Lasers became an important tool for board-certified plastic surgeons starting in the 1990s and have continued to advance technologically in the ensuing years. As a plastic surgeon in Toronto who specializes in non-surgical anti-aging and cosmetic plastic surgery, I’m dedicated to offering patients the latest in laser technology, including both ablative and non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
At Visage Clinic, I can improve the appearance of damaged and aging skin using laser treatments. That includes crepey wrinkles in the cheek area and around the eyes, “smoker’s lines” around the mouth, acne scarring, and rhinophyma (thickening of the nose skin).
Visage Clinic has in office multiple platforms of medical grade lasers that include the Sciton Contour Ablative Erbium, the Sciton BBL, the Sciton SkinTyte Tightening technology and the Sciton Profactional along with the Cynosure Apogee Elite. These are considered the “Gold Standard” in lasers and can be used on all skin types depending on the skin problem. The Sciton and Cynosure lasers treat fine wrinkles, age spots of the face and hands, facial veins, spider veins, rosacea, redness and flushing, birth marks, port wine stains, red moles (hemangiomas), enlarged pores, acne scars and unwanted hair. Most areas of the body can be treated and many of those procedures are relatively non-invasive with virtually no – or very minimal – down time. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the level of correction desired.
At your consultation, Dr. DuPéré will examine and give you options to rejuvenate your skin. Dr. DuPéré will design a personal and customized program that will turn back the clock and give back a youthful glow especially when treating the face. Certain laser treatments can be combined in a single session; others are scheduled separately over several weeks in appointment times that are convenient for you. Some other treatments, such as full resurfacing, are more aggressive yet more powerful when treating more complex conditions So depending on the aggressiveness of the laser treatment, downtime can be a few hours to a few days. Realistic goals and expectations are always part of all discussions with Dr. DuPéré.
Maintaining results can be as simple as using ZO Skin Health by Dr. Zein Obagi or SkinMedica Skin Care products designed for optimal skin glow and vitality. A broad spectrum sun screen should offer proper SPF protection (30 and above) AND should contain between 7% to 10% zinc oxide. This is a must. Regular in-office medical peels and Intense Pulse Light treatments done twice yearly can slow down the aging process of skin to a crawl.
If you are considering laser resurfacing treatments, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has the expertise and training to perform ablative laser procedures. That being said, all non-ablative treatments should still be medically managed by a physician having the credentials of either a Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. The practice should have the reputation as an experienced medical laser clinic. This will ensure that the lasers are powerful enough to achieve the best results possible and the staff will have the expertise and experience to carry out the treatments safely and in an appropriate environment.
Dr. Marc DuPéré, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specializes in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Advanced Skin Health and Laser Procedures at Visage Clinic in Toronto.
by Joyce Palmer