As a dermatologist in Toronto, I believe that your skin can reflect your health and well-being. A flawless complexion is not the result of luck; it requires a conscious effort to make good lifestyle choices and follow proper skin care practices. Neglecting your skin can result in unwanted changes such as dryness, irritation and wrinkles.

How we live day to day has a huge effect on our appearance. Although many of our daily habits may seem insignificant, they can hurt the quality of our skin. Here are 4 habits that are worth breaking:

1. Using the wrong products for your skin type

Knowing your skin type and which products to use plays a significant role in the way your skin looks. For example, if a woman believes her skin is oily, when it is actually oily and dry (a common combination), she may choose products that further dehydrate her skin, resulting in a flakey, dull complexion. Consulting with a licensed medical professional who can evaluate your skin’s characteristics will help you choose products that will create harmony and health within your skin.

Additionally, using skin care products that contain medical-grade ingredients often produce dramatic improvements in the skin. When you choose high-quality cleansers, serums and moisturizers, your skin receives active ingredients that have been scientifically shown to be effective.

2. Skimping on sunscreen

Sun exposure is a primary culprit for age-related problems such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Even a minimal amount of sun exposure affects the skin. By applying sunscreen consistently every day, you can protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It takes only minutes, and the benefits are well-worth the effort.

3. Over exfoliating

Using physical and chemical exfoliating agents as part of a regular skin care program is important for maintaining beautiful skin. However, overdoing it can make the skin sensitive and irritated. Remember that facial scrubs should be used only 2 or 3 times a week, and medical spa treatments, such as lasers or chemical peels, should be performed about twice annually, depending on your individual skin needs.

4. Neglecting the skin below your jawline

Many people take great care of the skin on their faces but neglect their necks and décolletage. These areas are actually very vulnerable to signs of aging since the skin there is thin and delicate. Treat them the same way you would your face: Apply facial moisturizers day and night, and be sure to minimize sun exposure and use sunscreen.

Women today are choosing treatments such as laser hair removal in Toronto not only to look better but also to save time during their daily beauty routines.

According to a CBS report, a survey conducted by Nephria™, a line of British beauty products, found that women spend almost three years of their lives primping. All that shaving, shampooing and styling adds up, so it’s no wonder women are looking for ways to streamline their beauty regimens.

Luckily, many modern medical spa treatments provide long-lasting results that require little maintenance. Three time-saving procedures I recommend are:

• Laser Hair Removal. Shaving, tweezing and waxing last only a few weeks, at best. After just 4 to 8 laser hair removal sessions, however, hair is typically permanently reduced by about 80%.
• LATISSE® . Mascara is a staple beauty product for many women, but applying it every morning can be tedious and time consuming. LATISSE helps your own lashes grow longer, thicker and darker. After 3 months, you will enjoy more dramatic lashes without makeup.
• Lip Enhancement. How many times a day do you find yourself applying lipstick, lip gloss or lip liner? These products only emphasize the lips for a few hours, or less. Lip enhancement with dermal fillers creates full, well-defined lips with results that can last up to 6 months.

Sun exposure, gravity, stress and pollution can all impact your skin. If you’ve considered a face lift in Vancouver but lack the significant downtime for that surgical procedure, it’s important to know about alternatives. For example, I use Soft Lift™ to treat people with multiple signs of aging, who may not have the time or be ready for a surgical procedure.

Soft Lift is a procedure that offers the benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® XC. By combining these treatments, I can “turn back the clock” to provide women and men with more volume and smoother skin.

The secret behind the success of Soft Lift is its ability to simultaneously treat multiple areas of the face at once. Patients can correct tired-looking skin on the entire face for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Unlike surgery, Soft Lift requires absolutely no downtime, making this an ideal treatment option for women and men with active lifestyles.

Treatment begins with evaluating each patient carefully, then developing a plan to achieve my patient’s aesthetic goals. The best way to determining whether a treatment such as a SoftLift is right for you is to call our office for a consultation.

A great way to become more comfortable about undergoing a procedure is to understand the basic surgical steps involved in that procedure. Although there are some variations, rhinoplasty surgeons in Ontario, Canada, typically perform nose reshaping using similar techniques. Understanding the basics of this procedure can prepare you for your rhinoplasty consultation and your surgery.

Rhinoplasty consultations provide an ideal opportunity for patients to ask any questions they have regarding their surgery. Doctors should provide enough time to answer all of these questions and should present a general outline of what the surgery and recovery will be like.

Women and men who wish to restore facial symmetry through rhinoplasty typically require a reduction, reshaping or enhancement of the underlying nasal bone and cartilage. To achieve this, surgeons usually use one of two approaches:

• Internal Approach: Also called “closed rhinoplasty,” this method utilizes incisions inside the nostrils to avoid exterior scarring. The internal approach elevates the skin so surgeons can easily alter the nasal bone and cartilage.
• External Approach: The external – or “open” – approach, requires a minor incision across the columella, the small strip of skin that separates the nostrils. This incision allows the surgeon to make more significant changes to the structure of the nose, and most patients find that the incision is hardly noticeable after recovery.

The method chosen usually depends on the patient’s cosmetic goals and the preferences of the surgeon. I customize procedural techniques to match the needs of each patient and to create individualized results that naturally enhance a person’s facial contours.

Recovery time for rhinoplasty varies depending on the extent of surgery, but most people find they are able to return to work and other daily activities after 1 week. After 2 weeks, most physical signs of surgery should be minimal. However, changes in the nose continue for up to a year or more following surgery.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is an extremely effective facial cosmetic surgery in Toronto. Although the vast majority of patients experience few problems with their results, some people require a corrective procedure. Revision rhinoplasty can help women and men reverse damage and rebuild the nasal structure.

It’s often difficult to overcome a bad surgical experience. Finding a qualified surgeon is the best way to ensure that your goals are met. Before committing to revision rhinoplasty, I recommend seeking out an experienced surgeon who specializes in the procedure.

Common reasons for revision rhinoplasty include a lack of symmetry in facial appearance, pain and problems breathing. Luckily, surgery can correct these conditions in most cases.

Revision surgery is relatively complicated because it involves rebuilding the nose, which can require the use of cartilage from another part of the body or synthetic implants. Occasionally I’ll recommend injectable fillers, such as Restylane® to add temporary volume for small imperfections.

Whether you opt for a nonsurgical or surgical solution, it’s important to get the answers to your questions prior to committing to any procedure. The Internet is an excellent source for finding information and developing questions to ask during pre-surgery consultations.

I often encounter people who are unhappy with the appearance of their noses but postpone surgery because they lack an understanding of the recovery process. Being aware of the actual recovery time for rhinoplasty in Toronto can help a person set realistic expectations and prepare for the weeks following surgery. Here is a look at the typical recovery process for rhinoplasty patients:

First Week

• Resting in bed for first 24 hours
• Potential nose splint for protection and to help the nose maintain its shape
• Stitches, which are removed 5 to 7 days after surgery
• Cold compresses for the first 2 or 3 days
• Head upright, and elevated while sleeping
• Mild bruising

First Month

• Bruising should dissipate within 2 weeks
• Swelling subsides throughout month
• Return to work and exercise within 2 weeks

I usually advise patients to resume normal activities with caution. This includes wearing sunscreen to protect sensitive skin and avoiding extreme sports for up to 6 weeks. Some people take longer than others to recover completely, but most patients should see final results within 6 months to 2 years.

If you have any questions regarding your cosmetic surgery, I recommend seeking the advice of a qualified surgeon. He or she can help you better understand your procedure and what the recovery process will entail.

Many women and men do not realize how many options they have to remove those frustrating areas of excess fat in regions such as the “love handles” and flanks. Alternatives to liposuction in Vancouver have grown and improved, with procedures like Lipodissolve/Mesotherapy and CoolSculpting emerging as popular alternatives to traditional methods.

Lipodissolve and Mesotherapy use fat-dissolving substances to slowly remove deposits of fat around the body. The ingredients are natural soy bean lecithin and enzymes, which are distributed through small injections in the treatment area.

CoolSculpting is a process known as Cryolipolysis which uses precisely controlled cooling methods to reduce fatty tissue. Designed to target only your fat cells, this process does not harm your skin or other tissue and there is no down time. As a result of the cooling process, fat cells begin to break down. Your body’s natural cleansing process removes those fat cells for gradual fat reduction over time.

Most patients find that they are able to lose 1 to 3 inches from their waist, depending on the extent of their procedures. We find these treatments can be a great boost to patients already leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Regardless of your cosmetic goals, advances in procedural technology have made treatments more to call our office for a consultation.

A lot of patients want to know the “secret” to beautiful, radiant skin. The truth is, there is no magic elixir that creates the perfect complexion, but daily maintenance and regular skin facials and treatments can drastically enhance the appearance and feel of your skin. Here are my top 3 tips for good skin care in Calgary:

1. Good Skin Care Products

You skin is a delicate organ that requires more than just daily soap and water. Your skin cells need daily moisture and regular exfoliation to keep your skin soft, healthy, and clear of acne and blackheads. Beyond moisturizing your skin, many skin care products feed your skin with vital nutrients and encourage your skin’s natural regeneration processes. Having the right products can mean the difference between dull, irregular, and damaged skin and glowing, soft skin.

2. Regular Facials and/or Medical Spa Treatments

Sometimes your skin needs professional help. Regular facials help hydrate skin and clear away dirt, dead skin and oil. Other medical spa treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion can kick start your skin’s restorative processes to achieve the complexion you want. When performed by skilled aestheticians, these procedures can enhance the results you achieve through daily maintenance.

3. A Healthy Lifestyle

Like good skin care habits, living a healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your complexion. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet make you feel healthy but also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce vigorous and well-nourished cells. If your body isn’t getting the nutrients and proteins it needs, then it shows in your skin. Beyond diet, regularly exercising improves your circulation, which can activate the restorative processes in your skin that help clear away toxins and produce healthy skin cells.

The word ‘facelift’ is a scary word for some people. It’s sometimes hard for us to separate the term from the visions of “wind-blown” celebrities and the thought of an uncomfortable recovery. However, with the latest advances in facelift techniques, undesirable results like these are now less and less frequent. On the other hand, after facelift surgery, you still will need a week or two to recover before you are back to yourself. For those who want the effects of a facelift but have concerns about the surgery, a Soft Lift™ might be exactly what you need.

A Soft Lift is a non-surgical procedure that combines the effects of dermal fillers with the wrinkle-fighting power of BOTOX® Cosmetic to achieve a lift without making a single incision. At my skin care clinics in Calgary and Airdrie, I use BOTOX with JUVÉDERM® to restore volume and diminish wrinkles on several areas of the face, achieving an overall lifted look that doesn’t give away the fact that you had cosmetic injections at all. JUVÉDERM can smooth deep-set wrinkles and can enhance the natural volume in your cheeks to take years off of your appearance. BOTOX can treat frown lines and worry lines on your brow caused by frequent muscle contractions.

Many of my patients choose to combine JUVÉDERM and BOTOX in Calgary to achieve natural-looking rejuvenation because treatment time is short and there is no recovery time at all.

Plastic surgery has the ability to change almost every feature of your face, but often, the cost of surgery can outweigh the benefits of feeling more confident in your appearance. For those who were unhappy with their naturally square or round jaw lines, invasive jaw-reshaping surgery used to be the only solution, meaning patients had to sacrifice their time and comfort to achieve their goals. Fortunately, BOTOX® Cosmetic has proven to be a safe alternative to this extensive and intense procedure for many patients.

Skeptical? A toxin that temporarily freezes muscles seems an unlikely solution to altering someone’s face shape. Surprisingly, however, BOTOX is an incredibly viable solution that targets the muscles that shape your lower face. Injecting BOTOX into the masseter muscle, the muscle that’s primarily responsible for chewing, causes the muscle to weaken gently and relax, resulting in atrophy that slims the face without inhibiting your ability to chew.

While this procedure isn’t right for everyone, it could be right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about how BOTOX in Calgary or Airdrie can refine your jaw, speak with your cosmetic physician.