– Dr. Marc DuPere, MD, CM, FRCSC, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon

A. RevaleSkin is a three-step system that cleanses, protects and revitalizes skin by incorporating CoffeeBerry extract, a natural antioxidant that naturally prevents and rejuvenates damage caused by free radical exposure and oxidative stress. The cleanser cleans, smooths and refreshes skin; the day cream contains SPF 15 to protect against sun damage; the night cream revitalizes your skin while you sleep. RevaleSkin works on three levels: reduces wrinkles and fine lines, brown spots and redness.

july+august 2008 elevate magazine issue

– Dr. Louis Grondin, MD, MBA, FACPh, medical director of the Cosmetic Laser & Vein Centre in Calgary

Visible veins on the back of the hand are very common as you age, especially in the dominant hand. Dilated veins also appear following trauma and with the development of arthritis. Regardless of their cause, these are easily treated by either injecting a filler material to camouflage the veins or by removing the vein itself.

Filler material, including endogenous fat, is desirable when there is loss of volume or if deformity is present. Poly-L lactic acid injections, such as Sculptra, are also an excellent choice if aging and loose skin cause hand veins to be more visible. This treatment, however, is not yet approved in Canada. By far the best treatment is removing the offending veins by microsurgery or sclerotherapy. Microsurgery is performed under local anesthesia through 2-mm incision punctures. Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and consists of injecting a substance that will ultimately destroy the veins through a controlled inflammatory process. Both methods require five to seven days of recovery and should be performed by experts in the management of venous disorders.

july+august 2008 elevate magazine issue

Dr. Lawrence Fremont, B.Sc., MD, president and chief surgeon, Physicians’ Hair Loss Clinics

Several factors could be contributing to your hair loss. An assessment by a dermatologist is the best way to determine and treat any underlying causes, such as thyroid suppression, low levels of blood iron, hormonal changes, diabetes, blood pressure or blood thinning medications, genetics, traction alopecia (pulling out hair) and alopecia areata. Treatment may also include long-term use of topical solutions or low-level laser light. If hair-replacement surgery is recommended, then a competent surgeon should be consulted. –

may+june 2008 elevate magazine issue

Dr. David Yawrenko, D.C., D. Ac, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in Edmonton

The Lapex 2000 LipoLaser is a revolutionary device that has just been launched in Canada. It is a safe, painless and non-invasive laser targeting spot fat reduction and overall inch loss. This innovative technology allows users to refine and reshape problem areas without having to go undergo traditional liposuction. The procedure takes about 40 minutes and typically patients lose a ½ to 1 inch per treatment. The cost for one treatment is approximately $250 and we recommend a series of eight treatments to see optimal results. There is no down time after the treatment and the procedure is absolutely painless. Patients can resume normal activity immediately after the treatment and there is no swelling, bruising, or inflammation. This treatment is ideal to help you get that beach beautiful body you’ve been looking for in as little as four weeks.

may+june 2008 elevate magazine issue

Dr. Jerome Edelstein, MD, FRCSC, a plastic surgeon in Toronto

I think your reasons for wanting breast augmentation are the right ones. You’re doing it for yourself. A wrong reason would be if you were doing it for your husband. One of the most common requests I receive is from women who desire rejuvenating procedures for their breasts or abdomen once they’ve finished having children. While some may feel cosmetic surgery is superficial, I can attest that in many cases my patients report a profound effect on their lives, including their self-confidence, sociability, intimacy and life satisfaction. The best approach could be to get your husband more involved in the decision-making process. Ask him to keep an open mind before he commits to a conclusion. Perhaps if he attends a consultation with you, is allowed to ask questions and gets a first-hand explanation of the procedure, benefits, risks and results, he would be more inclined to give you an objective opinion, rather than an emotional one.

may+june 2008 elevate magazine issue

– Dr. William McGillivray, MD, FRCPC, and Dr. Jason Rivers, MD, FRCPC, dermatologists at Pacific Dermaesthetics in Vancouver

There are a number of modalities that can improve acne scars permanently. These include dermal fillers (such as Artesense) and laser therapy. The most recent of these, the Fraxel laser, has the ability to improve scars by stimulating the production of new collagen. The treatment is relatively painless and responses are seen after a minimum of four treatment sessions done at four- to six-week intervals.

march+april 2008 elevate magazine issue

– Dr. Timothy Sproule, MD, FRCSC, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon

The technology involving tightening of skin gets better with each passing month, but some remain better for the skin while others are better for the body. Although I have experience using the Titan on abdominal stretch marks and flabby arms, I often use skin-tightening lasers in conjunction with liposuction. Although skin-tightening lasers are newer forms of treatment than liposuction, patients shouldn’t be afraid of considering liposuction or body lift procedures, which have been around for years, because these are tried and true, safe and effective forms of body contouring. Still, I think the most important thing you can do is see a practitioner with a wide range of experience and modalities available, so that you can find out all your options and get the best treatment that’s right for you.

march+april 2008 elevate magazine issue

– Dr. Habibah Surani, MBBS, DRM, a Malaysian-trained physician in Toronto

Unlike some lasers, which can affect melanin, Titan is infrared light, making it absorbed by water in the dermis (deep layers of the skin) rather than absorbed by the melanin of the skin, which is what gives freckles their colour. For this reason, the Titan is an ideal laser for use on all skin types. For more information about Titan, visit titanskin.com.

march+april 2008 elevate magazine issue

– Dr. Tina Meisami-Fard, B.Sc, DDS,FRCDC, an oral & maxillofacial surgeon in Toronto

Your nose, chin and teeth are all interrelated and define your facial profile. What is perceived as “beautiful” or esthetically pleasing is a harmony and balance these different elements and not necessarily their mere size. So you’re correct that your nose may not be that big but in comparison to your chin it may seem that way. The position of your lips in relation to your nose and chin are determined by the position of your jaws and teeth, which is why your dentist has recommended braces (orthodontics) to move your teeth into a more functional and cosmetic position. I’d recommend you get a consultation for both rhinoplastiy and jaw surgery/orthodontics.

march+april 2008 elevate magazine issue