Dr. Vera Madison:

You're not alone—more than 80 percent of women have cellulite. And it's more prevalent in women than men because women's fat cells are quite close to the surface of the skin. Insufficient water intake and genetics are factors that contribute to the development of cellulite. New laser technologies provide non-invasive and very effective treatments that break up the fat cells and mobilize water from the tissues. Laser treatments can be used to contour and reshape legs, thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Treatments take about an hour, with no downtime. Choose an experienced practitioner with an FDA-approved machine.

january+february 2010 elevate magazine issue

Dentist Dr. Vasant Ramlaggan:

Pregnancy changes your hormone balance, thus affecting the immune system and increasing blood flow to oral tissues. When bacteria such as plaque or calculus build up, your body gives an exaggerated re- sponse, and you may see swollen, bleeding gums. This could lead to more or worsened cavities if bacteria are not controlled. Good home care is very important, especially if you experience vomiting—stomach acids can damage teeth. And visit your dentist at the beginning of the pregnancy, during your second trimester and again a couple of months before or after giving birth.

january+february 2009 elevate magazine issue

Dr. Andres Gantous, a Toronto- based facial plastic surgeon

Volume loss to the cheeks and under the eyes is part of the aging process, and fat grafting can rejuvenate the face with natural-looking results. Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that requires general anesthetic and is much more elaborate than using a dermal filler. Fat, usually taken from the thighs or stomach, is harvested and then transferred into the recipient site. You can expect soreness and bruising for up to two weeks in the donor and recipient areas, but if you want a long-lasting effect using a natural substance, are willing to undergo a procedure, or have a history of reaction to fillers then you may be a good candidate for fat grafting.

september+october 2008 elevate magazine issue

Dr. Lorne Tarshis, MD, FRCSC, FACS, a cosmetic surgeon in Toronto

I've used a variety of fillers but at this point in time Evolence Breeze is by far the best for lip augmentation, has a beautiful esthetic result and can last up to a year. It's my filler of choice for a couple of reasons: first, it has very beautiful flow characteristics, meaning it goes in smoothly. It also allows me to be artistic and sculpt the lip while filling it with volume. A very fine-gauge needle is used to inject Evolence Breeze smoothly, and using this needle means the chances of bruising are minimal. Pain is also not an issue during the treatment or after, provided a dental block is used properly while the product is injected.

may+june 2009 elevate magazine issue

Jodi Robinson, RD, a registered dietitian in Toronto

A. The need for vitamin/mineral supplements depends on age, health conditions and eating habits, not the season. In regard to vitamin D, Health Canada recommends adults 50+ take 400 IU daily year-round. While our bodies make vitamin D when exposed to sun, use of sunscreen counteracts this ability. And heat and humidity increases our fluid needs. Reach for 8 to 10 cups of liquids daily such as water, milk and iced herbal teas. Active individuals need even more fluids to replenish water lost through perspiration, so drinking two cups of water for each hour of activity is a helpful guideline.

may+june 2009 elevate magazine issue

Eva Scrivo, Wella lead colourist at New York Fashion Week

I recommend cutting your hair shorter and getting a great modern and sexy shape so your colour looks even. There are colour enhancements that you can still experiment with; semi-permanent glazes are a wonderful way to get back softness and not alter your natural colour. A beautiful pearl base can remove any yellowing that can happen with age. Embrace your natural hair, but be ready for a new routine, including more frequent hair brushing as a lack of pigment creates wiryness. A boar bristle brush retains the scalp's natural oils and stimulates circulation.

may+june 2009 elevate magazine issue

Dr. William Middleton, B.Sc., MD, FRCSC, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon

IPL photofacial rejuvenation treatments are very successful in treating sun damage, shrinking large pores, eliminating broken capillaries, pigments and fine lines and stimulating collagen production. The frequency settings and calibrations of this sophisticated technology are designed to deliver energy to the skin in a safe and effective fashion. A reputable clinic should not be manipulating the settings or tampering with the computerized workings of the machines. This is a hazardous practice that may compromise the machine's ability to deliver energy without complication. If you're not happy with your results, perhaps you should make sure you're scheduling IPL photofacial treatments at a reputable medical clinic.

march+april 2009 elevate magazine issue

Dr. Douglas Grace, B.Sc., MD, FRCSC, a cosmetic surgeon at The Grace Clinic, Burlington, Ont.

A. Liposuction is an ideal treatment for back fat and love handles. Liposuction removes the majority of fat cells completely so if you are eating well, the results should be permanent. Smartlipo is a form of liposuction that uses a laser to achieve the same results with a shorter downtime, less bruising and skin tightening. I find we achieve better results in these back areas due to the added benefit of skin tightening.

march+april 2009 elevate magazine issue

Dr. K. Conrad, MD, FRCS, FRCSC, FACS
Nasal & Facial Plastic Cosmetic Surgery
Institute & Laser Centre, Toronto, ON

It would be reasonable to not have your surgery during the winter months as it is well documented that extreme temperatures adversely affect wound healing, especially the cold. If there are circumstances influencing the timing of your operation, I advise you to avoid being outdoors for any long periods of time for six weeks following surgery and then use special precautions while outdoors. Your tissue sensitivity may be decreased for a number of months, and you would not be aware of damage that may be occurring such as frostbite.

january+february 2009 elevate magazine issue