity and determines which muscles require
treatment. Several tiny injections of
Botox®
Cosmetic are administered
very precisely into the muscles that cause the wrinkles. It blocks nerve
impulses from reaching that area and the muscles relax. As a result, the
wrinkles overlying the muscles are smoothed away.
What areas can be treated? The most common areas treated are the frown lines (glabella) between the brows, and the forehead, crow's feet. Dr. Van Aardt treats also the eyebrow area to lift the brow and open up the eyes, breast lift, bunny lines, dimpled chin, décolleté, excessive sweating of the axillae, gum show, drooping mouth corners, lip lines, neck bands and lines, square jaw, under eye area and TMJ.
What happens after treatment? The treatment time varies depending on the procedure being done and you can resume normal activities right away. In 3 to 14 days, the wrinkles will appear softer and smoother.
Are there any side effects?
The possible risks are rare and not permanent.
Occasionally, a small bruise lasting a few days may occur and can be
covered with make-up. A mild, temporary headache may occur in some
patients. Rarely, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid that may last a few
weeks may occur. However, Dr. Van Aardt may elect to correct this
problem immediately be prescribing an ophthalmic drop to the affected
eye.
Will my facial expressions look natural? When Botox® treatments are done properly you will always have a natural appearance and maintain facial expression. Most people will not notice that you had any treatment done. You will appear more relaxed and happier.
How long will the effects of Botox Cosmetic last?
The effects initially last about 3-4 months. When movement of the
muscles is detected, it is time for another treatment. With repeated
treatment, some results may last 4 to 6 months or longer. If
you discontinue treatment, your wrinkles will gradually return to the
way they were before treatment.
Can Botox Cosmetic treatments be combine with any other treatments?
Absolutely! Botox Cosmetic treatments can be combined with many other
anti-aging procedures to enhance their effectiveness and give
longer-lasting results. Intense pulsed light treatments, microdermabrasion, fillers and the use of anti-aging products are
all complementary procedures.
Is this treatments for everyone?
Men and women, from age 18 to 70, who would like a more relaxed
appearance, enjoy the benefits of Botox Cosmetic. There are very few
restrictions. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or have certain
neurological disorders, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, should not be
treated.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for Botox Cosmetic?
During your consultation, Dr. Van Aardt will assess you to determine if
you might benefit from these treatments and will also address any
further questions you may have.
Juverderm Dermal Filler
Filler substances are made of a non-animal hyaluronic acid gel that is
used for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles, and for lip
enhancement. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and other
tissues.
After injection, the gel binds water and remains for many months. These
products create volume in the skin, resulting in a healthy, attractive
appearance.
How do these products differ?
Juverderm is injected into skin folds where more volume is desired. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it has the added benefit of stimulating collagen production. This prolongs the clinical effect so the overall duration is approximately 12 months. Juverdem is injected into areas where less volume is needed, as in lip enhancement.
Is
Juverderm
safe?
Yes. Because
it is
not animal based.
It is a sterile gel of
Hyaluronic acid.
It is bio-compatible so allergy testing is not required.
There is no risk of animal-based disease transmission.
What areas can be treated?
These products can be used to enhance lips and to fill facial wrinkles
and folds, such as nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth, and
marionette lines, the depressed corners of the mouth.
What is a Liquid Face Lift?
For
this procedure
Dr. Van Aardt
uses
Juverderm
to restore volume and reduce the signs of aging. It
enhances the brow and cheekbones, firms the jaw line and fills in the
hollows beneath the eyes. It gives the impression of a mini face-lift
and facial without surgery.
Is it painful?
Dr. Van Aardt uses
the newest version of
Juverderm
which contains an anesthetic so patients are comfortable during treatment.
How will I look after the treatment?
Wrinkles and folds are immediately improved but there may be some
swelling for a few hours and a bruise that may last a few days. Lips
usually become swollen for up to 2 days and may bruise. Avoidance of
anti-inflammatory medication and vitamin E for 1 week before treatment
can reduce the chance of bruising.
When will I need a touch-up treatment? These products usually last 9 to 12 months, but most patients enjoy their enhanced appearance and have touch-up treatments every eight months or so as needed.
Can I combine this treatment with any other procedure?
Absolutely! Botox Cosmetic can greatly enhance the effect of these
injections and give a longer lasting result. Dr. Van Aardt can assess
you to determine if these procedures would benefit you.