Non-Invasive Skin Treatment in Toronto
If you are troubled by issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, or unwanted hair or visible veins, you may benefit from non-invasive skin treatment available at the Toronto plastic surgery practice of Dr. Lawrence Tong. Treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal can help a person look and feel their best with minimal downtime.
Laser Genesis Toronto
Laser Genesis targets hemoglobin to produce bulk heating in the papillary dermis. This process stimulates collagen and reduces redness in dilated capillaries without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissue. This treatment is safe for all skin types and can be done at any time of year with no down time. Laser Genesis provides smoother, plumper, more even looking skin.
This treatment improves:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Acne Scars
- Actinic Keratoses
- Hypertrophic Scars
- Surgical Scars
- Large Pores
- Rosacea
- Vascular Lesions
- Redness
What to Expect
Most patients experience a sensation of warming over the skin during treatment, similar to the feeling of laying in the sun. After treatment slight redness can be expected and will disappear within a few hours. Typically more than one treatment is needed.
Limitations
The results cannot replace a surgical lifting procedure, but it is an attractive option for patients who are not ready to ‘go under the knife’, or do not want the downtime associated with surgery. This treatment can also be used as part of a maintenance routine to upkeep surgical results.
Treatment of Acne Scarring
There are a variety of treatments to choose from which can help reduce the look of acne scarring. Typically a combination of both in-office and home care are needed to receive and maintain the most desired results. The stimulation of collagen helps to soften the appearance of pitting associated with type of scarring. Laser Genesis is one option offered to help reduce the look of acne scarring. Also chemical peels or microdermabrasion can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to Laser Genesis. Laser Genesis is an alternative to surgical dermabrasion for treating acne scars. Dermabrasion is better suited for the deeper acne scars because the surgeon can be slightly more aggressive. Although no single modality can totally get rid of acne scarring, a combination of resurfacing with fillers such as Radiesse®, Juvéderm®, or Sephyl can achieve better results.
Removal Facial Spider Veins, Hyperpigmentation and Sun Spots
We offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments for getting rid of sunspots, spider veins, rosacea and various pigmentation conditions. IPL uses light energy to reduce or eliminate various skin imperfections. Reduction of the pigmented lesions occurs through a process known as selective photothermolysis. Because dark areas in the skin absorb light more intensely than lighter areas, the darker areas absorb light faster than lighter areas, leading to destruction of the pigment cells. Through this process, the dark regions of the skin are destroyed while the light ones are relatively unaffected.
The following conditions can be treated:
- Freckles
- Age Spots
- Brown Spots
- Birthmarks
- Rosacea
- Port Wine Stains
- Hyperpigmentation
- Spider Veins
- Broken Capillaries
- Facial Veins
In general, patients do not feel significant discomfort from IPL photo rejuvenation. The procedure takes 30 minutes and requires no downtime.
Light Chemical Peels
When performing a chemical peel at Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, a chemical solution is used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. This procedure is very helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, fine wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.
Peels take approximately 30-60 minutes. The skin may be pink immediately after the peel but returns to normal after a number of hours.
AHA Peels (alpha hydroxy acid)
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) peels are natural acid peels derived from fruit and other foods (fruit, sugar cane, milk). They work by exfoliating (removing the outer layers) the skin’s dead cells. By removing the dead layer, the smoother, healthier layers are revealed. The AHA peels can be helpful in improving fine lines, pigmentation, and are often combined with microdermabrasion.
BHA Peels (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is called salicylic acid and is a derivative of aspirin. BHA peels are typically used in the treatment of acne. They work by exfoliating the skin’s dead cells (removing the outer layers). By removing the dead layer, the smoother, healthier layers are revealed. The BHA peels can be helpful in improving fine lines, pigmentation, and are often combined with microdermabrasion.
Glow Peel
The glow peel is a half Jessner peel for the treatment of acne, pigmentation, and signs of aging. The Glow peel combines 7% lactic acid, 7% salicylic, 7% resorcinol to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal. Lactic acid helps to strengthen and firm the skin which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid has soothing properties, and is able to penetrate pores to effectively exfoliate and control acne. Resorcinol is a peeling agent that is an antiseptic and disinfectant to fight skin infection while breaking down rough hardened skin.
Renew 20/10
Renew 20/10 is a 10% salicylic acid and 20% lactic acid to help treat acne and rejuvenate skin. Renew 20/10 helps improve skin texture, tone and the look of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, improves the look of hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and minimizes pores. Lactic acid helps to strengthen and firm the skin which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid has soothing properties, and is able to penetrate pores to effectively exfoliate and control acne.
AHA Duo
The AHA Duo peel is a combination of 10% glycolic acid and 20% lactic acid. This peel helps reduce the sign of aging and can help in the treatment of acne by exfoliating dead skin cells. Glycolic acid increases cell turnover and improves skin texture and tone to give a glow. Lactic acid helps to strengthen and firm the skin which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Renew 30
Renew 30 is a 30% lactic acid. This peel is a gentler option for a more sensitive skin type. It helps reduce the signs of aging by boosting skin turnover, helps diminish the look of pores, discolouration and sun damage. Lactic acid helps to strengthen and firm the skin which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Renew 30 is a multi-purpose peel for most skin types. This peel could be done closer to an event to boost the skin due to its more gentle nature.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses micro-particles or a diamond-tipped wand, to remove the top layer of your skin, to attain a visible improvement in the skin’s texture, smoothness, and glow. There is almost no discomfort in microdermabrasion, and it does not need an anesthetic and there is no recovery or downtime. A full face treatment takes 30 minutes.
Microdermabrasion vs. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure which involves sanding of the skin. It is primarily used to remove coarse facial wrinkles, acne scarring, and to improve other forms of scarring. Microdermabrasion also removes the upper layers of the skin but to a much lesser degree. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that produces bleeding due to the depth of treatment; Microdermabrasion is completely non-invasive: it removes a very superficial layer of the skin without any bleeding. The two procedures are not interchangeable, and are used for different reasons.
Luxury Facial
The concept behind the luxury facial is to combine the active ingredients of medical grade skin care with the relaxing components of a traditional facial. This treatment is not an aggressive treatment for the skin. The treatment is customized based on individual needs. A general treatment consists of a cleansing, enzyme exfoliation, range of massage techniques, use of any treatment products and add-ons, treatment mask, and finishing products (moisturizer, SPF). The goal is a glowy complexion that leaves the skin looking refreshed and you feeling relaxed. This treatment can be done closer to events (i.e. weddings, proms, special events, etc.) compared to more aggressive treatments. This treatment is highly recommended post procedure to begin a skincare routine and promote optimal healing.
Add Eye Rescue Pads to your treatment to reduce the look of puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. Helps to rejuvenate and hydrate the delicate eye area.
2D Facial
A 2D facial is the use of both Laser Genesis and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) in the same facial treatment for optimal results. This allows a variety of skin concerns to be addressed in one treatment. IPL and Laser Genesis do treat some similar conditions, however they do so in a much different way, allowing the combination treatment to be optimal.
The following conditions can be treated:
- Freckles
- Age Spots
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Rosacea
- Port Wine Stains
- Hyperpigmentation
- Spider Veins
- Broken Capillaries
- Facial Veins
- Acne Scars
- Surgical Scars
- Large Pores
- Redness
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive permanent reduction of hair growth in the treatment area. This is a more optimal choice for people seeking long-term results compared to shaving, waxing and depilatory creams which require continual treatments. Laser light selectively targets melanin in the hair damaging both the bulb and bulge of the hair. This damage prevents hair from growing back. This means only naturally black and brown hair can be treated, not grey, white, blond, or red as it is melanin being targeted by the laser. The laser is only able to target hair that is actively growing at time of treatment as the hair is still connected to both the bulge and the bulb. There are 3 phases of hair growth, hair in the resting or shedding phases are not attached to the bulb and bulge and are not treated. This means a series of treatments will be required for optimal results as not all hairs are in the same growth phase at the same time. The treatment can be done on all skin types including tanned skin. Laser is also able to target multiple hairs at a time compared to electrolysis which treats one hair at a time.
What to Expect
Patients can expect a very cool sensation with the application of the treatment head. Followed by a warm, pinching, or stinging as the laser light is applied to damage the hair. The treatment head moves along the skin over the full treatment area. The treatment area can be slightly swollen and red immediately after treatment, in the days following you can expect shedding of the hair which may present like hair regrowth. Shaving in between treatments is acceptable, however waxing and tweezing are not permitted.
Laser Vein Removal
Laser vein removal can treat many veins on both the face and body, however varicose veins are not amongst the treatment options. All skin types including tanned skin can be treated.
The following conditions can be treated:
- Spider Veins
- Large Blue Leg Veins
- Facial Veins
- Port Wine Stains
- Blood Blisters
What to Expect
Most patients report feeling a stinging during the pulses of energy through the treatment as well as heat in the treated area. Pain is minimal to non-existent following treatment. Some redness, bruising, and swelling may occur following treatment. You can see results almost immediately, the majority of patients see results in two to six weeks, however it can be a few months for final results. Most clients see optimal results with one or two treatments. New veins can appear over time and can be treated as needed.
Limitations to Laser Skin Care Treatments
The results cannot replace a surgical lifting procedure, but it is an attractive option for patients who are not ready to ‘go under the knife’, or do not want the downtime associated with surgery. This treatment can also be used as part of a maintenance routine to upkeep surgical results.
Meet Our Aesthetician
Jean Maldonado has more than 20 years of experience in the skin care industry with roles in sales, consulting, and corporate training. With this vast knowledge of all components of the cosmetic industry, Jean has refined her skills with different technologies and techniques.
In complement, her work experiences have afforded her the opportunity to learn the spectrum of aesthetic services from basic to ablative/invasive laser procedures including pre/post surgical consultations. Working with professionals such as plastic surgeons and dermatologists during her career has allowed Jean to define her skill set and excel in surgical and non surgical facial aesthetic treatments.
Jean brings passion and strives for excellence with each consultation and service. She provides medical aesthetic services such as IPL, microdermabrasion, light chemical peels and facials and can assist you with treatment options to best suit your needs. These procedures offer beauty enhancement alternatives with minimal or no downtime required. A proper skincare regimen is key in maintaining a youthful appearance and improving skin quality and our skin care specialist can provide daily skincare solutions especially suited to maximize results for you. Jean can provide consultation on the next generation of Coolsculpting® Technology as well to assist you in reaching your goals if you have excess fat in one or more areas.
Schedule Skin Treatment in Toronto
Contact our office to book your appointment with Jean and experience the art of beauty for yours.
Dr. Lawrence Tong has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.