When to Start a Retinol
Most people can benefit from the use of a retinol. As we age the skin’s natural exfoliation process slows. This results in dull looking skin, with a thicker layer of dead skin cells on top of the skin. It also means fewer new plump skin cells. Retinol is a key anti-aging product as it addresses both of these concerns. After age 20 skin slowly starts to slow its natural exfoliation process. By the time we are 40 our skin is taking about twice as long as it did at 20 to naturally shed these dead skin cells. This results in two times the amount of dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin. Most people will want to start to incorporate a retinol to their skincare routine around age 30 when looking to address and prevent aging. This isn’t to say someone younger then 30 shouldn’t use a retinol, as it can treat a range of skin concerns. Retinol will help to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, providing a brighter complexion and more even skin tone. It also helps to stimulate new cells to provide a more plumped skin tone, resulting in the diminished look of fine lines and wrinckles. By aiding the skin in this process it can help increase the skin’s natural exfoliation process as well as strengthen the skin. -Kaitlyn
What can Retinol Treat
Retinol is a well known product derived from vitamin A. It is known for providing an exfoliation, helps to strengthen the skin, reduce the look of pigment, and more. Retinol is most known for its anti-aging benefits. The best time to start a retinol depends on the benefits you are looking to receive. Retinol can be used to help address acne, and skin in need of an exfoliation. It helps remove the top layer of dead skin cells, and improves the skins ability to naturally exfoliate. Removing dead cells can assist in delivering fewer clogged pours, and fewer breakouts, resulting in a brighter complexion. Retinol allows for products to better penetrate the skin as there are less dead cells on top of the skin. This means anti-aging products, and products to address pigment, can work more effectively. Retinol can help lighten pre-existing pigment through exfoliation, but works best when used with lightening and pigment suppressing products. Retinol in itself is known to be a great anti-aging product by helping to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin texture and tone, and providing a more youthful complexion. It works in conjunction with other treatment products for optimal product penetration. However, it is best to start a preventative skincare routine, not rely on correction alone when addressing any skin concerns. -Kaitlyn
Physical VS Chemical Sunscreen
When it comes to sunscreen there are many options and things to consider before making your choice. One factor that should be considered is how the sunscreen is a chemical or a physical sunscreen. Depending upon individual needs would determine which would be a more ideal option as both have positive and negative aspects. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin; only once it is absorbed is when this sunscreen protects the skin. This type of SPF should be applied about 20 minutes before sun exposure to ensure skin is optimally protected. However once absorbed it is able to protect the skin for a longer amount of time as it is no just sitting on top of the skin. This is typically found in waterproof and sport sunscreens for this reason. However these chemicals that help sunscreens resist water and sweat can alter hormones in both men and women. On the other hand physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and actively block and reflect the UV rays. Due to the fact this form of sunscreen sits on top of the skin it got known for leaving a white cast to the skin as it doesn’t absorb into the skin in the same manner. New developments in sunscreens have been able to help address the white casting of the skin to give more natural options. This also means they […]
Importance of Home Care
It takes both at home and in-office treatments to achieve your skincare goals. No matter the concerns you’re trying to address optimal results cannot be achieved solely relying on one or the other. The kinds of treatments and products chosen, and the frequency which they are required, vary depending on your individual needs. With an evaluation by a skincare professional you can receive recommendations as to how to reach your goals. As individuals can respond diffidently it may take a bit of time to find what works best for your skin. In-office treatments include facials, peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and laser genesis are more aggressive treatments than offered home products. They are more powerful and address issues at deeper and different levels than home care does. This is also why you want to ensure the skincare specialist is properly trained and knowledgeable. While they do not require extensive downtime, you may have some limitations or follow some home care steps post-treatment. To properly address skin concerns these treatments should not be done too often as the skin needs optimal time to heal. Daily home care is the other half of the equation. Skin needs daily care in order to have proper protection and correct any concerns. Consistency is key when it comes to skin care. Be honest with yourself when starting to implement a skin care routine. Skin care routines can […]
Changing Weather, Changing Skin
Many changes are happening as summer comes to an end and fall begins. Days begin to get shorter and cooler. As our environment begins to change so does our skin, and so should your skin care routine. Fall and winter are the perfect time for treatments not suited for the summer months. Stronger exfoliation, correction, and moisture are all key components of a fall routine. As previously mentioned, not all treatments are summer friendly due to many factors. Fall and winter offer ideal conditions for these more aggressive corrective treatments. Shorter days and cooler weather reduce skin’s exposure to sun. However, it is best to have your skin evaluated before booking an appointment or changing up your home care routine. Have your skin evaluated and get a jump start on your fall routine with our Fall Special. This Fall Special features a 30 minute Mini Medspa Facial for $80.00. This service is a limited time offer including a skin evaluation and is designed to freshen up skin and address any changing needs. This service is a great introduction for anyone who doesn’t currently have a skin care routine in place. It includes an evaluation and cleansing of the face, exfoliation, extractions, treatment mask, finishing moisturizer and SPF products. Any particular skin concerns can be addressed and appropriate options for treatment and home care recommendations can be made. -Kaitlyn
What to Expect and Bring to Coolsculpting
Whether you’re looking to do your consultation and treatment on the same day or spaced out over multiple treatments, there are a few things you should consider to bring with you. You will not be required to bring anything with you during the consultation. Necessary paperwork will be provided for you to fill out upon arrival. All areas of desired treatment will be assessed to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. In some circumstances a washable marker will be utilized to best outline the treatment plan on the body to provide an accurate quote. Photos will be taken at the beginning of the appointment on your treatment day. You will have the option of wearing your own clothing, or disposable undergarments. For accuracy when comparing results the clothing worn in the first set of photos should be worn for all photos. During treatment you will once again have the option of wearing your own clothing or using disposable undergarments as there are no clothing restrictions. It is recommended the clothing worn be comfortable pieces you don’t care about possibly getting gel on, as the treatment can be a bit messy from the gel pads. You may feel a slight gel residue until you have an opportunity to shower, however most of the product will be off the skin after completion of the treatment. Coloured markers are used […]
Addressing Scars
New and old scars can be a concern for many people for varying reasons. The size, location, colour, and texture of the scar can all pose a concern. There are many different scar treatment products available to address many of these concerns. Outline will be options offered through our clinic, not all possible scar improving options on the market. The products outline have be specially chosen due to results. New scars, such as surgical scars are still in the healing process. Treatments for a new scar should be started as soon as possible as approved by your medical professional. For patients undergoing surgery, resulting in a fresh scar, we offer two products to help reduce the appearance of said scar. These products can be used together or alone depending on individual needs. The first product is a scar gel which is applied twice daily to the scar to help the heal time and improve the colour of the scar. The other option is an adhesive strip placed over the scar to help the scar lay flat. Ensure to wear the strip as much as possible to allow it to hold the scar flat. Both products and full instructions for individual needs are available at the clinic. To improve the appearance of an old pre-existing scar there are options to consider, however an assessment may be necessary to determine the option […]
Is CoolSculpting® Permanent?
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive treatment that aims to reduce fat in stubborn areas around the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. Unlike surgical methods of targeted fat reduction, this body contouring procedure can address excess fat pockets without the need for incisions, needles, anesthesia, or recovery time. Through advanced technology in controlled cooling, patients can now reduce the thickness of fat bulges by up to 30 percent in a single treatment without undergoing an operation. Many patients inquire about the longevity of results from this unique treatment, and whether CoolSculpting® can achieve permanent fat reduction. The freezing technology used in CoolSculpting® does indeed permanently eliminate fat cells in the treated area. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they cannot grow back. With this said, it is important to note that just because the targeted fat cells are gone, it does not mean your final cosmetic outcome will remain fixed. If a patient continues to gain weight after CoolSculpting®, the extra pounds will settle somewhere. More importantly, any remaining fat cells in previously treated areas can eventually enlarge. Therefore, CoolSculpting provides a permanent result as long as your weight remains stable. Uncontrolled weight gain after CoolSculpting can result in additional fat bulges around the body, even in the treated areas. The key to preserving treatment results from CoolSculpting® is nutrition and regular exercise. Through maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, […]
Keeping up to date on things in the beauty world is challenging. Looking to keep up with new before and after photos, the latest products available, new services being offered and more? Follow us on Instagram @yorkvilleplasticsurgery. Get updates, helpful tips, and new information posted frequently. Let us know if you want to see something featured on the page and we can see what we can do. Questions, comments, all welcome. Covering both surgical and non-surgical options through Dr. Tong and the medspa. -Kaitlyn
Benefits of CoolSculpting®
Many plastic surgeons consider CoolSculpting® the gold standard of non-surgical fat reduction. This FDA-approved technology uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate localized areas of fat around the body for exceptional results in body contouring. Countless individuals have found success in addressing areas of excess fat in their abdomen, arms, thighs, back, and flanks, among other regions. What’s more, the freezing technology in CoolSculpting® allows the body to gradually shed problem fat through elimination of the targeted fat cells. This body enhancement is totally non-invasive and entirely accomplished without needles or incisions. There are a number of patient advantages with the CoolSculpting® procedure when compared to other methods of fat reduction. While each CoolSculpting® session typically results in a 20-30 percent reduction of fat in the treated area, the final aesthetic outcome unfolds little by little over time for body contouring that appears to be achieved naturally to the outside observer. CoolSculpting® can obtain this cosmetic ideal while allowing the following benefits: No needles, incisions, or anesthesia No downtime required afterwards Little to no post procedure discomfort Convenient and timely—many patients return to work following their session Patients generally experience so little discomfort during the treatment that they often spend treatment time reading, working on their devices, or simply relaxing. CoolSculpting® can be highly effective for addressing fat accumulation in a small number of areas around the body; however, individuals […]
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