How is rosacea treated?

There are many possible treatments for rosacea. Lasers or intense pulsed light sources might be used in relatively severe cases to correct disfigurement of the nose, remove visible blood vessels or reduce redness.

How do the lasers work?

A vascular laser emits light wavelengths aimed at the blood vessels just beneath the skin. The laser’s heat builds up in the vessels and soon causes them to disintegrate.

What happens after treatment?

A patient who has undergone a vascular laser treatment may experience swelling, redness and soreness within the first day after treatment, but these effects do eventually subside. Some patients may develop peeling skin as though they had a sunburn, and some may develop bruises that last five to ten days. Since there is no downtime, the patient can generally resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.

The doctor can provide details regarding when you can expect the targeted blood vessels to disappear. Also, at the consultation, we can determine how many treatments you will need to eliminate rosacea.

Who is not a good candidate for laser treatments?

People who scar easily or have a blood-clotting disorder should not get laser treatments. Pregnant women and people with insulin-dependent diabetes may need to avoid the treatments.

Contact Us

If you have been dealing with the effects of rosacea and have been looking for a solution, laser skin treatments may be a suitable option for you. Contact Pender Medi Spa today to schedule a consultation. We will be able to provide an examination, determine the number of treatments you will need, and schedule the procedure. Our practice is dedicated to helping patients with their skin care needs, and we offer a variety of services including laser scar reduction, dermal fillers, glycolic chemical peels, and more. Get started now.

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Sometimes called an instant facelift, it is a good alternative for people who are not ready for chemical peels or plastic surgery. It is suitable for both men and women.

The skin has two main layers, the epidermis, and the dermis. The epidermis is the thicker, outer layer and consists of dead skin cells on top of the deeper layers where the cells are still maturing. The outermost layer is called the stratum corneum and protects the inmost layers from all but the smallest molecules. This is where fine lines and wrinkles form. Microdermabrasion only treats the stratum corneum.

With the outer layer intact, moisturizing creams don’t have much effect because they don’t reach the lower layers of skin. Once the outer layer is removed, medicinal creams and lotions may be more effective because they can reach the lower layers.
When the thick outer layer of skin is removed, the deeper layers start producing more collagen to replace what is gone. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is found in your bones, muscles and tendons as well as you skin, and when it is stimulated in your skin, it gives you a healthier and more youthful appearance.

The process of microdermabrasion involves tiny crystals that are sprayed onto your skin. They gently remove the outer layer, exfoliating your skin to rejuvenate its appearance making it look brighter and softer. The machine that sprays the crystals also has a vacuum action that pulls and raises a small section of skin to receive treatment. This brings some of the impurities to the surface to be removed. The vacuum also collects the used crystals and dead skin. Another type of microdermabrasion is with a diamond-tipped wand. This replaces the stream of crystals. In most cases, a standard session consists of up to three passes with the tool. After the treatment, you may be asked to apply a moisturizing cream to hydrate your skin to promote the new skin.

Microdermabrasion treatments may:

• Reduce hyperpigmentation
• Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
• Exfoliate your skin
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce enlarged pores
• Reduce the appearance of blackheads and age spots
• Improve acne and acne scars

Research suggests that some people can remove deeper blemishes over time with repeated microdermabrasion treatments. Evidence seems to show that the rapid loss of moisture causes the lower skin layers to move healthy cells up to the surface quickly.
Microdermabrasion requires no recovery time. Your skin may be slightly pink for a day, but this usually passes within 24 hours. It’s a good treatment for people who have no time for a lengthy recovery, but would like to improve their appearance by removing some of the above conditions. Contact Pender Medi Spa today to schedule a consultation.

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What is IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

Intense Pulse Light skin rejuvenation is a skin resurfacing technique in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deeply into the skin. It’s not to be confused with laser treatment. Instead, IPL skin rejuvenation uses a broad spectrum of light.

When the skin absorbs the controlled heat of these pulses of light, the body’s immune system translates this as a minor injury or burn. It then activates the healing process that speeds up the production of collagen to heal the injury.

Collagen is a connective tissue protein that is responsible for basically holding the entire body together. We have plenty of it when we are young, but as we start aging, the production of collagen begins to decline sharply. This is what leads to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other pigment changes. It also greatly reduces the smoothness and texture of skin.

What Can IPL Skin Rejuvenation Treat?

To understand how IPL skin rejuvenation can treat more than fine lines and wrinkles, it’s important to understand how it truly works.

The IPL hand held device gives out a broad spectrum of intense light wave pulses that are aimed at whatever skin condition is being treated. These light beams are absorbed by both red blood cells in the blood vessels and melanin-which is what causes dark spots, uneven skin tone, and freckles. The blood vessel walls are damaged, and the melanin is broken down. When this happens, the damaged blood vessel walls and the broken down melanin are absorbed by the body, making them less visible.

This is what makes IPL skin rejuvenation capable of treating so many unwanted skin conditions. It’s most commonly used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more. It can reduce redness of the skin, eliminate rosacea and dilated and unsightly blood vessels on the face. Spider veins are also treatable with this advance skin resurfacing technique.

Common Side Effects

Patients may feel some mild discomfort during the treatment process, but this is usually not painful at all. It’s just a feeling of mildly hot sensation on the skin. A cooling gel is applied to the skin before treatment; this usually takes care of any discomfort associated with the treatment.

Contact Pender Medi Spa today for a consultation. We offer a variety of treatments to help patients achieve their ideal look. You can finally reduce your wrinkles and get the smooth, youthful skin you want. Get started today.

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Preparing for BOTOX®

Before getting BOTOX®, the patient should stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin two weeks before the procedure to reduce bruising. The patient should also stop drinking alcohol a week before the procedure. The patient should stop taking any blood thinners before the procedure to reduce the chances of bruising or bleeding.

What to Expect during Treatments

BOTOX® comes in a powder. To keep the dosage at a sublethal level, the doctor will dilute it in a salty solution, then inject it directly into the targeted muscles and nerves. It usually takes 24 to 72 hours for BOTOX® to take effect, but it can sometimes take as long as five days for the patient to see the results. The results usually last for four to six months until the muscles regain their mobility. Since the affected muscles are being trained to relax, the wrinkles and fine lines will be less noticeable than before the treatment.

Pregnant or nursing women should not undergo BOTOX® treatments. People with a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® should also not get the injections. People with neurological disorders should not get BOTOX®.

Does BOTOX® cause any side effects?

The most common side effect associated with BOTOX® is temporary bruising. More rarely, people can develop headaches that fade 24 or 48 hours after the procedure. A few people develop droopy eyelids, and the effect can last for three weeks. The drooping is caused by the BOTOX® moving around under the skin, so the patient should not lie down for three or four hours after the treatment. They should also not rub the treatment for at least 12 hours after the injection.

If you have any questions or concerns about BOTOX® as a cosmetic procedure our doctors and highly trained staff at Pender Medi Spa will be able to assist you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

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What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is built around the idea that cold can affect fat. This technology safely delivers cooling in a gentle, controlled, effective manner to target the fat cells that lie under the skin. During Coolsculpting treatment, the targeted fat cells are frozen through a process called cryolipolysis. This process destroys the fat cells so that they can be eliminated naturally. Your body processes the destroyed fat and eliminates the dead cells through the lymphatic system. The results of this process is a more sculpted appearance that is free of unwanted body fat.

Benefits of CoolSculpting

The CoolSculpting procedure is a great process for many people. It is non-invasive and does not force you to have any surgeries or recovery downtime to consider. You simply have to think about what areas you want to be treated. During the procedure itself, you can read, work, or do anything else you want to do while in a resting position.

The CoolSculpting Treatment – The results

When you have a CoolSculpting procedure, you can get multiple areas of your body done at the same time. After the treatment is complete, you can return to your daily routine, without any downtime. Once the fat cells are frozen, and your body eliminates them, the cells are gone for good, and you do not have to worry about them returning. Many people see results after one treatment. However, a series of treatments is often recommended for optimal results.

If you’re interested in combatting stubborn body fat, but you aren’t ready for invasive surgery Coolsculpting treatment could be right for you. At Pender Medispa, we’ll work with you to find a treatment option to give you the best possible results. Our medical team will work with you to discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. We can create a customized treatment plan that to you the results you want. Contact Pender Medispa today to schedule your consultation.

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About Latisse

Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps you to grow fuller and longer lashes. Not all people are candidates for this treatment program, so you do need to make sure that you speak to a specialist about your unique circumstances. For example, certain eye conditions may exclude you from using the prescription, or you may need to wait to begin using Latisse if you are currently undergoing certain treatments.

Reasons Why It’s Better than Alternatives

When you want to have full and thick lashes, you probably know that you have a few options. You can purchase thickening and lengthening mascara from the drugstore or department store. However, you probably use quite a few coats to get your lashes to look lovely, and, as a result, you are likely spending a decent amount of money to do so. On top of that, you could also use fake lashes, but you still need to apply them. They can become messy, and you may find that you have to go through several sets before you are actually able to apply them.

A Natural Look

Latisse doesn’t produce fake eyelashes, but helps you grow more of your own eyelashes. Latisse works gradually to help your eyelashes continue to grow in fuller, darker and longer. False eyelashes and volumizing mascaras can give you a great look, but those results are only temporary, providing only a façade to make your eyelashes appear long. With Latisse, you can minimize your use of false eyelashes, and instead enhance your natural lashes.

At Pender MediSpa, we offer Latisse treatments to help our patients get the longer, fuller, darker eyelashes they desire. During your consultation, our medical team – led by Dr. Paul Denton – will work with you to discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. We can review the process of using Latisse, what you can expect and if you are a candidate for this treatment. Together with you we can create a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact Pender Medispa today to schedule your consultation.

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At Pender MediSpa, we use the most advanced laser instruments available for the treatment of facial and leg veins. The new standard is the Elite MPX laser. This instrument delivers precise wavelengths of light energy to exact locations without damaging the surrounding tissue. We recommend this type of laser treatment for anyone suffering from facial redness due to the presence of unwanted micro-veins. We also suggest the Elite MPX laser treatment for those who have found it difficult to treat leg veins using injections or skin resurfacing techniques.

How the Laser Treats Facial and Leg Veins

The Elite MPX is specially designed to work on different-sized veins by focusing the energy in several distinct focus widths. It also is equipped with an Intense Pulsed Light system, meaning it can be used to treat damaged skin layers adjacent to the vein itself.

Patients who undergo this type of laser treatment are subjected to a tiny laser beam that is constant or pulsed depending on the depth and size of the vein. The blood and some of the vein wall is cauterized. This encourages the growth of scar tissue, and this results in the blockage of blood flow. After several treatments, the vein is entirely dried up, but smaller capillaries in the region continue to deliver blood to the surrounding cells. The tissue is therefore not damaged in any way.

What the Patient Should Expect

We examine the areas to be treated and develop a customized schedule of laser treatment sessions. The size of the vessel determines the amount of exposure to laser light energy. The treatment itself involves the patient lying on a comfortable padded table or reclining chair. The instrument is precisely calibrated for a certain depth because one patient’s skin may be thicker than another’s, and the vein itself may be close to the surface or slightly deeper.

The laser beam light is absorbed by the blood. This dries up the vein and forces blood to be delivered by other veins in the nearby region. Scar tissue eventually forms and allows for complete healing. After several weeks, another session is completed during which another region of the vein is likewise cauterized. If necessary, damaged skin is rejuvenated by using the Intense Pulsed Light feature on the Elite MPX.

Recovery and Side Effects

We rarely advise our patients to use any specific medication on the face or legs after a laser treatment for small vein removal. In some cases, we provide the patient with a special leg stocking bandage or facial bandages that protect the skin from exposure to sun or pollutants.

For those patients who have poor circulation in the area to be treated, we may first perform a deeper, more thorough laser light cauterization on the main vessel, with subsequent treatments on the smaller-sized spider veins. If this is the case, we may recommend using some medication on the treated area between sessions.

Side effects of laser light treatment are rare and include swelling and redness. These symptoms usually disappear within a day or two. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the session is completed.

We recommend the Elite MPX laser treatment for anyone suffering from unsightly surface veins on the face or legs. Our medical team will work with you to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for your needs. Contact Pender Medispa today to schedule your consultation.

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How the Sun Changes Your Skin

The sun is actually incredibly important when it comes to a person’s health as it allows them to produce vitamin D from direct sunlight. In fact, modern studies show that a relatively high percentage of adults are actually deficient in this vitamin which can lead to a myriad of other health issues. Unfortunately, getting too much sun can be even more dangerous and lead to deadly medical problems such as deep burns and skin cancer.

Within skin is a compound known as melatonin that helps protect a person from the sun’s UV rays. After prolonged exposure, the melatonin can no longer protect the outer layer of the skin and the UV rays will penetrate deep into the epidermis. When this takes place, it will begin to damage skin and can cause a loss of elasticity, brown spots, and pigmentation problems. As a patient grows older, many of these problems will become more pronounced.

Repairing Sun Damage

Once the damage has been done, it can be somewhat challenging to actually treat and reverse it. Most over-the-counter products such as repairing creams are actually designed to slow the damage or only provide a short-term solution. For those that want to make real changes, however, intense pulsed light could be an ideal solution. These gentle lasers were developed to target skin damage around overworked melatonin and repair soft tissue in the deepest layers.

Many of the lasers that are used to treat various skin issues must be set at a very specific frequency, and the lasers designed for IPL are no exception to this rule. These lasers specifically target brown spots and other pigmentation issues due to their specific frequency. The final goal is to even out the tone of the skin and remove problems such as lingering red tissue and non-cancerous brown patches.

What to Expect

What makes IPL treatments so extraordinary is the fact that they are highly effective and cause minimal damage. The treatment sessions typically last for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and patients will often notice some changes the very same day. There is absolutely no downtime for this treatment and you can return back to your daily activities as soon as you would like. For those that are particularly sensitive, a numbing cream may be used to reduce the chance of any discomfort and get you back to your life as quickly as possible.

Contact Pender MediSpa in Vancouver to schedule your consultation for sun damage repair. Our medical team will work with you to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan for your needs.

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At Pender MediSpa, we provide our clients with all the necessary pre-procedure information and are happy to discuss all available treatment options. Soft Lift™ patients experience little or no downtime after the treatment is complete, and the positive results can last for up to two years or more.

Who Is A Candidate For Soft Lift™?

Most facial skin conditions connected to aging are treatable using the Soft Lift™ procedure. These include sagging brows, crow’s feet, loss of cheek volume, frown lines, and corner-of-mouth marionette lines. Unlike many treatments that merely burn away the upper levels of the dermis, the threading technique used with Soft Lift™ treatments refastens sagging skin and builds up a more firm layer of the epidermis.

Those who have drooping skin in the cheek area are perfect candidates for this type of non-surgical procedure. Middle-aged individuals often experience thinned skin in certain areas of the face, particularly around the eyes and near the lips. The Soft Lift™ treatment plumps these areas and increases the production of collagen, the result being firmer, softer skin with no stretch marks.

What The Procedure Involves

During a Soft Lift™, a small needle is inserted below the epidermis layer. The needle contains little threads that are made of polydioxanone. These threads are thinner than a human hair. The threads are absorbable and eventually melt away. While they are in place, the threads strengthen the lower dermis layers and help build up a firm structure, one that lasts for quite a long time.

Patients familiar with BOTOX® treatments will understand how the insertion of threads works. The procedure takes only about 50-60 minutes. Once the threads are in place, the small insertion points will heal by themselves. No overnight bandaging is required in most cases.

The meshwork pattern of the threads supports newly formed dermal layers made firm by the production of collagen. The area lifts and sagging lines are eliminated. After about three months, collagen fibers will have expanded in size to more than five millimeters in a radius around each insertion point.

After The Procedure

Patients may wish to conceal the needle insertion points using makeup. This is perfectly acceptable. The usual daily routine can be continued without interruption. Some swelling may occur, but this usually disappears in less than three days.

Those who complete this type of treatment will find that their results last longer if they protect the skin against the sun’s rays. Using a sunblock lotion is advised. As with all types of lift treatments, the skin will remain firm and supple for a longer period if an advanced cleansing and moisturizing regimen is followed. The threading procedure itself can be repeated one or two years later.

Schedule Your Consultation

We understand the concerns of our clients and are more than happy to discuss the entire Soft Lift™ procedure. To find out if you are the perfect candidate for the Soft Lift™ non-surgical thread treatment, contact Pender Medispa to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Paul Denton.

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Restylane® works by binding water molecules to the dermis or middle layer of the skin and thereby helping it retain moisture. That added moisture results in fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin. Restylane® was approved for use by the FDA in 2003. As Restylane® is a natural substance it causes few side effects.

The treatment is quick and non-invasive. The doctor injects the Restylane® into the desired area with an ultrafine needle. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is performed right in our office. Before treatment, the patient should avoid using medications that can increase bruising and bleeding. These drugs include aspirin, St. John’s wort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen), and high doses of Vitamin E.

Results of Restylane® will develop a few days after treatment and can last up to four to six months. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.

Common side effects are swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, and bruising. The effects are generally mild and last seven days in the nasolabial folds and 14 to 18 days in the lips. Bruising is more common is patents under 35 years old, while swelling is more common in patents over 36 years old.

In order to expedite the healing process, the patient should use cold compresses to reduce swelling, avoid taking anything that might increase bleeding or bruising, avoid exposure to temperature extremes, and avoid touching the treated area for at least six hours.

Restylane® should not be used on sites that have sores, pimples, cysts, rashes or any other kind of infection of the skin. The treatment should be postponed until after the skin has healed.

Restylane® should not be used by pregnant women, or by people with bleeding disorders or known allergies to lidocaine. It should not be used by people with a history of severe allergic reactions, particularly to gram-positive bacteria. People whose allergies are severe enough to necessitate a hospital stay should not use Restylane®. Restylane® should not be used anywhere except in the lips, in the skin, or just under the skin.

If you’re interested in experiencing the age-defying effects of Restylane®, contact Pender MediSpa to schedule your consultation. Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

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