Turn Back Time

Beauty

Beauty

Look like a fresher version of you with the latest in high-tech, non-invasive medi-spa treatments. You work out, eat a balanced diet, sleep solidly, and hydrate — yet you still can’t get rid of that wobble under your chin, that tired, fatigued look, or those pesky fine lines. You feel spry and fit and youthful on the inside, but your face is telling another story — if only you could lunge your way back 10 years. Many decades ago, our parents and grandparents, knowing full well there was nothing they could do to stop the hands of time, just cropped their hair short, allowed the silver to shine through, and let nature run its course. But thanks to advancements in science, technology, and skincare, there are now ways to temporarily and even permanently tackle the areas of our face and body that belie our youthful attitudes and fitness level. And these treatments don’t call for going under the knife. In fact, three of the most popular treatments call for little downtime and can be performed in an hour or less. Here’s the skinny on each treatment: Injectables (Dysport, Botox) The Promise. To temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines in the forehead and around the eyes and mouth by acting as a nerve inhibitor — thereby preventing those muscles from fully contracting (wrinkling). Results typically kick in three to seven days after treatment and last for four to six months. COST $300+ on average (depending upon treatment area or areas PAIN FACTOR Negligible DESCRIPTION After the initial consultation, where you and your doctor discuss the areas you wish to address, your doctor or the nurse performing the treatment will map out the areas on your face to be injected. Although most people refer to injectables as Botox, Botox is a brand and there are other comparable, high-quality brands your doctor may recommend. Dysport and Botox are two widely used brands of the neurotoxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although it can be a powerful poison, when used correctly, these drugs have a number of incredible therapeutic applications. A reputable doctor will have no issue with you asking to see the drug vial to ensure that you are indeed receiving the brand of your choosing. After your face is cleansed with alcohol pads to ensure a sterile skin surface, you will be asked to force a frown in order to ascertain the proper locations for the injections. A tiny pinprick best describes the level of discomfort. Typically, the treatment is complete within a few short minutes. There is no downtime and just a few precautions for the first day — such as keeping your head elevated and exercising the facial muscles to help the drug to reach the nerves. DOCTOR SAYS “The highest client satisfaction rate is achieved with injectable treatments like Botox injections and dermal fillers (the WOW factor),” says Diane Wong, founder of Glow Medi Spa in Toronto. “They help clients look less tired, less saggy, and less stressed, non-surgically, with no downtime and natural-looking results.” BOTTOM LINE. This writer (age 40), often gets told, “There’s no way you have teenagers!” or “You look peppy and refreshed.” Looking the age you feel is well worth the investment. OxyGeneo Facial THE PROMISE. Softer, smoother, brighter skin COST $350 PAIN FACTOR Slight tingling due to oxygen and retinol DESCRIPTION Do not be fooled — this is no run-of-the-mill facial. This is high-tech meets science and skincare. For immediate and lasting results, this 3-in-1 facial is a must. After your face is thoroughly cleansed, the OxyGeneo machine is put to work. First step: exfoliation. With similar results to microdermabrasion, but more gentle, the OxyGeneo wands glide overtop of your skin, removing dead skin cells and preparing the skin for the essential revitalizing nutrients that the aesthetician then applies. Oxygen and ultrasound technology create CO2 bubbles that gently burst on the skin’s surface and work to stimulate natural collagen production. Best of all, the facial leaves you with visibly glowing, tighter skin — improving tone and texture after just one treatment. DOCTOR SAYS “This lunch-ime, results-oriented treatment is suitable for almost all skin types and in any season to achieve smoother, brighter, softer skin,” says Dr. Wong. “This 3-in-1 facial exfoliates, infuses nutrient-rich ingredients into the skin, and oxygenates, all in the same treatment, so you get the most bang for your buck. BOTTOM LINE. Having tested this facial, as a facial skeptic, I can honestly say that my iced-coffee money is being set aside to fund my next OxyGeneo session. There was a real and lasting improvement in my skin and in spite of having sensitive skin that typically reacts to traditional facials, I left with peachy glowing skin — no redness at all. SculpSure THE PROMISE. Permanent fat-reduction with full results after only 2 treatment sessions COST. Starting at $750 per treatment session PAIN FACTOR. Minimal warm tingling sensation DESCRIPTION. You work out and you eat well, but you just cannot get rid of those pesky love handles on your waist or the extra fat on your hips or abdomen. Maybe it’s your chin that has a little extra wobble to it. Good news: you can permanently eliminate fat with the help of SculpSure. SculpSure technology eliminates fat cells by heating them up to the point where they become absorbed and then eliminated in a natural way by our own bodies. Visible results have been seen in as little as two sessions, spaced six weeks apart. Best of all, there is no downtime and minimal temporary redness to the treatment area. DOCTOR SAYS. “Results, results, results — it speaks for itself: fat be gone on the body and under the chin!” says Dr. Wong. “SculpSure laser achieves permanent fat reduction and gives natural smooth contours non-surgically, safely, and efficiently in only 25 minutes per treatment.” BOTTOM LINE. In a world filled with temporary results, the idea of permanent, lasting results is very appealing, especially for those of us who, despite our best efforts and hard work at the gym, cannot get rid of fat deposits on our thighs, flanks, abdomen, or chin. Unlike other fat-removal procedures, this one does not involve any highly invasive (and costly) scalpel or surgery techniques. The SculpSure website promises that each 25-minute procedure can “destroy up to 24 percent of treated fat cells without surgery.” Optimal results are typically seen 12 weeks post-treatment, with your body beginning to eliminate the destroyed fat cells six weeks post-treatment. For more substantial elimination of fat, a plastic surgeon should be consulted.