Leeza's Laser Blog

Five Non Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options

March 27, 2022 By Webmaster

While most people of a certain age would like to look younger, not everyone is willing to undergo the knife to make that happen. For those who would like less invasive options, non surgical procedures are an appealing alternative. To help discover which ones might be best for you, we’ve put together a list of five non surgical facial rejuvenation options.

Botox

Botox is probably one of the most popular non surgical facial rejuvenation procedure. It consists of injections of a mild strain of Botulinum toxin along the forehead, between the eyes and around the mouth that temporarily paralyze facial muscles that cause wrinkling. The effects typically last three or four months, after which repeat treatments can be administered.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments employ concentrated beams of light energy to either remove the top layers of skin or penetrate below the skin surface to stimulate the growth of collagen. Laser treatments can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and light scarring. Depending on the type of laser treatment, results can last several months to several years.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion removes the top layers of the skin using a high-velocity spray of fine crystals. The crystals are then vacuumed away with the suction also stimulating the underlying tissues and blood flow. Dead and damaged skin cells are removed while new skin cell growth is stimulated. This type of exfoliation treatment is usually scheduled in a series of sessions spaced about one or two months apart.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used to reduce the appearance of scarring, reverse damage caused by sun exposure and improve the texture of the skin. Chemical peels use various types of acids or bases to remove the top layers of skin. This causes the body to produce new skin tissue that appears smoother and more uniform than the layers that are removed. First-time users of chemical peels can see them last a couple of months, whereas experienced users usually get longer-lasting effects.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are usually an injectable gel composed of hyaluronic acid that fills in wrinkle creases and causes the skin to look smoother. Dermal fillers can last four to six months or more depending on the amount of movement the injected area undergoes and the amount of activity the patient undertakes.

Why Spring is the Season for Botox

March 24, 2022 By Webmaster

Although Botox treatments can and do happen all year round, there are good arguments for scheduling a session in the spring. In this post, we’ll go over some very good reasons why spring is the season for Botox.

Lack Of Pre-Treatment Tanning

It’s important to know that you should avoid tanning or excessive exposure to the sun if you’re planning to have a Botox treatment. Sun exposure can cause blood vessels to dilate which may cause a faster diffusion of the Botox injections. Untanned skin also allows irregularities to be easily identified and properly treated. After a long winter of short days and less than average sunshine, your skin will be naturally primed for an effective Botox procedure.

Reduced Post-Treatment Sun Exposure

It’s also advised to reduce your exposure to the sun after a Botox treatment. Of course, this is going to be more easily done during a season known for its rain showers as opposed to the middle of the summer. You should try to avoid direct sunshine or tanning beds for at least two days after a Botox treatment. A springtime session will reduce the chances that you’ll be tempted to enjoy the summer sunshine too soon after a treatment.

More Social Activity

If you live somewhere that experiences harsh winters, you’ll have a very good understanding of how the community comes alive once spring arrives. The first spring day in most northern climes brings people out in droves. And of course, you’ll want to look your best when you’re out enjoying the reemergence of humanity. A spring session of Botox will ensure that your skin is as fresh and taut as the first days of spring are refreshing.

A Mother’s Day Gift

In North America, Mother’s Day occurs on the second Sunday in May. If you know of a mother who regularly gets Botox treatments, gifting a session for Mother’s Day might make the ideal gift. Of course, it’s important to be careful when gifting something like a Botox treatment – especially for someone who’s never undergone the procedure before. But if you’re confident that a gifted Botox treatment would be welcome, Mother’s Day can be the ideal occasion.

How Long To Wait In Between Botox Treatments

February 28, 2022 By Webmaster

Botox has become a widely popular method of keeping facial wrinkles at bay. If you’re using this procedure to decrease your laugh lines, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles and creases between your eyes, how long do you need to wait in between Botox treatments? Although the answer will vary depending on the individual, most people will wait three to four months between injections. To learn more about the nuances of Botox treatments, read on.

Is Botox Permanent Or Temporary?

Again, the answer to this question will depend on the individual. While some people may find that they’re happy with a single Botox treatment, most people find their wrinkles start to become noticeable again after three or four months. Botox works by paralyzing the muscles that cause the skin to wrinkle. Eventually, the body metabolizes the Botox and the muscles can contract again which allows the wrinkles to reappear. To prevent the wrinkles from deepening, another series of Botox injections will immobilize the muscles again.

Scheduling Botox Treatments

After your first series of Botox injections, it’s best to wait for three months and see how your skin is responding to the metabolization of Botox. Some people may notice that their muscles start contracting again and need to schedule another Botox treatment. Others may find that the Botox is still freezing the facial muscles and won’t need to schedule another appointment for some time. Once you have a better idea of how your body reacts to the initial treatment, you’ll be able to schedule further procedures in advance.

Can You Make Botox Treatments Last Longer?

There are some things you can do that allow your skin to avoid wrinkling in the first place, however, they won’t necessarily extend the effects of a Botox procedure. Common skincare techniques such as regular moisturization and exfoliation will help keep your skin looking younger. Staying hydrated and avoiding diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine will also help the skin stay supple. However, how quickly your body metabolizes Botox will depend on processes that can’t be easily changed through things like diet or topical treatments.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Really Work on Your Skin?

February 20, 2022 By Webmaster

If you pay attention at all to the beauty regimes of today’s superstars, you’re sure to have heard about hyaluronic acid. So what is this magic potion? Does hyaluronic acid really work on your skin? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is composed of polysaccharides, which is a scientific term for long-chain carbohydrates. But rather than the carbohydrates that we’re supposed to avoid in our diet when we’re trying to lose weight, these carbs are found naturally in our body’s connective tissues and act as a lubricant and support. They attract and hold onto water molecules which helps keep our skin moisturized. As we age, our levels of hyaluronic acid decline which can lead to drier skin, rough patches and wrinkling.

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?

When celebrities are speaking about hyaluronic acid, they’re likely not talking about the carbohydrates that already exist within their skin. They’re usually talking about topical solutions that are applied to the skin to help with moisturization and reducing the effects of dehydration. They may also be talking about capsule-form doses which are ingested like vitamin pills or even injectable forms that all have similar effects as the topical solutions.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Work On Your Skin?

Scientific studies have shown that regular use of hyaluronic acid supplements can increase skin moisture and reduce dehydration. This can result in smoother skin, reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and lessening of skin redness. Hyaluronic acid has also been found to speed up the healing of wounds because of its antibacterial properties and because it increases the number of blood vessels around the injured area.

What Else Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For?

It’s been found that hyaluronic acid is good for more than just the skin. It’s been used by sufferers of osteoarthritis to help lubricate the joints between bones. Regular use of oral supplements has been found to significantly reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid has also been found to be able to repair tissue damage resulting from acid reflux. Those who suffer from chronic heartburn found significantly more relief by combining hyaluronic acid with an acid reduction medicine than those who only used the acid reduction medication.

When Botox Wears off Does it Make Wrinkles Worse?

January 22, 2022 By Webmaster

Botox has become one of the most popular non-invasive beauty treatments of our era. Botox is injected into areas around the eyes and mouth to paralyze muscles that cause wrinkles to appear. However, because the results aren’t permanent and the injections eventually wear off, the muscles are eventually able to contract again and the wrinkles will reappear. But when Botox wears off does it make wrinkles worse? The simple answer is, “No.” For a more nuanced answer, read what we have to say in this post.

What Is Botox?

Botox is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum which is produced by certain types of bacteria. Although botulinum is one of the world’s most poisonous substances, some types have a medicinal use in small quantities. Cosmetic Botox injections around the eyes and mouth cause muscle paralysis which reduces the appearance of wrinkles in these areas.

What Happens When Botox Wears Off?

When the botox wears off, new nerve endings are formed, muscles are able to contract again and the wrinkles will reappear. However, the wrinkles won’t appear deeper or more noticeable than they were before the procedure was performed.

How Long Do Botox Treatments Last?

Botox will last for different lengths of time in different areas of the face. Botox will wear off more quickly in areas of the face with thicker muscles. This can be counteracted by increasing the number of Botox injections. Generally, the typical Botox treatment will last for three to four months before the nerve endings start to regenerate.

How To Make Botox Treatments More Effective

Botox treatments are most effective when applied regularly over long periods of time. A one-off treatment will be far less effective than several treatments performed over the course of a year. Consistent Botox injections will cause muscles to weaken which reduces their ability to create wrinkles in the skin. As more injections are subsequently completed, the time required between treatments will begin to lengthen. First-time patients may require a repeat treatment after three months, whereas someone who has had several treatments over the years might be able to go up to 9 months between injections.

How Long Do the Effects of a Microdermabrasion Last?

January 20, 2022 By Webmaster

Microdermabrasion is a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment that is used to stimulate collagen growth in the skin. It can result in reducing visible wrinkles, clearing away acne scars, evening out skin tone and refreshing dull-looking skin. What happens during the procedure and how long do the effects of a microdermabrasion last? In this article, we answer those questions and more.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

The microdermabrasion procedure uses a handheld wand to discharge a stream of fine crystals onto the skin of the face, neck, back, chest or hands to remove dead skin cells. The wand also contains a vacuum that sucks up the discharged crystals as well as the remnants of the dislodged skin. The removal of the dead skin cells can result in a reduction in wrinkles, age spots and scars. The procedure also stimulates collagen production which can cause the skin to look fresher and younger.

How Long Does Microdermabrasion Last?

For new patients, it’s recommended to undergo the procedure once a week for six to twelve weeks. You’ll begin to notice the effects immediately after each treatment and will become even more noticeable 24 hours after the procedure. Once you’ve gone through the initial series of treatments you’ll notice a slight decline in the effects about a month after your last treatment. This is due to your skin’s regeneration cycle and will be different for everybody. But generally speaking, upkeep sessions are scheduled on a monthly basis to maintain the best results.

What Can You Do To Extend The Effects Of Microdermabrasion?

There are things you can do to extend the effects of your microdermabrasion treatments. Following these suggestions may allow you to go longer between procedures.

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Exposure to sunlight is probably one of the most damaging things that can happen to our skin. Protecting your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and/or protective clothing will go a long way to extending the effects of a microdermabrasion treatment.

Moisturize

Microdermabrasion will enhance the effects of any moisturizers you use. The procedure allows the skin to absorb more moisture and hold onto it for longer. Moisturizing daily will help prolong the effects of your treatment.

Hydrate

While moisturizing will hydrate your skin from the outside, drinking plenty of water will hydrate your skin from the inside. Ensuring you’re drinking enough water will help extend the effects of microdermabrasion treatments.

Four Reasons to Schedule Laser Hair Removal in Winter

December 29, 2021 By Webmaster

For many of us, the colder months may be a time to wrap up exposed skin and forget about our regular hair removal routines. But this makes it even more likely to be surprised to hear that winter is the perfect time for laser hair removal. “How can that be?” you might ask. To answer that question, we’ve put together a list of four reasons to schedule laser hair removal in the winter.

Zap ALL Of The Hair Follicles

Laser hair removal only works on hair follicles that are actively growing hair. But not every hair follicle on your body is active at the same time. Hair follicles go through active and dormant periods which means that a single laser hair treatment won’t affect all of your hair follicles. By scheduling multiple laser hair removal treatments over the winter you can be assured that all of your hair follicles have been zapped while they’re active.

Take Advantage Of Untanned Skin

Laser hair removal treatments have been advanced to the point where people of all skin colours can take advantage of them. However, laser hair removal still works best when there’s a contrast between skin and hair colour. When you haven’t been out in the full sunlight for some time you’ll lose some of the pigmentation that could cause laser hair removal to be somewhat less effective. Take advantage of your untanned skin to get a more effective treatment.

Avoid Exposure To The Sun

It’s always important to avoid exposure to the sun before and after laser hair removal procedures. And what better time to avoid the sun than in the darker days of winter? Skin that’s been exposed to the sun fewer than two weeks before a treatment is at risk of hyperpigmentation or even burns and scarring. Going out into the sun within two weeks of a laser hair removal procedure can lead to spots and/or skin discolouration. Avoid the temptation to be out in the sun by scheduling your laser hair removal appointments in the winter.

Avoid Lockdown Protocols

Right now things might be open, but the way the pandemic is going, this could change at any time. By getting your in-person appointments done sooner rather than later you’ll end up avoiding disappointment if another lockdown is enforced.

How to Give Botox as a Holiday Gift

December 16, 2021 By Webmaster

In a world where everyone seems to have everything they already need, finding a meaningful holiday gift for loved ones is more difficult than ever. Recently we’ve been advised to gift experiences rather than things because we’re all seemingly guilty of stockpiling more material goods than necessary. But with travel and other activities being restricted due to the Coronavirus pandemic, even experiences are tough to come by these days. So how about an aesthetic treatment instead? Although Botox is one of the most popular non-invasive aesthetic treatments going these days, how easy is it to gift a treatment? In this post, we’ll give some tips on how to give Botox as a holiday gift.

Know Your Giftee

Because most Botox treatments are meant to relax and reduce facial wrinkles, if you don’t know the recipient of your gift very well, giving the gift of Botox could give the wrong impression. Taken the wrong way, gifting a Botox treatment could imply that you think the recipient needs to address the wrinkles on their face. It’s best to give a Botox treatment as a gift only to someone who has already expressed interest in such a procedure. It’s even better if they’ve already had it done before and are planning a follow-up treatment. Botox isn’t necessarily for everyone, so don’t assume that a gifted Botox treatment would be graciously accepted by just anyone.

What About Age And Sex?

While Botox treatments were initially most broadly endorsed by women over the age of 40, that’s changed in recent years. Botox treatments are now being taken on by those as young as their 20s. And men are one of the fastest growing segments of Botox treatment patients. Limitations on the age and sex of Botox treatment recipients are no longer as rigid as they used to be.

The Flexibility Of Gift Cards

While you could always book and pay for an appointment for the recipient of your Botox treatment gift, giving them a gift card might offer more flexibility around their schedule. Having the treatment already paid for, they could book the treatment when they see fit. If it’s someone who only needs a top up, getting the timing right might be best done by them. Consider a gift card instead.

Five Laser Hair Removal Myths Debunked

November 22, 2021 By Webmaster

Laser hair removal is more popular than ever. That said, for all the time laser hair removal has been around, there are still many associated misconceptions. To clear these up, we present five laser hair removal myths debunked.

Myth One: Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Work On Darker Skin Tones

While this may have been true when laser hair removal procedures were first discovered more than 50 years ago, there have been many technological advances since then. There are now several different types of lasers that can be matched to work on all shades of hair and skin.

Myth Two: Laser Hair Removal Is Painful

Although everyone has different pain tolerance levels, most people report that they only feel a slight sensation similar to being snapped with a rubber band when undergoing laser hair removal. For those who are more sensitive to the treatment, there is a range of topical ointments that can be applied to numb the skin and reduce the level of pain. Over the counter pain relievers taken before the procedure can also be effective.

Myth Three: Laser Hair Removal Is Unsafe

The fact is that for most people, laser hair removal is safe. Although there might be some side effects, such as minor redness or irritation of the skin, for certain people, there hasn’t been any type of long term health issues associated with laser hair removal.

Myth Four: Laser Hair Removal Can Cause Cancer

Because laser hair removal involves using a type of radiation, there have been unfounded fears that it could cause cancer. However, the fact is that lasers have actually been used to treat certain types of precancers. The amount of radiation emitted during a hair removal procedure is so minimal that it poses virtually no risk.

Myth Five: Laser Hair Removal Can Cause Infertility

Again, there have been fears that the radiation produced by a laser can cause issues with the reproductive organs. However, the fact is that there is not enough radiation to affect any organs other than the surface of the skin. There’s virtually zero risk that it can harm any internal organs.

Can You Drink Wine After Getting Botox?

November 17, 2021 By Webmaster

There’s no doubt that receiving a cosmetic treatment can be a cause for celebration. After all, who wouldn’t celebrate the disappearance of wrinkles and looking younger? But should your celebration include popping a cork and pouring a glass of bubbly? Can you drink wine after getting Botox? In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why drinking alcohol immediately before or after a Botox treatment might be a bad idea.

Alcohol Thins The Blood

When you drink alcohol, your blood becomes thinner. What this means is that blood cell production in your bone marrow is decreased which results in fewer platelets in your bloodstream. Platelets react to bodily injuries by moving towards the affected area and sticking together to promote clotting. Alcohol not only reduces the number of platelets in the blood, but it also reduces their ability to stick to one another. This can result in excessive bleeding after receiving Botox injections. It’s recommended that you don’t drink alcohol 24 hours before a Botox procedure and refrain from celebrating with alcohol for up to a week after the treatment.

Alcohol Can Promote Bruising

Not only does alcohol thin the blood, but it also causes the blood vessels to dilate which facilitates blood movement. Blood will naturally pool around sites of irritation and injury, which makes Botox injection sites susceptible to extra blood flow. This can lead to bruising. Another factor that increases the possibility of bruising is the fact that alcohol can also cause fluid retention. This can lead to swelling around the injection sites and increase the chances of bruising. This can be especially bothersome in those who are easily susceptible to bruising.

Botox Treatments Will Affect Everyone Differently

Because the effects of a Botox procedure vary among patients, it’s important to have a good understanding of how the treatment will personally affect you before introducing inebriating factors. While Botox treatments are 99% safe, there is a slight possibility of an adverse effect. And if that’s masked by inebriation due to alcohol, it could lead to more serious problems. It’s best to wait and ensure that your treatment has had a positive outcome before opening that bottle of wine.