Medical Aesthetics
All clients are encouraged to have a 45-min medical consultation first with Dr Cecilia Li to set up a comprehensive plan for any cosmetic treatment. This will allow for a review of your medical history, any contraindications, and ensure all your questions and concerns are addressed. A thorough physical exam and skin analysis will be performed, using validated tools such as Visia, which can identify skin damage that may be undetectable to the naked eye. Dr Li supports preventative medicine and recommends to treat skin conditions early rather than later, whether it is with lifestyle modifications, prescription medications, cosmetic injections, laser, skin rejuvenation or energy based devices. Only from a thorough review can we provide the most personalized and quality care to every client.
You will have the option of having of having most cosmetic injections done by either Dr Li or any of our three registered nurses, unless there is a medical condition that requires a physician for injection as listed below.
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator commonly used for cosmetic purposes to relax muscles and is shown to prevent wrinkles associated with facial expressions. The inhibition of muscular contractions will immediately soften frowns, lines, and in the longterm dynamic wrinkles can disappear.
There are a variety of brand names and those approved in Canada are Botox, Letybo, Dysport, Xeomin, Nuceiva (please note that like most clinics, we only stock 2-3 brands at a time). Botulinum Toxin takes 15-20 minutes to be injected into the muscles with a thin needle. There is minimal downtime and clients can return to work right away. The onset of action is generally 2-5 days, with maximal effect within 1–2 weeks. The duration depends on many factors including formulation, injection site, dosage, and individual physiology, but usually last 3–5 months.
Clinically indicated areas that are frequently treated are the frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. All other locations are considered off-label treatments and this will be discussed during the consultation process. Other FDA approved treatments for blepharospasm, dystonia, and chronic pains (eg. Migraines, TMJ) require a mandatory medical consultation and can only be performed by a physician.
While Botulinum toxin prevents dynamic wrinkles, it does not treat static lines or deep creases. With aging skin, volume is lost due to a variety of factors including bone resorption, decreased collagen production, and environmental factors (eg. Smoking, sun damage). Our clinic uses temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to restore facial fullness, diminish wrinkles, contour or define facial structures, and improve skin quality.
HA is a natural substance found in the body and is one of the most common types of fillers to improve wrinkles, reduce hollowing or depressions in the skin due to aging, scars or injury. Skinboosters are lightly or non-cross linked HA which can rejuvenate skin by increasing hydration and stimulating the generation of fibroblasts and collagen. Temporary fillers generally last less than one year as the body will naturally resorb it along with your own HA. A consultation is required on the first visit and the procedure takes 30-60 mins depending on areas treated.
Given our mission is to ensure the utmost safety and quality care, we do not recommend fillers being injected into high risk zones eg. Nose, which can lead to complications such as tissue death, blindness, and stroke. Most Asian noses are not suitable for fillers and instead of having patients return annually for more fillers, we are not here to make money like this – please consult a plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist.
Please note that fillers are sold by the syringe, of which each is 1mL. If there is unused filler left in the syringe, we will offer to keep your syringe for a complimentary touch-up within 30 days if required.
Myths About Fillers:
-Fillers migrate all over the face!
When injected into the proper plane, fillers do NOT leak all over the face as there are distinct fat pads that prevent distant leakage. A small amount may spread locally, which may be desirable when choosing a low cohesive product such as Skinboosters. However the reality depends on the healthcare provider’s product selection. When choosing a product with the proper cohesive index, this actually ensures no migration.
-Fillers expand over time!
Filler will absorb more water to improve hydration and skin plumpness in the first week or so after injection to restore facial volume loss. Once established beyond 2 weeks, fillers do not expand more and you will not look like a “pillow face.”
-Fillers last for years and will never go away!
Usually this is due to improper product selection with too high concentration in a specific facial area that impedes or slows down the normal process of degradation. However your body is constantly remodelling and whether it is your own natural HA or injected HA filler, it will all eventually go away.
If you do not want to wait, there is always the option of dissolving filler with Hyaluronidase. We offer this treatment for those clients who have had a (botched) job done at another clinic or complimentary correction at your 2 week follow up when done by our own staff.
Even if it lasts a long time, the question is are you satisfied with how your skin looks? Remember that without filler, your skin will be more saggy, so longer duration is not a bad thing if you were initially pleased with the outcome.
All medical treatments will require taking before and after photos, which will be kept confidential in your chart. Please be reassured that they will not be shared on social media unless explicit consent is provided.