Summer News
August 31st, 2010
This has been a busy summer for Dr. Lupin. He was interviewed for Time Magazine in May regarding UltraShape and wrote an article for the Times Colonist that same month. CFAX Radio did a live air interview regarding UltraShape and cosmetic procedures.
In June, he was interviewed for an article in Hello Canada magazine for their Beauty section and also interviewed for an article on Cosmetic Dermatology in The Chronicle of Skin and Allergy Journal. The A Channel TV News did an in office interview with Dr. Lupin regarding Sun Damage and Sun Care as he is the Regional Director for the Canadian Dermatology Association and promotes safe sun practices.
Dr. Lupin quoted in "O" The Oprah Magazine
April 27th, 2010
Dr. Lupin is quoted in, "O the Oprah Magazine May 2010 - 10th Anniversary Special." He discusses the use of Ultrashape, non-focused ultrasound treatments to reduce body fat for gentle body contouring. For more information, see Ultrashape under our Treatments section.
Sonalift Press Release
January 12th, 2010
COSMEDICA AND DR. MARK LUPIN ANNOUNCE SONALIFT – FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY FOR FACIAL AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT
Victoria, BC (January 12, 2010) – Cosmedica Laser Centre and Dr. Mark Lupin announce Sonalift - non-invasive treatment for lifting and tightening of lax skin.
Considered the first in-office aesthetic device to combine ultrasonic imaging with non-invasive thermal energy, Sonalift - delivered by the Ulthera™ System - carries both FDA and Health Canada approval for lifting and tightening lax skin (2009).
Drawing on trusted ultrasound principles, Sonalift’s focused ultrasound energy triggers the body’s natural healing responses, resulting in new and improved collagen support and a gradual lifting, tightening and firming of the skin. Ultrasonic imaging enables controlled treatment applications to targeted tissues at relevant depths for lifting and tightening while preserving the integrity of surrounding tissues.
Extensive clinical studies conducted since 2004 have yielded safe, reproducible and clinically significant lifting of eyebrows, lids and lax facial skin. Patients may experience mild blushing or bruising but can return immediately to regular activities.
About Cosmedica
Cosmedica encourages a comprehensive approach to skin health tailored to individual needs. Led by renowned dermatologist Dr. Mark Lupin, Cosmedica’s team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and highly trained medical personnel is experienced in assessing and providing a variety of cosmetic and laser skin procedures. Their commitment to acquiring and offering the most sound science and advanced technology combined with an elegant, caring atmosphere helps ensure treatments are provided safely and comfortably.
Cosmedica is an accredited Non-Hospital Medical/Surgical Facility meeting the rigorous health and safety standards set out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. The facility maintains 15 unique laser and light/energy-based systems as well as offering Botox® and dermal filler injections and providing general dermatology services.
About Dr. Lupin
Dr. Lupin, Director and Founder of Cosmedica, is a dermatologist specializing in laser medicine with a background in neurology. With a particular interest in photodermatology – the interaction of light and energy with the skin – Dr. Lupin pursued subspecialty training at St. John’s Hospital in London, England. With his BSc ‘cum laude’ in applied mathematics and numerous science, mathematics and engineering awards, Dr. Lupin has unique insight and appreciation for lasers and their aesthetic benefit.
Dr. Lupin is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology. He is also a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, Member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and Treasurer of the Canadian Laser Aesthetics Surgery Society.
Soft Lift™ - an instant, natural lift without surgery.
July 23rd, 2009
Soft Lift™ is the synergistic combination of BOTOX Cosmetic™ and Juvéderm® for an instant, natural lift and enhancement - without surgery or downtime. Soft Lift™ optimizes the benefits of individual components by using them in combination - Juvéderm® to restore volume and enhance desired features; and BOTOX Cosmetic™ to target the underlying muscles responsible for forming wrinkels and degrading volume. The result is a more complete correction and increased longevity. Make the most of your BOTOX Cosmetic™ and Juvéderm® treatments - ask Cosmedica about Soft Lift™ today.
Damage Control
June 12th, 2009
It’s never too late to protect your skin from the sun.
By Jessica
Dr. Lupin cited as expert on sun protection.Environment Canada estimates that more than 76,000 new cases of skin cancers are diagnosed each year in this country. Granted, small amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are essential to the body’s production of vitamin D, a direct conduit to bone health, among other things. But B.C.-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Lupin warns, “Like all good things, moderation is key.”
At this stage, you know that exposure to UV rays, which include deep-penetrating UVA and skin-burning UVB, increases the incidence of skin cancers as well as prematurely aged skin. Short of swathing all exposed skin in space-age protective gear, what do you do once the damage is done?
Lupin suggests that in addition to laser and other light-source devices like Fraxel and photodynamic therapy, which work to resurface and rejuvenate the skin from within, topical formulations of vitamins A, C, and E also target the visible effects of cellular degeneration. Think brown spots, leathering and fine lines.
He points specifically to coffeeberry extract. Using the whole fruit of the coffee plant, this potent polyphenol, a key antiaging agent, has an antioxidant factor more potent than vitamin C and green-tea extracts and can be found in Revaléskin, a complete line of damage-reversing skin care available through your dermatologist.
To prevent further damage, always wear sunscreen, especially when UV rays are at their most intense, from mid-morning to late afternoon, and reapply every two to four hours. Choose a Canadian Dermatology Association-approved product. Health Canada advises a broad-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more applied 20 minutes prior to going out.
Canadian Sun-Awareness Week June 8-14, 2009
June 11th, 2009
As Regional Director and Spokesperson for the Canadian Dermatology Association, Dr. Lupin will be performing free public skin cancer screenings at the University of Victoria’s Business and Economics Building on Tuesday, June 9th at 2:00 p.m. For further information on this year’s campaigns and innitiatives, please visit www.dermatology.ca.
Planning cosmetic treatments for spring
June 2nd, 2009
Sunday April 19 2009 - Times Colonist Editorial Feature
By Dr. Mark Lupin
To put our lives in order, we must plan. We plan our grocery lists, vacations, daily activities… If we want to really get organized, we set personal goals to more affectively achieve our dreams.
So, why not plan our cosmetic treatments to fit with schedules. Now that spring has sprung and with summer upon us, getting prepared now will allow us to feel confident wearing those colourful and light summer dresses, bikini swimsuits and breathable footwear.
Let’s begin with the legs. If veins, brown spots, unwanted hair, cellulite and/or generous thighs bother you, there are ways to improve or remove. Technology has advanced to the point that a combination of lasers can be used to treat both red and blue veins without injections. Similarly, several laser systems can effectively treat brown or black hair covering large areas at a time and respecting natural skin colour. The Thermacool system from Thermage, approved for cellulite treatment, is unique as a single treatment helps tighten loose skin. Ultrashape remains Canada’s first and only non-painful, no downtime focused ultrasonic treatment to reduce fat and improve the body profile.
While some sun is good, too much is not pretty and is not healthy. Brown age spots, red veins and a crepe quality to the skin may be evident. Damage to the collagen and precancerous changes may occur on the surface. Red veins and brown age spots can be treated individually or a procedure termed photorejuvenation may be considered to tackle both together. If precancerous changes occur, the addition of a presciption-based light sensitizing lotion termed Levulan® can be helpful in a procedure termed photodynamic therapy. If wrinkles or a crepe quality need to be improved, the Fraxel laser is often the best option.
Myriad possibilities exist for the face and neck, with the best treatments looking the most natural. One of the most exciting advances is in revolumizing with dermal fillers and using combinations of modalities such as Fraxel re:pair laser resurfacing with botox and fillers. It can be thrilling to erase a tired or stressed look, lift the cheeks, redefine lips that have lost their edge and remove unsightly red veins or moles. For the busy professional who cannot afford downtime but still would like to improve several aspects of the skin, Revlite lasertoning combined with an infusion microdermabrasion treatment series can be a nice introduction.
As a dermatologist, I would be remiss not to mention the importance of protecting the skin against the harmful aspect of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. While we need a few minutes of sun to boost vitamin D levels, the skin can only make so much vitamin D after which only an inactive form results. Because skin cancer is on the rise and some types are eminently preventable, it makes sense to enjoy the sun but to do it wisely. Beyond sunscreens, consider adding an antioxidant night cream such as Revaleskin - derived from coffee berries and with 10 times the potency of vitamin C.
Math, music and medicine
April 21st, 2009
Former NASA mathematician Mark Lupin balances family life, concert tours and dermatology practice
Grania Litwin, Times Colonist Monday April 20, 2009
Mark Lupin has five violins, five degrees, 10 lasers, one wife and a crazy-busy schedule.
But luckily the Victoria dermatologist - who has worked as a mathematician for NASA’s space program, has a second specialty in neurology and is a concert violinist - also has energy to burn when it comes to fuelling his passions for math, music and medicine.
The mania for music started first, when his parents placed a toy violin in his hands at age five.
“I fell in love with it and a month later they gave me a real violin - 1/8th size,” recalled Lupin, who was born in Oxford, England, and moved to Nova Scotia at four.
At first he kept dropping the violin, so his parents tied it to a string around his neck until his arms got stronger. Now the only catch is carving out enough time to play and perform.
On a typical day the dermatologist, who founded Cosmedica Laser Centre here in 1998, is in the gym by 6 and the office by 8 a.m. He aims to be home with his family by 5:30 p.m. and when the little ones go to bed at 7:30 he plays his violin till 9:30.
The dedication pays off.
Not only does he have a successful practice, but the 48-year-old specialist also just returned from a concert tour of London and Monaco, following a rare gig in Cleveland with a group of 80 musicians from around the world - all doctors. But the story of this physician musician started long before that.
Lupin debuted on television at seven, played with Edmonton Symphony from age 10 to 17, was concert master of the Canadian Youth Orchestra at 15, won many Canadian national awards, and at 17 joined the musicians’ union in England. He and his grandfather (a professional violinist) played side-by-side in the National Philharmonic there, for artists such as tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
But before that, he majored in music and mathematics at Indiana University and won a scholarship to study in California with the renowned Jascha Heifetz. Lupin and one other student went to Heifetz’s house in Beverly Hills twice a week for lessons, “and on non-teaching days, practised from 7 a.m. to midnight - for two years. Heifetz was a very demanding teacher… there was enormous pressure and high expectations.”
Lupin finished his math degree by correspondence - taking double honours degrees in music and math - then moved to London, and became co-leader of the BBC symphony orchestra. He was 20.
But one day he developed a touch of tendinitis. “I couldn’t play for three months and realized I couldn’t depend on music for a living.” So it was back to Dalhousie, in Halifax, for a master’s in math while continuing to study and perform “in the background.”
In his spare time he did mathematical modelling for Canada’s double-hulled entry in the America’s Cup, and contract work for NASA’s space program, doing modelling for Canadarm.
About this time he decided to become a physician, and now that his arm was better, put himself through University of Toronto medical school by working for NASA and playing with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra. “I’d take my texts to concerts and study in intermission.”
After doing a residency in Vancouver, he decided to specialize in neurology, but three years later, having finished those studies, switched to dermatology. Three more years passed.
By now he had married a University of British Columbia cardiology nurse called Catherine - “Dating wasn’t one of my skills, so I was very blessed to find my life partner” - and they had a son.
“We wanted our kids to grow up in a smaller city,” recalled Catherine, who also had to put her foot down when her husband began talking about a master’s degree in statistics.
“I told him - no more degrees. He’d already been at university for 17 years.” (He still does math on the side for fun, and is working on two inventions for energy-efficient propellers.”
She became his full-time medical office manager and admits their life was brim-full.
“We have to be very organized,” she said with a chuckle. “Our kids come first and we maximize family time. We don’t watch TV. We cycle, go tenting together; our kids have a strong work ethic. They’re all book worms. Family dinner at 5:30 is a priority. It sets the tone of the evening and they all fall asleep listening to Mark practise. It makes our house sing.”
The parents have a date night every week, “we go out for dinner, a long walk, to the opera,” and a goal-setting session every week, too.
“Mark is an incredible, remarkable person with a lot of motivation. He gives his heart and soul to his kids and patients, and we’re a very close couple. I always admire people who master the art of balance and I think the secret is: You thrive when you’re happy.”
Lupin said his wife is “totally supportive” of his playing, and an amazing partner.
So when the late Walter Mony, former head of strings at the Victoria Conservatory, suggested he apply for the new World Doctors Orchestra in Cleveland, he lept at the idea. Lupin was asked to be concert master after organizers heard him play.
Lupin was the sole physician from Canada.
After two days of rehearsals in early February they had a pre-concert at Cleveland Institute of Medicine. “In the atrium where patients were in wheelchairs with IV poles… it was very emotional. But this is what I love, bringing music and healing together.”
Next day it was off to Severance Hall, home of Cleveland Orchestra, and an audience of about 2,000.
“The concert was a great success and raised about $50,000 for health care and education in the Third World. It was a rare and great pleasure to indulge my passion for music, because there are only so many hours in a day and my biggest thrill now is family time.
I have been so lucky to do all these things.”
In Style features Revaleskin
March 20th, 2009
In Style Magazine, April 2009
82. BEST NIGHT CREAM for Normal Skin - Revaléskin.
Infused with coffeeberry extract (an antioxidant that Virginia dermatologist David McDaniel likens to “turbocharged green tea”), this silky formula tackles fine lines and age spots. We love that it sinks in twice as fast as most other night creams.
108. BEST NIGHT CREAM for Sensitive Skin - Revaléskin.
Squashing free radicals isn’t the only claim to fame of this antioxidant-rich formula: The grapefruit-scented lotion also soothes redness, softens wrinkles and brightens skin. And it’s safe to use around the eyes, says N.Y.C. dermatologist Doris Day.
Dr. Lupin discusses how to approach cosmetic procedures in Healthy Living
March 3rd, 2009
Times Colonist Healthy Living Editorial - February 22, 2009
What
Let’s begin by looking at the word “cosmetic,” from the Greek word “cosmos” (kosmos) which does not mean beauty. Instead, it means “order.” Of course, we are most familiar with this word in terms of the universe being called the cosmos. The Greeks saw the universe as standing for order - the creation of order (kosmos) out of chaos (Kaos).
We use the word “cosmetic” to apply to anything that serves to enhance or protect our appearance. In this sense, we are looking for “order.” Balance, symmetry and harmony are fundamental to this sense of order and in restoring order we tend toward beauty.
Why
Sometimes our skin does not match how we feel within. We may feel that we look tired, worried or sad when we truly do not feel that way inside - so there is a mismatch. In part, we are restoring order when we entertain to undergo a cosmetic procedure. And being not mutually exclusive, looking great can also allow us to feel great - a cliché - but true.
When
How to choose from the myriad and sometimes confusing treatment options: It is up to your specialist to ensure you are fully informed of your treatment options. If you are not sure what to do, you are not ready. Take a breath and revisit at a later time. If you are timid, start with baby steps. Why not start with softening a frowned look, or removing that little red or brown spot or that unsightly mole that has always bothered you but you weren’t sure if it could be treated.
Who
Would you call a plumber to fix your toaster? It makes sense to choose the type of specialist that fits with the type of treatment required. For example, a facelift is the province of the plastic surgeon; the facial skin is the province of the dermatologist. “Dermatology” means the study of the skin. By definition, only dermatologists are trained to fully understand the skin - this is why all other physicians, including plastic surgeons, refer to dermatologists when they have a patient with a skin concern that needs this level of expertise.
How do you know if you are seeing a dermatologist and not just a “cosmetic specialist” or someone trained by a laser company? Visit the website of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada: www.royalcollege.ca. Search for Fellows under the Dermatology specialty.
Where
An artist needs a full palette to realize his/her inspiration. Similarly, a cosmetic clinic needs to have a full array of tools, such as lasers, to comprehensively address the aging face. Your specialist needs to have a blend of artistry and technical ability. Ask to see before-and-after photos - not just stock pictures - to ensure you agree with his/her sensibilities. For example, there is a tendency to fill lips to the point of looking like a fish. Look only for the natural face. Experience matters.
Questions to ask:
What type of specialist am I seeing?
Have I checked www.royalcollege.ca to ensure proper qualifications?
Is the clinic accredited by the College of Physicians & Surgeons to ensure high safety and accountability standards?
Who is performing my treatment - the doctor or a designate?
Experience: Has the doctor just started doing these treatment?
Sensibility: Have I checked before-and-after photos?
Accessibility: What are the doctor’s hours in case I have a concern?
Care: If I have a concern after the treatment, who will be looking after me?
Complications: What type can occur?
Alternative treatment options: Do I have a good understanding of all my options?
Do I feel comfortable with my decision or am I on the fence? If the latter, I’m not ready and either need more information or should hold off on treating.
Realistic expectations: Am I doing this for the right reasons? Do I have minimal expectations or do I expect “permanent” or “complete” eradication of my cosmetic concerns? High expectations are prone to unsatisfactory outcomes. Keep expectations “real.”
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