CoolGlide™ Laser

The CoolGlide™ Laser is a long-pulse 1064 nm laser that is effective in the treatment of the following;

• Permanent hair reduction on all skin types, including tanned skin
• Treatment if pseudofolliculitis barbae

CoolGlide™ Vessels Laser

The CoolGlide™ Vessels Laser is a long pulse 1064 nm laser that is used for the long term reduction of blood vessels on the face. This laser uses light to destroy the vessels without damaging the skin’s surface. This procedure provides a greater comfort level for patients with minimal down time. The refrigerated cool tip of the hand piece protects and cools the skin allowing the deep penetration of the laser. The haemoglobin in the blood absorbs the laser light pulse. This destroys the vessel without damaging the surrounding tissues. The body will then re-absorb the vessel, and the blood flow is redirected through the deeper veins, where it should be.

Erbium Laser

The Ebium Laser is an Er: YAG laser that utilizes a wavelength of 2490 nm. The Erbium Laser also has range of 10 to 50 microns to enable a tailored treatment for each patient, ranging from a MicroPeel to the depth of a CO2 resurfacing.

The Erbium Laser is used to minimize wrinkles and fine lines as well as correct the texture of the skin, thus reducing the signs of aging. Acne scarring can also be effectively treated by this laser. The Erbium Laser provides an accurate and less painful method of restoring softer, smoother and more youthful appearing skin, with uniform color and better texture.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) / Broadband Light (BBL™)

Patients with fine facial wrinkles, brown blotchy pigmentation (sun damage) and scattered blood vessels will benefit from having IPL™ or BBL™ treatments. IPL™ or BBL™ photo rejuvenation removes the pigmentation from sun damaged skin and will also improve skin texture. Patients will not experience the extended downtime (scabbing, severe peeling) associated with ablative lasers such as CO2 or the deep Erbium laser. Some collagen tightening and remodeling occurs with repeat treatments of the IPL™ or BBL™.

Patients with minimal wrinkles and blotchy uneven texture with facial blood vessels can expect great improvement with IPL™ or BBL™. Those that have severe wrinkles and scars will likely require a more assertive treatment program.

Pre-Treatment

For many patients, the SkinTx™ skin care program can be started before you commence your treatments. The 4% hydroquinone within the products will help to loosen and diminish your pigmentation and skin texture problems prior to having your course of treatments. The SkinTx™ program can also be used as a maintenance program.

Prior to treatment, the face should be clean and free of all makeup. Patients cannot be tanned during the course of this treatment as it increases the risk of pigmentation problems. A sunscreen should be used daily to decrease the potential for the skin becoming tanned.

Details of Procedure

A layer of gel is applied to the area of skin being treated, and the hand piece is placed on the same area and light is emitted. There is a bit of discomfort associated with an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment, and ice packs can be used to help soothe the skin. A warm or stinging sensation may also be felt a few hours after the treatment and this is normal.

Post-Treatment Care

The low energy nature of an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment makes it very safe to resume all regular activities immediately after your treatment. After an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment is completed the treated area will have a flushed appearance, and there is a possibility of some swelling, which may last from a few minutes to several hours after the treatment. The pigmented spots may also appear darker. This is normal and will disappear as the spots come off. The area should be kept clean, however, be careful not to scrub the area for the first few days after. An SPF 60 will be applied to the areas treated following your treatment and we do recommended continued daily use of an SPF 30-60.

For most patients 4-5 treatment sessions will be required in order to attain your desired result. These appointments will be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Patients should expect to be in the office anywhere from 1-2 hours.

Once your IPL™ or BBL™ treatments are completed you may need to return for a treatment once a year to maintain your results.

Possible Risks

In those rare circumstances where scabs develop, patients can use antibiotic ointments like Polysporin, Fucidin or Bactroban. This should be used 2-3 times a day in a thin layer, very sparingly.

Products to compliment the procedure

If an IPL™ or BBL™ is being suggested for facial rejuvenation, fine lines and wrinkles or aging skin, the SkinTx™ line of products would be an excellent addition to this treatment program. SkinTx™ helps to eliminate pigmentation problems while simultaneously rejuvenating the skin by evening skin tone and texture, reducing pore size and restoring a youthful glow. There are many different options when using the SkinTx™ line so it is best if you spoke with either Dr. Sheetal Sapra or one of his staff members if you are interested in starting this program.

Laser Hair Removal

What Is Lightsheer™ Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Lightsheer™ involves the treatment of unwanted hair, regardless of your skin color, and puts an end to routine shaving, waxing, electrolysis, and tweezing. For many men and women, unwanted hair can be a nightmare and you may be surprised to learn that just about your entire body is covered with hair, it appears in places we don't expect.

Offered at our Oakville office, between Hamilton and Toronto in Ontario, laser hair removal is a computer-guided procedure that provides long-lasting outcomes designed to get rid of unwanted hair from all parts of the body. Laser hair removal is only able to target brown and black hair; however, it leaves your skin looking and feeling smoother and silkier. The treatment is a safe, fast, gentle, and effective alternative method for hair removal.

Laser hair removal is FDA approved for permanent hair REDUCTION.

The Lightsheer™ Laser’s cold handpiece greatly reduces any discomfort during treatment. You will experience a sting or pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band or tingling sensation when the pulsed light is delivered. No local anesthesia or pain medication is usually required as most patients tolerate the treatment well.

Pre-Treatment

You must discontinue waxing, threading, plucking, tweezing, sugaring, and electrolysis at least four weeks prior to laser treatment. The area must be shaved to be treated on the day of or day before treatment and before any subsequent treatments. You must also limit sun exposure and discontinue glycolic, Retin-A®, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids three days prior to laser hair removal treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

The number of laser hair removal treatments you may need for good long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, the hair density, and your hair's growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Your session may be a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication, and metabolism all play a role in your hair's location, thickness, and strength. Taking off the hair does not make it grow back thicker, darker, or quicker. In fact, the opposite is usually the case. The laser may cause the hair to come back slower and thinner following removal. Our patients in Oakville, Toronto, and Hamilton who have experienced the results of laser hair removal have been pleased.

Post-Treatment

After treatment, the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities immediately. The area treated may be slightly red, swollen, and tender, this usually lasts 12 to 24 hours. Your nurse may recommend that you use a specially formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regime especially formulated for your skin type after laser hair removal treatments. We also recommend our Toronto, Hamilton, and Oakville patients wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on a daily basis on any treated areas exposed to the sun. Direct sun exposure should be avoided for one week and, as always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure. Post-treatment residual, burned hair will remain in the follicle and it can take seven to14 days for this to reach the surface of the skin. These hairs can be removed with a washcloth and warm water. In between laser treatments, hair can be clipped or shaved, but NO OTHER REMOVAL METHODS should be used. At each treatment approximately 20 to 25 percent of hairs are in the correct growth stage needed for treatment, and with a series of five treatments almost all hairs should be treated.

Side Effects

Short term side effects may include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling which typically lasts less than an hour, although rarely may last a few days. In rare instances there may be some blistering and/or scabbing following surgery.

If you are a resident of Oakville, Hamilton, Toronto,orsurroundingareas and are interested in laser hair removal, contact the Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery today. Our doctors serving Hamilton, Toronto, and other areas of Ontario from our Oakville office will help you eliminate the need for shaving, waxing, or plucking unwanted hair.

Kojic Acid Peels

What Is Kojic Acid?

Kojic acid is a natural product used in the treatment of pigmentation problems of the skin, by inhabiting the production of brown pigment.

What Does It Help To Improve?

Kojic acid is used to improve brown-spotting of the skin (hyperpigmentation). Brown spots are a common problem for those who have had excessive sun exposure, are taking hormone replacement, or are undergoing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause.

How Does It Work?

Kojic acid is performed by providing the patient with a series of peels, done at four week intervals. During that time, the pigmented areas slowly become lighter, leaving the skin tone much more even.

Who Performs The Peels?

The peels are performed by only registered nurses, who have had extensive training with this particular peel system. They are supervised by qualified dermatologists or a plastic surgeon.

Who Is A Candidate For This Peel?

This peel can be utilized on any skin type. Individual assessments are performed prior to initiation of the peels.

What Do I Look Like After The Peel?

Following the peel, expect to be slightly pink for usually about two hours. The skin will feel dry and tight for a couple of days, with a minor amount of flaking. You are able to wear makeup during this time. There is no "down time" period.

What Do I Do Once I Have Completed The Series Of Peels?

Once you are done, and the skin tones have become much more even, one of the most important things that you can do to prevent further reoccurrence is to always wear sunscreen.

What is Liposonix™?

Liposonix™ is a non-surgical body contouring procedure that can effectively reduce fat by using high intensity ultrasound to break down the fat cells in the body in one single treatment.

Details of Procedure

A specially marked grid will be placed on the area to be treated. The device will be placed on the area, and high intensity ultrasound energy will break down any fat cells that are located deep within the tissues, while keeping the top layers of skin unharmed. The procedure will last approximately 2-3 hours, depending upon the areas being treated, and results have shown a loss of up to one dress size within 4 months, post procedure. Medication may be provided to help alleviate any discomfort, if required. Patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or less with good skin tone and health are the ideal candidates for this procedure.  Liposonix™ and all non-surgical body contouring procedures should never be considered as a substitute for overall weight loss and a healthy diet.

Post Treatment Care

If medications have been given, patients will require a ride home, but most patients can resume normal activity following treatment and will require a 4 month follow-up appointment after treatment for photos etc. It is recommended that patients incorporate a healthy diet and exercise regime before and after treatment to optimize and maintain results.

Possible Risks

There is a possibility of heavy bruising and localized tenderness to the treatment site which will fade away in approximately 1-2 weeks.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion at our Ontario Practice

Microdermabrasion, offered in our Oakville, Ontario office, is a progressive, non-invasive treatment that propels natural mineral crystals onto the surface of the skin for gentle epidermal abrasion that reveals newer, healthier, younger skin. Microdermabrasion can remove dead and flaking skin cells to create an immediate improvement in your skin's appearance and takes only 30 minutes. This unique approach stimulates the production of fresh, young skin cells and collagen. It is the ultimate advancement in non-surgical, non-invasive skin conditioning.

Microdermabrasion treatments are gentle and take very little time, making them popular for today's busy people. These mild yet effective treatments remove fine lines and age spots from around the eyes, lips, and neck. Stretch marks and acne scars can also be dramatically reduced.

Micro controlled peeling gently removes epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin imperfections and is especially effective for skin aging. The powerful peeling action triggers the skin's repair mechanism to produce healthy epidermal tissue growth, improving skin tone and elasticity. Age and skin condition will determine the number of treatments required for optimum effect. For most skin disorders, a minimum of five treatments is recommended.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion works in two ways, which Dr. Sapra will explain to you before providing treatment at our office in Oakville, Ontario.

The first way is through correcting imperfections, by using one of two techniques, either with crystals or a diamond chip wand. The speed of the crystal flow, or the use of a diamond-chip-encrusted wand with variable grits, causes an abrasive action that gently removes the surface layers of the skin, allowing smoother, fresher skin to emerge.

Secondly, microdermabrasion stimulates your skin and initiates the healing process. The vacuum action helps to stimulate micro circulation, increasing the blood supply that provides nutrients needed for skin regeneration. It also stimulates formation of new collagen and elastin to improve skin texture and elasticity.

Is It Painful/Safe?

Microdermabrasion treatment at our Ontario office is performed with minimal patient discomfort. At the most, sensitive patients might experience a slight sensation resembling a mild sunburn. After treatment, the skin has a pink glow, and you can resume your normal activities almost immediately. The procedure can be done during lunch hour.

Micro peeling offers a gentler alternative to more traumatic resurfacing treatments and does not involve trauma or bleeding. The treatment is executed slowly and progressively, removing only superficial layers of the epidermis to reveal a youthful complexion and glow. Dr. Sapra has total control and works under the strictest hygiene standards, using sterile, disposable treatment nozzles to ensure your safety.

Skin Problems That Can Be Treated

This system gradually abrades epidermal cells to treat a vast range of skin problems including sun-damaged skin, uneven and granular skin, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, blackheads and comedones, superficial scars, and some stretch marks.

Pre-Treatment

You must discontinue the use of Retin-A® one week prior to treatment and discontinue self-tanning products for the duration of treatment. You must limit sun exposure; treatment cannot be carried out on very tanned or sunburned skin. Treatment should also not be performed prior to vacations involving strong sun exposure and cannot be performed if Herpes (cold sores) is active.

Post-Treatment

You must avoid direct sunlight for the first 48 hours and avoid swimming in chlorinated pool and/or hot tubs for first 48 hours. Use sunscreen on a daily basis with SPF of at least 25 and drink eight to12 glasses of water per day. Immediately following treatment, the skin will appear slightly pink and feel similar to a mild sunburn.

To find out how microdermabrasion can benefityou,contact The Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Oakville, Ontario today.

Pixel® Laser

With the Pixel® Laser, energy passes through the Pixel® micro optics lens array and penetrates the skin, affecting just 15-20 percent of the surface. It creates an ablative thermal channel at the pixel area - a micro-injury - without disturbing the surrounding tissue. Those micro-injured areas start the process of healing and the untreated area acts as a reservoir for rapid restoration. As collagen remodels, skin tightens and texture improves.

The Pixel® Laser combines the proven effectiveness of an ablative approach with the patient comfort level and convenience that approaches a non-ablative solution. The gentleness of the procedure allows delicate areas such as the neck, chest and hands to be treated as safely as the face with little downtime or discomfort. The Pixel® Laser is effective in clearing photo damaged skin and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

ProFractional™ Laser

The ProFractional™ Laser utilizes a wavelength of 2490 nm for an ablative single-pass procedure that removes micro-columns of damaged tissue resulting in a deep thermal response. The technology of the ProFractional™ Laser reduces discomfort and irritation associated with other ablative treatments and also promotes a quick recovery.

The ProFractional™ Laser is effective in the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation and skin tone and texture.

Ruby Laser (Wavelight Sinon Q-Switched Ruby Laser)

The Ruby Laser produces pulses of visible light at a wavelength of 694nm, which appears as deep red to human eye. It is ideally suited for the removal of colored tattoos. Adapting the energy output enables the Ruby Laser to remove widely different ink particles. The ink is broken down into tiny particles and is removed by the natural healing process of the body.

The Ruby Laser is also effective in treating pigmented skin alterations such as café-au-lait birthmarks and lentigos, as well as for the removal of permanent make up.

Trichloroacetic Acid

About TCA Peels

The facial peel performed in our office does not use phenol. The main ingredient is trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This creates a peel that offers less risk of scarring and pigmentation changes than the phenol chemical peel. Because this peel is not as deep as a phenol peel, it is not as effective in improving deep wrinkles, but it can make marked improvements in blotchy pigmentation, freckling, sun damage, fine wrinkles, and some types of acne scars. When you have healed after a TCA peel, you should have skin that is your own natural color and texture.

The peel is an outpatient procedure performed in the office. It consists of the application of one or several layers of medication to your skin to create a controlled chemical burn. There is normally a few minutes of stinging and burning after the medication is applied. This usually stops within 2 or 3 minutes, and there is no more discomfort during the rest of the time you are peeling, although most people experience itching during the healing process. During the next several days, your skin turns darker, feels tight, then cracks and peels off, leaving you with a new fresh layer of skin. There are no scabs, bleeding, or bandages.

Post Treatment

After the peel, sunscreen must be used to protect the skin from the rays of the sun. You need to use it even if you are wearing a hat, since the reflected rays may also cause damage. Please request sunscreen samples if they were not given to you before your peel.

During healing, you should have no pain. Most people look strange during peeling, but if you don't mind your appearance, you are able to go out and even go to work. However, you will not be able to be in the sun or do anything that would cause you to perspire heavily.

The average peel takes 5 or 6 days to complete. Deeper peels, for heavily sun-damaged and wrinkled skin, may take 8 or 10 days. There are specific medicated creams you will need to use during peeling. You will be supplied all of this information on another sheet.

You may have some swelling during the first 2 or 3 days after your peel, particularly if it is a medium or deep peel. In extreme cases, your eyes may swell almost closed during the first two mornings. This is a normal response and will resolve on its own, but sleeping with an extra pillow to elevate your head may help to decrease swelling in the meantime. Do not apply ice packs or cold compresses to your face to decrease the swelling. The moisture from these may cause the skin to peel prematurely.

Do not expose your face to sunlight at all during healing. If you have to do some exercise, you may go out for a walk in the early morning or late evening when the sun is barely out.

Be sure and minimize facial expressions during your peel. Excessive facial movements will cause the skin to crack prematurely. This is not a good time to see a funny movie, visit your dentist, or eat a hero sandwich.

Home Treatment

Use the recommended soap to wash your face gently for 20 to 30 seconds twice a day. Lather the soap in your hands and gently pat it onto your face, then splash lukewarm water onto your face to rinse. Dry your face by patting it gently with a clean towel. If you have been instructed to use 3% hydrogen peroxide (which reduces the chance of getting an infection), use it diluted (mixed half and half with clean water) after washing your face twice a day. Gently dab it onto your face with cotton balls or gauze. It will bubble and may turn white. If hydrogen peroxide is too irritating and stings, you can dilute it even more with clean water.

After washing and patting your face dry, apply the daily lotion in the morning and at night. After the daily lotion has soaked in, apply ointment as instructed. Apply the ointment gently; don't rub it in hard. You should use the ointment as often as necessary to keep your skin from getting dry and cracked. We'd rather you be too greasy than not greasy enough. Don't let yourskindry out, it will pull on the new tissue underneath and may cause red, irritated areas. You can apply your ointment 10 times a day if you want! This will reduce the tightness and will make you more comfortable. Don't worry if all the ointment doesn't come off when you wash your face; it won't harm you to leave some on. You may develop occasional whiteheads because of all the ointment on your skin. This is normal , do not be alarmed since they will resolve over time. Also, be aware that some mild itching and burning is normal at this time.

Do I Have To Continue Treatment?

Most patients require more than one peel to achieve their best improvement. For most skin types, two peels are needed to give the best results, but some skin problems, such as excessive pigmentation from pregnancy or birth control pills, may require multiple peels for maximum improvement. Everyone's skin is different, so each person's peel program is tailored to his or her individual needs. Your skin will be examined and we will tell you what needs to be done for your skin to accomplish what you desire.

Some Tips After A TCA Peel

Don't pick or rub your skin at all. If you must wash your hair, wash it with your head tilted backward in the shower or in the sink. Do not wet your face in the shower, too much water will cause you to peel prematurely and will leave you with red, sore areas that may lead to scarring or need to be treated again. If large pieces of peeling skin are hanging from your face, they may be cut off carefully with a pair of blunt-nosed scissors. Do not sit in a sauna or jacuzzi or do strenuous exercise at this time. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.

It is important that you try to sleep on your back so you don't rub your peeling skin against the pillow. This could create an area of prematurely peeled skin.

Makeup may be used 1 or 2 days after peeling is complete. We will recommend when you can wear it.

If you have unexpected irritation or possible infection, call the office immediately! Do not wait until your next appointment. This is especially important if you think you may be developing a cold sore on your lip. If you are experiencing a lot of itching, be sure you use plenty of Hytone ointment. You may also try using your daily lotion four or five times a day. (Refrigerating your lotion will make it feel more soothing.)

Vein Treatments

What Are Spider And Varicose Veins?

They are abnormal veins that occur in millions of adults and affect the legs' appearance and function. The cause is mostly hereditary but contributing factors are pregnancy and hormonal changes. Varicose veins can be a health hazard and many workdays are lost due to their complications.

Spider Veins, or telangiectasias, are formed by the dilation of small blood vessels in the skin. Although spider veins can occur anywhere on the body, they are most frequent on the lower limbs and present as red or purple net patterns. They are not a health risk and most patients seek treatment for reasons of appearance.

Varicose Veins Varicose veins are large blue blood vessels that result from dilation of the vein wall or leakage of valves within the veins. The varices are in the fatty layer deep to the skin and can result in ankle swelling. Also varicose veins may produce aching pain or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Neglected varicose veins may cause:

1. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein causing local pain and tenderness.
2. Thromboses are blood clots in the enlarged vein and cause painful swelling of the leg.
3. Venous Stasis Ulcers result when the leaking vein fails to remove sufficient fluid from the skin and underlying muscles. The layers as a result, receive insufficient oxygen, the skin breaks down and an ulcer forms.
4. Spontaneous bleeding can occur from a protruding thin walled varicose vein. The bleeding can be controlled by pressure and temporarily by elevating the limb.

Treatment

First, your medical history is reviewed to determine how long the vein problem has been present and the degree of severity. In addition, we need to know if the vein problem is aggravated by physical activity and if there has been previous treatment. Surgery for varicose veins is rarely necessary. Treatment is by injection and is called sclerotherapy. Its purpose is to eradicate the abnormal veins whose function is quickly assumed by healthy veins in the same area.

Conversely spider veins contain but a few drops of blood and affect only the appearance of the legs. Consequently the obliteration of spiders by sclerotherapy requires no rerouting of circulation as with varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy Is an effective treatment performed by a dermatologic surgeon as an office procedure. There is little discomfort. Using a small needle, sclerosing solution is inserted into the spider or varicose vein. The injected solution closes the abnormal vein that is eventually absorbed by the body.

Sclerotherapy may involve numerous treatment sessions depending on the extent of spider or varicose veins. Disappearance of spider veins requires 6-8 weeks but other affected areas may be sclerosed during the period of waiting. Patience is required.

Following sclerotherapy over 80% of the treated vessels are permanently cured. Additional treatments will be required if new veins arise.

Treatments are usually at 2 week intervals, each requiring about one half hour.

You must wear a compression bandage or support hose for six days following treatment. Moderate exercise that includes walking begins the day of treatment and will speed recovery.

Recovery Following Treatment

Most patients have few, if any side effects from sclerotherapy. Temporary effects can include slight swelling of the leg or thigh, minor bruising, redness, or mild regional tenderness. Bruising, if it occurs, usually disappears after a few weeks. Brownish staining in the skin overlying the treated veins may persist for several months particularly when large vessels are treated. These are not a cause for concern.

VelaSmooth™

VelaSmooth™ is a technology that utilizes bipolar radiofrequency (RF) , optical energy (infrared light), negative pressure and tissue manipulation to reduce cellulite. Vacuum and specially designed rollers manipulate and smooth out the skin to provide safe and efficient energy delivery. The combination of the infrared light and conducted RF energies increases oxygen to the cells by heating the skin. This increases the metabolism of stored energy which reduces the size of the fat chamber. The result is a smoother appearance of the skin.