Ask the Expert
Dr Jason K. Rivers, MD, FRCPC, FA AD
Q: I am considering having some anti-aging treatments this year, but I’m not sure where to start. I want to take off a few years but keep it looking natural. How do I improve my look without appearing overdone? A: That is an excellent and important question to address. Many peo-
ple will jump into an anti-aging procedure based on a friend’s recommendation without considering whether it’s the best treatment for their particular needs and skin. We recommend consulting a skin expert, such as a cosmetic dermatologist, as your first step. A dermatologist will look at your skin in a holistic manner, as an indicator of your general health. He or she will assess any skin damage and review how the aging process is progressing. From there, you will be provided with a skincare plan to not only correct the signs of aging but also to protect your skin from future damage. Your plan may involve only one treatment with a home skincare regimen or combination therapy over several months – either way, it will be customized to suit your skin’s particular rejuvenation needs, and to keep you looking fresh, age appropriate and natural. Working with a skin expert and developing a comprehensive skincare plan – rather than addressing issues bit by bit – is often more cost efficient and delivers better results in the long run.
Dr. Jason Rivers is considered one of Vancouver’s top dermatologists with over 25 years of experience in the field. A clinical professor of dermatology at UBC, Dr. Rivers is the founder of Riversol skincare and the owner of Pacific Dermaesthetics centre for dermatology and laser medicine. www.vancouverskin.com
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Ask the Expert
Dr Lydia Waterson Q: Is Botox for me? A: BOTOX® botulinum toxin type A has been used for over 20 years for the effective treatment of many medical conditions. It’s been approved for medical use in Canada and more than 75 countries for 20 different medical applications. BOTOX® Cosmetic has become the most popular physician-administered cosmetic treatment in North America, receiving a 97 percent satisfaction rating among users. Approximately 5.4 million Botox procedures were performed last year in North America alone! This is an indication of how safe injecting Botox® is. Side effects and complications can occur and Botox® must be injected by doctors or qualified practitioners with specific skills, adequate training and experience to ensure safe, optimal results. It is advised that your treatment be done by a medical professional in a clinical setting, as it is a medical procedure and there is always the remote possibility of a side effect that needs to be handled in a medical setting. Botox® is an effective anti-aging preventative treatment that acts as a muscle relaxant with effects that last for several months. The FDA approved Botox® as a temporary treatment for frown lines and other facial wrinkles such as crow’s feet and forehead furrows, where it temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox® treats chronic, persistent migraines, persistent muscle spasms in the eyelid, face, neck, shoulders and excessive sweating of armpits and hands. After three to six months, the effects fade. To maintain treatment, you will need follow-up injections every few months. Internationally accredited since 1986, Dr. Waterson MD has trained and practiced in Ireland, England, South Africa and Canada. She is now practicing at Lonsdale Medical Clinic and The Coliseum MediSpa.
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