wrinkle cosmetic Treatment, IPL Toronto
 
 

Lasting Looks Clinic - Blog

Archives for October 2017

Laser Hair Removal Toronto – How Many Treatments Are Needed?

by

Laser Hair Removal - How Many Treatments Are Needed

Laser Hair Removal removes unwanted hair by targeting and damaging the root of the hair follicle. The laser itself is attracted to pigment and color. Assuming there is a good contrast between the skin and the hair; laser hair removal damages the root of the hair and leaves behind a small stem thus preventing hair growth.

There are 3 stages of hair growth, the growing stage, known as Anagen, the transitional stage, known as Catagen and finally the resting stage, known as Telogen. Laser Hair Removal will only work on hair that is actively growing. The goal is to be able to attack the active stage of hair growth (anagen stage), which is when the hair follicle has a full root.

Most patients receive 6-8 treatments spaced 8 weeks apart. Visible results are seen after each treatment and the numbers of hair follicles are reduced after each laser hair removal session.

Two to three weeks after laser hair removal, it will appear as though the hairs are growing; however the skin is actually purging the hair follicle. Each treatment will reduce the number of hair follicles and the reduction rate is usually 80-90%.

The actual number of treatments needed for each patient will depend on the assessments of the patient. The number of treatments required will also depend on a few factors such as: hair color, hair thickness, skin color, and hormones.

The face, underarms and bikini have a much more rapid growth cycle than other areas like the arms, legs, chest and back.

Occasional treatments for touch ups may be required for maintenance.

For more information on Laser Hair Removal, visit https://www.lastinglooks.ca/laser-hair-removal-toronto at Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto.

Micro Needling Toronto- For Darker Skin Types

by

Micro Needling For Darker Skin Types

Micro needling is a procedure that is gaining further exposure as more celebrities sing the praises of it. The vampire facial has been Kim Kardashian’s go to procedure to keep her looking young and refreshed.

Darker skinned patients that look to have a micro needling procedure will frequently ask if this procedure is advisable for their skin type. The answer is yes. This procedure is indicated for all skin types. Micro needling is by far one of the safest treatments aimed at collagen stimulation for darker skinned patients.

Often times patients of darker skin tones seek to address skin concerns with lasers, however their Fitzpatrick type is not ideal, as this can cause hypo pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. The advantage is that micro needling is not a light-based procedure, and does not involve harsh chemicals or techniques that can instigate significant inflammation of the skin.

Darker skin types who are prone to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin after mosquito bites, scratches and pimples) can easily get hyperpigmentation on or adjacent to the treated area if heat based lasers are used. Since micro needling is a non-ablative, this treatment means that there is no removal of the epidermis; therefore the epidermis is preserved with minimal risk for pigmentation issues.

Micro needling creates micro injuries to the skin, which stimulate new collagen, thus improving skin quality and texture. Micro needling will also improve fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, enlarged pores as well as creating a rejuvenating glow.

Micro needling alone will definitely improve skin quality, but not deeper pigmentational issues. Appropriate skin care, sunblock and topical lighteners may be needed, and the effects will take time.

Once a micro needling treatment has been completed, the patient’s skin will look as though they have a mild to moderate sunburn, and their skin may feel warmer and tighter than usual. These effects are normal and typically subside within a few hours after treatment, but can take up to 24-48 hours for complete resolution.

It is pertinent that patients avoid the sun completely for one week post procedure as well as any harsh topical creams. Use of sunblock before and after the procedure is mandatory in order to protect the skin, and avoid any complications from the micro needling treatment. As a rule, sunblock should be continued as a part of any anti-aging skincare regime to protect skin from further sun damage and premature aging.

For more information on Micro Needling in Toronto, visit https://www.lastinglooks.ca/micro-needling-toronto at Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto.

Dermal Fillers Toronto- Needles Versus Cannulas

by

Dermal Fillers - Needles Versus Cannulas

Sharp tip needles have commonly been used to inject dermal fillers into the skin, however, recent advancements in the invention of blunt tipped micro-cannulas have set a new stage in the injectable dermal filler industry.

The use of a sharp needle over a cannula really depends on the injector’s preference. Some injectors still prefer standard needles.  Although cannulas have their advantages, some injectors feel that there is more control over the placement of dermal fillers with sharp needles, and that cannulas have their limitations by being a bit too flexible and bending too easily.

Micro Cannulas are used for the main purpose of decreasing the risk of bruising, since the length and flexibility allow the injector to cover a larger surface area with a single entry point.  The cannula also has a blunt tip, and therefore cannot pierce the skin; therefore a small needle is first used in the area of injection to create a small opening. The blunt cannula is then inserted into the injection site.

The blunt tip cannula works its way around soft tissue without causing damage or piercing any vessels. This ends up causing less bruising and avoids accidental intravascular injections, since the blunt tip pushes veins and arteries aside as they are passed through the tissues. Less bruising and swelling allows for a faster recovery.

The most significant difference between sharp needles versus the cannula is a decrease in the amount of pain the patient experiences during the injection process.

One other advantage is the blunt tipped cannula can re-enter the very same entry point again without having to hurt the patient again with another needle puncture.

Sharp needles are still useful in some places where precision is needed or a small amount of dermal filler is required for small touch ups.

Cannulas are also not ideal for injecting very fine lines on the superficial surface of the skin, or filling acne scars, which would require the precision of a sharper needle.

Area’s that receive the best result with the use of the blunt tip cannula are lips, temples, jaw line and nasal folds.

The results of any injection of dermal filler will depend on the experience and personal preference of the injector, as well as the area of the face that is being treated; however the micro cannula can revolutionize the future of how dermal fillers are delivered.

For more information on dermal fillers in Toronto, visit https://www.lastinglooks.ca/dermal-fillers-toronto/ at Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto.

 

 

 

 

Laser Tattoo Removal Toronto- Why So Many Sessions?

by

Laser Tattoo Removal - Why So Many Sessions?

Almost a third of people who have tattoos, live to regret it. What seemed like a good idea at the time may later be a cause for buyer’s remorse.  It is not surprising that those that have contemplated tattoo removal are amazed that it takes numerous sessions to remove a tattoo.

One reason is that tattoos are stacked pigment or inks beneath the skin and cannot be broken down in one session. Any aggressive laser tattoo removal treatments can cause permanent scarring, and no one wants to trade a tattoo for a scar.

Lasers emit short intense pulses of light that pass through the skin and target pigment. The wavelengths sent from the laser breaks up the pigment, enabling your body to absorb the residual macrophages. The ink is then excreted via kidneys, liver, etc.

Not all lasers are the same or carry the same wavelengths. This can be a contributing factor in the rate of removal. 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths are the most popular wavelengths used in laser tattoo removal. All tattoo removal patients will require a minimum of 5-10 treatments.

Removal protocol and outcome will be dependent on a few factors, such as the volume and ink type originally used, location of the tattoo, skin color, whether it is a professional or amateur tattoo, or has pre-existing scarring.

Factors which are favorable for tattoo removal are:

  • Placement is closer to upper body
  • Lighter skinned candidates
  • One color of ink, black is best
  • Not a cover up tattoo
  • No scarring
  • Low concentration of ink like shading

When a tattoo is no longer desirable, you can laser it or surgically remove it, however the safest method is laser tattoo removal.

Spacing between each session is generally 6 weeks apart and 8 weeks for darker skinned patients. This is to allow your body to properly heal and absorb the pigment particles after the laser procedures.

For more information on Tattoo Removal in Toronto, visit https://www.lastinglooks.ca/laser-tattoo-removal at Lasting Looks Clinic in Toronto.