You will find a list of our frequently asked questions below. If you have questions on a specific service, click the service name to be taken to that section. If you have any additional questions please call us at 902-678-2121 or click here to send us an email.
ReFirme™ Skin Tightening
ReFirme™ Skin Tightening is a great treatment for anyone looking for a “pick me up” or wanting a more refreshed look. This procedure is great for reversing many of the signs of aging as well as preventing collagen production from slowing down. Many clients book in for a treatment before a big event such as a wedding, media appearance or school reunion to ensure they look their very best. Clients can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment and many book in during their lunch break or between other appointments on their day off.
Is it safe?
Yes.
Here are some of the reasons why you can trust ReFirme™:
a.. Health Canada and FDA approved for wrinkle reduction
b.. Non-surgical, non-invasive treatment
c.. No medical sedation or topical anesthesia
d.. The procedure is safe on all skin types
e.. You can return to your daily activities immediately following treatment.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients see results immediately. In fact, on the first session we stop the procedure after treating half of the face so that the client can compare the treated vs non-treated sides. Results vary based on age and skin condition, but the majority of clients are amazed to see the instant improvement in skin laxity and are excited to have the other side of their face treated to match. More than once we have been asked to photograph a client at the mid point of the procedure for their future reference.
The increased collagen production starts to become more visible about 5 to 7 days after the first procedure.
Skin that has environmental damage or our more mature clientele see gradual and cumulative results throughout the ReFirme™ Skin Tightening series regime. The total number of required treatment sessions depends on your skin’s condition as well as your desired result. The best results are seen 3-6 months post completion with maintenance recommended every 6 to 9 months. Generally, most recommended treatment plans start with a package of three (3) treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart and have a reassessment at that time to see how the results measure up to the expectations of each client. We offer series treatment packages for a more economical means of obtaining your desired results.
Does the treatment hurt?
No. Most patients are very comfortable during treatments. No topical anesthetic, analgesia or medication is recommended for this procedure.
Who should have the ReFirme™Skin Tightening treatment?
Anyone who wants a non-invasive solution for:
- Fine wrinkle reduction
- Improvement in skin laxity
- Tightened and firmed skin
- Skin texture enhancement
What areas can be treated?
ReFirme™ Skin Tightening helps improve skin laxity, sagginess, loss of elasticity and textural irregularities for any area but our most common treatments are:
- Face
- Neck
- Abdomen
- Upper Arms
- Knees
How much does it cost?
The cost of ReFirme™ Skin Tightening starts at $50. Prices are based on the area of concern you wish to treat as well as number of treatments that may be required to obtain desired results. Consultations are provided to assess the condition of your skin and recommend treatment protocol based on your individual needs. This procedure is very reasonably priced. We offer treatment packages for clients who will require a series of treatments or have several areas of concern that they wish to treat at the same time.
Schedule a personal consultation for more specific details and an individual treatment plan for only $25. Consultation fee can be applied towards same day treatment.
Skin Rejuvenation
How does skin rejuvenation with elōs™ technology work?
Elos uses focused light and bi-polar radio frequency energies to restore skin to a more youthful state. Brown spots (pigmented imperfections) from sun damage and aging, red blotchiness from spider vessels or rosacea (vascular imperfections), and uneven skin texture will improve over a treatment series.
What results can one expect from the Skin Rejuvenation treatment?
Each Skin Rejuvenation treatment will result in gradual lightening and improvement of pigmented and vascular imperfections. Textural improvements are appreciated towards the end of the treatment series.
How frequently does one need Skin Rejuvenation treatments?
Treatment frequency has a lot to do with how your skin reacts after each treatment and what your desired results are. Treatments should be done a few weeks apart and your results reviewed to see if your expectations have been met.
What happens after each Skin Rejuvenation treatment?
Temporary pinkness in the skin lasts a very short time, and most people return to work or normal activities immediately after treatment. The improvement in pigmented and vascular irregularities can often be appreciated by the time patients return for their next treatment 3-4 weeks later. Brown spots temporarily go darker before they lighten.
What is the average number of treatments for the Skin Rejuvenation?
Photodamaged skin, erythema from Rosacea, Telangiectasias and pigmented lesions typically require 4- 5 treatment sessions. Some resistant vascular and pigmented lesions may require more than 5 sessions to achieve fading or improvement. Fine lines, pore size and superficial depressed scarring may also show noticeable softening after 4- 5 treatment sessions.
Is treatment with Skin Rejuvenation safe?
Treatment is very safe for the skin. There are many advances in the Skin Rejuvenation technology that make it unparalleled for skin safety, without compromising effectiveness for treatment. There are no long term health hazards from light or electric energies used in the Skin Rejuvenation. Both have been used for decades in medicine, surgery, and aesthetics without adversity. After treatment you are advised to wear sunscreen or sunblock daily as you will be more photosensitive.
How is the Skin Rejuvenation treatment tolerated by the patient?
The sensation is often described as a “hot pinch” feeling. The sensation only lasts for a fraction of a second, and you may feel warmth or tingling sensation for a short time afterward. Most people tolerate treatment without topical anesthetic, but individuals who are more sensitive may prefer to have the skin numbed before treatment. Numbing creams are available for those that are interested.
Who should get treatment for Skin Rejuvenation?
Anyone who wants to improve the signs of sun damage and aging in the skin, such as pigmented and vascular irregularities, uneven or rough skin texture. Skin rejuvenation can be done on face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.
Elos laser vein treatment
Is elös vein treatment right for me?
Elös is an effective treatment for most skin types.
Small red spider veins on the face or lower body can be treated, as well as larger blue-green colored veins on the legs.
How much does it cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the areas you are looking for treatment on and the time required to treat each individuals needs. Schedule a personalized consultation for more details.
When can I expect to see results?
Improvement may be seen after a single treatment. The total number of required treatment sessions depends on the extent and depth of the vascular lesions. Maximum clearance is typically achieved within 1-3 treatment sessions.
Does it hurt?
Treatment of leg veins may be uncomfortable for some patients. This is easily managed by using external cooling or application of a topical anesthetic cream prior to treatment. This is a no-downtime procedure. Many patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Q: Does insurance cover the cost?
A: To date we have found no Canadian health insurance companies that cover the cost of this procedure. We can provide you with information to provide to your insurance company for their consideration. We are also happy to fill out any forms that your insurance company may require to help you get coverage if needed.
Q: What are the advantages of EVLT over ligation and stripping surgery?
A: EVLT is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure. It requires only local anaesthesia, rather than general anesthetic and no stitches. Patients walk out of the office and usually return immediately to normal activities. Studies show that on average EVLT is more effective, the recovery period is significantly less painful and shorter and that ultimate patient satisfaction is greater.
Q: How does EVLT actually work to treat varicose veins?
A: A laser fibre is placed inside the target vein (often the thigh area greater saphenous vein). Energy from the laser heats the blood and vein wall causing the blood to coagulate and the vein to shrink and eventually fibrose.
Q: Is loss of this vein a problem?
A: No. This vein is diseased and no longer functioning properly. The blood that is pooling in the varicose veins now will be diverted to normal veins that have functional valves that can carry the blood out of the leg and toward the heart as normal. Removing diseased veins relieves venous pressure that they are exerting on other veins and tissue. This treatment will help circulation, reduce symptoms and improve the appearance.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Although the laser ablation itself takes only a couple of minutes, the total time required to prepare and drape, ultrasound, get into the vein at the right spot and inject fluid around the vein (tumescence) before placing the laser fibre and then ablating takes approximately one to two hours depending on the number of veins being treated and the complexity of your venous system.
Q: Is EVLT painful?
A: Usually there is only minimal discomfort associated with this treatment. The most common complaint is the local anaesthetic (“freezing”) and/or fluid that is injected along the vein before the laser procedure occurs. A topical anaesthetic can be purchased from any pharmacy or from our office to minimize the discomfort of the needles. The topical freezing needs to be applied 30-45 minutes before the procedure for its full efficacy.
Q: How long will I be off my feet?
A: Recovery time is minimal. Most patients walk out of the office after the procedure and in most cases immediately resume normal daily activities. Each person is different and some people are more prone to bruising or have other health concerns that may affect recovery time. This is something your surgeon will discuss in greater detail when your health history and physical assessment are taken into consideration.
Q: What are the risks and typical side effects of EVLT?
A: The common side effects are minor bruising and sometimes a sore, lumpy cord in the treated area both of which usually disappear within 1-2 weeks of the procedure but on rare occasions can take several months. A “pulling” feeling in the area of the treated vein is often reported several days after the procedure. The risks of this treatment and the possible side effects will be discussed in more detail with your surgeon at your assessment. These risks should be balanced against the risk of complications if your varicose veins and venous insufficiency remain untreated.
Q: Will I be able to drive home?
A: We recommend you arrange for a driver, you will be required to walk for 30 minutes after your procedure before getting in a car. If you are from out of town or out of province, patients are encouraged to bring a driver and elevate the leg on the travel home, stopping to walk every 30 minutes or so for 5 or 10 minutes.
Q: Who should not have EVLT?
A: Patients who are pregnant, have had a recent blood clot, are in poor general health or on bed rest. Patients who do not have a refluxing greater or short saphenous vein are not candidates for this laser procedure but alternatives are discussed with the vascular surgeon.
Q: Why should I trust Valley Medical Aesthetics to treat my veins?
A: Our team includes two Royal College certified vascular surgeons, Dr Dion Davidson and Dr Benjamin Heisler, who each obtained 7 years of specialized surgical and vascular disease training after completing medical school and assess and treat hundreds of vascular patients every year both surgically and with laser and injections. Also with us is Dr Greg Butler, a Royal College certified radiologist and interventional vascular specialist with over 30 years of clinical experience. Added to this mix of expertise are certified ultrasonographers and compression stocking fitters.
