Facial Rejuvenation with BOTOX COSMETIC® and JUVÉDERM® Dermal Filler- a Global Approach.

In this post, Dr. Maureen Sweeney describes her consultation with and treatment of Iris, the Live Young Medical administrative assistant and person everyone meets when they come to the clinic.

During their consultation, Iris explained to Dr. Sweeney that her tired demeanour contradicted her inner feelings of vibrancy and youth.

“The way I looked did not reflect the youthfulness I felt inside. Preferring a ‘fresh’ face, I found myself wanting to ‘cover-up’ with makeup, which did not help. I started to feel more and more invisible, and I began to feel self-conscious about putting myself out there.”

Iris wanted to look fresher and younger, but she did not want a surgical facelift. Dr. Sweeney provided an excellent non-surgical alternative, a complete facial rejuvenation with BOTOX COSMETIC® and JUVÉDERM® dermal filler.

Dr. Maureen Sweeney describes the procedures and treatments:

We start all treatments with a thorough evaluation, beginning with a global assessment of a patient’s full face and upper neck. The first step involves assessing balance and proportion by dividing the face into the upper, middle, and lower thirds. We consider factors such as:  are the patient’s facial features in balance, or is one part – such as the chin – too small or recessed? Is the face too square or gaunt?

 I ask what are the patient’s assets? These can be features such as lips or eyes that we want to showcase.

I also ask about a patient’s emotive aspects – How do they feel? What do they project to others with their facial expressions, both at rest and with movement? 

Does the patient appear tired, sad, angry, saggy, worn out, unapproachable? 

We ask, too, which areas are of the deepest concern for the patient? What does the patient want? It is common for us to focus on lines, wrinkles, and folds, but ultimately what we all want is to look relaxed, tighter, slimmer, more attractive, happy, and approachable. Women often want to look softer and more beautiful, and men more firm and masculine.

A comprehensive treatment approach is broken down into the following components and I  will typically address each of these in separate treatment sessions.

1. Treatment of dynamic characteristics
2. Foundation
3. Contour
4. Refinement

We develop our treatment strategy by first addressing a patient’s most prominent, dynamic characteristics– those movements that cause not just wrinkles and lines but unintentional communications such as appearing stressed or unfriendly.

When Iris’s facial features are at rest, she looks tired and sad, and her skin appears saggy, but when she smiles, all of these expressions are reversed. This reversal is an asset that tells us that if we limit her negative dynamic expressions, such as frowning and pouting – she will look less sad. Also, elevating her brows and opening up her eye area will make her look refreshed and less saggy around her eyes.

We can achieve this improvement with BOTOX COSMETIC® treatment.

“I was excited to know that there was something other than a facelift that would help me. I trusted Dr. Sweeney to use what she felt was the best approach to helping me feel and look my best.”  -Iris

Foundation:

The next steps in a full face rejuvenation use JUVÉDERM® dermal filler to further address our patient’s concerns and feelings about looking less tired, sad, and saggy.

Foundation treatments are those that create the most impact, as they build the structure of the face in the same way that foundations and framing define the form of a home. 

Typically, in foundation treatments, JUVÉDERM® dermal filler is placed in the cheeks, temples, and portions of the chin. The cheeks and temples lift the brow, midface, lower face, and chin placements address facial proportion and shape. JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® is the dermal filler best suited for treatments such as this, where we want lift. Foundation treatments are usually completed in session two. 

Contour:

The next step, usually completed in session three, is to improve the contours of the cheek, jaw line, and chin and further address facial proportions. In both women and men, this can include defining the jaw line, improving the projection of the chin, building further height in the cheekbones, and softening remaining hollows, thus recreating the natural fullness of a youthful face. 

JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® has also been the usual treatment choice for facial contouring.

Where we need even more structure and projection such as for the jaw line and chin, we use JUVÉDERM® VOLUX^TM .

“As excited as I was to have everything done all in one session, I also appreciated the staging approach. It allowed me to notice how each treatment made me look fresher than before, and I saw how the procedures supported each other. Each stage was subtle, yet enough for my family and friends to say, ‘What’s different? You look really good.’ And I felt good, too!” -Iris

Refinement:

Refinement treatments add the finishing touches treating areas such as under-eye hollowing, lips, and nasolabial folds. Refinement is also the stage where we address asymmetry. This is often completed in the fourth treatment session.

Here, the range of choice available within the JUVÉDERM® suite are an advantage, offering softer fillers such as JUVÉDERM®, VOLIFT®, and VOLBELLA® that are best suited for the finishing touches.

In Summary:

We achieve non-surgical and natural-looking results by addressing the whole face, using a global treatment approach rather than focusing on one or two features such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines which are common bothersome areas.

Iris’s BOTOX COSMETIC® treatments targeted her forehead frown lines, crow’s feet, chin pebbling, and the muscles that pulled down the corners of her mouth. 

Foundation treatments included treating with JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®, over her cheekbones, temples, and chin. Contour treatment involved using a combination of JUVÉDERM®, VOLUMA®, VOLIFT®, and VOLUX^TM  facial fillers for further lifting her cheekbone – also known as the “top model” look,  filling in lost fat in her mid-cheek area, and further defining her jawline. 

The refinement touches included adding another layer to her cheeks, filling the nasolabial folds and under-eye hollows, and plumping her lips using JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA®, VOLIFT®, and VOLBELLA®.

“I feel happier about myself now because maturing gracefully, to me, means taking care of my mind, body, spirit, and appearance so that I feel the best I can at every age.” -Iris

Testosterone Is the Key To a Man’s Optimal Health and Quality of Life

Testosterone’s reputation for being abused by bodybuilders and athletes and promoting aggressive behaviour frequently eclipses its more critical role in wellbeing and its function in fostering good health. 

As we all know, testosterone contributes to what “makes a man a man”, and it is essential to healthy development and reproductive function. It also continues to be critical throughout the lifespan in preserving health and influencing factors important in the quality of life, such as energy, drive, mental capacity, and mood. 

Testosterone decreases with age and environmental factors

Testosterone levels fall with age, on average, about 1-2% per year; The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found a 23% decline in free testosterone for each decade.¹

Additionally, recent research tracking men through 1987-2004 indicates that testosterone levels are falling at increasing rates beyond what can be explained by age alone.² This reduction may be due to several factors, including rising obesity rates and the widespread exposure to the hormone-disrupting effects from the many chemicals in our industrialized environment.  

Between ages 43 and 70 men can lose, on average, 2 inches in height, 15% of bone density and 10-20 pounds of muscle. These are the outward signs; On the inside, blood sugar and insulin rise, and unhealthy cholesterol levels develop as the body coats the organs in visceral fat, causing the arteries begin to thicken and then clog. 

The signs and symptoms of falling testosterone are often attributed to “normal aging” – weight gain, loss of energy, and interest in being physically active, thinning skin, declining libido, and erectile function.

If low testosterone is corrected, however, these problems improve. 

Although low testosterone is not the sole contributor to these age-related problems, its loss is a significant accelerant.

How blood testing reveals testosterone levels

Testing blood levels is an accurate way to measure testosterone values both as a baseline and as a means of tracking improvement. 

The most precise tests are the bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and the free testosterone (FT). 

In interpreting testosterone levels, overtly low levels occur in about 12% of men in their 50s and decrease with each decade to about 50% by age 80.³  But if symptoms are present, it’s not necessary to wait until testosterone drops below the normal range.  

Optimizing testosterone improves men’s quality of life

Restoring testosterone to the mid to upper end of the range can be achieved through direct replacement of testosterone or indirect hormone boosting; this decision depends on a patient’s age. The most effective approach for men over 50 is testosterone replacement. This can be done with gels or patches where the hormone is absorbed through the skin or by weekly injection. 

Lifestyle measures may also boost testosterone levels by about 10%, and this may be enough when the decline in testosterone levels is mild. Dietary changes such as losing weight, eating more protein, less sugar and refined carbohydrates, working out strenuously with heavy weights, and getting a solid night’s sleep may all help. 

As with estrogen replacement in women, testosterone optimization works best to offset the physiologic and psychological effects of aging when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maureen Sweeney, Age Management Medicine

Live Young Medical Clinic, Sidney, BC. www.liveyoung.ca

¹ Massachusetts Male Aging Study
² The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism January 1, 2007 vol. 92 no. 1 196-202
³ Harman SM, Metter EJ, Tobin JD, Pearson J, Blackman MR. Longitudinal effects of aging on serum total and free testosterone levels in healthy men. Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86(2): 724-31.

Summer’s Over: Here’s How to Plan Your Aesthetic Wellness for Next Year

If you have any questions about our services or would like to set up an appointment, at LiveYoung Medical, please contact us either by phone or email. Thirty-minute cosmetic consultations are always complimentary. 

Why the Fall is the Best Time to Begin your Laser Hair Removal Treatments

The wonders of science and technology have produced state of the art laser hair removal treatments, such as the SCITON BBL, which can have your skin feeling smooth and silky in just a few months.

If you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and become hair-free throughout the year without shaving, waxing, or dissolving creams (oh, joy!) some planning is necessary.

In this article, you will learn:

• Why You Should Plan to Begin Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment Series in the Fall
• The Weird Science of Laser Hair Removal
• Why Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Work on Everyone 
• The Hidden Health Benefits of Laser Hair Removal 

Why You Should Always Plan to Begin Your Laser Hair Removal in the Fall

For many of us, autumn is our favourite season. Cooler temperatures, gorgeous golden colours, spicy lattes, and beautiful boots are everything right now.

We’re enjoying the season’s latest styles and keeping warm with cuddly sweaters and big scarves, and probably not overly concerned with hair that grows where we don’t really want it growing. It’s covered with clothing most of the time anyway, right?

But remember that necessary planning we mentioned? You actually need to start now to be bikini-ready for summer!

You will need 5 or more treatments, spaced a few weeks apart.

Each hair has three phases of growth: 

1. A phase when hair is actively growing, 
2. A second non-growth phase, and 
3. A third, resting phase where no hair follicle is present.

 Also, hair does not grow at the same rate in every location on the body. This variance means that the SCITON BBL® can only remove the hair that is in an active growth cycle, so multiple treatments are needed. Subsequent treatments catch emerging hair growth until, eventually, all the follicles are destroyed. 

Your summer tan will have subsided in the fall – and that is important.

Your natural skin tone without a tan is the very best skin condition for laser treatment. Sunbathing and tanning beds – even topical tanning creams – are a no-no for at least four weeks before laser treatments begin. If your skin is tanned, the laser cannot target the pigment of the hair, and treatment will be less effective. Furthermore, lasering skin that is tanned can be unsafe. That being said, naturally darker or olive skin tones can still be treated safely and effectively. During your consultation with us with us, your skin type will be assessed, and we will work collaboratively with you to plan the best course of treatment.  

Your treatments can work undercover in the fall. 

It’s easier to avoid using other hair removal methods when you can cover up with cozy fall sweaters, tights, and long-sleeved tops. Plucking, waxing, electrolysis, and cream depilatories can disturb the hair follicle and should be avoided for at least four weeks before laser treatment. Shaving is fine, because the follicle remains intact beneath the skin surface – only the top part of the hair is removed during shaving.

Exposing less skin daily in the cooler fall temperatures gives your laser treatments the chance to do their best work while the treatment areas are hiding beneath fall clothes and being protected from the sun’s rays.

The treatment area will be photosensitive.

You may be lamenting the loss of the warm summer weather but, after your treatment has been completed, your skin will be photosensitive. When exposed to sunlight unprotected (without sunscreen or protective cover), your skin is more likely to sunburn. Darker skin tones may be at risk of developing hyperpigmentation (brown spots) around the treated area if the area is exposed to UV too soon after treatment. Hyperpigmentation is usually not permanent, and can be prevented with proper pre- and post-treatment care. 

The overcast skies and cooler fall weather will help keep your skin feeling fresh and comfortable after your treatment. 

You will be bikini-ready in time for your spring break getaway or destination wedding!

By the time your spring vacation comes around, your skin will be much smoother and ready for your favourite swimwear, lingerie, and breezy summer dresses. You can leave your razor at home and worry not about daily shaving touch-ups, irritating ingrowns, and painful razor rash!

The Weird Science of Laser Hair Removal

Our skin is a complex, multi-layered organ that demands and deserves excellent care. UV rays from the sun affect the skin in many ways. People who have very fair complexions are prone to sunburn, while others who have more melanin in their skin will naturally tan with ease.

Suntanned skin is often too dark for laser hair removal, which is why we ask you to wait at least 2 – 4 weeks after exposure to UV rays (including tanning beds) before starting treatments. As topical tanning solutions also darken the skin temporarily, these must be avoided as well. 

Our SCITON Broad Band Laser (BBL) technology targets the melanin (pigment) within the hair follicle. Dark hair on lighter skin responds best to laser hair removal, but there are laser hair removal options for people of various skin tones. The hair must have some pigment in it to be treated effectively – blonde, red, white, and grey hairs do not respond to treatment. 

How it works.

The Sciton BBL device pulses an intense beam of light directly into the darker pigment of the hair follicle, which absorbs the light and is either damaged or destroyed, thus significantly slowing hair regrowth.

Not Everyone is a Candidate for Laser Hair Removal 

As we mentioned earlier, there needs to be pigment present in the hair follicle in order for it to be treated effectively. If the hair is pale, blonde, red, grey, or white, laser hair removal likely will not be effective. Very dark skin tones are unable to be treated. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for laser hair removal is to be seen in consultation, and have our experienced practitioners assess the area. 

The Hidden Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Just the thought of never having to shave, wax or dissolve away unwanted hair again might relieve you of worry and anxiety, but there are even more benefits to laser hair removal treatments! 

No more ingrown hairs or folliculitis. The condition that causes inflamed, red, itchy bumps in the hair follicle, especially after shaving or waxing, will be a thing of the past. Your bikini line, underarm area, and legs will be smooth and clear.

Perspiration and resulting bacterial odour diminish, and your deodorant products are more effective when underarm hair is removed with a laser.

No more “pre-waxing” growth. This is a significant bonus for those of us with coarse, dark hair. “Grow it before you wax it” is the dreaded order and one that keeps us under wraps even as the seasons change to warmer temperatures. With laser hair removal, you can say good-bye to pre-waxing grow-outs.

And to waxing, too. Ouch!

For Our Busy Sidney Moms—Do You Need A Break?

As a busy mom, we understand that time is limited. At LiveYoung Medical, we have put a list of ideas to help you feel rejuvenated, even when time is of the essence.

Are you a busy Vancouver Island mom? As mothers, we tend to get caught up with all of our responsibilities and forget to take some crucial time out for ourselves. It is not selfish to spend a little bit of time away from your children, and it is actually proven that women who take a little bit of time out of their busy schedules for themselves are much more patient and happier around their kids. 

If this alone time means having a massage, or even a simple manicure, using the one or two hour(s) away from real #momlife will improve your overall mood and energy. 

At LiveYoung Medical, we offer a wide range of services that are great for moms on the go and love making sure they feel pampered and special. Today, we are going to talk about services or ideas we have that that will make our Vancouver Island moms feel more energized, relaxed, and happy!

Keep Calm and Facial On!

Medical-grade facials and photofacials are great beauty treatments to make the tired mom feel rejuvenated! The benefits of facials are endless, and there are so many different options when choosing which facial is best for you. 

We often recommend a Glow Peel, Microdermabrasion, or IPL Photorejuvenation (often referred to as “photofacials”), to our busy bee moms. These facial services focus on rejuvenation and making your skin come back to life. Moms love these due to their recurring lack of sleep, having little time spent on skin care, and stress! 

Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair—From Head To Toe

Let’s face it, when you are busy and have a million things to do, waxing or shaving your legs takes a back seat. It’s commonly why so many moms are forced to wear tights or yoga pants…sound familiar? Laser hair removal, done with our Sciton BBL device, targets the hair follicles below the skin surface with each treatment. Over time, the treated follicles fall out of the skin, and re-growth becomes significantly less. Over a series of sessions you will notice that, not only are you hair-free, but the surface of that area becomes smoother overall. The best part is that the treatments are quick, painless, and require no downtime. 

Eat. Sleep. Skincare. Repeat.

If you cannot come in for treatments, our skin health experts can provide you with product advice and help towards creating a skincare regime just right for you. At-home skincare goes a long way and, in fact, should be considered the first step towards achieving optimal skin health and beauty. We carry premium-quality skincare products that are designed to treat various issues, such as aging skin, loss of collagen, texture irregularities, sun spots, redness, and acne. Our favourite brands include Colorescience, Skinceuticals, ProDerm, EltaMD, AlumierMD, Skin Medica, and ZO Skin Health. 

We are able to recommend products to suit your individual skin health needs and concerns. You will notice a major difference in your skin, with minimal effort. 

Read about some of our favourite products from these brands and why we think they are great. 

Fillers

Using a combination of dermal fillers is a perfect way to lift the physical appearance of stress and fatigue on your face. At LiveYoung Medical, Dr. Sweeney always aims for a natural look, being very particular of how much filler is used to ensure that the patient is refreshed and looks younger. 

Our most popular treatment is SoftLift ®, which is the combination of BOTOX® Cosmetic and  JUVEDERM®. This treatment will give you a refreshed, rejuvenated look in one hour, with minimal, if any, discomfort. Typically, BOTOX® is used to relax frown or stress lines, and JUVEDERM® helps to restore facial hollows, enhance or beautify features such as cheeks and lips, and lift the jawline and lower face. 

We know how busy and full life can be. With that said, self-care is important. Let us help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated in time for back-to-school season. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule, and ensure that your time with us is relaxed and carefree. 

If you have any questions about our services or would like to set up an appointment, at LiveYoung Medical, please contact us either by phone or email. Thirty-minute cosmetic consultations are always complimentary. 

We look forward to meeting you, or seeing you again, soon! 

Get Pampered in Sidney, B.C.

Have a little downtime, get rejuvenated, recharged, and pamper yourself in one of Vancouver Island’s finest little towns.

Photo courtesy of The Farmer’s Daughter @thefarmersdaughter.co

After a busy summer season filled with events and non-stop kid activities, it’s time for some serious self-love before kicking it into high gear with back to school and a busy fall season. Sidney, B.C. is the perfect marriage between a quaint, seaside bibliophile haven, and a growing gourmand/shopping destination.  

We’ve compiled our favourite must eat, see, stay, and do’s for a rejuvenating, overnight trip to Sidney that will leave you feeling refreshed. The best part? You can enter on Instagram to win an experience that includes all of the below.

See/Do & Shop: MODEN Boutique

Call it a “boomerang effect:” Sidney is experiencing a return of young professionals that have come back to the seaside town to open new restaurants, shops, and clothing boutiques. Devon, the owner of Moden Boutique, returned to Sidney after five years in Vancouver managing the merchandising department for Saje Natural Wellness. She launched Moden, and now curates a selection of beautiful, quality clothing items that are both current and classic.  This is the store where both you and your mom can find an ensemble for work or the perfect chic loungewear that puts your sad sweatpants to shame. We love the Mirage Robe from Gentle Fawn—a beautiful “day or night” floral robe that is glamorous, yet comfortable. The versatile, lightweight accessories from the Australian brand ELK are crafted from wood and resin – meaning they make an impact without weighing you down. Moden is one of our favourite boutique stores in Sidney. Check it out—you won’t be disappointed!

Do: Live Young Medical “Glow” Peel by AlumierMD™

Rid yourself of clogged pores, uneven skin tone, blemishes and dullness with a trip to Live Young Medical for our “Glow” Peel. Our skin health experts provide medical-grade, customized peels that are a serious step above your average spa treatment. Peel treatments are amazing for those battling active acne, or who would like to target the fine lines, large pores, and crepey skin associated with aging. Treatment time is 45-60 minutes. You’ll leave with luminous, glowing skin that may feel a little bit warm. There is no associated “downtime” with our peel treatments –  which is perfect if you want that glow to flow with you to your wine tasting (that’s next!).

Eat: The Farmer’s Daughter

A taste of Paris right in the heart of Sidney. Situated on Beacon Avenue, this quaint Parisian-inspired bistro and patio transport us back to the Left Bank.  Owners Jessica and Tom met working at a wine shop and opened the bistro a little over a year ago. The Farmer’s Daughter offers some of the best cheeses sourced from around the world. Although the menu offers many options for lunch, their cheese and charcuterie boards are thoughtfully put together and pair beautifully with wines from a broad selection. Consider a wine flight which already has cheeses perfectly paired to it: We love the “Immortality Flight,” which features three different, two-ounce pours of sparkling wine paired with soft-ripened cheeses.  Now that’s something to cheers to!

Stay: The Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa

This 55-room boutique hotel really does define much of the Sidney waterfront.  The Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa’s remarkable location boasts 180-degree ocean views and immediate access to 5km of seaside walking trails. It is close proximity to boutiques, restaurants, and distilleries such as the beloved Victoria Distillers.  We are big fans of Haro’s Bar, located inside The Pier, for its airy seating and oceanfront views. Bonus…if you are coming from the mainland or the nearby US, The Pier is located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport, B.C. Ferries and Washington State Ferry terminals.

There you have it! If you are visiting Sidney, B.C. or planning on it, this guide will serve you well. 

We can’t wait to meet you (and remember to check out our Instagram contest).

Wedding Preparation for the B.C. Island Bride: Your Guide to Looking Flawless

If you are preparing for your wedding, we have put together a guide of beauty tips you will find helpful to ensure you are looking your most radiant on your big day.  

A British Columbia wedding is a magical thing. There are so many elements of this province which we call home that contribute to the beauty of a marriage celebration. Just as people flock to B.C. from all over the world to choose their venue for the stunning scenery – think oceanside resorts to sparkling vineyards bordering crystal clear lakes to the mountains and glaciers of Whistler to the white, sandy beaches of Tofino – people flock to LiveYoung to prep for their big day. 

We know our brides, grooms, and their parties want to look their very best for their special day, and it is our pleasure to help them achieve this goal. Are you a bride, groom, or part of a wedding party this summer? Do you want the look of luminous, “wedding day” skin even if you are not going to a wedding? We know we do! As Southern Vancouver Island-based skin health specialists, we have put together a guide of our favourite treatments to recommend to our B.C. wedding parties, including a  timeline of when is most appropriate to be treated to ensure you are looking your very best when the big day rolls around.

What B.C. Bride Beauty Treatments Are Recommended?

Manicures, pedicures, exfoliation treatments, spray tans, and teeth whitening have been pre-wedding staples for years, but sometimes looking flawless calls for a little extra prep. At our Sidney, B.C. clinic, we have got you covered for what to do (and when to do it) to look your best for the big day—whether you are the bride, groom, a member of the wedding party, or a guest. 

Peels

Chemical peels—there are many which mention peels) are intended to exfoliate the outer layers of skin cells, revealing fresh, baby-soft skin after your treatment. Peels have been around since the 1800s but now come in a variety of strengths, ranging from gentle (zero downtime) to more extensive (which may require some time to heal post-treatment).  Forget the Sex in the City, Samantha-style after effects, you can tailor your peel to your time frame as well as your specific skin health needs. 

Alumier “Glow” Peel—This is a deeper, medical-grade peel to rid your skin of unwanted blackheads and dry, dead skin. If you are looking to reduce signs of aging, irregular pigment, blemishes, or breakouts, this treatment is ideal with little downtime.

Countdown: One week before the big day.

ZO Skin Health Peel—(the lunchtime peel or celebrity favourite) because there is no downtime required. This peel will give you a nice glow by gently removing dead skin cells and surface blemishes that have no place in your wedding photos.

Countdown: 1-2 days before the big day. 

3-in-1 Revival Facial with Hyaluronic Acid Infusion –  Consider the Revival Facial your wedding triple threat! This combination treatment includes a light microdermabrasion (essentially a vacuum for your clogged pores) and the above mentioned ZO Health Peel to exfoliate your skin in two ways. The third part of this treatment is a hyaluronic acid infusion that penetrates deep into your skin to plump, hydrate and restore volume.  

Countdown: 1-2 days before the big day. 

Microdermabrasion 

Microdermabrasion is a type mechanical exfoliation for your pores that removes impurities and aids in cellular rejuvenation. It is gentle, painless, and requires no downtime. The beauty of this treatment is that it gets rid of blackheads immediately (think of it as a vacuum for your pores) and is safe for everybody at any time.  

GROOM ALERT: Men love this treatment. It’s the perfect way to exfoliate the beard and neck area, reducing ingrown hairs. 

Countdown: Can be done anytime, even on wedding day.

IPL Photorejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light treatments (aka photorejuvenation or photofacials) use the power of broadband light to remove sun damage and improve the appearance of sunspots, redness, rosacea, and age spots, making your skin look younger, smoother and much clearer. This is a more intense treatment as it helps remove imperfections deep within the dermis, below the skin surface. Although a “maintenance treatment” may be required once a year or so, the results seen upon completion of your IPL series are considered permanent. Good skin care and diligent use of sunscreen is imperative to protect your results. 

Read more about IPL here. 

Countdown: 3 months to 6 weeks before the big day. An IPL series usually requires 3 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart.  

Note: You will need to be totally tan-free (including spray tans) to be eligible for this treatment, so plan in advance.

BOTOX® for Hyperhidrosis 

If you deal with excessive sweating leading to social embarrassment and stains on your shirts, consider having your underarms treated to stop excessive perspiration before the wedding. It can be stressful to think about managing sweat stains or having sweat melt your makeup while all eyes are on you. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. 

BOTOX® has been proven an effective treatment to help with hyperhidrosis (the condition of excess sweating due to overactive sweat glands). BOTOX® works to interfere with abnormal sweat production by blocking the release of sweat by the sweat glands. 

To learn more about this, go to our blog on BOTOX® and hyperhidrosis. 

GROOM ALERT: An added benefit, BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to give a more relaxed appearance or a subtle lift. As such, many men enjoy this treatment (Brotox)!

Countdown: Ensure you are treated 2 weeks in advance for maximum effect.  

JUVEDERM® Dermal Fillers 

Injectable soft tissue fillers are ideal for lifting cheeks, plumping lips, and defining and contouring your chin or jawline. Dermal fillers restore a youthful appearance without the costs – both physical and financial – of surgery. Treatments typically last anywhere from 8 months to 2 years, depending on the area being treated and the type of filler used.

Countdown: Two weeks in advance. While treatments typically produce instant results, allow two weeks in case of any swelling or redness post-treatment.

Hand Treatments

Put a ring on it! Your wedding may be the first time, or only time, you have so much attention on (and photos taken of) your hands! Often one of the most neglected areas of the body, your hands may need some extra love before your new husband/wife slips that band on your finger. 

You can literally turn back the hands of time when it comes to hand rejuvenation at LiveYoung. It’s easy, just ask us how!

Countdown: Because hand rejuvenation can consist of a multi-treatment approach, we recommend a consult first to craft an ideal timeline. Consider beginning this process 3-4 months before your wedding. 

Wedding planning can be stressful, but looking your absolute best for your big day doesn’t have to be. Contact us today to book your complimentary consultation and let us help you get started. 

Five Summertime Products We Can’t Get Enough Of

A guide of our favourite and most recommended products to use on your skin this summer. Your skin will thank you. 

With summer in full swing, we would like to recognize that it is not only the weather that changes. The heat, dryness, and high UV index bring about changes in our skin health needs. We like to place an emphasis on protection, hydration, and exfoliation during the summer. These months are usually packed with visits from guests, family events, vacations, weddings, and more. It is important to keep our skin looking its very best and photo-ready at all times!

Change Your Routine Up

It’s no secret that a trusted skincare regime with carefully selected products of exceptional quality is vital to overall skin health as well as the prevention of age-related changes to our skin. Because the needs of our skin change in the summer, it makes sense that we should consider slightly altering our product regime. 

To make it easier to figure out what you should consider using, we have compiled a list of some must-haves for summer.

Five Products We Love For Summer Are…

1. ZO® Skin Health by Zein Obagi, MD—Exfoliating Polish  

If you want that “JLo” glow, it is important to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a soft, dewy complexion before hitting up any summer event. This product uses magnesium crystals (important to note – no microplastics!) to gently exfoliate dead skin cells away. The end result is soft, smooth skin, a more even tone, and that luminescence we all would love to have.

2. Pro-Derm MD™—Hydrogel Soothing Gel for Body and Face

This calming, cooling gel contains plant-based and marine active ingredients with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It’s a lot of goodness in one gel, making it a necessity in your drawer all year round and your beach bag throughout the summer months. We actually like to recommend keeping it in your fridge for the ultimate skin-cooling experience! Hydrogel is a great way to soothe your skin post-wax or laser or to give dry skin an overnight hydration boost. And while we always recommend protecting your skin from the powerful effects of the sun, if you do find your skin reddened and hot after sun exposure, Hydrogel will calm it down and help repair the damage. Bonus – it’s great for kids, too!

3. Colorescience®—TOTAL EYE™ 3-IN-1 Renewal Care

Consider this your new secret weapon for the post-late-night patio extravaganzas! This 3-in-1 eye treatment brightens the eye area and reduces the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. This product is a chemical free, broad spectrum SPF 35 formula that is tinted a slightly peach hue to neutralize the purples and blues of a tired under eye area. As an added bonus, the Total Eye applicator consists of a cooling tip to soothe delicate skin and decrease puffiness. 

To learn about the importance of broad-spectrum sunscreen, read our blog on Facing The Sun.

4. colorescience®—sunforgettables® SPF 50 Mineral Brush-On Sunscreen

This product is not only a must-have but a must-carry, always! Get one for your purse, your car, your boat, your bike, your back pocket…wherever! This loose mineral sunscreen powder brush is a mini make-up magic wand, with sunscreen!  It’s a perfect makeup companion for touch-ups, but on top of that, it’s perfect for all the hard-to-reach areas to which traditional sunscreen cannot be applied easily. Areas such as the hairline and part, top of the head, back of the neck, and the tips of the ears are prone to skin cancers and non-cancerous skin growths. These lightweight, water-resistant powders come in a variety of skin-coloured shades and are perfect for men, too.

5. SkinCeuticals—CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum

SkinCeuticals was built on 40 years of experience researching and developing technologies to prevent skin cancer, making us BIG FANS.  While the use of topical Vitamin C is well-known to solve many of our skin care woes, let’s be honest, not all Vitamin C is created equally. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum is a high-potency triple antioxidant treatment with 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid.  This powerhouse combination increases your skin’s natural resistance to UV damage by eight times while giving you environmental protection. Regular, daily use will boost collagen and brighten your complexion—just in time for your garden party.

Learn more about how antioxidants help with premature aging on our Antioxidant Health blog.

 At LiveYoung Medical, in Sidney, BC, we are experts in skin health and passionate about designing personalized skin treatment plans. No two patients have identical concerns, and it is important that your regime is personalized to your specific needs and goals.  If you have any questions about these products or your specific skin concerns, please contact us today.

BOTOX® Therapeutic for the Treatment of Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

A closer look into the definition of Hyperhidrosis and what can be done to treat it.

Hyperhidrosis is the term used for the medical condition of excessive sweating that is triggered by causes such as anxiety, rather than by normal homeostasis or body temperature control. It is typically an unpredictable and excessive amount of sweat, to the degree that it interferes with normal day to day functioning. It mainly occurs on the face, underarms, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.

This condition is often debilitating to people suffering from it, as it can cause embarrassment and social anxiety. The good news is that it can easily be treated. Both men and women seek treatment for hyperhidrosis, and treatment at LiveYoung is quick and relatively painless.

A Closer Look Into Hyperhidrosis:

Hyperhidrosis is most commonly caused by overactive sweat glands. As such, it usually is confined to one localized or targeted area (where the sweat glands appear to be working overtime).

The Canadian Dermatology Association reports that hyperhidrosis affects approximately 3% of the Canadian population. That means that approximately 950,000 Canadians suffer from this condition. Of those, 300,000 have a severe form of the condition.

Hyperhidrosis can have an effect on an individual’s daily activities. Excessive, uncontrollable sweating can negatively impact one’s productivity, confidence, social comfort, and overall emotional well-being. Studies have shown that this condition may affect a person’s quality of life in a similar way to those who suffer from severe acne or psoriasis.

How Can It Be Treated?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that can be treated under the direction of a physician in several ways. These include topical treatments, surgical removal of sweat glands, or less invasively with the use of BOTOX® Therapeutic. Dr. Maureen Sweeney has been treating patients safely and effectively with BOTOX® Therapeutic since 2003 for a variety of different conditions, including hyperhidrosis.

In the same sense that treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic blocks nerve signals to reduce pain associated with migraine headaches, TMJ, and other conditions, it is also able to interfere with abnormal sweat production by blocking the release of sweat by the sweat glands. Injecting BOTOX® into targeted areas essentially disables the brain’s ability to tell the body to produce sweat.

The effects of treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic for excessive sweating provide relief for, on average, three to six months.

BOTOX® Therapeutic is approved by Health Canada for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis. Most extended health plans cover a portion of the treatment costs for BOTOX® Therapeutic. 

What to Expect on Treatment Day:

Treatment with BOTOX® Therapeutic involves a series of injections spaced about 0.5 – 1 cm apart, distributed evenly along the treatment area. Treatment is relatively painless, with most patients reporting discomfort ranging from about 1-2 out of 10. Your appointment time will be approximately half an hour.

There is no downtime associated with treatment. Very slight swelling at the injection sites may be observable in some patients, which generally resolves within an hour. Superficial bruising may also occur. Treatment begins to take effect within a few days, with full effect realized at two weeks post-treatment. Patients typically enjoy results of treatment for up to six months and plan for treatment two to three times per year.

If you suffer from Hyperhidrosis and are in or around the Southern Vancouver Island region, contact us today to book your complimentary consultation and see if BOTOX® Therapeutic is right for you. Relax, knowing you can be sweat-free in time for summer!

Contact us to make your appointment today.