Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal work? The laser is a focused, precisely filtered light applied to the surface of the skin with a hand-held wand. This light travels through the skin until it strikes the hair shafts or the bulb (root) of the hair. The bulb is usually where the highest concentration of melanin is located, as opposed to the rest of the hair shaft. As the light is converted to heat energy, the bulb and most of the hair shaft are instantly vaporized.

The intense heat radiated by the hair also destroys the hair- producing papilla. This means that our laser treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, however, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair. This is due to the fact that not all hair follicles are ‘active’ at the same time.

Only active hair follicles can be affected and destroyed by the treatment. ‘Inactive’ hair follicles can be treated as they become ‘active’ over time. For laser hair removal treatments, an average of 5-7 treatments are required to remove most visible hair; the amount of time for all ‘active’ hair follicle cycles to be treated.

The best results have been achieved on darker, finer hair but other factors may influence the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated and discussed in person.

How many treatments will I need? Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring and coarseness of the hair. Typically patients are recommended the following:

· 5-7 treatments 4-6 weeks a part to ensure all hair active growth cycles are treated. · No hair removal other than shaving 6 weeks prior to treatment · No sun exposure or self tanning 3-4 weeks prior · Ideal candidate is light skin with dark hair but able to treat all skin types · Hair grows in 3 cycles and best to target hair in the active growing stage (anagen). Usually 80% of hair is able to be treated (everyone has dormant or sleeping hairs) · Treatment time: 1 – 60 minutes depending on body area and coarseness of the hair

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 Laser Skin Rejuvenation/Scar Revision

What is Fractional Laser Skin Rejuvenation? Fractional laser with the Palomar Icon system is a non-invasive treatment that delivers a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones to target a fraction of the skin at a time. Also known as fractional skin resurfacing, it is very similar to enhancing a photographic imagine pixel by pixel

The Palomar Icon 1540 provides innovative treatments which bridge the gap between the ablative and non-ablative laser techniques. While ablative laser treatments work mainly on the epidermis (surface skin cells) and the non-ablative treatments work solely on the dermal collagen (mid-layer of skin), fractional laser treatments work at both the epidermal and dermal layer of the skin.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing for fine lines and wrinkles Fine lines and wrinkles begin to form as a result of reduced collagen production, a natural part of the aging process. There are many ways to stimulate your body to increase production of collagen, including: skin care products, certain dermal fillers, and many types of lasers. Skin care products are the least effective of these treatments, and most patients do not find adequate results from using these products alone. Dermal fillers can create a temporary solution for lines and wrinkles, but do not address tone and texture the way lasers can, and the results from laser skin resurfacing can last much longer than the other options.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing for acne scars, injury or surgical scars Surgical or injury scars: Sunlight, abrasion, pressure, and pulling on wounds during the healing process can result in abnormal and unsightly scarring. Pink, raised, even rippled scarring can be lessened in appearance from laser skin resurfacing. Through promotion of cellular re-organization within scarred tissue, and new collagen growth, the Palomar Icon 1540 is able to create permanent scar treatments in safe, quick sessions. Most patients see full results after only one session.

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 Acne scars: Acne scars form as the skin heals over once large and inflamed pimples, sometimes resulting in hyper-pigmentation and texture irregularities. There are several different types of acne scars:

· Ice Pick scars / depressed fibrotic scars- The more severe scarring and pitting on the skin is called “ice pick” scarring, or more commonly known as craters or divots. They can be jagged, shallow, or deep- like ice pick stabs on the skin. This type of scarring is a result of tissue loss beneath the skin from deep, nodular acne. At the first sign of this type of acne, prompt treatment can help minimize damage and scarring on the skin. Depressed fibrotic scars are generally very large, steep and sharp. Ice pick scars can develop into depressed fibrotic scars in time. · Atrophic macules- These scars are soft and sometimes wrinkled. They can turn blue in appearance because of the blood vessels lying directly under the new skin. · Follicular macular atrophy- These types of scars are small, soft, white lesions that look like tiny whiteheads just under the surface of the skin. These usually appear on the back and chest. · Soft scars- These scars have sloping or rolling edges that seem to merge with normal skin. Most often they are small and circular, or linear.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing to treat stretch marks Stretch marks appear when underlying tissue in an area grows faster than the skin can stretch to accommodate, creating tears in the underlying structure and scarring the skin. Stretch marks can be worsened by hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding, hormone replacement therapy, or other changes in hormone levels. Dark purple or reddish in tone, stretch marks will usually fade somewhat over time.

Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing works to repair the tears and scar tissue of stretch marks, as well as to fade their surface color. There is no perfect treatment for stretch marks that will completely remove all marks. With Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing for stretch marks, you can expect to see a 50-75% improvement over 3-5 sessions spaced every 2 months, with full results 3-4 months after the last treatment.

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 Fractional Laser Resurfacing to treat Melasma (Mask of pregnancy) Melasma, sometimes called the “Mask of pregnancy,” is a hormonally-caused pigmentation, usually occurring on the face. Melasma can be caused by any type of hormonal inbalance – pregnancy, menopause, use of hormonal birth control, side effects of medicines, or vitamins.

However, not all causes are unavoidable, and Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing with the Palomar Icon XD/XF can provide a good resolution of Melasma for those with persistent pigmentation. Fractional Skin Resurfacing works by directing arrays of light at the skin in precise increments, to create columns of coagulated tissue within the dermis and epidermis. In simpler terms, Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing works by creating precisely controlled micro-damage to the tissue, which causes your body to replace that tissue with new tissue. Part of your body’s immune response to this micro-damage will be to generate new collagen, in addition to new skin cells. Melasma may require several laser sessions, spaced at 2 month intervals, to see best results.

What can I expect from Laser Skin Resurfacing? Typically three treatments are required, depending on the energy level used in each treatment. Treatments are spaced one month apart. The results are not immediate and are slowly progressive, with optimal improvement visible over a three to four month period. This time frame and treatment regimen allows for complete healing and replacement of damaged tissue with new collagen and elastin, and viable healthy skin cell growth. The gradual and natural results you’ll see from your very first treatment will leave you looking powerfully rejuvenated over time, so it will not be obvious that you had a major treatment done.

Most patients experience few side-effects from treatment, and shaving or application of make-up can be done soon afterward. In most cases, patients return to work directly after their treatment, or on the following day, depending on their skin condition and treatment.

Some side effects that may occur after aggressive or high-level treatment include:

· Excessive desquamation (scaling, peeling) and some crusting · Swelling for up to a few days after treatment – this can be helped by applying an ice pack at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours. · Post-inflammatory pigmentation – occurs more commonly in patients with a history of melasma or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (more common in patients of darker skin types)

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

What are the benefits of IPL? · Treatments improve sun spots, age spots, dull complexions, uneven pigmentation, large pores, sun damaged skin, and early signs of aging. · Treatments improve red flushing skin, rosacea, and broken capillaries · Enjoy smoother skin with a more even tone. · Minimal discomfort during treatment. · Resume regular activities immediately.

What improvement will I see? Patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their results. Expect to see a gradual decrease in redness, broken capillaries, flushing, irregular pigmentation, pore size, and fine lines. After each treatment, the skin will feel smoother and appear to have a more even tone. As may as seventy- million Americans have undesirable redness and/or sun damaged skin. Sun exposure. alcohol, medications, stress and aging are common causes of Rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness and flushing skin. IPL treatments control flushing and, in many cases, reduces the need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics. Schedule your consultation and discover how this treatment can work for you!

How does the treatment work? An intense light is applied in a series of pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. THe heat impairs the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or is absorbed by the body. Treatment can be given as frequently as every three weeks until desired results are achieved.

Treatments may vary from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. First, the treated area is numbed with a topic cream. This will reduce any discomfort from the procedure. A cool gel is then applied. When the pulse of light is delivered, the sensation is similar to a mild snap of a rubber band. After treatment, the gel is removed, and the skin cleansed. Pain is minimal. For sensitive skin, a cool compress is applied following treatment. For skin texture improvement an exfoliating “prep” treatment may be recommended.

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 How many treatments will I need? For optimal results, a series of treatments is required. Some patients see significant improvement in just 2-3 treatments; others require more. Treatments are administered every 3-4 weeks. Each treatment session takes approximately 15-45 minutes, depending on treated areas. For some patients up to 5 treatments 3 weeks apart are required. Future follow-up treatments may be recommended to maintain results.

How quickly do patients see results? After one or two treatments, your skin will have more even tone and a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will start to fade and pores can become less apparent. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over time. These improvements continue with each treatment. Patients with acne rosacea will see a reduction in facial redness as a result of each treatment.

What are the side effects? Post-treatment pinkness and mild discomfort like a sunburn sensation for a few hours . Areas treated may be prone to hyperpigmentation ( darkening of the skin). Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised. Because all individuals are different, we generally will begin your sessions at a more conservative level then progressively increase the treatment levels. This will minimize any unwanted side effects and any potential skin burns, yet develop an ideal treatment protocol for each individual

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508 ThreeForMe (All Around Skin Rejuvenation)

Only the ThreeForMe treatment can address three common skin concerns – wrinkles, sun damage and facial veins – all within one treatment. It’s a safe, non-invasive treatment that is done within 30 minutes. Clients have minimal downtime and often can return to regular activities immediately after treatment.

How does it work? The ThreeForMe treatment is performed in 2 steps.

Step 1 – For sun damage and facial veins The first step treats discoloration and facial vessels using a technology called Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL. This can address unwanted sun damage including freckles, brown spots or age spots, and unsightly veins including broken blood vessels, facial veins and rosacea.

Step 2 – For fine lines and wrinkles The second step uses laser technology to generate collagen and elastin – keys to the support structure of our skin. This results in the improvement of fine lines, wrinkles, scars and other surface imperfections. http://www.threeforme.com/patient-results/

@mimibeautyboutique | mimibeautyboutique.com | 840 Coxwell Ave Toronto, ON M4C 5T2 | (647) 688 1508