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In recent years, non-surgical cosmetic treatments have become more accessible and extremely popular. Unfortunately, the availability of counterfeit products, such as fake fillers and fake botox are also on the rise. If you are considering cosmetic injections, it’s important to know that you’re getting the real deal. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from fake injectable products.
Did you ever think you could achieve a defined jawline, without having to undergo surgery and a daunting recovery? As the beauty industry continues to advance, we are seeing an increase in non-invasive procedures. Non-surgical chin and jawline reshaping has become a popular cosmetic procedure offering streamlined results without the intense healing period. Advanced injectable techniques and more sophisticated products provide more options to safely address the chin and jawline, which were previously treated only surgically. We are all unique individuals as a result of our genetic make-up and we want to respect our innate beauty. With that said, what if it were possible to enhance our attributes?
In the rapidly growing medical aesthetics industry, how should you know who to choose to perform your cosmetic injections? There are essential guidelines required, as well as good indicating factors to help you decide. First, adequate knowledge of anatomy, medicine, and the ability to respond to rare complications is essential for any cosmetic injector. On top of that, regulations for those who are allowed to perform injections are determined by jurisdiction. In New Brunswick, only a medical doctor, physician, or supervised RN may legally perform cosmetic injections.
With these minimal guidelines, what other important factors should you consider when choosing your cosmetic injector?
Feeling and looking your best is not reserved only for the ladies! Both sexes invest time and money in fitness and fashion, so it only makes sense that medical aesthetic treatments and skincare have become a priority too.
In the past, the aesthetics industry has been largely targeted to female consumers. Over the past 12 years working in this field, I have seen the transition women have made from hiding their Botox “habits” to bringing friends and family to appointments. Social media, celebrity influence, and the more tolerant views of Millennials and Gen X’ers have helped de-stigmatise what was once perceived as VANITY. Today, I do more injectable treatments like Botox and Fillers than ever before!
Unfortunately, most men intrigued by the world of injectables have been left in the dark. The topic is still taboo among most guys. But with time those societal norms will change, just as they did for women over the last decade. In the meantime, scheduling a consultation with an experienced cosmetic physician to discuss your concerns is a great first step. We enjoy educating our clients on the best options for them. The more you know about treatments, the more empowered you will feel to make the decision that is right for you.
For anyone, male or female, who may feel self conscious in the waiting area – we’ve got you covered! We offer our clients a discreet alternative entrance and private waiting area upon request. If you prefer additional privacy, let our staff know upon scheduling your appointment.
Men have the same desire for a natural yet youthful appearance as women but perhaps driven by different goals. A changing and competitive workplace that increasingly values youth over experience has motivated some men to seek out injectables such as Botox and fillers to maintain their confident edge. Many of these men are vigorous and take pride in their appearance. They want to look distinctive, vibrant, and energetic. This is particularly important to men who work in sales, business, and media. And since men are much less likely to undergo cosmetic surgery, injectables are an excellent alternative delivered comfortably in the physician’s office with little or no downtime. For those with busy schedules, you can even return to work the same day!
Even though we are an all female professionally staffed clinic, we want our male clients to feel comfortable disclosing to us their concerns without fear of judgement. Commonly, men tell us they dislike the tired look that has developed around their eyes. With aging, they have lost volume in their mid-cheeks and have developed hollows or bags under their eyes. Fillers are ideal for restoring vitality in this area and to contour strong angles to the chin and jawline.
With so many options for injectables, it is important to search out a provider that understands the differences between the ideal feminine and masculine facial traits and is able to make slow and subtle changes over time. A good consultation and treatment with your experienced injector will assure you leave with a refreshed look that enhances your masculine features!
Are you being flooded with beauty ads filled with unrealistic and sometimes blatantly false claims? It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction with so much information out there. Every cosmetic company is vying for your attention and precious dollars in this highly competitive industry. What can we really expect from the skin care products we choose?
With expertise grounded in science, we have weeded out some of the common misleading information to help choose wisely.
The terms “natural” and “organic” mean derived from nature. Unfortunately, these words are purposefully misleading and unregulated in advertisements, so buyer beware. Just because an ingredient grew out of the ground does not automatically make it safe or good for your skin. Take for example poison ivy, a plant that would be considered a natural product and is well known for causing extreme skin reactions. The reverse is also true, synthetics and chemicals are not all bad. Some lab synthesized “chemicals” are actually naturally occurring compounds like Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Many effective cosmeceuticals are a combination of naturally occurring and man-made ingredients.
The term “hypoallergenic” is another unregulated advertising term that has no factual scientific basis. It implies that the ingredients are better tolerated and gentler on sensitive skin. Because we are all unique, there is no way to accurately test products for how our skin may react to them. Trying out different skin care products is the only way to know your tolerance to the ingredients. Sample sizes are a good way to trial a product for yourself.
The effectiveness of the product is determined by the formulation, not the price. Unfortunately, labelling of cosmetic ingredients is not mandatory but most brands will label for active ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinol, and AHA/BHA. Fancy packaging and expensive ad campaigns do not mean better quality. Good products can be found in every price range. With the guidance of a trusted professional, search out the products with the right active ingredients for your needs.
Don’t buy into the hype. The majority of ingredients in topical skin care products simply sit on the surface of the skin, plumping it temporarily. By nature, the skin is a protective barrier. Only the smallest of molecules can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Recent trends in beauty promote hyaluronic acid in creams to fight wrinkles. The truth is that the while the hyaluronic acid molecule can absorb a thousand times its weight in water making it an excellent surface hydrator, it cannot penetrate the skin barrier to make any structural changes unless injected into the deeper skin layers.
So what does work? Retinol, derived from Vitamin A, is one product that has scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness at treating acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and reversing sun damage. It does this by penetrating the deeper skin layers and increasing cell turnover. Some peptides and antioxidants like Vitamin C are also small enough to penetrate into the deeper skin layers where they are effective in providing building blocks for collagen, elastin, protection against damaging free radicals, and lightening of pigmentation.
Those active ingredients which benefit the skin do so when used consistently over months and years. Regrettably, there is no magic potion to make wrinkles disappear or to prevent them. Shielding your skin from the sun and daily use of sunscreen are the two best things you can do.
Topical skin care products cannot work like cosmetic injections because the ingredients cannot reach the targeted areas. Regardless of the claims, it just isn’t possible. With cosmetic injectables, the fillers or neuromodulators are delivered into the deeper skin layers where they are almost immediately effective.
Don’t skimp! While a few drops of serum may be enough to get adequate coverage, when it comes to creams most people need more than this. It is also important to apply products to your neck, décolletage, and backs of your hands. When marketing and packaging creams and serums, cosmetic companies often promise enough product in the purchase size to last 3 months. This is rarely the case and if you are stretching your products beyond 3 months you are not likely applying enough to be effective at all.
Active ingredients are what is important. It is fine to find a cleanser you like in one brand, a Vitamin C serum from another, and a moisturizer with SPF from yet another.
Many brands promote kits as simple and straightforward regimens for targeted problems (e.g. acne, rosacea, pigmentation, anti-aging). Most people have multiple skin concerns that may not be addressed in a focused kit. Kits may be cost effective if you need to use all the products they contain and if they all run out at the same time. However, some kits may include extra steps and products such as toners which may be drying, irritating, and unnecessary.
Adding more products to your skin care regime will not guarantee better results. Don’t fall prey to FOMO. The more products that you apply to your skin, the more likely you are to react unfavorably to the combination and the more difficult it will be to sort out the irritating culprit.
Take for example eye creams. While you may wish to choose a product labelled specifically as an eye cream, it is not necessary. Your selected fragrance-free moisturizer or serum should be just as effective when applied around the eyes.
There is something to be said for a minimalist approach to skin care, where a few select and targeted products are used consistently over time to provide the best results. Focus your search on the active ingredients that you need. Do your research or rely on the guidance of a trusted professional. There is no magic fix. If respecting a budget, purchase well-formulated inexpensive brands and consider saving your dollars for injectables which will provide more immediate and dramatic results.
Weddings take months of planning and it’s easy to get caught up in decisions about gowns, venues, and guest lists that a good beauty plan is forgotten or postponed. It is becoming more popular for brides, parents, guests, and even grooms to seek out cosmetic treatments before the big event. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy the day, relaxed and confident in knowing that they look their best?
So if you are considering cosmetic treatments, particularly injectables, what is the best timeline to ensure you are picture perfect?
It's all in the planning
If you’re new to cosmetic injections, it’s best to start at least 6 months before the big day – ideally as far ahead as 9 to 12 months. Start by searching for the right cosmetic physician who will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
What are my options?
Like doing a trial for your wedding day hair and makeup, a trial of Botox is always a good idea! Because Botox lasts 3-4 months, booking a trial treatment should be done 6 months prior to your big day. This gives your injector time to develop your specific Botox treatment map and make adjustments to achieve your desired look. You will also enjoy looking great in the months leading up to the wedding!
If you’re on a shorter timeline, we recommend booking treatment at least 4 weeks before your wedding day to allow time for the treatment to kick in and for touch ups if necessary. Botox results always look best at the 4-week mark.
There are so many options for filler treatments! Your cosmetic provider can help you decide which option aligns best with your aesthetic and vision for your day. Cheek and lip enhancement are popular for younger brides. More mature brides and mothers of the bride or groom may seek to achieve an overall rejuvenation. Fillers can be used to enhance features or create a more vibrant and refreshed look. The latest Skinbooster hydrating fillers are injected superficially to absorb water and give a smoother, more radiant complexion. Fillers can be used in many areas including backs of hands, neck, décolleté, and earlobes. Depending on the area that is treated, and the type of product used, hyaluronic acid fillers last from 6 months to 2 years. Aim for 6 to 8 weeks prior to the big day to allow the filler to “settle in” and for any hint of bruising or swelling to completely resolve.
For years, celebrities have relied on Botox injections to ensure completely dry underarms for their red-carpet events. So too can the bride, groom, and members of their wedding party! After all, who wants to be self-conscious about sweating knowing all eyes are on you. Best of all, when used to treat excessive sweating, Botox used in the underarm takes only a week to become effective.
But wait… there’s more!
Other cosmetic treatments such as Belkyra for double chin, microneedling for improvement of skin texture, IPL for pigmentation, and laser hair removal all require a series of treatment sessions over months. The timelines for these cosmetic treatments vary so it is recommended to consult your cosmetic provider early as they will be the best resource to help plan these treatments.
Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Day
There are plenty of details to stress over when preparing for a wedding. Planning well in advance with a cosmetic physician in whom you trust will help reduce anxiety you may experience when unsure about pre-wedding treatments.
We are here to help you feel confident in your beauty and ensure the captured moments will be ones you will forever treasure.
You may have heard about one of the latest trends designed specifically to target skin hydration, smoothness and elasticity from within. Restylane® SkinBoosters™ are a unique form of hyaluronic acid light filler that is injected in tiny droplets into the superficial layer of the skin. It naturally integrates into the skin, absorbs water and disperses like a thin layer of fondant icing. SkinBoosters™ are hydrating and work by improving tone and elasticity and boosting your body’s own collagen production. This exciting product reaches where topical creams cannot. Any age, gender, or skin type can enjoy the benefits of Restylane® SkinBoosters™. This treatment option may complement an existing aesthetic treatment plan or be used on its own.
Katriina, 54 years
Photos courtesy of Restylane.com
Areas treated: face and forehead
Products used: Restylane Skinboosters Vital & Vital Light
With Restylane® SkinBoosters™ we are now able to treat more areas safely with a natural looking result. It is particularly good at treating fine lines around the lips and smile lines. It can also be used on the neck, décolleté and backs of the hands where crepey skin often shows the first signs of aging.
Done in a series of 2-3 injection sessions, it only takes about 20 mins. A topical numbing cream may first be applied for your comfort. The product is gently deposited with a very small needle and clients report minimal discomfort. After your initial series is completed a single maintenance treatment about every 6 months is recommended to preserve that smooth natural radiance.
Restylane® SkinBoosters™ are ALL the rave! And with good reason. See for yourself with these before and after photos! For more information visit www.restylane.com/.
Ten years passes so quickly. Though, looking back, so much has happened during that time. I have often been asked why I chose to pursue a special interest in medical aesthetics. Well, in truth, I have to admit it was a selfish curiosity that lead me down this path. One morning during the ritual of preparing to go to hospital rounds, I looked in the mirror and was startled by how tired I looked. There were deep furrows developing between my eyebrows. Now that I know the industry lingo, those were “11” lines. I like to think that I earned them from years of intense concentration while studying. I had reached middle age and it seemed to have happened all of a sudden. It was 2007, just 5 years after the approval of Botox for cosmetic use in the US and Canada. I began noticing media articles about Botox and fillers. Friends were whispering about new options to look more youthful without going under the knife. I was not alone. What was all the buzz about? Perhaps there was an easier solution to appear refreshed. I didn’t mind being middle aged. After all, I was thankful I had the opportunity to reach this life stage happy and healthy. But I didn’t feel that the tired and angry look on the outside matched how I felt inside. I wanted to explore.
I went into physician mode, extensively researching the products available. I scrutinized the medical literature about how they worked, side effects and results. Like anyone, my primary concern was safety. After all, as a physician, wife, and mother, I was not about to risk my health for the sake of my appearance. Armed with the scientific data, I sought out an accredited training program in Canada and in September 2007 I was off to Toronto to dip my toe into the world of medical aesthetics. I was unsure of where this would lead for me professionally but I wanted to expand my knowledge and try it for myself.
“The needle felt like an extension of my hand, just like an artist’s paintbrush.”
I smiled as the course instructor commented, “you are very comfortable with a needle in your hand”. The preceding years of experience as an ER and family physician had allowed me to hone my fine manual skills by performing minor surgical procedures. The needle felt like an extension of my hand, just like an artist’s paintbrush. Then, it was my turn to be the recipient. Placing my trust in another injector, with just a few pinpricks it was over. The result of the filler was instant and remarkable. But with the Botox- I would have to patiently wait to see the effect. Returning to Fredericton, each day I checked my reflection in the mirror as the muscles gradually relaxed on my forehead. It was smooth and I no longer looked angry and stressed. I thought to myself, “Botox is wonderful”. I wanted to share it with others. I wanted to eliminate all the frowns in Fredericton. And that is how my journey began.
At the time, Medi-spas were all the rage in the urban centres. One stop shopping with hair stylists, estheticians, massage therapists, lasers and injections all in one place like a big box beauty store. While this appeals to many, I chose to offer my medical expertise and skill with a different vision. I set out to provide my clients with a premium experience where they received personal service in the safety and security of a confidential medical office. I designed the clinic space to reflect a sophisticated boutique atmosphere and adjoined it to my medical practice to assure my accessibility. Although always staying abreast of the latest technologies in the growing beauty industry, I chose to concentrate on those treatments requiring regulated medical expertise. This became my niche.
As the 10 year mark approaches, I recall that initial course in Toronto. Cosmetic treatments and outcomes have come so far. Thankfully, the “cookie cutter” or “one treatment fits all” techniques for injectables has evolved to a more individualized approach. A natural looking result can be achieved. Interest in all cosmetic procedures has grown for both women and men. In the early years, the focus was anti-wrinkle and anti-aging driven by women, like myself, in their 40’s-60’s seeking to slow the hands of time. Uncertainty about product safety and fear of being judged by others as frivolous or vain deterred many from trying aesthetic procedures. With time and many scientific studies, confidence in the safety of Botox and fillers grew. The big shift came with social media. It then became commonplace to “snap and share”. We were seeing more of our own images- and so were others! The demand for aesthetic services has soared with the evolution of technology and changes in societal attitudes. Lead by the millennial generation, it is now more openly discussed and acceptable to consider cosmetic (surgical and non-surgical) treatments to improve one’s appearance.
“I have not lost sight of my original goal; I remain determined to erase all the frowns in Fredericton!”
As a pioneer in medical aesthetics specialty in Fredericton, I have had the pleasure of forming long term relationships with my clients built on honesty and respect. I appreciate their trust and loyalty. To me, it is this personal connection that makes providing a cosmetic service so enjoyable. I am passionate about this dynamic field of medicine and look forward to sharing further advancements. Yet, I have not lost sight of my original goal; I remain determined to erase all the frowns in Fredericton!
Have you ever been bothered by the appearance of fat under your chin? If so, you are not alone. In reality, up to 70% of men and women share this concern.
A chiseled jawline is as paramount to the ideal masculine face as the defined svelte neckline is to a feminine profile. Even those persons at their ideal body weight find that this pesky pad of fat under their chin is resistant to weight loss. Blame it on your genes!
Until the approval of Belkyra™ by Health Canada in 2015, surgical liposuction was the most common way to remove the fat and improve the appearance of a double chin. Now, with a series of injections performed in the comfort of the physicians’ office it is possible to permanently dissolve the fat collection under the chin and reveal that contoured profile you desire.
As the hours and intensity of sunlight diminishes, fall is the perfect season to begin a number of rejuvenating treatments for your skin. Over the summer months the UV rays from the sun lead to tans and pigmentation of of exposed skin, particularly on our faces, chests and hands. Medical peels, IPL photorejuvenation and laser hair reduction must be performed on untanned skin and usually are performed in a series of treatment sessions. These treatments combined with a specialized skin care routine will restore your skin to a healthy balance, remove imperfections and protect your skin as we transition into the colder and drier months ahead.
