Frequently Asked Questions

CoolGlide systems deliver pulses of light energy into blood cells, causing them to coagulate, collapse, and be reabsorbed by the body. Blood flow is redirected to deeper veins within the skin.

The long wavelength allows CoolGlide laser systems to treat veins in lighter skin tones. Darker skin tones are not ideal candidates for laser vein treatment, but can still see benefits with laser hair removal and Laser Genesis. During your consultation, you will be advised if your skin is ideal for laser vein removal.

Telangiectasia, or spider veins, can be found on the face and legs and can be treated quickly with little risk of bruising. CoolGlide systems are not intended to treat varicose veins, however. A careful evaluation with help you determine which vessels can be treated.

While sclerotherapy is an option, many patients opt for CoolGlide because of how quickly it can remove veins, or because they’re not comfortable with injections.

Blood vessels, such as hemangiomas, typically respond very well to CoolGlide Vein Therapy after a single treatment. Vascular lesions, such as telangiectasia or spider veins, also respond well to treatment.

One or two treatments are generally enough, but the exact number of treatments depends on the scope of the treatment area. The size, colour, and number of veins being treated will affect the number of treatments you need.

A slight stinging sensation is reported as energy pulses are delivered through the hand piece. There’s no need for local anesthesia or pain medication, and many patients who have had sclerotherapy report that laser treatment is much more comfortable and tolerable. Post-treatment discomfort is minimal, if not non-existent.

Immediately after treatment, you may experience minor redness and swelling in the treated area. Bruising can occur up to a few days after treatment. Some heal quickly while others take more time. The size of the vessel plays a role in the amount of time it takes to clear, too.

Side effects are typically minimal and uncommon, the most common being a slight redness and swelling around the treated skin. This usually lasts for less than 24 hours. In rare cases, patients may experience bruising or blistering. During your consultation, Diana Murphy will be glad to discuss treatment options and risks to help you make an informed decision.

While patients can resume most normal activities immediately after treatment, we recommend avoiding vigorous or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after treatment, and to use an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect treated skin from sun exposure. It is important to limit sun exposure in the first 2.5 weeks following treatment to ensure the skin can recover properly.

Two to six weeks after treatment is the general time frame for visible results, but it’s not uncommon for results to take several months to appear. It’s also possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed.

Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport® are injected directly into muscles responsible for wrinkling. They block nerves impulses from reaching the muscles in question, which reduces their activity. In turn, this reduces the likelihood of wrinkles and lines forming.

Within days, if not immediately! Lines will also continue to improve for up to a month, and most results generally last up to four months, depending on the product you use.

Any authorized healthcare professional can administer these injections, but it’s recommended that you use a specialized and trained professional like Dr. Murphy to administer injections.

While side effects are very rare, the most common are headaches, respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and temporary drooping eyelids. Pain and muscle weakness are far less common, with less than 3% of patients reporting these side effects. All these side effects tend to occur within a week of treatment.

Results are visible, but treatment will not radically change how you look or make it look like you’ve had extensive cosmetic treatment. Muscle activity is simply reduced, so you can still frown, smile, and make the same expressions as before.

Dermal fillers are safe, natural cosmetic injectables that restore volume to the skin. They minimize the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers must be administered by a licensed practitioner.

The majority of fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, using a substance that occurs naturally within the body. The main difference between fillers is whether or not they’re animal-derived. Allergic reactions and other complications are more common in animal-derived filler, though this chance is still minimal.

Of course! Some fillers have been used by practitioners around the world for over 20 years. Non-animal-derived fillers that are fully biocompatible are incredibly safe. The most common side effect is temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.

Fillers can be used almost anywhere on the face. Fillers are used to treat volume loss. The cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines are very common treatment areas. Lips, facial lines, and wrinkles can also be effectively treated with fillers.

The duration of results depends on the injection location. Dynamic areas that see a lot of movement (such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines) can have results that last anywhere from 6 months to a year. Fillers administered to the cheeks can last even longer.

Fillers are a natural cosmetic product. Botox® is a drug that actively blocks neurotransmitters from delivering signals to the muscles that cause wrinkles. Many patients frequently receive treatment using both products.

Laser Genesis therapy can effectively treat the entire face and neck. It’s also sometimes used to treat scarring on other parts of the body.

By gently heating the upper dermis (the thick layer of skin, well below the upper layers of the epidermis), Laser Genesis stimulates collagen regrowth. The heat is absorbed by blood vessels and dilated capillaries, which helps reduce redness.

Yes! Laser Genesis helps restore skin’s youthful beauty and glow, but also restores texture, tone, and color. Pore size is reduced, and minor imperfections are also diminished. Laser Genesis is also an effective treatment to reduce the appearance of scars.

Most patients report few, if any, side effects, the most common being minor redness that disappears within a few hours of treatment.

For any laser treatment, we provide patients with eye protection, regardless of the treatment location. The treated area is targeted using the laser handpiece, which is moved over the skin about half an inch from the surface. Most patients describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic. You can return to normal activity immediately after treatment.

Use sunscreen to protect the treated area in the days following treatment, and limit direct sunlight exposure.

Yes. Laser hair removal is totally non-invasive, as only the light from a laser is used to remove hair.

Hair can be removed from all parts of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back. It’s also possible to treat the chest and bikini line.

Most areas typically require six to eight treatments, but optimal long-term benefits depend largely on individual factors. Hair thickness, growth cycle, and treatment area all affect the total number of treatments necessary. Our laser system disables the hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment, which means it’s possible other follicles will need to be removed at a later date as they grow in.

Redness and swelling are the most commonly reported side effects. These side effects are generally similar to a mild sunburn, but typically last only a few hours. Blistering is possible but extremely rare. We will always discuss potential side effects with you prior to any treatment.

The most important post-treatment care you can take is to use sunscreen on the treated area when it is exposed to the sun. Apply a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) every 2 to 2.5 hours.

It’s important not to wax or pluck hair in the treated area between treatments, though you can shave. Your physician may recommend you use a specially formulated skincare product or regimen, as well.