Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Laser Skin Resurfacing
The physician uses a controlled beam of energy allowing for exact penetration of depth into the dermis in order to vaporize the damaged acne-scarred skin in a safe and predictable manner.
The treated areas begin a regeneration process, resulting in regrowth, healing, and smoother, more even skin.
It is most widely used as a treatment for the face but can be done on the neck, chest and back as well.
Afterglow's state-of-the-art laser skin resurfacing technology is the industry gold standard. The procedure is a very precise, controlled, physician administered treatment where thin sections of skin are removed, layer by layer, and are replaced by younger skin growth.
ProFractional™ for Acne Scars
The ProFractional ™ resurfacing technology has revolutionized treatment for acne-scarred skin. Cosmetic enhancement with a ProFractional™ laser treatment can dramatically improve pigmentation changes caused by acne with little to no downtime, thanks to its revolutionary fractionated technology.
The fractional laser technique is designed to target specific portions of damaged tissue. It creates tiny channels reaching depths appropriate for correcting acne scars. The treated areas stimulate the production of collagen, plumping up the skin and smoothing the scars and irregularities in the skin.
By creating microscopic "wounds" within the targeted areas, the treatment triggers the body's natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells.
This technology leaves the surrounding tissue unaffected and intact, allowing your skin to heal much faster than if the entire skin surface were treated at once.
This great advancement allows for just a few days' healing time and produces excellent results.
Photorejuvenation / IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) for Fine Wrinkles (Rhytids)
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, also known as photorejuvenation, is an innovative, non-invasive rejuvenation technique which involves high intensity pulsations of light (not lasers) passing through the skin. It is non-ablative, meaning no skin is removed. Its benefits include, smoother, more revitalized skin, improved texture and a reduction in pore size.
This breakthrough treatment involves directing energy to the treatment area. The energy is delivered to both superficial and deep layers of the skin, sparing the epidermis (top layer).
The result is an exfoliation of damaged skin coupled with the stimulation of collagen production on the skin's surface.
The treatment can be used effectively on the face, neck, chest and hands.
It does not contain harmful UV light and is a very safe, effective and established treatment for a number of benign skin conditions.
BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin type A)
Botox (botulinum toxin type A), is the only form of Botulinum Toxin approved in Canada. It is a safe medicament, which must be physician administered as a precise understanding of anatomy is crucial to the treatment's success.
- It has to be injected, it does not penetrate the skin
- This non-surgical procedure temporarily smoothes moderate to severe wrinkles by reducing the activity of muscles that cause the lines
- BOTOX ® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive procedure; a well-trained, experienced cosmetic physician is essential for optimal results
- Results are noticeable within 4-5 days
- Results achieved generally lasts 4-6 months although treated people have noticed longer lasting results
Most commonly treated areas:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal lines running across the forehead
- "Crow's feet" around the outer eyes
Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the acne scar. The substances add volume by raising the surface of the skin. This results in a smoother, softer looking skin surface.
Patients generally feel very little discomfort and there is minimal downtime involved.
The best results are witnessed with very deep scarring that can not successfully be treated with other standard therapies/treatments (i.e., laser or light-based treatments).
Treatment of acne scars through dermal filling requires a consultation with Dr. Ebrahim coupled with a well-thought-out corrective plan. There is a range of dermal fillers available today which are derived from various sources.
- Worry lines: smoothed away.
- Frown lines: running between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) reduced.
- Crow's feet: at the corner of the eyes (periorbital lines) minimised.
- Smoker's lines: the vertical lines on the mouth (perioral lines) disappear.
- Bags under the eyes: diminished.
- Corners of the mouth: lifted for a friendly, smiley look – ideal if your natural expression is a down turned mouth.
- Deep smile lines: running from the side of the nose to corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds) minimised.
- Cheekbones: can be enhanced.
- Sagging jowls and double chins: smoothed away.
- Eyebrows: can be evened out or the shape changed.
- Marionette lines: at the corner of the mouth (oral commissures) minimised.
The huge market for these products coupled with untrustworthy advertising makes choosing a skin care product confusing and sometimes risky.
Choosing the right skin care products to improve skin texture, reverse signs of aging, maintain a youthful look or prevent wrinkles is best done during a consultation with Dr. Ebrahim. It is essential to take factors such as allergies to medications, interactions of drugs and medical history into consideration. A skin care regime should be looked upon as a long-term commitment made by the individual and not a single treatment or therapy.
PROTECT. First and foremost you must protect yourself from the invisible yet intense rays of the sun. This is firstly and more importantly a health benefit (as you help to protect yourself against noncancerous and cancerous skin tumours) and secondly an aesthetic benefit as it helps to prevent visible damage to the skin.
CHOOSE. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 and pay attention to how often it needs to be re-applied if you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Be diligent about covering exposed areas.
MOISTURIZE. Moisturize your skin. The best product for you will depend on your skin type, your age, and other conditions you may have. Choosing a moisturizer with a SPF factor of at least 15 will help protect you from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
DON'T SMOKE. Smoking accelerates the signs of aging by damaging elastic fibers and collagen in the skin (not to mention the health risk one takes when smoking). In addition, the facial expressions one makes when smoking may contribute to an increased appearance of wrinkles.