- Resurface
- Refirm
- Relax
- Refill
Discolorations such as brown spots and red spider veins, along with textural changes such as development of wrinkles, acceleration of skin thinning and a sallow, lackluster complexion – are mostly due to chronic sun damage and can all be improved through laser treatments.
To simultaneously improve skin health while also evening out skin tone, removing unwanted brown spots and strengthening collagen, the Fraxel DUAL laser is most commonly used. As the first clinic in Canada to have the Fraxel laser, we offer our patients many years of experience with aim to provide optimal results. In general, our patients, both women and men, have been thrilled with Fraxel laser treatments. If there are deeper lines, we also have the Fraxel laser, a completely different laser system that is suitable for some patients.
For young people and for those who have had Fraxel laser treatments, the Clear+Brilliant laser treatment, by the makers of Fraxel, is a great option to consider to address early signs of aging and to maintain great results over time.
The Excel V laser is commonly used to treat redness and spider veins and is also a dual laser system that can treat both red and blue veins as well as provide gentle collagen stimulation.
With every decade, we lose collagen and our existing collagen can become less flexible. Genetics also has a strong role to play. You may notice heaviness of the neck with development of jowls and loose skin under the chin – or you may notice heaviness of the eyelids and down turning of the corners of the mouth.
Celebrating more than 15 years in the marketplace, Thermage is our most popular non-invasive and no downtime treatment, which is well proven to stimulate gentle tightening through new, younger collagen formation. Results can last 1-2 years with a single treatment. Patients who love Thermage come in once a year for treatments to keep ahead of the aging curve and maintain great results.
Ulthera is our other popular skin tightener. It is the only non-invasive treatment FDA approved for brow lift and works by focusing small beams of ultrasound energy deep into the skin – removing old collagen while also stimulating new collagen.
Thermage and Ulthera can be performed separately or together and can be combined with other treatments such as Fraxel laser resurfacing. In fact, we use the term, “ThermaFrax,” to refer to the common combination of Thermage and Fraxel – which helps address all aspects of the skin; and we use the term, “ThermaFill” when referring to combination Thermage with dermal fillers. As the sum is greater than the parts, combination treatments usually provide best outcomes.
Did you know that Botox cosmetic, a worldwide phenomenon, was pioneered by two Canadian physicians, right here in British Columbia? As a specialist Dermatologist with over 20 years’ experience and having performed thousands of treatments, Dr. Lupin’s additional training in Neurology and work with the originators of cosmetic Botox has been invaluable in helping him provide best results.
As a Preceptor, Dr. Lupin has trained many specialist physicians on advanced techniques and enjoys advancing greater understanding and optimized outcomes to help his physician colleagues. He has lectured throughout Canada as well as in Paris and Monaco and uses his artistic sense and particular knowledge of facial anatomy to provide natural results.
Key to success is that results should look balanced and natural. An appreciation for our individual differences and subtle nuances can make a big difference in achieving best results.
Botox works by relaxing muscles that can lead to a stressed look. Common areas treated are the frown area, forehead lines, crows’ feet lines around the eyes, bunny lines on the nose, lifting of the corners of the mouth, lifting of the neck and browlift.
While the brand, Botox, has been around the longest, Dysport and Xeomin are two other brands. There may be subtle differences so best to consult with Dr. Lupin if you would like to know more and which product might suit you the best.
Most patients comment on how relaxed and refreshed they look and feel, and that they were pleasantly surprised that the treatment was virtually painless. Our patients return two to three times a year to maintain their great results.
Perhaps the most transformative treatment element is to restore lost volume of the face; filling in the under-eye hollows, turning up the down turned corners of the mouth – overall, a more balanced and youthful look.
There are natural fat compartments of the face which keep things lifted and provide essential support. These fat compartments tend to shrink and sink with time or may deflate and lead to a tired, gaunt look.
To restore lost volume and truly give your skin a lift, injectable fillers are used. The most popular are instant fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers are composed of hyaluronan which is a natural, hydrating component of our skin and is seen throughout nature. If collagen represents the bricks, think of the natural sugar molecule called hyaluronan as the mortar between the bricks.
Another type of filler, Sculptra, works by stimulating our own collagen. Whereas Juvederm and Restylane can be used in all areas of the face, Sculptra is best restricted to the frame of the face: temples, jawline and the hollowed areas of the cheeks in front the ears. By stimulating collagen around the outside of the face, gentle skin tightening is possible.
The third type of filler, Radiesse, is part instant filler and part stimulatory filler. It is a type of calcium based filler that is both instant and mildly stimulatory, hence lies in between Juvederm and Sculptra as relates to the balance of these two effects. Radiesse is used to straighten the jawline and may be considered in areas like the cheeks. As with Sculptra, Radiesse is also a niche product and does not replace the need for the instant hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
As a painter requires a palette of colors to create a masterpiece, so is the nature of fillers; a variety of products may be required for best results. All treatments are performed by Dr. Lupin – for truly professional treatment. Maintenance treatments once to twice a year help sustain great results and stay ahead of the aging curve.