Microdermabrasion in Ottawa Canada
Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as aging, genetic factors, sun damage, acne, scarring, and enlarged pores can contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles and a rough skin texture on the face. Most commonly used to treat the face and neck, microdermabrasion can successfully reduce the appearance of superficial wrinkles and scars, large pores, acne, and age spots, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Before you learn how microdermabrasion can rejuvenate your skin, you need to understand what makes up your skin. Your skin consists of two layers known as the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, acts as the skin’s primary defense against the environment, and sustains the most damage from the sun. The effects of sun damage are what cause the skin to have a rough appearance. Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, or innermost layer of the skin, which provides structure and support.
The dermis is comprised primarily of connective tissue, which is made mostly of collagen and elastin fibers. These fibers form a network that provides the skin with structure, support, and elasticity. Over time, the aging process and sun damage cause a decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin fibers. As this network of fibers breaks down, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more lax. Together, aging, sun damage, and other factors contribute to wrinkle formation and other changes in appearance.
During microdermabrasion, fine crystals usually remove the superficial or uppermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. Depending on the extent of skin damage, deeper treatment may be necessary; however, treatment rarely extends beyond the epidermis. As a result, microdermabrasion is not appropriate for the treatment of deeper wrinkles and scars, or extensive discoloration as these conditions likely extend into the dermis. In these instances chemical peels and laser resurfacing may achieve more desirable results. As microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury to the skin, the risk of scarring and pigmentation anomalies following microdermabrasion is extremely low, when compared with other resurfacing techniques. Therefore, microdermabrasion can be safely and effectively used on individuals of all skin types.
A microdermabrasion procedure may last approximately thirty to forty five minutes. Unlike certain chemical peels and laser resurfacing, the procedure is relatively painless; therefore anesthesia is not typically required. Prior to your procedure, your physician may recommend that you treat your skin with products containing alphahydroxy acid or retinoic acid, among others, which may increase the effects and longevity of your treatment. Before the treatment, your face will be thoroughly cleansed, usually using an alcohol-based cleanser. Your physician may also provide you with goggles to protect your eyes during the procedure.
During the procedure, the physician uses a device which emits pressurized crystals on to the surface of the skin. Using single strokes, the physician will guide the device over the treatment area to remove damaged skin layers.
The hand piece releases fine, pressurized crystals, which much like sandblasting exfoliate the stratum corneum, or the skin’s outermost layer. In areas with more damage, the physician may increase the amount of pressure exerted by the device or the number of passes made in the area. This will cause the treatment, or amount of injury, to extend deeper into the skin. A vacuum sucks the used crystals and exfoliated skin particles back into the device, so that they can be removed and discarded.
Following your microdermabrasion procedure, you may experience some redness for the first few hours, but you will be able to return to your normal routine immediately after your treatment. Your physician may apply a cream or ointment to the treatment areas to keep them moist as they heal. It is important that you continue to use these products as directed by your physician, as your skin may continue to exfoliate following the procedure. Your skin may appear as if you have a minor sunburn for two to three days and will be more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is important that you use sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater as your skin heals.
As the new skin cells are revealed, your skin will have an improved texture and overall appearance. It is important to realize that in order to maintain the results from a microdermabrasion procedure, you will likely have to undergo approximately five to ten treatments, depending on the severity of skin damage. Initially, you may receive treatments every one to two weeks. However, over time the frequency of treatment may decrease to once a month, and later to twice a year. Although multiple treatments are required, microdermabrasion is a simple, fast, effective method of reducing superficial skin damage to restore a refreshed and youthful appearance.
More Ottawa info...
Ottawa By car
Parking at most attractions is convenient, though on-street parking in downtown areas is sometimes at a premium. If you are driving to downtown on the weekend, parking is free in the garage at the World Exchange Plaza. There are entrances to the garage on both Metcalfe Street and Laurier Street. A map is useful if you are going to be driving around downtown as many of the streets are one-way and more than one visitor has complained about navigating the downtown core.
Most major car rental companies have several offices in Ottawa with all of them represented downtown and at the airport.
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Ottawa Public transit
The city's public transit is run by OC Transpo and includes the bus service as well as the O-Train light rail system. The network includes the Transitway, a bus rapid transit system running through and out of downtown, with frequent service (on the order of 1-2 minutes at rush hour).
Standard bus fare is $3.00 CAD cash or 2 tickets. Tickets cost 95¢ CAD each and are available from local stores in sheets of 10. Children 6-11 require only one ticket. Upon boarding you will be given a transfer which allows you to ride any number of buses or trains until its expiry (in roughly 2 hours). A day pass can be purchased on any bus for $7.25 (or $6 if pre-purchased at a vendor) and is good for both buses and the train. On Sundays, families (up to 2 adults and 4 children, age 11 and under) can share a day pass.
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Plastic Surgery News...
- Dulling a heart failure patient's overactive immune system may reduce his/her chances of dying from any cause, or being hospitalized in future for cardiovascular reasons, according to an article published in The Lancet. Such IMT (immunomodulation therapy) has potential for treating a large number of heart failure patients.
- Abstract Surgical management of facial hemangiomas, the most common childhood neoplasms and infiltrating facial vascular malformations,
has the risk of injury to the facial nerve and remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the use of the
commercially available Neurosign 100® Nerve Monitor in those cases of facial vascular anomalies where resection was considered
the appropriate treatment. On a prospective basis, six consecutive patients with deep (so-called infiltrating) vascular anomalies
of the face (two hemangiomas, three lymphatic malformation, one lymphatico-venous malformation) were enrolled in this study.
During surgical preparation, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve was monitored.
The variables collected included the patient’s sex, age at surgery, location of the lesion and depth, prior treatment, diagnostic
workup, site of skin incision, operating time, operative and postoperative complications, and reconstructive outcome. All
lesions were resected without major bleeding. Postoperatively, all patients showed regular, symmetrical function of the facial
nerve. The mean operating time was 136.7 min (range 90 to 240 min). During the preparation using surgical instruments, EMG
activity was noted both as a graphic signal showing facial nerve activity and as an acoustic signal. In all patients, the
branches of the facial nerve were identified clinically by electrode stimulation at 30 Hz. Postoperatively, all patients had
improvement of facial asymmetry and deformity; preoperative pain episodes and functional impairments resolved completely.
Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring provides feedback regarding the location, extent, and ongoing functional status of
the facial nerve in the surgical management of infiltrating benign lesions such as hemangiomas and vascular malformations.
Besides an overall distinct indication for surgery, we recommend its use for prevention of iatrogenic facial nerve injury.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00238-008-0224-4Authors
H. Kubiena, Medical University of Vienna Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery Waehringerguertel, 18-20 Vienna 1090 AustriaJ. Roka, Medical University of Vienna Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery Waehringerguertel, 18-20 Vienna 1090 AustriaM. Frey, Medical University of Vienna Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery Waehringerguertel, 18-20 Vienna 1090 Austria
Journal European Journal of Plastic SurgeryOnline ISSN 1435-0130Print ISSN 0930-343X (Source: European Journal of Plastic Surgery)