Cosmetic FAQ

Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman believe that it is critical for safety and optimal results that only someone trained and skilled in anatomy, surgery, and anesthesia be allowed to inject the face with botulinum toxin and injectable fillers. Thus, all of these injections are performed by the physicians themselves at Toronto Dermatology Centre, always! A dedication to ongoing cosmetic training and injection techniques, reading and conference attendance ensures that we stay at the top of the cosmetic world.

All lasers are not created equal, nor are the people using lasers on you. Medical-grade lasers are typically far more effective and safer as compared to a spa or esthetician employed laser equipment. There are many clinics out there with poorly trained personnel and without a commitment to ongoing training for their staff. As well, many clinics hook in clients using very cheap prices for inferior quality treatments that can either take many more treatments than a more powerful laser, and more importantly can be riskier as far as potential side effects such as burns and discolouration of the skin.

Laser hair removal is best performed using a Nd:Yag laser, which are safe in all skin types. Many salons & spas offer IPL for laser hair removal (often found on group buying sites like groupon) – this device is far more painful, less effective, and can lead to side effects and should be avoided. Your skin health and appearance is not worth a false savings of a few dollars.

Botox is a purified protein injected into the skin and used to relax muscles that cause wrinkles (“dynamic wrinkles”), while Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid injectable fillers used to fill out wrinkles (e.g. laugh lines) or enhance facial volume (e.g. fuller cheeks) or plump up lips.

These fillers are made up of “Hyaluronic acid” which is a normal component of the skin which unfortunately breaks down as we age. Thus the fillers are bio-compatible and safe, and do not require allergy testing.

Botox has been used for over 20 years in millions of people and is considered a very safe treatment, especially when performed by specialist physicians such as Dermatologists.

Most people find BOTOX lasts anywhere between 3-6 months. With repeated treatments, BOTOX treatments will often last increasing amounts of time.

Depending on the area treated and how much is injected, fillers can last anywhere from 4 – 12 months. Fillers in the lips last the shortest amount of time, while fillers in the cheek bones or tear trough area last the longest amount of time.

Effective measures include stopping smoking, not drinking from a straw, and wearing sunscreen around the lips and applying chapstick with SPF. Various treatments such as Botox, injectable fillers, microneedling +/- platelet rich plasma (PRP) and laser resurfacing are particularly helpful in softening these lines, though they are hard to get rid of completely.

One of the best ways to treat large, dilated, blood vessels on the face is with a laser (e.g. Excel-V) or light device (e.g. Intense Pulse Light –  IPL or Broad Band Light – BBL). This is generally well tolerated, effective with a few treatments, causes minimal down time, and does not scar. For a few broken blood vessels, electrosurgery can also be very beneficial and may require a few treatment sessions.

Various prescription or physician-grade creams can be somewhat helpful, though for better results, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling +/- platelet rich plasma (PRP), or lasers are required.

In the last few years, major improvements have been made to laser technology. Lasers used to work best on people with lighter skin and dark hair, but these days there are options available for women and men of all skin tones and colours. With the help of modern technology and the cutting edge technology offered at our clinic, our Dermatologists can select the laser technology that is both safe and effective for each patient, or sometimes recommend other options such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and fading creams as adjuncts to improving skin tone.

“Age spots” or “liver spots” are called “lentigo” or “lentigines” by a physician. They are sometimes related to age and genetics, and can also be due to chronic sun exposure. Although they are harmless, they can be unsightly and can be safely lightened or removed using various techniques that your dermatologist can discuss with you. Laser or light devices (e.g. BBL), cryotherapy, chemical peels, and some creams may be employed.

The ProFractional laser device offers a number of benefits for men and women who are noticing the premature signs of aging, have acne scars, and those who may have scars from an injury. The procedure can reduce skin imperfections and help create a smoother, more uniform appearance.

Some of the top anti-aging benefits of the ProFractional laser include:

  • Can be used on both the face and body
  • Can be administered on all skin types
  • Can be combined with other treatments
  • Helps reduce or eliminate acne scars
  • Can reduce or eliminate skin pigmentation
  • Helps reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles
  • Can help keep acne under control
  • Improves the texture and tone of the skin
  • Evens out skin discoloration
  • Eliminates or reduces the effects of sun damage

Most certainly yes. The creams, lotions, serums and other products sold at Toronto Dermatology Centre are physician/medical grade and not available over the counter. They have been rigorously reviewed and selected by our Dermatologists. The concentrations of various antiaging ingredients (e.g. glycolic acid, vitamin C, peptides, growth factors, retinol) and their delivery system is superior to over the counter products, and we provide sunscreens and other products that are the least likely to cause irritation or allergy, and at various price points to fit your budget.

Yes, we offer free shipping on orders $150 or more.

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