Cupid’s Bow: The Search for the Perfect Pout

The quest for luscious youthful lips is as old as civilization. Ancient Egyptian queens used stains from berries and minerals to define and accentuate their lips in order to look more sexually appealing.

Younger women, in their 20’s and 30’s, may be looking for increased fullness and contouring of lip shape. As we age, so do the tissues around the mouth. This results in loss of lip volume, height, and protrusion. The corners of the mouth droop creating a sad expression.

Regardless of age, with temporary tissue fillers such as Juvéderm®, we now have a safe and effective way to combat the aging lip area and augment for a perfect pout.

With tabloid images of celebrities sporting extremely overfilled and distorted lips it is easy to understand why patients might be fearful of the result. There is no need to worry. If you want a natural look smaller amounts of filler can be strategically placed to subtly enhance your existing lip shape.

The key is having knowledge of ideal aesthetic principles and to be able to artfully apply these concepts.  Since we are all unique, the approach to lip enhancement and rejuvenation should be individualized based on each patient’s facial proportions, angles and structure. No two patients need the same lip treatment. The idea behind proper lip augmentation is to master the lips anatomy while taking the patients specific features into consideration. The goal is to enhance beauty, not distort it. The combination of art and science is crucial to achieving the optimum result.

After all, natural voluptuous lips never go out of style.

Laser Hair Removal and IPL Photorejuvenation

Fredericton's only physician owned and operated medical aesthetics clinic is pleased to now offer medical grade technology for laser hair removal and IPL photorejuvenation.

Laser Hair Removal: With 6-8 treatments you can achieve smooth, silky skin, free from ingrown hairs, stubble and razor burn. This quick, comfortable method of permanent hair reduction for both men and women is a cost effective alternative to perpetual shaving and waxing.

IPL Photorejuvenation: IPL (intense pulsed light) is a light based technology used to reduce brown and red discoloration of the skin.This medical grade state-of-the-art  technology is designed to optimize results for our clients. IPL is the treatment of choice for sun damaged skin,age spots and rosacea. The result is clearer skin, free from discolorations, broken blood vessels and flushing. IPL treatments may be used alone or in combination with chemical peels, Botox Cosmetic®, and Juvéderm® dermal filler to achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance.

For more information on Laser hair Removal, IPL Photofacials and any of our other products and services, please call 458 0444 to schedule your consultation.

Seasonal Aesthetic Treatments

Did you know that some aesthetic treatments are best performed during the fall, winter and early spring? Procedures such as Botox Cosmetic® and dermal fillers (Juvéderm®) can be performed in any season. Other treatments such as laser hair removal, chemical peels and laser skin rejuvenation are ideally carried out during months when we are not exposed to the sun.

In order to ensure you have the best result from your treatment and to reduce the risk of any complications there are restrictions surrounding some treatments and exposure to sun, tanning beds and even the use of self-tanning products. It is always best to discuss the pre and post treatment instructions at the time of your initial consultation. Now is the perfect time to begin a series of chemical peels for deeper exfoliation to soften the texture of your skin and improve your complexion. Beginning in December 2012 we will be offering laser hair removal and IPL treatments for the reduction of age spots, discolorations and spider veins.

With a little planning, you will be ready to expose your skin to the sun during the warmer months or while on vacation and still be able to complete your aesthetic treatments.

Preventative Botox

Can Botox be used to prevent wrinkles? Yes, absolutely!

While initially used to treat wrinkles after they formed in women and men aged 35-60, the demand for cosmetic Botox in the under 30 population has skyrocketed in recent years. The secret is out. The earlier you start Botox treatments, the less wrinkling you will get later in life. As a medication, Botox has no age limit and has found an ever growing list of medical uses including excessive perspiration, migraines and muscle disorders. The cosmetic uses of Botox have also expanded beyond frowns and crow’s feet to bunny lines on the nose, gummy smiles and more.

But how does it work to prevent wrinkles from forming?

Injections of Botox just under the skin and into the facial muscles relaxes the muscle thereby preventing the repeated movement of the overlying skin that would eventually lead to a crease or wrinkle. With repeated use of Botox, particularly in the frown and crow’s feet areas, the muscle will get smaller and less active so the development of the overlying wrinkle will be delayed.
In fact, younger clients often require less Botox per treatment area and less frequent injections as the intervention is taking place years before the muscles thicken from overuse.

When should you consider preventative Botox?

Do you notice a thickened muscle or furrow between your eyes or on your forehead when you frown? Do others perceive you to be stressed or angry even when you are not because of your strong facial expression? Do you squint excessively in the sun, causing crow’s feet? Do your family members have a deep furrow or “11” on their forehead? Patterns of facial muscle usage are inherited. We tend to age in a similar way as our parents and older siblings.

Early treatment with Botox has helped young adults keep their skin looking younger by preventing the formation of deep creases. Skillfully and conservatively placed, Botox can give a subtle and natural improvement without a “frozen” look.