Bense Medical Aesthetics

Bense Medical Aesthetics
BMA Technology
Specific Aesthetic Procedures Briefly Described
Most Popular Cosmetic & Aesthetic Procedures

Most Popular Cosmetic & Aesthetic Procedures

iLIDLIFT
ProFractional
MLP (Micro Laser Peel)
CO2 Laser Resurfacing of the Face and Hands
Sciton Erbium Laser
The Contour ThreadLift
Acthyderm for Cellulite
Mesotherapy
Crystal Peel (Microdermabrasion)
Obagi
Vivier
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics
Injectables and Fillers (Luscious Lips)
Thermage
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Laser Hair Removal
BOTOX Cosmetic
Varicose Vein Treatments
Tattoo Removal
Acne Scar (& Other Scars) Management
Laser Treatment for Facial Vessels

iLIDLIFT™

100% Blade-Free Cosmetic Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) for those who suffer from droopy, wrinkled eyelids

Before iLIDLIFT™

After iLIDLIFT™

Before iLIDLIFT™

AfteriLIDLIFT™

Before iLIDLIFT™

AfteriLIDLIFT™

Old Technique: Traditional Blepharoplasty with a Blade

Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure that is usually performed with a steel blade and which designed to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and excess muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Both upper as well as lower eyelids can be operated upon at the same time or on separately. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.

A Traditional Blepharoplasty, will however not remove or treat crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows, unless combined with or followed up later with other procedures (see below). It is also not the treatment of choice for festoons or so called ‘malar bags’.

Malar bags are a difficult problem to treat. Options that I have found useful include laser resurfacing with lower eyelid surgery and in some cases directly excising the malar bags. Direct excision seems to work the best but may not be a good option in someone your age. It does leave a scar which is usually better than the bag itself but does take several months to heal and for swelling to resolve. In some cases in younger people with minimal malar bags, a resurfacing laser, such as a CO2 laser, can be used, sometimes 2-3 treatments, to get the desired results.

New Technique: iLIDLIFT™ is a 100% blade-free laser eyelid operation that combines the following surgical procedures:

Blade-free, CO2 laser Blepharoplasty
Peri-ocular skin resurfacing and skin tightening with:
o Blade-free Erbium laser (1 session) or
o Blade-free ProFractional laser treatments (3 sessions)
Botox Cosmetic Browlift
iLIDLIFT™ is frequently combined with:
o Full face ProFractional laser treatment to remove facial wrinkles and spots
o Brow lift using the “Threadlift” technique
o Facial fillers to enhance cheeks, lips and other areas

iLIDLIFT™

Description

iLIDLIFT™ is a procedure that make your eyes and aging face look nice and fresh. Your eyes look bright and alert which in turn reduces the effect of a sagging jaw line or neck. Today therefore, most people preferentially opt for the laser iLIDLIFT™ instead of a full face lift. This gives a long lasting improvement in looks with lower cost, less discomfort, lower risk, less pain, and less inconvenience than a facelift.

If you're considering eyelid surgery, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask Dr. Bense about anything you don't understand.

How is iLIDLIFT™ performed?

The Bense iLIDLIFT™ Laser Blepharoplasty is performed with the CO2 laser and the skin resurfacing is performed using Erbium laser technology. This procedure has revolutionized cosmetic surgery for eyelids and the face. This exciting technology allows for excellent cosmetic results in upper eyelid blepharoplasty and transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Enhanced surgical visualization is permitted by a relatively bloodless field, resulting in a more precise and rapid surgical procedure.

Our laser technology seals small blood vessels and lymphatics as you operate. This results in significantly less post operative bruising and swelling than seen in a Traditional Blepharoplasty.

Upper iLIDLIFT™ Advantages over Traditional Blepharoplasty:

More precise with less trauma to tissues
Little or no bleeding.
Eyelid anatomy is easily identified.
Less surgical time.
Rapid patient recovery.
Most important - very little or no bruising after the surgery, thus less swelling
Results are far more pleasing because of wrinkle treatment and skin tightening

Lower iLIDLIFT™ (Transconjunctival) Advantages over Traditional Blepharoplasty

Very precise, fairly quick, easy procedure compared to conventional surgery where much of the time is spent finding the bleeders and cauterizing them.
No visible skin incision is made.
Less irritation and trauma to the eyelid is required because of less traction on the eyelid.
Fewer complications.
Less likely to change the shape of the lower eyelid.
Very low incidence of post operative bleeding and bruising.

Disadvantages of Upper and Lower iLIDLIFT™

Very expensive equipment not generally available in general hospitals.
Technically challenging to surgeons not thoroughly experienced with laser surgery. The surgeon requires extensive hands-on laser training with several unfamiliar laser technologies.

Complications from iLIDLIFT™

Remember that each individual is unique; therefore each post-operative recovery may be slightly different than discussed with you. Each eyelid surgery places incisions with a special surgical laser above the eyelids in the natural fold of the eyelids. Even though this is done with a specialized surgical laser, these scars will be red for a while and swollen, then gradually change into a pink color, assuming more normal skin color over several months. A feeling of numbness may occur about the eyes. This is usually temporary, turning normal after several months. Bruising and swelling occur to some degree in each eyelid procedure with 80% of the swelling gone in the first 8 weeks.

Complications and imperfect results are not common but they can occur. The goal of this specialized treatment is improvement, not perfection. Complications are really uncommon but can occur with any type of surgery. These may include:

Bleeding, an uncommon collection of blood underneath the skin
Infection
Nerve damage causing temporary loss of feeling of the eyelid
Asymmetry of the eyelids (they don't look exactly the same to the patient), and
Abnormal drooping of the eyelids can all occur.
Double or blurred vision for a few days
Temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids
Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring
Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out
Some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent.
Ectropion: a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required.

Please remember that Blepharoplasty surgery, whether done traditionally with a steel blade or using laser technology as in iLIDLIFT™, is not simply eyelid surgery, but orbital surgery. This should never be misconstrued as a simple procedure. This misconception has led to a number of unfortunate results that are difficult to correct. Those who have failed to understand the orbital intricacies and negative effect that it can have on the life of a patient usually will have challenges beyond what they anticipated.

Unacceptable results after any Blepharoplasty are often the inevitable consequence of poor preoperative planning.

Causes of BAGGY EYELIDS

There are many causes of baggy eyelids and only rarely will a patient just have one issue with their eyelid region or surrounding areas. A patients’ satisfaction depends on the surgeon correcting all components responsible for the deformity. The more common causes of baggy eyelids include:

Dermatochalasis
Blepharochalasis
Hypertrophic orbicularis muscle which may involve the upper and or lower eyelids
Protrusion of intraorbital fat can cause unsightly fat prolapse in two zones of the upper eyelid areas and in three zones in the lower eyelids.
Brow droop causes hooding of the upper eyelids and lateral fullness of the upper eyelid. Even after an upper blepharoplasty is done, hooding of the upper eyelid can be present unless the droopy brow problem is addressed separately with a brow lift.
Festoons of the orbicularis oculli muscle gives loose muscle hammocks in the lower eyelids extending to the cheeks and are not generally repaired by a blepharoplasty surgery. To correct this problem, direct surgery to the involved orbicularis muscle might be required or laser resurfacing over the festoon or other such treatments.

The Best Candidates for iLIDLIFT™

Introduction

The iLIDLIFT™ Laser Blepharoplasty procedure can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but results vary from patient to patient. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. Your expectations should be in line with anticipated results generally seen in the majority of such patients. Do not assume for example that any blepharoplasty procedure will cure your crow’s feet or your festoons unless combined with additional procedures like skin resurfacing and so forth.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery include:

Men and women who are physically healthy
Psychologically stable
Realistic in their expectations
Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

A few medical conditions make any type of blepharoplasty more risky:

Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease
Significant dry eye problems
High blood pressure
Other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Planning Your iLIDLIFT™ procedure

The initial consultation with your surgeon is very important. Dr. Bense will need your complete medical history, so be sure to inform your surgeon if you have any allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.

Prior to surgery, you will have a complete eye examination by Dr. Jon Bense, an optometrist affiliated to Bense Medical Aesthetics. He will test your vision and assess your tear production. You should also provide to him any relevant information from any previous visits to other ophthalmologists or optometrists about possible pre-existing eye disorders, and a record of your most recent eye exam.

You and Dr. Mike Bense should carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Your surgeon will explain the techniques and anaesthesia he or she will use, and the risks and costs involved. (Note: Most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery. MCP will cover simple and conventional excision of droopy skin if you can prove that drooping upper lids interfere with your vision. Dr. Bense does not perform this procedure under MCP, as the NL government does not cover any surgery, regardless of its merit or need, unless it is performed in a hospital.
Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Bense any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Preparing For Your iLIDLIFT™

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Types of Anaesthesia

Eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia--which numbs the area around your eyes--along with oral sedatives. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. A mild sedative like Ativan and Valium is often given to relax patients.

THE iLIDLIFT™ Laser Blepharoplasty procedure

This procedure usually takes 60-120 minutes to perform, depending on the extent of the surgery. In a typical procedure, Dr. Bense makes laser incisions following the natural lines of your upper eyelids, in the creases of your upper lids. In the lower lids no external incisions are usually made unless extra skin is to be excised or additional tightening of the lower eyelid is required to help prevent droopiness of the lower eyelids. A lid crease is usually created about 10mm above the upper eyelid margin in women and at about 8mm height in men. If someone wishes to have a lower or higher placed lid crease, simply ask Dr. Bense prior to surgery.

The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, Dr. Bense separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle using laser technology. Excess sagging skin and muscle is trimmed at this time, and then the excess herniated orbital fat is carefully trimmed using the Erbium laser technology which seals blood vessels immediately. The incisions are then closed with a very fine running suture which we remove after 7 days.

In the lower eyelids, Dr. Bense usually removes the three pockets of herniated fat beneath your lower eyelids. Typically Dr. Bense therefore performs a transconjunctival laser blepharoplasty (TCLB) from the inside of the lower eyelid. No suture-line is visible and no sutures are used. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid with a laser beam, leaving no visible scar.

Dr. Bense does not usually remove excess skin in the lower eyelids unless really necessary when excess laxity of the skin requires this extra step be done. This is therefore more commonly performed in older clients with very elastic, stretched skin. Here, excess skin is trimmed in a sub-ciliary incision below the lash line. This can be combined with a lateral tarsal strip procedure when excess lid laxity causes the lower eyelid to roll outwards.

In cases of simple excess laxity of the lower eyelids without excess skin, a lateral support suture is usually added to the TCLB to improve results.

In the iLIDLIFT™ procedure, lower or upper iLIDLIFTS™ are combined with resurfacing of the lower eyelid skin for a perfect result. Botox is likewise injected into the eyelids to help elevate the upper eyelids and brows.

After Your iLIDLIFT™ procedure

After surgery, we will lubricate your eyes with ointment and topical antibiotic ointments. No bandages are used. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed. If you feel any severe pain, call us immediately.

We will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising for up to 48 hours after the surgery. (Bruising varies from person to person and generally lasts anywhere from one week to two weeks or more). For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision. You will be applying special hydrating ointments to your skin around your eyes for several days as well.

We will follow your progress very closely for the first week or two. The stitches will be removed a week after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

Getting Back To Normal

You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week. By then, depending on your rate of healing and your instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a sun block when you go out.

Dr. Bense will probably tell you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

Your New Look

Healing is a gradual process, and your scars in your upper eyelids may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they'll fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The resurfaced skin around your eyes will generally heal within a week and look perfectly normal in a month or so.

On the other hand, the positive results of your eyelid surgery-the more alert and youthful look-will last for years. For many people, these results are permanent.

Lovely Results

Our Technology

ProFractional

ProFractional is a quick and comfortable fractionated skin resurfacing laser used for improving the overall appearance of your skin. The treatment uses a laser beam to treat thousands of pinpoint areas of the skin. ProFractional can be used to improve a wide variety of skin conditions, including:

Wrinkles and fine lines
Post-traumatic scars
Acne scars
Sun spots
Age spots
Freckles
Aging and sun-damaged skin

Patients looking for younger looking skin, or to improve scars, wrinkles or sun damage are all candidates for ProFractional. Most commonly treated skin areas are the face, neck, chest and hands. The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the condition and the size of the area being treated.

To achieve optimal results, ProFractional is typically performed in a series of 3 to 4 treatments, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Immediately following the procedure you may experience a mild redness, resembling a light sunburn sensation. Because the skin resurfacing is fractional, complete healing only takes about 2 to 4 days. Most patients can get back to work and apply makeup within 1 to 2 days after the treatment.

To further enhance your treatment results, ProFractional can be combined with other aesthetic procedures offered at Bense Medical Aesthetics. Call us today to book your complimentary ProFractional consultation.

ProFractional Treatment uses a laser micro beam to treat thousands of pinpoint areas of your skin resulting in a quick healing time. ProFractional is able to treat a wide variety of skin conditions such as wrinkles, skin laxity, photo damagend scars. The effect is an immediate tightening and lifting of the skin and underlying tissue. Unlike other lasers, ProFractional is useful for all skin types and tones and works on your entire face: forehead, eyes, nasolabial folds, lip lines, chin and even the neck, chest and hands.

FEATURES

ProFractional is an easy procedure: no surgery, no injections.
ProFractional is a safe, clinically proven way to tighten and contour skin, with improvements in tone, contour and texture occurring naturally through the stimulation of your own collagen.
A single treatment can tighten your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth.
Results can last for years depending on your skin condition and aging process.

THE TREATMENT

The ProFractional procedure is available only in the offices of qualified physicians. ProFractional uses laser energy to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin and treated areas stimulate the production of new collagen, plumping up the skin and smoothing out wrinkles. During the treatment, there is a brief, heat sensation. Immediately following the procedure you will experience redness resembling a sunburn-like reaction. Healing takes about 2-4 days and most patients can get back to work and apply makeup within 2-3 days after the treatment.

THE TECHNOLOGY

To understand how ProFractional works, it helps to know a little about how your skin works. The skin is made up of three distinct layers: a visible outer layer on the surface called the epidermis, a collagen-rich under layer beneath the surface called the dermis, and an inner layer beneath the dermis called the subcutaneous layer, also known as the fat layer that has a web of collagen fibres running through it. When the collagen in these three layers breaks down due to sun exposure, family heredity, or the normal aging process, your face begins to sag and wrinkle. Treatments that work on just the surface can't do anything to restore the collagen in the dermis. ProFractional is a laser procedure that tightens and renews your skin's collagen, also improving tone and texture.

THE RESULTS

Clinical studies have shown smoother, firmer, tighter skin immediately after ProFractional treatment. You may also notice some contouring effects which will enhance the shape of your face. Skin improvement as a result of the production of new collagen and increased tightening and contouring effects continue over time.

POST-CARE

Your skin will be more sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun contact until the skin is healed. Sun protection to avoid sun damage and premature aging of your skin should be used after treatment.

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr. Mike Bense or one of our experts please schedule an appointment by calling us.

Content provided by Sciton

Our Technology

Micro Laser Peel

The MICRO LASER PEEL introduces the light quick recovery side to laser resurfacing.

MICROLASERPEEL patients are able, in almost all cases, to experience improvement in damaged skin with the aid of a topical anaesthetic cream and a recovery period of one to five days without cumbersome dressings, downtime, and general anaesthesia.

FAQ’s
What is Micro Laser Peel?

The Micro Laser Peel is a superficial epidermal exfoliation to a light dermal resurfacing skin treatment. The depth is controlled by the energy of the Erbium: YAG laser, and is predetermined by evaluation of patient's desires and treatment goals. The Erbium laser provides for ultimate precision in skin resurfacing, allowing the operator to set treatment parameters for as superficial as a 10-micron epidermal ablation to deep surgical skin resurfacing, equivalent to the depth of treatment accomplished by CO2 laser. Micro Laser Peel is the newest and most effective way presently available to treat accumulated sun damage and aging skin without the downtime of deeper surgical skin resurfacing.

What indications does Micro Laser Peel (MLP) treat?

Micro Laser Peel is a smoothing or polishing procedure for the skin. The goal of the procedure is removal of damage with the intent of improving vitality of the skin. Deeper treatments yield more significant improvement, but also have more downtime for healing. The MLP treats the full face, for acne pitting, blotchiness, hyper pigmentation, fine lines, large pores, and facial rejuvenation.

Are there any pre treatment instructions?

Patients should be using Tazorac for 1 month prior to treatment. Patients should also have a Botox treatment to relax the pre treated area, approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the MLP treatment.

How many treatments should I require?

Patients require 1 or more MLP treatments every 8 weeks, depending on the indication for treatment.

What type of anaesthetic is necessary?

Emla topical cream applied to treatment area with saran wrap for 1 hour prior to treatment. If necessary, an oral medication, such as Valium, can be prescribed.

How much down time will I expect?

Patients can expect anywhere from 2.5 to 10 days of down time. This down time may include redness, swelling and a striped pattern immediately following the treatment.

Are there any safety precautions taken?

Safety goggles will be provided during treatment for protection of your eyes.

How long will the treatment take?

Most MLP treatments can be done within ½ - ¾ of an hour

Photos Before and After Surgery


Before and 1 month after MicroLaserPeel.


Before and 4 days after MicroLaserPeel.


Before and 10 months after MicroLaserPeel.


5-month post MicroLaserPeel.


Upper & lower bleph/ perioral fat/ Contour Laser Peel/ post 4 weeks.


Quad bleph/ platysmal plication/ face-neck lift/ fat 2 lips/ Contour Laser Peel.


Before & 8 weeks after Contour Laser Peel and lower lip Blepharoplasty.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing of the Face and Hands

With advances in laser technology it is now possible to reduce, and in some cases remove, facial wrinkles, acne scars and other facial scars, and a variety of skin growths and blemishes. When used for skin rejuvenation, the carbon dioxide or Erbium-YAG resurfacing laser removes the sun-damaged skin layer-by-layer in a controlled manner. The old, damaged skin is replaced by new, smoother, more evenly toned skin. . The clinical effects of the CO2 laser are based on the principal of the incoming light being converted to heat. The heat generated from the laser is enough to vaporize the intracellular water of skin tissue, which will cause vaporization of the skin cells.

FAQ’s
Who is suitable for laser resurfacing?

All wrinkles are reduced, but those caused by the sun, especially those around the eyes and lips respond best. It is never too late - or too early - to treat wrinkles once they are established. Acne scars and facial scars from surgery or trauma may be reduced but very deep scars may not be completely removed. Many benign skin growths and scaly patches on the face and elsewhere are removed with ease.

What areas can be treated?

While specific areas can be targeted, such as frown furrows, crow's feet, laugh lines, smoker's lines and fine wrinkling, FULL FACE resurfacing produces even more dramatic results.

Is laser resurfacing an alternative to ThreadLift?

The procedure does provide a general "lift" to the face, but a ThreadLift is necessary to reverse advanced sagging of the skin of the face. Wrinkles on the lips and around the eyes usually do not respond to face lifting but respond well to laser resurfacing. In some instances both procedures are necessary to achieve the best results.

Will I need anaesthetic?

For regional areas (zones), a local anaesthetic combined with a topical anaesthetic cream and a light oral sedative is all that is required.

How much time off is necessary following the procedure?

Usually it takes two weeks to heal completely, with a range from one to four weeks depending on the treatment performed and the depth of skin removal. Healing is usually a painless process and is greatly aided by the use of a skin-coloured adhesive dressing for the first couple of days. In some cases an occlusive ointment is preferred. After two weeks, it is possible to wear camouflage make-up. The skin can remain pink from one to three months, in some cases longer. Sun protection with a non-irritating sunscreen is vital until the redness subsides completely.

Is there any pre-treatment?

To maximize the benefits of CO2 Resurfacing, Dr. Bense recommends Botox pre-surgery & routine treatments as necessary, post surgery. You may be prescribed Retin-A or an Alpha Hydroxy Acid cream beginning two weeks prior to surgery. Darker complexion or tanned individuals may also use a bleaching agent to reduce excess skin pigment during this same time. Prior to surgery, patients will be given a prescription for Zovirax tablets to lessen the possibility of flare-up of fever blisters. Oral antibiotics are also started on the day of surgery. Photographs will be taken before the treatment and on follow-up visits.

What happens during the healing period?

Following Laser Resurfacing, injury to the skin will appear similar to a second-degree burn. The initial post-operative appearance looks like an abrasion, where the surface of the skin appears red and weepy. This appearance lasts for seven to fourteen days, at which time most patients can return to work. Makeup use can be resumed at that time. The treated areas can remain a pink or red colour, which will gradually fade over the next two to six months and may be covered with cosmetics.

What are the results?

In most cases the results are a moderate to marked reduction in facial lines and wrinkles, a more even skin tone and texture, and fresher healthier looking skin.

Photos: Pre-operative and Post-operative


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing


Before CO2 Laser Resurfacing	After CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Sciton Erbium Laser: Resurfacing of the Face and Hands

Explain the technology please
Ablative laser target is water in collagen
Removes photo damaged skin
Improves wrinkles, colour and tone in skin
Doctor can control the depth of skin removed
Can be adjusted to clients needs

Photos Pre and Post-operative

Upper Eyelid Laser Bleph. Sciton Laser Full Face Resurfacing Preceded with Botox.


Before	After

The Contour ThreadLift™…A 60-Minute Facelift!

The ThreadLiftT is a simple, office based, outpatient non-surgical facelift procedure. The ThreadLiftT is a revolutionary non-invasive facelift procedure that uses fine surgical threads to lift the droopy areas of the brow, cheeks, jowl and neck. There are two components to the ThreadLiftT that result in the amazing non-surgical lift effects. In the first part of the ThreadLiftT, smooth and barbed prolene facelift sutures are used to loop around or "lasso" fixation points on the droopy brow, cheek, jowl and neck. This "lasso" lift is performed under local freezing and the threads are introduced using a hollow bore needle. The LoopLiftT provides lift and support to these droopy regions.

FAQ’s
Is it true? No Surgery. No Downtime. No Knife. Big Lift!

The second part of the ThreadLift™ provides additional lift and shaping and uses tiny "barbed" prolene threads, which are normal surgical sutures modified with little "cogs" on them, making them like tiny fish-hooks or porcupine quills. The barbed threads, like the LoopLift™ Threads are inserted into the deep fat of the droopy facial elements using a hollow bore needle. The needle is with drawn and the barbed threads capture the droopy deep face, allowing the physician to lift, sculpt and shape the brow, cheeks and jowl. At the completion of the procedure, the threads are cut short. The lift effects are immediate and the risk and recovery minimal.
One of the amazing features of the ThreadLift™ is its adjustable lift feature. As you age after the ThreadLift™, you may return to your physician to have the LoopLift™ adjusted or tightened in any, or all of the regions with essentially no downtime!

Who is a ThreadLift Candidate?

Good candidates for a ThreadLift™ are those patients who are starting to see some droopiness of the brow, cheeks, jowls and/or neck and would like to see a lift effect, BUT, do not want the risk, scars, or recovery of a real brow lift, facelift, or neck lift operation. Good candidates must have realistic expectations and be prepared to follow the postoperative recovery protocol and must be accepting of the risks.

Poor candidates include those patients with unrealistic expectations, have Uncontrolled medical illnesses that affect would healing, are grossly Overweight (with heavy faces) or are excessively thin, loose skin. The ThreadLift™ may be combined with other, more minor surgical procedures, Such as blepharoplasty (lid lift procedures), liposuction, micro fat transplantation, Botox, Injectable Fillers, Thermalift-Thermage or I.P.L. Photo facial treatments.

How is the ThreadLift™ performed & the lift effect accomplished?

Inserting threads under the skin performs The LoopLift™ component and looping the suture around deep supportive tissues of the brow line, cheek-corner of the mouth, jowl and neck. The LoopLift™ threads that run under the skin towards the hairline are then tightened to lift and support the droopy tissue. Special long "barbed" loop sutures are used in the scalp to provide significant and pleasing vertical lift of the brow, cheeks and jowl (much like you might do in a mirror).

The "barbed" threads are then inserted into the cheek, tail of the brow and jowl, using the same hollow needle. The "cogs" or "barbs" are allowed to grasp onto the approximated soft tissue, shortening the distance between the soft-tissue points and elevating, shaping and contouring the soft tissue.

Does the ThreadLift™ hurt & are there any risks?

The ThreadLift™, similar to Lip augmentation with collagen or Restylane, is most often performed under local freezing anaesthesia and, once the freezing is in, there is no pain. If the entire brow, cheek, jowl and neck is being treated with the Threadlift™, then it is often a more tolerable experience when performed under twilight sedation, as well as local anaesthesia The procedure usually takes less than one hour to perform and patients leave the clinic within one hour.

Like any procedure using a needle, there is the risk of excessive bruising and swelling, but most patients look presentable in makeup the next day. Your ThreadLift™ physician will discuss the rare risks that can occur, such as visible or palpable threads, infection or rejection and how these complications are managed. A ThreadLift™ performed by a certified ThreadLift™ physician, such as Dr. Bense, has a complication rate much less than 1% and, when they occur, the complications are manageable. In the rare circumstances that a thread might be reactive, or infected, the thread can be removed.

One of the most common questions patients ask is: Can the sutures used in the ThreadLift™ be seen or palpated?

The answer is no. In the average Threadlift™ procedure, when the tenderness from the treatment subsides over a few weeks, patients are never aware of the threads. Done without complication, the ThreadLift™ sutures cannot be seen or felt.
However, like all basic cosmetic procedures, even Botox or Injectable fillers and peels, a patient must undergo an informed consent process, which involves a consideration of the alternatives, risks and benefits when deciding that a procedure is right for them. All potential ThreadLift™ patients must go through this process with Dr. Bense.

What must I do early on after my ThreadLift™?

Following a ThreadLift™ procedure, there are some practical instructions and care that must be followed to avoid traumatizing or dislodging the threads from their supportive locations in the deep fat of the face and neck. Some of these reasonable post-ThreadLift™ instructions include avoidance of forceful facial rubbing or trauma, sleeping on your back, minimal facial animations, avoidance of excessive mouth opening. After 3 weeks, there are no more restrictions.

Dr. Bense will review thoroughly your instructions and will provide a set of written instructions on caring for your ThreadLift™ facelift effects.

What results might I expect immediately after a ThreadLift™?

The results of the ThreadLift™ are immediate. There is a noticeable elevation and contour shaping of the brow, cheek, jowl and neck. (see Before and After results section).

One of the many attractive features of the ThreadLift™ is the immediate nature of the lift. Unlike I.P.L. Photo facial, or Thermage Thermalift™, all of which can produce pleasing lifts but often take weeks or months), the lift effect of the ThreadLift™ is immediate and the most significant of the non-surgical lift treatments.

How long do the ThreadLift™effects last?

Remember, after a ThreadLift™, or surgical facelift for that matter, the facial aging process continues. With no adjunctive treatments, the lift results of the ThreadLift™ will likely last 3-5 years. The LoopLift™ component of the ThreadLift™ is often adjustable and can be repeated as more droopiness sets in.

What if I want a surgical facelift in the future?

The ThreadLift™ procedure does not interfere in anyway with subsequent cosmetic surgery of the brow, lids, cheeks, jowl or neck. The Threads do not get in the way of the facelift procedure and, if they do appear, they can be removed easily.

There is no special precaution that your facelift surgeon must take if you have had a ThreadLift™ prior to your facelift. It is advisable that you disclose to you facelift surgeon that you had a prior ThreadLift™, to ensure that they are aware of the potential of encountering prolene threads.

Before & After Photos

The following patients are representative examples of average ThreadLift™ outcomes. Clearly, the range of improvements after a procedure can be variable and these before and after pictures are by no means meant to be an implied guarantee of outcome or expectations.

Call for an appointment today at #(709)-722- 4060.

What about Featherlift?

The featherlift procedure is way to lift all the facial features, without the problems of a tradition facelift or brow lift. It is not a procedure Dr. Bense likes to perform nowadays as the Contour ThreadLift procedure has replaced the traditional feather lift.

The Aptos Threads method involves using a hollow need to insert barbed threads under the skin in strategic places. The tiny barbs on this thread fan out and attach to the inner skin tissue, pulling up the deeper structure, lifting and smoothing the sagging areas.

The face is marked with a pen and local anaesthetic is administered prior to the procedure. The entire process takes about forty-five minutes from start to finish.

Analgesics for discomfort, and antibiotics are ordered routinely, post treatment. Some bruising and swelling is to be expected for approximately 1-2 weeks post treatment.

Some of the advantages of the Aptos Threads are little preparation, less downtime, no scarring, local anaesthetic, long lasting results and lower cost.

Acthyderm for Cellulite

FAQ’s
What Is ACTHYDERM?

Acthyderm is a system, which allows products to be absorbed through the skin quite readily. These products are sent to the deeper layers of the skin where they repair and rejuvenate. It is easy to use, quick and efficient. It offers visible results, even after the first few treatments. It tones facial skin, buttocks and breasts, and it has been proven to be very effective against cellulite and Stubborn areas of fat. It reduces wrinkles and stretch marks, while moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

How does it work?

Most skin products cannot penetrate the protective layers of your skin to get valuable ingredients down where they're needed most. Effective products like vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, proteins and amino acids moisturize the upper levels of the skin but can't get down to the layers where rebuilding occurs. It begins with Electroporation, the principal method of Acthyderm. Electroporation is applied with a special pen that stimulates the skin to temporarily become more permeable. The skin looks and feels no differently since the treatment occurs on a cellular level. This allows Acthyderm to deliver large volumes of product deep into the skin with the roller applicator.

What are the indications for Acthyderm?

Acthyderm can be used in many instances
To tone muscle i.e.: breast enhancement
To rejuvenate and nourish. i.e.: Facial rejuvenation, scar and stretch mark rejuvenation
To treat cellulite on various parts of the body
To treat hyper/hypo pigmentation, etc…

Is it painful?

An Acthyderm treatment is painless and comfortable, primarily consisting of a "massage like" maneuver with a ballpoint hard piece.

Is there any downtime with Acthyderm?

Patients may go back to work immediately following their treatment. There is no down time associated with this procedure.

How long is each treatment?

Each treatment takes approximately a ½ hour to 45 minutes, depending on the area.

How many treatments will I require?

Most patients require 8 treatments at 2 per week for the first month. Generally, in most cases, a maintenance treatment is required every 1 to 2 months to maintain optimal results.

Mesotherapy for Love Handles, Tummy Fat, Jowls and much more

There’s a new cosmetic procedure in town to tackle upper arms that flap, inner thighs that jiggle and those love handles that everybody hates. Instead of going under the knife, a growing number of people are taking on fat with a series of needle injections.

Pioneered by the French physician, Dr. Michel Pistor, Mesotherapy is a non-surgical, painless injection technique with a broad range of applications. Mesotherapy, a less invasive and less expensive alternative to liposuction, melts away cellulite and unwanted inches but does not require patients to take months off work to recover, says Dr. Michael Bense.
Mesotherapy promotes the body's circulatory, lymphatic, and immune system to create a biological response and reverse abnormal physiology.

Mesotherapy is a safe and effective alternative for body sculpting and the treatment of cellulite, hair loss (alopecia), and face and neck rejuvenation. Unlike surgery, Mesotherapy is virtually painless, requires no post-operative recovery time, requires no heavy bandages or girdles, and no anaesthesia is necessary.

“It’s a higher precision technique. It’s shaping the body in a controlled way.” Dr. Bense says.

FAQ’s
How does it work?

Since Mesotherapy became available at Dr. Bense’s clinic in December, more than 40 Newfoundlanders have shelled out for procedures targeting one area of the body, compared with spending $6000.00 for liposuction. Fat is zapped from the body, including under chins and under the eyelids.

Liposuction removes fat cells whereas Mesotherapy involves injecting into the mesoderm-or middle layer of skin- to open the membranes and let the fat out, says Dr. Roman Chubaty of France, where the technique was pioneered 50 years ago. Some critics have questioned where the fat goes once it’s gone, citing a danger of it reaching arteries or other tissues. Chubaty said the fat ends up in the bloodstream where it’s burned off as energy.

Canada’s Health Protection approves all ingredients, says Dr. Bense. Mesotherapy involves the injection of a customized mixture of vitamins, amino acids, and medications, placed just millimetres under the skin into the problematic area. Just a "drop" of solution is used at each injection site. While many surgical procedures require one to two weeks of recovery, patients undergoing Mesotherapy have no interruptions to their daily life, while obtaining a natural cosmetic rejuvenation. There are seven injections per site, per visit. Some side effects include bruising and swelling. “For 20 minutes, it will feel like fire ants under your skin,” while forcing needles into the fat on a patients back.

How much does Mesotherapy cost?

Mesotherapy treatments cost $400.00 per area, per treatment. A treatment area is defined as the abdomen, thighs, arms, etc. Smaller areas such as the face and neck are priced accordingly.

How many treatments are required?

Generally, the average patient requires four treatments.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are generally limited to bruising. The bruises usually fade within one week.

Can I go back to work after the treatment?

Yes. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes and requires no preparation or recovery time. Furthermore, no heavy bandages or girdles are used.

Are the treatments painful?

The majority of patients experience minimal discomfort with Mesotherapy. For those with lower pain thresholds, a numbing cream or painkillers can be used.

How long do the benefits last?

Treatment areas will remain free of unwanted fat as long as the patient maintains a healthy diet and exercise. Treatments for cellulite and for Mesolift will require maintenance on a six-month to one-year basis.

How many treatments are required before I see results?

It depends on the patient's body. Some patients see results after one treatment session while others may require the full four treatments to begin to see results. Often the patient's clothing will become looser and friends and family will tell the patient they appear thinner. However, Mesotherapy is more about losing inches than losing large amounts of weight.

Is Mesotherapy different from liposuction?

Yes, it is very different. Besides involving no anaesthesia and surgical risk, Mesotherapy requires no recovery time. Mesotherapy also removes the fat from the fat cell without destroying it. We believe this helps give Mesotherapy its natural appearance. Also, if you gain weight after having Mesotherapy, the fat will simply return to the treated area, unlike liposuction, where fat can start to occur in places that had been thin in the past, such as the arms, neck, face, and calves.

How do I make an appointment?

You can call our office at 709-722-4060, and book a free consultation with one of our technicians.

What are the results?

The results obtained with Mesotherapy are dramatic. Results can been seen within 72 hours, compared with months it takes for liposuction to come down. After completing a series of Mesotherapy treatments, generally over a three-month period, patients can notice improvement in skin quality, less dimpling of the skin, and weight reduction including a loss of approximately ten pounds and one to two clothing sizes. For those undergoing treatment of hair loss, regrowth can begin just weeks after the first procedure. After approximately six months, areas of baldness are revitalized, replaced by normal growing hair. For those suffering from sagging skin and poor skin quality of the face and neck, a "Mesolift" may be beneficial.

“Peoples expectations are always higher than what is delivered,” Dr. Bense says.
Patients get better results if they add exercise into the mix. Additionally, a complete dietary and nutrient evaluation will help you maintain your weight loss goals. Patients are seeing an 85% to 90% success rate.

Are there different Mesotherapy TREATMENTS?

YES!! There are several popular treatments like:

Cellulite Reduction:
Cellulite affects the majority of women over the age 20. It is caused by poor circulation, fat herniation, a weakening of connective tissues, lymphatic congestion and hormonal imbalances. Cellulite is classified into four stages, based upon its appearance while standing, laying, and pinching the skin. Causing a dimpling and cottage cheese appearance of the skin, cellulite is not a disease of excess weight. Mesotherapy treatment is targeted to correct these problems by improving circulation, strengthening connective tissues, and dissolving excess fat.
Hair Regrowth / Alopecia:
Alopecia, the loss of hair, affects both men and women. Alopecia results from poor circulation, nutritional imbalances, and the excess of a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Mesotherapy can correct these problems, stimulating the body to naturally grow lost hair.
Face and Neck Rejuvenation / Mesolift:
Aging, sagging and wrinkling of the skin occurs from accumulation of fat, loss of skin elasticity and excessive free radical damage. Using antioxidants and amino acids, mesotherapy can remove fat from under the neck, remove free radical damage, and tighten loose skin. The effects rejuvenate the face, eyelids, and neck without the unnatural appearance and painful recovery of surgical face lifting.
Body Sculpting:
For those patients seeking body sculpting, Mesotherapy is a revolutionary and essential tool. This is how it works: blocking the signals of fat accumulation modifies the biology of the fat cell and simultaneously triggering the release of stored fat. Again, the desired area of treatment can be patient specific, targeting your most problematic areas.
Contouring of the abdomen, arms, back, legs and hands can be obtained with “Lipotherapy”, to remove areas of fat, restoring a more youthful and athletic appearance to the body's contours.
Medical uses:
Mesotherapy also has a variety of medicinal uses. Treatments can benefit those patients suffering from muscle spasms, stress, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, infections, RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), and osteoarthritis, among other conditions. Such a wide variety of conditions can be treated with this technique as each treatment is formulated to meet each patient's unique problem. Mesotherapy is administered only into the problematic area, avoiding the side effects of taking oral medications. For example, the dosage of medication used to alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis is approximately 1/50th of the comparable to the equivalent oral dose taken over a one-week period.

Before and After Photos


The photos below show a before and after "mesosculpting" of the buttocks and thighs for cellulite and fat.


Mesotherapy treatments for 'love handles'.


After three Mesotherapy treatments of the upper arm.


The dramatic effects of a mesotherapy treatment of the upper arms, bra line, waist and hips are illustrated below. This patient was four dress sizes smaller after mesotherapy.



The photos below show a before and after treatment of cellulite.



This patient lost a total of eight inches; four from the hips and four from the waist. The cellulite was removed from her hips and buttocks.


This patient lost four inches from his waist; had his "love handles" eliminated and improved his abdominal wall definition.

Crystal Peel (Microdermabrasion)

Microdermabrasion, otherwise known as the Crystal Peel, is quickly becoming one of the safest alternatives to cosmetic surgery, achieving ultimate skin care results.

Microdermabrasion is a new "Lunch Time" approach to skin resurfacing that stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen.

Less aggressive than laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion is a non-surgical treatment that does not require an anaesthetic. Treatments take 30 minutes.

Come experience a new science in clinical skin care. This modern non-surgical medical procedure provides the latest approach in the skin resurfacing industry. As little as one treatment session can provide you with the same benefits as an entire series of glycolic acid peels, without the downtime or recovery period of more aggressive peels or laser resurfacing treatments.

FAQ’s
How does it work?

This non-invasive treatment system propels natural mineral crystals onto the surface of the skin gently abrading the dead, dry redundant cell tissue. The crystals and skin cells are instantly vacuumed into a disposable unit. This treatment stimulates the production of new cells and collagen there by promoting new and healthier skin.

Who May Benefit?

Aging skin - fine lines, wrinkles
Acne skin/scars
Blackheads/white heads
Enlarged pores
Hyperpigmentation/Brown spots
Sun Damaged skin
Stretch marks/surgical scars
Dull skin, leaves a healthy glow
What are the Advantages?

It is safe for all skin types and colours (Practiced in Europe for many years)
Procedure is short, an average session lasting approximately half an hour
There is no pain, some people may experience a slight irritating sensation
There is no down-time therefore no disruptions to normal activities
Most people see an immediate difference in their skin, with increased improvement as treatment program continues
What are the average # of treatments needed?

The average number of treatments may vary from two to twelve. Treatments are spaced one to two weeks to a month apart, giving the treated area time to heal.

For more information and a complimentary consultation, call us to day at Bense Medical Aesthetics...722-4060.

Obagi™ Skin Rejuvenation Program

-A Favourite Skin Care Maintenance Program
We have all heard that beauty is only skin deep!

But the secret of beautiful skin is skin health. How can you make an informed decision about what to use to keep your skin healthy and beautiful when faced with an array of products at the cosmetic counter?

Our clients are very fortunate: we have embraced the concept of supervised skin care with our nurse Kristin Feaver-Noseworthy and Mardi Dunn who are fully committed to caring for your appearance.

The skin is a tough, flexible, waterproof covering that helps protect the body from heat, sun, cold, and microorganisms, and the transition from perfect baby skin to older wrinkled skin that is blotchy is a relentless process.

Besides photo rejuvenation and other techniques mentioned, one couldn’t obtain and maintain smooth facial skin with an even colour, texture, and tone without ongoing good skin care regimen.

See OBAGI.

Unlike traditional skin care products that only treat problems on the surface of your skin, the Obagi Skin Rejuvenation Program works at the cellular level. Under the guidance of trained physicians, the Obagi Skin Rejuvenation Program helps to correct surface discoloration, blemishes, and stimulate cell renewal to bring back the glow and softness of healthy, younger-looking skin.

At Bense Medical Aesthetics, under the guidance of Dr. Michael Bense and our R.N., Kristine Feaver-Noseworthy, we will help you get what you really want... to regain the glow of young, healthy skin.

OBAGI PROTOCOLS™

You can have beautiful skin. It starts with healthy skin

Real beauty truly does come from within.

Beauty comes from the lovely glow of fresh, smooth, firm skin. Healthy skin is nourished by natural moisture and supported by good circulation.

Time, sun, stress, environmental assaults - they all take their toll on your skin. But they do not have to win.

Your skin is a living organ with the amazing ability to renew itself. Every six weeks, it can regenerate itself literally from the inside out. Healthy skin knows how to replace damaged cells and stimulate the growth of new, vibrant skin.

All your skin needs is the right kind of stimulus to help it remember how to function properly.

This isn't about skin care. It's about skin health.

Ideal results are not achieved by anything you can buy in a store. Many existing skin care products affect only the surface of your skin and cover over the underlying problems.

The way to truly rejuvenate your skin is to reach below the surface and work at the cellular level. That's where the health - and beauty - of your skin is decided.

This type of rejuvenation requires the knowledge and guidance of a doctor, supervising a medically designed skin healthcare system.

The Obagi Protocols system is unique

Obagi Protocols combines specially developed products with medical supervision and counseling to treat your skin from the inside out.

The Obagi Protocols system, when used properly under your physician's supervision, will help your skin enjoy all these benefits.

Diminish fine lines & wrinkles
Smoother skin
Reduce pore size
Improve elasticity
Even skin tone
Bring oil production to normal levels
Reduces age spots & hyperpigmentation
Increase natural moisture
Resist environmental effects
An easy step-by-step system.

Your doctor will prescribe the Obagi products designed for your skin type and colour, and will determine the proper course of action for you.

During the treatment, you will experience three distinctive phases in the restoration of your skin health:

Reaction Phase: Out with the Old During this initial correction and stimulation period, your damaged top layer is replaced by a new layer of healthier cells.
Tolerance Phase: In with the New. The correction and stimulation continues and you will notice significant improvements in you skin almost every day.
Corrected Phase: Healthy Glow. The surface problems have been corrected and your skin is healthy and restored to a much more youthful appearance.
After that, it is easy to maintain your new, healthy, younger-looking skin for a lifetime. Your skin health routine will be second nature to you. And with your doctor's advice, it will be simple to develop a maintenance regimen that fits your skin type and nature of your skin condition.

Treat yourself to beautiful, healthy skin.

Only by Obagi.

OBAGI Foaming Gel (6.7 Fl oz./200ml)
This gentle formula combines a blend of herbs, natural cleansers and aloe. This first step frees your skin of pellutants while retaining the skin's own natural moisture content. It leaves skin clean and soft to the touch.

OBAGI Toner (6.7 Fl oz./200ml)
This refreshing blend of natural ingredients and herbs hydrates and tones the skin, while restoring ph balance to its natural and normal levels.

OBAGI Clear (2 Fl oz./60 gm.)
This rich skin cream lightens dark areas of the skin, such as age and liver spots as well as freckles.

OBAGI Exfoderm (2Fl oz/60 gm.)
This skin smoothing lotion contains phytic acid in a soothing base to smooth and tone rough or damaged skin.

OBAGI Blender (2Fl oz./60 gm.)
This lotion was designed for blending purposes, to be mixed with tretinoin. This unique formula is also used to lighten dark areas in the skin such as freckles, age and liver spots.

OBAGI Eye Cream (.5 Fl oz./15 ml.)
This specially formulated moisturizing cream is used to soothe and protect the sensitive eye area while controlling dryness.

OBAGI Action (2Fl Oz./60 gm.)
This formulation quickly relieves chapping, redness, and irritation while soothing the symptoms of overly dry skin.

OBAGI Sunblock (2Fl Oz./60 gm.)
This product contains highly effective physical sun filters. This cream delivers broad spectrum protection against the suns harmful UVA as well as UVB rays with an SPF of 24.

Vivier

-A Favourite Skin Care Maintenance Program
Vitamin - C IDS
Daily Skin Renewal System

The Natural Way to Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin

Introducing a Revolution in Daily Skin Care

Your skin is a living and protective membrane that is exposed daily to the harmful effects of sunlight, smoke and pollution. Over time, this can lead to fine lines, wrinkles and changes in skin color such as age spots. To repair and prevent these problems, it is important to maintain a proper skin care regime. Just as exercise and healthy living are important for your body, a vitamin-C skin care system is essential to your skin's well-being.

Give your skin the treatment it deserves with the Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ Daily Skin Renewal System and discover the natural way to healthy, younger-looking skin.

Why Vitamin-C?

As skin ages, its collagen production is greatly reduced, resulting in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin-C is responsible for collagen production, however, your skin does not naturally produce this vitamin. Therefore, the only way to increase the level of vitamin-C in the layers of the skin is to use the Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ Daily Skin Renewal System.

L-Ascorbic Acid is the natural and pure form of vitamin-C that is used in Vivier products and is required to stimulate collagen synthesis.

Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™
Is an anti-wrinkle/anti-aging system
Improves skin tone
Prevents sun damage
Is non-irritating
Is non-photosensitizing
Vitamin-C IDS™
Eye Contour and High Potency Serum 5*, 10& 20*

Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ acts on the surface of the skin as an anti-aging factor by neutralizing free radicals produced in the skin. Vitamin-C also stimulates collagen formation topically and increases skin vitality and youthfulness. Vitamin-C IDS™ (L-Ascorbic Acid) acts quickly by being absorbed topically into the skin and deposited in the spaces between cells where its action is optimal and controlled.

Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ Eye Contour Serum 5(0.50 Fl oz./15 g)
Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ Eye Contour Serum 5* is easy to use. Apply once or twice daily (morning and/or bedtime) on clean, dry skin before any make-up or night cream. Simply place a few drops of serum on your fingertips and apply to the skin by rubbing gently. Use on the area underneath and around the contours of your eyes, including the crow's feet area, avoiding contact with the eyelids, eyebrows and eyes.

Vivier Vitamin C-IDS™ High Potency Serum 10(1 Fl oz./30 ml)
Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ High Potency Serums 10& 20* are easy to use. Apply once or twice daily (morning and/or bedtime) to clean, dry skin before any make-up or night cream. Simply place a few drops of the serum on your fingertips and apply to the skin by rubbing gently. Use on cheeks, chin, forehead, neck and chest as desired.

Vivier Vitamin C-IDS™ High Potency Serum 20(1 Fl oz./30 ml)
Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ High Potency Serums 10& 20* are easy to use. Apply once or twice daily (morning and/or bedtime) to clean, dry skin before any make-up or night cream. Simply place a few drops of the serum on your fingertips and apply to the skin by rubbing gently. Use on cheeks, chin, forehead, neck and chest as desired.

Anti-Wrinkle Foaming Cleanser (6.7 Fl Oz./200 ml.)
Vivier Anti-Wrinkle Foaming Cleanser, with its unique enriched Vitamin-C IDS™, is an essential part of your daily vitamin-C skincare regime to fully cleanse and refresh your skin. This gentle, physician recommended cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil and make-up, leaving your skin feeling clean and revitalized.

Anti-Wrinkle Refreshing Toner (6.7 Fl Oz./200 ml.)
Vivier Anti-Wrinkle Refreshing Toner is an essential part of your daily vitamin-C skincare regime. This unique, gentle, alcohol-free formulation is enriched with Vitamin-C IDS™, essential minerals and botanical extracts to provide clean, refreshing toning without the harsh, drying effects of alcohol. It reconditions your skin while removing impurities.

Anti-Wrinkle Daily Moisturizing Cream (2 Fl Oz./60 g.)
Vivier Anti-Wrinkle Daily Moisturizing Cream is essential part of your daily vitamin-C skincare regime. This unique, luxurious, oil free formulation is enriched with Vitamin-C IDS™ and essential moisturizers to help increase skin's smoothness while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Anti-Wrinkle Nightly Renewal Cream (2Fl Oz./60g.)
Vivier Anti-Wrinkle Nightly Renewal Cream is an essential part of your daily vitamin-C skincare regime. This nourishing Vitamin-C IDS™ enriched formulation is designed to work overnight to effectively moisturize, renew and revitalize tired skin.

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour Cream (0.5 Fl Oz./15 g.)
Vivier Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour Cream, with its unique enriched Vitamin-C IDS™, works to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, redefining and moisturizing skin around the eye area. With regular use, skin becomes firmer and younger-looking. Radiance and smoothness is visibly restored.

Dark Circle Diminishing Eye Therapy (with Vitamin-K) (0.5 Fl Oz./15 g.)
Vivier Dark Circle Diminishing Eye Therapy with Vitamin K, with its unique enriched Vitamin-C IDS™, works to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes while moisturizing the skin. With regular use, skin becomes more radiant, refreshed and younger-looking.

Vivier Therapeutic

More Than Skin Deep

Vivier Therapeutic and Your Skin

Vivier Therapeutic products are formulated to give your skin the care it deserves. They can soothe and protect dry, irritated or itchy skin, combat and prevent acne and reduce redness, inflammation or skin discoloration.

Vivier Therapeutic products work for you in two ways. First, the revolutionary IntraDermal System (IDS™) helps the active ingredients in the products work from above and below the surface of your skin. Secondly, most of our Vivier Therapeutic products contain Hexamidine, a proven and effective bacteria-fighting agent that soothes and protects irritated or itchy skin and reduces redness and inflammation.

CABRAL IDS™ (6.7 Fl oz./200 ml)
(0.1 % Hexamidine) Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

CABRAL IDS™ Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for all hair types contains Hexamidine, a proven antimicrobial ingredient to fight against bacteria. It is specially formulated in a unique and advanced skin retention system to effectively control dryness, itchiness and dandruff.

This gentle formula helps protect the scalp's natural moisture balance and prevents itching and light flaking that may be caused by dry scalp. Helps to heal damaged skin, relieves minor skin irritations and replenishes lost moisture. PH balanced and gentle enough for everyday use,

CABRAL IDS™ Anti-Dandruff Shampoo helps to prevent the recurrence of flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

HEXAM IDS™ (6.7 Fl Oz./200 ml.)
(0.1 % Hexamidine) Moisturizing Skin Cleanser

HEXAM IDS™ Moisturizing Skin Cleanser contains Hexamidine, a proven antimicrobial ingredient to fight against bacteria. It is formulated in the unique and advanced skin retention system (IDS™) that is equally effective in the presence of abundant oily skin.

HEXAM IDS™ Moisturizing Skin Cleanser is an essential part of your daily skincare regime to fully cleanse and refresh your skin. This gentle, physician recommended cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil and make-up, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Helps protect the skin's natural moisture balance and prevent itchiness that may be caused by dry skin. Also helps to heal damaged skin, relieves minor skin irritations and replenishes lost moisture.

SEEQUIN 2 IDS™ (1 Fl oz./30 ml)
(2% Hydroquinone USP)

SEEQUIN 4 IDS™ (1 Fl oz./30 ml)
(4% Hydroquinone USP)
Liquid Gel

Based on the patented "IntraDermal System" (IDS™), SEEQUIN 2 IDS™ and SEEQUIN 4 IDS™ gradually lighten hyperpigmentation of the skin such as age spots, liver spots, freckles or other areas of unwanted melanin hyperpigmentation that may result from sun exposure. Available in two strengths in a non-medicinal liquid gel base containing 10% vitamin-C (L-Ascorbic Acid USP).

LEXXEL IDS™ (2 Fl oz./60 g.)
(0.1% Hexamidine) Moisturizing Skin Cream

LEXXEL IDS™ Moisturizing Skin Cream is a unique and advanced skin retention system formulation that provides exceptional moisturizing combined with antimicrobial skin protection.

Formulated with Hexamidine, a powerful antimicrobial agent, LEXXEL IDS™ Moisturizing Skin Cream moisturizes, heals and protects irritated or itchy skin. Safe and recommended for all dry skin conditions and minor lesions.

Go beyond alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and topical vitamin C.

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX™ - The science of beautiful skin...

TNS
RECOVERY COMPLEX™

THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN

It's in every drop of TNS Recovery Complex™ - the most advanced topical formulation available for improving the health and appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin.

Every time your skin is exposed to the sun, pollution, smoking and other environmental stressors, it loses some of the natural factors that keep it healthy and youthful. Now science has discovered a way to help restore what time takes away. TNS Recovery Complex™ with NouriCel-MD™ is a patented formulation, designed to give your skin the natural growth factors, antioxidants, matrix proteins, and collagens it needs for optimal health.

Ask your physician how TNS Recovery Complex™ can help rejuvenate your skin without burning, peeling, or irritation. In just a week, you can begin to see healthier, smoother, younger looking skin.

TNS Recovery Complex (0.5 Fl oz./15 ml.)

TNS Recovery Complex is a Tissue Nutrient Solution for Skin Rejuvenation.

TNS Recovery Complex's Growth Factors work like a team and are scientifically proven to aid with:

Improving skin texture for healthy, refreshed looking skin
Softening and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduction in wrinkle depth Reduces visible discolorations caused by aging and sun damage
TNS Recovery Complex is safe, non-irritating and does not cause increased photo sensitivity. Multiple safety studies have been completed.

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX™ The Ultimate in Skin Care

Many people experience the following benefits after 3 months of daily use with TNS Recovery Complex ™:

Younger looking skin
Improved elasticity
Reduced wrinkle depth and minimization of fine lines
Enhanced skin texture
Decreased age spots and pigmentation
Whatever your skin type, great results can be yours. Just follow these easy steps:

Always start with a clean face.
After toner, evenly apply a blueberry- sized dollop of TNS Recovery Complex™ onto your face. In the first 3 months of treatment, apply TNS both in the morning and before Bedtime. After 3 months, use TNS every morning to maintain your beautiful results.
Once you've applied your TNS, the most effective order for using additional products is:
Eye serum
Vitamin C complex (in morning only)
Retinol complex ( in evening only)
Your favorite moisturizer
Sunscreen (in morning only)

Vivier
-A Favourite Skin Care Maintenance Program
Vitamin - C IDS
Daily Skin Renewal System

The Natural Way to Healthy, Younger-Looking Skin

Introducing a Revolution in Daily Skin Care

Give your skin the treatment it deserves with the Vivier Vitamin-C IDS™ Daily Skin Renewal System and discover the natural way to healthy, younger-looking skin.

Why Vitamin-C?

L-Ascorbic Acid is the natural and pure form of vitamin-C that is used in Vivier products and is required to stimulate collagen synthesis.

Vivier Therapeutic

More Than Skin Deep

Vivier Therapeutic and Your Skin

CABRAL IDS™ Anti-Dandruff Shampoo helps to prevent the recurrence of flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

Go beyond alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and topical vitamin C.

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX™ - The science of beautiful skin...

TNS
RECOVERY COMPLEX™

THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN

It's in every drop of TNS Recovery Complex™ - the most advanced topical formulation available for improving the health and appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin.

Ask your physician how TNS Recovery Complex™ can help rejuvenate your skin without burning, peeling, or irritation. In just a week, you can begin to see healthier, smoother, younger looking skin.

TNS Recovery Complex (0.5 Fl oz./15 ml.)

TNS Recovery Complex is a Tissue Nutrient Solution for Skin Rejuvenation.

TNS Recovery Complex's Growth Factors work like a team and are scientifically proven to aid with:

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX™ The Ultimate in Skin Care

Many people experience the following benefits after 3 months of daily use with TNS Recovery Complex ™:

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

-A Favourite Skin Care Maintenance Program
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was born out of need. Pauline Youngblood had worked as a paramedical aesthetician for 8 years, servicing prominent dermatologists and plastic surgeons in areas of skin care, with particular interest in care for problematic skin. While professionally consulting with many of these physicians to establish and maintain the skin care operations of their practices, it became evident to her that the patients had cosmetic needs that were not being met. She began working with chemists, putting together a superior formulation of micronized minerals and pigments to create her own concealing powder for use on patients with special cosmetic needs. The result was a silky, lightweight foundation powder so versatile and effective that any women looking for a premium, healthy, long-lasting makeup could use it. Hence, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was born.

The company now sells quality cosmetics to doctors, aestheticians, and salons throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as in Australia and Denmark. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics has remained dedicated to creating the newest in premium cosmetics. The philosophy remains true to the company's original conception of offering products made with the purest of ingredients, formulated to serve the needs of the customer. They contain no oil, talc, perfume, dyes or alcohol.

A most vital element in the success of Youngblood is the quality customer service and support offered to our customer base. Our trained mineral cosmetics professionals take pride in spending time and sharing knowledge with our customers. Premium products and friendly, courteous service is what sets Youngblood apart.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is here to listen to all of your skin care and cosmetic needs. We are proud to offer various services, which include:

Premium Products, Made in the USA
Beautiful Selection of Cosmetic Colours
Friendly Sales Representatives available for support
Quick, Dependable Service
Pure, Healthy, Natural Products
Co-op Marketing Support Available
Toll free Number

Injectables and Fillers for Luscious Lips Wrinkles and More

Facial wrinkles are often the result of aging. Frown lines and crows feet, other creases around the eyes and mouth, and the deep lines from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth can be softened with Collagen, Hylaform, Restylane, Juvederm, and other materials. These three dimensional volume fillers plump up lines and wrinkles and give your face a smoother, less aged appearance.

Aging can cause the lips to thin and flatten out. One of several techniques may be used and your surgeon will select the procedure best for you. Every surgeon will have his or her own procedure preferences for a variety of reasons, including the range in shape of each patient's lips and the results desired.

Collagen or other fillers can be used to plump the upper and/or lower lips for a sensual, youthful appearance. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia and once completed, your lips will feel soft to the touch and feel normal, there will be no change in sensation.

Before and After Photos


Before	After

Before	After

Luscious Lips: (Lip Injections to Enlarge and Beautify Lips)

One of the 1st signs of facial aging is lip wrinkles and loss of lip volume

Luscious lips are a feature of signature photos in every fashion magazine. Not everyone is blessed with a pair of perfect lips. The few who are will not get to keep them forever without a little bit of help. The lip region serves as a barometer of both chronological age as well as true age. The aging and wrinkling of the lip zone are influenced by several factors including age, genetics and sun damage.

The Bense Lip Technique is a hallmark of our practice, where we often combine laser-resurfacing (Sciton and CO2 laser techniques) treatments to rejuvenate the peri-oral wrinkles and smokers’ lines, Botox to improve the mouth angles and injectable fillers to smoothen out larger folds.

What treatment is best for me?

A single syringe of one of our favourite fillers is all you may need with or without Botox to satisfy your budget and personality.

FAQ
Are there different types of injectables and which product does Dr. Bense prefer?

Yes there are many of these injectables on the market such as Perlane, Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines and Juvederm.

Medicis Aesthetics Canada products give shape with the body's own natural material called hyaluronic acid. It binds water in your skin, to lift and give new firmness. The look of your skin depends, amongst other things, on the substance hyaluronic acid, which gives your skin its volume. Ageing, diseases and injuries are some of the factors that weaken the amount and quality of hyaluronic acid. Until now, it has not been possible to use hyaluronic acid in the skin without using a product of animal origin. Now, Medicis Aesthetics Canada, a line of three products Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines and Perlane are available for treatment of lips, wrinkles and folds.

In Medicis Aesthetics Canada products, stabilized, hyaluronic acid, in the form of a crystal-clear gel, smoothes wrinkles and folds or gives contour. Products from Q-Med Esthetics give you a long-lasting and natural enhancement. Medicis Aesthetics Canada products restore a youthful resilience to your skin by simply adding to your natural supply. Medicis Aesthetics Canada is the only company to offer NASHA, or Non-Animal, Stabilized, Hyaluronic Acid. As a totally non-animal product, there is no risk of transmitting disease or eliciting allergic reaction in patients who are sensitive to common foods, such as beef, chicken and eggs.

Each of the three choices in the Medicis Aesthetics Canada product range are specially designed for different purposes and effects, from eliminating tiny lines to enhancing facial contours and sculpting lips to perfection. RESTYLANE is used for wrinkle correction and lip enhancements. RESTYLANE Fine Lines corrects thin, superficial lines, for example around the eyes and mouth, forehead lines and smile lines. PERLANE shapes facial contours, such as cheeks and chin, correcting deep folds, and for volume augmentation of the lips.

How long a treatment holds its effect is very individual?

This depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, life style and muscle activity, as well as on the injection technique. Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after an initial treatment of wrinkles or facial contouring.

How about after care?

After lip treatments, a follow-up is normally needed after about six months.

Any pre-testing required?

No pre-testing is needed and a session often takes less than 30 minutes.

Is it painful?

For wrinkle treatments no pain relief is generally necessary, however it can be easily arranged at your request. When enhancing the lips, pain relief in the form of a local anaesthetic is often used. During treatment the crystal-clear gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very thin needle. The gel then gives natural volume and smoothes the wrinkles. After the treatment some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. These typically resolve spontaneously within one to two days after injection into the skin and within a week after injection into the lips.

How do Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines, Juvederm and Perlane work?

All products are based on a hyaluronic acid gel that is injected into the skin in order to lift up wrinkles or add volume to the lips.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found throughout the body. It gives, for example, volume to the skin, lubricates the joints and gives the eye its shape.

How were Medics Aesthetics Canada Products developed?

In 1994, after more than 20 tears of research, the company Q-MED in Sweden, managed to develop a way of using a non-animal hyaluronic acid to replace lost skin tissue. Before this, collagen made from cow skin and hyaluronic acid made from rooster combs had been used.

What kinds of wrinkles can be treated?

Common areas are the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), the nasolabial folds (from the wing of the nose to the angle of the mouth) and wrinkles around the lips and around the eyes, but other sites can also be treated.

What results can be obtained from lip treatment?

The vermilion border can be accentuated and the lips can be given more volume.

What is the treatment like?

The treatment is a very easy and quick process. Since no pre-test is needed, the treatment can be carried out immediately and takes about 30 minutes. The result is instant.

Is the treatment painful?

This is very individual depending on how sensitive to pain you are. The injections may prick a little but normally no anesthesia is needed for the treatment of wrinkles. Lip treatment can be quite uncomfortable and therefore a nerve block or similar anesthesia is normally used.

How long does the effect last?

Since Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines, Juvederm and Perlane are made of a substance very similar to your own skin, the same ongoing processes (such as ageing) that change the structure of you skin will also alter after the implant. Eventually the implant totally disappears from the body. How long the effect of the treatment lasts is very individual. It depends on many factors, such as the structure of the skin, lifestyle and age as well as on the degree of perfection demanded by the individual. Most patients choose to have touch-up treatment done within 6-12 months of the original treatment. For lip augmentation, new treatment is normally needed about 4 - 8 months.

Is it safe?

The hyaluronic acid in the Restylane products is almost identical to that already present in the body and therefore the skin does not react to the material but stays calm and healthy. Also, since the hyaluronic acid in the Restylane product is not made from animals, there is no risk of transmitting diseases from animals or eliciting allergic reactions to common foodstuffs such as eggs, meat or chicken. More than 300,000 treatments have so far been carried out with Restylane and only a very small number of adverse events have been reported (approximately 1 in 2000 patients).

How will my skin look after the treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation at treated area. This is a normal result of the injection and the inconvenience is temporary. It generally goes away in a day or two. After lip treatment, the lips may become swollen and look somewhat uneven. This can persist for a couple of days (up to a week). If the inconvenience continues, please contact your physician.

Is there any other type of reactions that may occur?

If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another cold sore eruption. If you are using aspirin or any similar medication, you should be aware that these might increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.

What will my skin look like without touch-up treatment?

The correction will gradually disappear until your skin looks just as it did before the treatment. Touch-up injections will help you maintain your correction.

How about Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen Replacement Therapy®?

These are collagen treatments
Collagen treatments last from 3 to 6 months and take less than an hour in a doctor's office.
Results are immediate and recovery time is so short, you can sneak in a treatment at lunchtime. Telling anyone or not is delightfully up to you.
Collagen is actually part of the natural support structure of you skin. Wrinkles form when the natural collagen thins. The loss is mostly a factor of aging, but exposure, pollution, health, heredity and lifestyle also play roles. Without enough collagen, wrinkles and lines start to form wherever the skin moves. Collagen Replacement Therapy® (using Zyderm and Zyplast collagen implants), replenishes the skin's collagen layer, smoothing lines and wrinkles, and adding definition to lip borders from the inside out. And results are immediate.
Zyderm and Zyplast collagen implants are natural products derived from highly purified bovine collagen that is injected just under the surface of the skin. Like your own collagen, your body eventually absorbs this collagen so ongoing treatments are necessary to maintain results. If you discontinue treatments, the new collagen is simply reabsorbed and your face gradually returns to its natural contours.
While healing time varies, many people return to work the same day. People absorb collagen at varying rates, but treatments generally last 3 to 6 months. You and your doctor will tailor a treatment program to meet your individual needs. No matter which option you choose, be sure you receive enough collagen to achieve the look you want. A skin test will be required prior to treatment with Collagen products.

ThermaCOOL (Thermage)

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure used to tighten loose, sagging skin and is better known as the "non-surgical facelift".

Thermage was developed to help the signs of aging by lifting and tightening sagging loose facial skin. Without surgery, radio frequency energy is used to heat the tissue below the skin while keeping the skin's surface cool. This tightens your existing collagen and stimulates new collagen growth giving the skin a more youthful, firmer look.

Results will vary from patient to patient, depending on your age, treatment area, skin laxity and lifestyle. Your face will have a more youthful, refreshed look. Some patients see an improvement within a few days; you should however expect to see results over a period of 2-6 months. The results may last for at least 1-2 years or longer depending on the rate of the aging process.

Treating the forehead can lift the eyebrow enhancing the appearance of the eyes, giving you a less tired more alert look. Treating the cheeks, neck and jowl areas will reduce the skin's sagginess that produces deep folds with aging. (ThermaCOOL TC is cleared by the FDA to treat wrinkles and rhytids in the eye area).

During the procedure you may experience a little discomfort. If necessary medication may be prescribed prior to procedure to ensure a more comfortable treatment.

Each time the machine is fired there is a sensation of heat in the area being treated. This heat sensation lasts only fractions of a second and is followed by a cold sensation, which also helps reduce the discomfort. During treatment, a cryogen spray cools the skin's surface before, during and after each radio frequency pulse to protect the skin from damage. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending in the size of the treatment area.

The Thermage procedure is extremely safe.

Potential temporary side effects may include slight redness and mild blistering in the treatment area. For most patients, there is no recovery or downtime so patients can resume routine activities immediately after treatment. Unlike laser procedures, radio frequency energy is unaffected by the skin pigment. All skin colours can be safely and effectively treated.

FAQ’s
What results can I expect?

Results will vary from patient to patient, depending on your age, treatment area and skin laxity. Your face will have a more youthful, refreshed look. Some patients see an improvement within a few days; you should however expect to see results over a period of 2-6 months.

What areas can be treated with Thermage?

Treating the forehead can lift the eyebrow enhancing the appearance of the eye, giving you a less tired more alert look. Treating the cheeks, jowls, eyes and neck area may reduce the skin's sagginess, which can produce deep folds with aging.

Are there any special precautions to be taken before or after Thermage?

We ask that if you are using Retin A/Renova, Alpha Hydroxyl Acids or other possible irritants to please stop for 1-week prior and 1-week post treatment. There are no restrictions in activity before or following the procedure. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after. Some patients may experience redness and/or swelling in the treated area immediately following the procedure, which fades within a few hours.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients are satisfied after one treatment, however some patients may benefit from a second treatment, which would be determined during your 3-month post treatment check. How long will the effects last? The results may last for at least 1-2 years or longer depending on the rate of the aging process.

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the size of the treatment area the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

Does skin colour affect the outcome?

Unlike laser procedures, radio frequency energy is unaffected by the skin pigment. All skin colours can be safely and effectively treated.

Is Thermage safe?

Yes, the Thermage procedure is extremely safe. Potential temporary side effects may include slight redness and mild blistering in the treatment area. For instance, about 5% of the patients in the clinical trials experienced very minor burns over a small portion of the treatment area, which resolved without incident. For most patients, there is no recovery or downtime so patients can resume routine activities immediately after treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (I.P.L.) technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of aging, hyper pigmentation (brown spots), birthmarks, unsightly small veins, rosacea and other blemishes. This new procedure is called Photo rejuvenation.

Intense Pulsed Light works by using a highly advanced computer which regulates the light pulse to a specific wavelength range, which in turn heats the target, thereby damaging or otherwise destroying the targeted lesion while sparing the surrounding healthy or "normal" tissue. The penetration depth and degree of heat is highly controlled so that most complications contributed to these specific factors are not usually an issue with Intense Pulsed Light. With this machine the light pulses are directed at the blood vessels, age spots, freckles, flat-pigmented birthmarks and other types of discoloration.

During the procedure, you will wear protective eyewear. Your provider will ascertain your comfort and if desired a topical anaesthetic may be applied.

After the treatment area is "numb" a cold, soothing gel will be applied and a glass prism (pyramid) will then be placed over the gel and treatment area. An intense flash of light, or pulse, is flashed through the prism where it is directed at the treatment area.

This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as your following treatments so as not to possibly damage the skin and to determine your skin's tolerance for further intensive treatment. A total of 3-5 treatments are required and are performed every 3-4 weeks.

During the procedure you will experience a slight sensation as the pulses of therapeutic light are passed over your skin. The sensation is very mild and easily tolerated.

After your first treatment you can expect to see some redness, bruising (though not common) darkening of brown spots, and slight swelling. Blisters can occur but are uncommon. These symptoms will resolve in several hours to days. Make-up can be immediately applied, if desired.

You may return to work or attend any scheduled activities immediately after the procedure. Your skin may look slightly flushed temporarily. You will have a mild glow, which usually will not be noticed by others.

Intense Pulsed Light treatments are safe having been used in hundreds of thousands of treatments.

FAQ’s
What Conditions that can be treated using Intense Pulsed Light?

Freckles
Age Spots (lentigos)
Large Pores
Dilated Capillaries
Fine Lines
Sun Spots (solar lentigos)
Hyper pigmentation
Port Wine Stains
Rosacea
Spider Veins (face and legs)
Café Au Lait Macules (birthmarks)
Seborrheic Keratoses
Is the procedure painful?

You will experience a slight sensation as the pulses of therapeutic light are passed over your skin. The sensation is very mild and easily tolerated. Topical anaesthetic creams are not required but are available for individuals who wish to numb the skin.

What instructions should I follow prior to my I.P.L. treatments?

We ask that if you are using Retin A/Renova, Alpha Hydroxyl Acids or other possible irritants to please stop for 1-week prior and 1 week post each treatment (we will advise you on your treatment day when you can resume usage of these products). Also, please avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen one week prior to treatment unless medically indicated. To undergo the treatments, you must maintain a commitment to sun protection through the use of protective clothing, sunglasses and an effective UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen.

What improvements will I notice after a series of five treatments?

Your skin will look refreshed and rejuvenated. Improvement in tone and skin texture is experienced. A significant reduction of brown and red areas of discoloration, small red blood vessels (spider veins) and irregular areas of pigmentation occurs. Pore size is reduced by one third. A reduction of red discoloration will be evident in individuals with rosacea or abnormal flushing. Skin looks more beautiful following the procedure.

How long do the results last?

The results can be expected to last for possibly several years or longer after a series of five treatments have been done. However with the passage of time and environmental exposure, skin ages as we do and therefore occasional touch up procedures may be required.

What can I expect from the I.P.L. treatments?

After your first treatment you can expect to see some redness, darkening of brown spots, bruising (though not common) and slight swelling. Blisters can occur but are uncommon. These symptoms will resolve in several hours to days. Make-up can be immediately applied, if desired.

Will I be able to return to work or other activities after the procedure?

Yes. You may return to work or attend any scheduled activities immediately after the procedure. Your skin may look slightly flushed temporarily. You will have a mild glow, which usually will not be noticed by others.

How about Combined Treatments of IPL and other treatments?

Many patients will benefit from combination treatments alongside IPL. These combinations might include

The Sciton and CO2 laser for resurfacing around the mouth where the wrinkling is excessive, or a micro-laser peel to the whole face.
The use of Botox and fillers only serve to enhance the benefits of IPL treatments and improve the overall appearance and satisfaction of the client.
These combination treatments are the wave of the future.

In our western society there is a startling bias against aging and the elderly. In my practice those clients who have taken good care of their skin and taken action to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage, feel much better about their appearance.

Photo rejuvenation (IPL) - Intense Pulsed Light and Sciton laser Resurfacing is a very popular option
In a competitive job market, a youthful appearance is a marker for a vigorous creative employee. Signs of aging including facial wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, and a blotchy pigmentation have been treated in the past with chemical peels, dermabrasion, home remedies, and more recently with the CO2 laser and Erbium: YAG lasers.

Most patients are now seeking a way to address aging as well as sun damage without the healing time associated with invasive treatments. IPL (Intense Pulse Light) has supplied the answer to many clients in this regard.

Laser Hair Removal

Seven reasons why Bense Medical Aesthetics is the #1 laser hair Removal Company in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Bense Medical Aesthetics offers the fastest and most comfortable technology available today and therefore the most value for your money.
A written guarantee. The majority of our clients qualify for a two-year guarantee.
Free consultation.
Patch test.
Experience. Our company is backed by the finest laser hair removal technology available in the world.
Staff. We have a Royal College of Canada Surgeon and O.R. Nurse as well as additional technical assistance supervising the treatment.
Clinical services. We offer competitive prices and the very best, fastest and most comfortable laser available.
Our Technology

Bense Medical Aesthetics is the first and only facility in Newfoundland and Labrador to acquire the Candela GentleLASE® Plus hair removal system, the only laser hair removal and large vein laser with dynamic cooling that delivers outstanding speed, comfort, affordability and results.

The GentleLASE is a significant addition to our aesthetic and cosmetic surgery practice, allowing us to provide the latest technology and the best method of removing hair gently, fast, comfortably, and effectively without messy gels. This non-surgical treatment is performed right here at Bense Medical Aesthetics in Elizabeth Towers, St. John's. With the proprietary Dynamic Cooling™, we can treat large areas faster and more comfortably than other systems.

About 70% of women use some form of hair removal. Our new laser system offers all these women an effective alternative to other hair removal methods. The treatment is faster, comfortable and affordable.

FAQ
What is the Candela GentleLASE laser and why is it a safe treatment?

Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and rejuvenating the skin on the face. The GentleLASE System, a revolutionary long-pulse high-energy alexandrite laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which destroys the hair follicle leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. A Dynamic Cooling Device™ further protects the skin where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin cooling the upper layers and providing patients with increased comfort. The GentleLASE selectively helps to protect the skin, while effectively treating unwanted hair.

What conditions are treated with the laser?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis - which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. The GentleLASE System safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structure of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.

What other conditions does GentleLASE treat?

The GentleLASE System is also effective for the treatment of the large, "blue" leg veins, in some instances the GentleLASE System may be used to treat age spots, freckles, and acne, as well as enhance facial rejuvenation.

Please tell me more about the Treatment itself

Depending on the amount of hair treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include:

Wearing safety eyewear to protect the practitioner and patient's eyes from the laser during the procedure.
A small hand piece will be used that touches the skin to deliver the laser light. A light spray of coolant onto the skin will be felt just before each laser pulse.
A test area will be done prior to the entire treatment. Your full treatment may be done on the same day or up to two weeks later, depending on the skin reaction.
Most patients experience little discomfort at the treatment site because of the dynamic cooling device.
The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Topical anaesthesia may also be requested based on individual preferences or tolerances. Be sure to discuss this with your practitioner in advance of the laser treatment.
The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour, depending on the area treated.
The treated area may become pink or red within 30 minutes of treatment; this may last from a few hours to several days and is relieved with the application of ice or cooling gels.

What precautions should be taken before and after treatment?

Avoid the sun 6-8 weeks before and after treatment or until your practitioner allows it.
You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment and throughout the entire treatment period.
If you have had a history of perioral herpes, prophylactic antiviral therapy may be prescribed.
If you have a dark skin type, a bleaching cream may be started 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results.
You should discuss your desired results and the improvements you expect to achieve with your practitioner. Together you can decide if your expectations will be met and if this laser treatment is the best option.

How many treatments will I need?

Hair grows in cycles. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin colour, hair colour, and coarseness of the hair. Everyone will require at least 6-12 treatments, as the process is only effective on hair during the early growing cycle. Repeat sessions will be necessary (at approx. 6-8 weeks) to treat those follicles when they re-enter the early growth phase.

Is this procedure covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures. However, consult with your insurance carrier for more information.

Our Doctors, Nurses and Technical Assistants

Kristine Feaver-Noseworthy, R.N., a certified Candela Laser Hair Removal specialist, is a trained operating room nurse. With years of nursing and peri-operative nursing experience, she is a wonderful person to guide you through these treatments. Our technical assistants are highly trained and knowledgeable in this specific field.

For More Information!!

For more information on our new GentleLASE laser hair removal or to book a free evaluation, please call Kristine today at 709-722-40/60.

Botox

It's all about freedom of expression...

Almost 3.3 million BOTOX® Cosmetic procedures were performed in 2005 alone. Not just models and movie stars, but people from all types of professions.

BOTOX® Cosmetic can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between your brows for up to 4 months. Of course, we know that seeing is believing. So, take a look at men and women who have had BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, and see for yourself!

Results may vary

If you're planning on being treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic, you might want to take pictures of yourself before your first treatment. Then a week later, take new pictures so you can see the results. Your doctor might even do this as part of the procedure. Chances are, you'll like what you see!

Do not use BOTOX® Cosmetic if you:

have an infection where BOTOX® Cosmetic will be injected
are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® Cosmetic
are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Only your doctor can decide if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you:

have any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles. These diseases may increase your chance of side effects with BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.
are breastfeeding
are planning to become pregnant soon.

Be sure that your doctor knows the names of all the medicines you are using, including:

antibiotics used to treat infections, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, clindamycin, and lincomycin
medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, such as quinidine
medicines used to treat different conditions, such as myasthenia gravis or Alzheimer’s disease.
As with all prescription medicines, you should also notify your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal products.
This is not a complete list of medicines that can interact with BOTOX® Cosmetic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the Professional Package Insert for complete information.

For more information, you may want to read Frequently Asked Questions and see How BOTOX® Works.

The beauty of a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is that it's a simple, 10-minute, non-surgical process. A few tiny injections, and within days there can be a noticeable improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between the brows that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary. And there’s no recovery time. You can even do it on your lunch break.

The following content provided by www.bense.ca

Introduction

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a Perennial Favourite at Bense Medical Aesthetics.
Bense Medical Aesthetics under the directorship of Kristine Feaver-Noseworthy has become the top user of Botox in Atlantic Canada for the past many years.

Smiling is a positive feature; however with time and squinting, smile lines in the crow’s feet area become permanent at rest. Frown lines give the impression of being sad, mad or worried, some patients refer to this genetic or habit pattern as their thinking, concentration, or squinting lines. This negative look makes patients looked stressed and unapproachable. This demeanour is nothing about how you feel but it does transmit a message to others. BOTOX® Cosmetic can soften and relax these dynamic lines. Botox creates a much more approachable confidant look to your face.

Many of the more novel uses of BOTOX® Cosmetic only require small doses of Botox so it becomes only a relatively small expense to the BOTOX® Cosmetic client.

BOTOX Cosmetic™ relaxes muscles to smooth away wrinkles. BOTOX Cosmetic™ is a novel therapeutic product (protein) it has been studied extensively for facial rejuvenation since early 1990s. 90% of treated patients report a positive patient response to improvement of wrinkles

BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved for use in Canada for other muscle related medical conditions with over 20 years of clinical experience. These include:

Focal Spasticity
Cerebral palsy
Cervical dystonia
Blepharospasm
Hemifacial spasm
Strabismus
Hyperhidrosis

BOTOX Cosmetic™ is the leading treatment for facial wrinkles.

Tell me of the ever-popular Combination treatments involving Botox

BOTOX® Cosmetic is often used in combination with other facial procedures.

RESURFACING: BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments for smile lines and frown lines will greatly enhance the end result of laser resurfacing for exaggerated wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and the mouth area.

BLADE FREE iLIDLIFT™ (Laser Assisted Blepharoplasty) for baggy upper and lower eyelids are often combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to relax the smile and crow’s feet areas. A BOTOX® Cosmetic brow lift is an excellent option to enhance the effect of laser eyelifts.

Deep frown folds and wrinkles: persistent lines and furrows at rest in the frown area after Botox treatments can be smoothed and filled with the newer injectables like Juvederm, as well as Perlane and Restylane. BOTOX® Cosmetic plus fillers create synergy where one sees 1 + 1 = 3

Photo rejuvenation: At Bense Medical Aesthetics we often combine BOTOX® Cosmetic with IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatments. You can return to work without any observable negative effects.

Droopy mouth corners: Tiny amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic at the angles of the mouth combined with fillers lift the grumpy appearance.

The ‘Aging Neck’: Horizontal necklace lines, vertical neckbands and the ‘turkey neck’, appearance combined with blotchy sun damage, can be improved. BOTOX® Cosmetic combined with Thermage, IPL, and the Threadlift procedure, can create an excellent result without open face-lift surgery at a fraction of the cost.

Headaches: Tension and Migraine
Excess Sweating (Hyperhydrosis): armpits and palms
Hemifacial spasms
BOTOX® Cosmetic eyebrow lift
Breast lift and posture improvement

How does BOTOX Cosmetic™ work?

BOTOX Cosmetic™ works at the root of the problem:

BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (deep wrinkles caused by overactive muscles)
A tiny amount is placed precisely into the overactive muscle, through a fine needle
The muscle relaxes and the overlying skin becomes smoother, giving your face a more relaxed look
Most common side effects are mild and temporary
Headache - less than placebo
Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) - less than 1%

Can you show me some results please?

Sure. We have many before and after pictures that reveal the true power and mystery of Botox

How fast does Botox smooth out your wrinkles?

It works - fast! See results in 2-14 days

How about procedure and recovery times?

It is a quick treatment with no recovery time

Duration of effect is 3-6 months, and may increase over repeated injections
Highly safe and effective• Predictable and precise - dramatic results!
Eliminate frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines, neck lines and much more

Do you use Botox Cosmetic™ for Abnormal Sweating?

Sure we do. We use it for excess sweating of the Palms and Underarms

www.transpirationexcessive.ca

The use of Botox Cosmetic™ to block nerve impulse to sweat glands is today a valuable treatment for abnormal sweating of the underarms, palms and soles. Two to six days are needed for the injections to take effect. Please contact us for more details.

Do you give Botox injections for Brow Elevation?

Sure we do, and quiet often, it also cost but pennies as we use low doses in these cases.

Often, the forehead and eyebrows can be rejuvenated with non-surgical efforts using Botox® Cosmetic. Unlike surgery, BOTOX® Cosmetic is fast, simple and minimally invasive with no downtime or recovery.

Do you treat migraine headaches at BMA?

Sure we do!

Can you give me some expert advise on treating Migraines with Botox Cosmetic™

Although we do not know exactly how Botox Cosmetic™ relieves headache pain, there is little question on how effective it is. Botox Cosmetic™ is emerging as a safe and effective treatment for migraine and may offer significant advantages over other preventative treatments, especially as it relates to safety and tolerability.

Please call us for details if you wish to learn more about this exciting technology.

Do you use Botox for other reasons?

Sure we do! We use it for Breast lifts and other more obscure ophthalmic conditions like spastic entropion, hemi-facial spasms, posture issues and a few more obscure reasons.

AS mentioned, BOTOX® was first approved in Canada in 1990 for blepharospasm and strabismus. Since then, Health Canada has approved BOTOX® for the following indications:

Varicose Vein Treatments

Dr. Michael Bense and Kristine Feaver-Noseworthy are certified phlebologist in both endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) for superficial vein incompetence (SVI) as well as ambulatory phlebectomies for visible large vein removal.

The EVLT™ and VNUS Closure procedures are both minimally invasive treatment alternatives to traditional vein stripping surgery for venous reflux.

For cosmetic varicose vein treatment where there is no venous reflux in the large superficial veins, we offer a series of treatments for both reticular (blue) veins and spider veins (telangiectasia).

We use both sclerotherapy (injection treatments) as well as laser therapies to eliminate these abnormalities.

Please contact us for an evaluation of your vein disorder.

We can use a doppler ultrasound to rule out the presence or absence of venous reflux.

We can then guide you to the best possible treatment options that may include:

Diagnostic tests to rule in/out the presence of venous reflux in the greater or lesser saphenous veins
Mapping of venous reflux in the larger superficial venous system.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
Ambulatory phlebectomy (AP)
Foam sclerotherapy
Medicinal non-foam sclerotherapy
Compression stockings
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Yag laser (quantum laser)
Alexandrite laser treatments (candela laser)

Before and After Photos


Pre laser treatment for veins	2 week post laser treatment for veins


2 month post laser treatment for veins

TATTOO REMOVAL

The Bense Eye Centre is the only facility in this province that can attempt to remove all tattoo forms, shapes and colours as we are the only facility with a Medlite laser that can treat reds, yellows, baby blues, blacks, yellows and most other colours found in modern tattoos,

Tattooing is an ancient art form dating back as far as the Stone Age (12,000 BC). Egyptian mummies from 4000 BC show evidence of attempts at tattoo removal.

Times changes, your tastes change, and your life changes. You change your clothes; you change your hairstyle -- so why shouldn't you be able to eliminate unwanted tattoos? Or fade them to prepare the area for a different tattoo.

Thanks to the Medlite C6™ laser, you (usually) don't have to live with an unwanted tattoo for the rest of your life. Dr. Michael Bense is helping people of all ages fade and eliminate tattoos that, for a variety of reasons, they no longer want on their bodies. "This laser will allow us to safely help patients look and feel better."

As one patient said: "I loved my tattoo when I got it, but I'm at a point in my life now where I no longer care to have it. The Medlite laser was the solution for me."

FAQ's
What are the three general types of tattoos?

Decorative tattoos are tattoos placed on the skin as a decoration. These are the most common type of tattoo. Some are homemade with needle and India ink; others are professionally applied with a tattoo gun using one or more colours of tattoo ink. Professional tattoos are deeper, contain more ink, and usually need extra treatments.
Cosmetic tattoos are also known as micro- pigmentation or permanent cosmetics. This type of tattoo is used as permanent eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, and other permanent cosmetic purposes. This type of tattoo is also used to cover skin pigment disorders, scars and other blemishes.
Traumatic Tattoos are foreign substances, such as dirt, that are embedded in the skin through an accidental injury.

What are the common reasons for laser treatment of tattoos?

Career concerns
A change in personal taste or lifestyle
As skin ages, tattoos tend to fade and deform. A tattoo that once was shown with pride may lose its attractiveness and, in some cases, even become an embarrassment.
Poor placement
Colour change of the tattoo ink
Outdated artwork
Desire to lighten a tattoo so that it can be replaced with new tattoo artwork
Negative feelings you might have as a result of getting a tattoo
Effects the tattoo could have on your relationship with others, including friends, parents, teachers, and employers (Certain jobs are not available to people who have visible body art.
"Doctors all over are seeing an increasing interest in having tattoos removed now that it's becoming known that patients are getting good results with very little pain," says Dr. Susan Goodlerner, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Harbor UCLA Medical Center.
How long are treatments?

Depending on the size of the tattoo, treatments usually range from 5 to 10 minutes.

How does the Medlite laser work on a tattoo?

The Medlite C6 laser sends precise pulses of high energy light into the skin, vaporizing some tattoo inks and fragmenting other tattoo inks into thousands of tiny particles which are then safely eliminated from your skin.

The high power of the Medlite C6 allows large diameter, deeply penetrating laser beams to be used, and will help to speed up the resolution of your unwanted tattoo.

If the area to be treated has a fresh sun tan or has been treated with self-tanning lotion, it is best to wait a couple of weeks for the tan to fade before having treatment, because the tan will absorb and waste some of the laser energy intended for the pigmented lesion. A fresh sun tan (or colour from a recent application of self-tanning lotion) could also absorb enough laser energy to increase the risk of skin irritation or blistering.

What will happen after treatment?

Skin care after laser treatment of tattoos is quite similar to skin care after having a tattoo. Gentle cleansing of the skin and application of an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin ointment will help tattoos heal quickly after treatment. Watch for unusual redness, pain, or swelling which might be a sign of infection, and please call us right away if you think an infection is developing. Avoid picking or irritating the skin after treatment.

For the first half-hour after laser treatment the tattoo looks pale or white, and may swell slightly. The tattoo may feel hot (like a sunburn) for a while after laser treatment, and it will probably be red and swollen for the rest of the day. There may be pinpoint bleeding for a few hours in areas where there was a lot of pigment.

The area may remain reddened for two to four weeks, and there may be some flaking or peeling during this time. Sometimes skin or a scab the same colour as the tattoo peels off after 5-7 days. This is a normal process as the body works to eliminate the tattoo dyes. Very dark, or large professional tattoos, will remain tender and swollen for a few days.

There may be some lightening or darkening of the skin for several months after laser treatment. Protect the treated area from sun exposure until the skin is completely healed and the skin colour has returned to normal.

Your tattoo usually fades over 4-6 weeks. The degree of fading will be easier to see when you compare your tattoo with pre-treatment photographs.

How many treatments are required?

When Dr. Bense examines your tattoo, he will be able to give you an estimate of the number of treatments, which will be necessary to fade or remove the tattoo. Because there is a great deal of variability in the kinds, mixtures and quantities of ink used in tattoos, and because there is some variability in people's natural ability to clear away tattoo pigment after laser treatment, it is not possible to "promise" you that a certain result will happen after a fixed number of treatments. Dr. Bense will explain what is likely to happen, but he cannot precisely predict or guarantee what will happen in any particular case. Dr. Bense will show you photos illustrating the range of results, from fading through to complete disappearance of the tattoo.
Some lightly pigmented, black or dark blue, homemade tattoos like the one above can be removed in one treatment. Amateur tattoos (which usually have a small amount of superficial ink) often clear after two to six treatments. A few amateur tattoos have very deeply placed ink, and this very deep ink can require more treatments.

New tattoos usually need extra treatments because they have more ink than old tattoos. Older tattoos have less ink because as a tattoo ages, the body absorbs some of the ink.
Factors which influence laser tattoo treatment success include the kind and colour of inks used, the ability of the patient's immune system to clear away pigment after it has been treated, and location of the tattoo. Multicoloured professional tattoos, especially on the lower legs, tend to respond slowly to laser treatments, and quite a few multicoloured tattoos will need 10 or more treatment sessions for satisfactory fading or complete removal.

Dark (blue/black) inks and red inks usually fade the best. Oranges and purples often respond well. Dark inks usually respond quicker than bright coloured inks because dark colours absorb laser energy better. Light colours such as light green, yellow and turquoise can be difficult to remove. Sometimes chemicals like iron oxide or titanium dioxide are added to tattoo ink to brighten the tattoo - but these chemicals make it much more difficult to remove the tattoo. Fluorescent "Day Glow" pigments are almost impossible to remove. Some tattoos are now made with dark tar-based ink or "laser resistant ink" and these tattoos (which fortunately are quite rare) can only be removed by cutting them out.

New tattoos usually need a larger number of treatments because they have a higher concentration of ink than old ones. Older tattoos have a lower concentration of ink because as a tattoo ages, the body absorbs some of the ink.

Tattoos on the face and trunk often respond faster to laser treatment than tattoos on the ankles.

A professional tattoo like the one shown on the first page (which usually has more ink, deeper ink, and multiple colours) might fade considerably after three to six treatments, but it generally takes between six and ten laser treatments to either completely remove a professional tattoo or to fade the tattoo so that it is barely visible (called a "ghost"). Sometimes complete removal is not possible, or you may find that almost-complete fading of the tattoo is satisfactory.

How long should I wait between treatments?

Quick fading or removal can sometimes be accomplished on black tattoos by using low powered treatments every week or two.

In general, however, it is best to wait at least 6 weeks between treatments. Sometimes it is possible to fade or remove the tattoo with a smaller number of treatments if you are willing to wait 8-12 weeks between treatments, so that your body has a longer opportunity to clear away pigment after laser treatment. You should think of the fading and eventual elimination of your tattoo as a project which you might work on from time to time over the next year or two.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?

In many cases the tattoo can be made to disappear or fade to the point where you are the only person who can find a trace of it, because you know where to look.

Some people choose to over-tattoo (use "cover-art") to hide an undesirable tattoo. This is especially common when the original tattoo contains the name of a former lover. If you have one tattoo on top of an older tattoo, extra laser treatments will probably be needed because there is likely to be a large amount of ink (ink from the new cover-up tattoo plus ink from the old tattoo).

Many tattoo artists encourage customers to have several laser treatments to lighten an existing tattoo before covering it with a new one. This will greatly reduce any chance that the old tattoo will be visible through the new tattoo. We welcome advice from your tattoo artist about the desired degree of lightening, and about the exact elements in the old tattoo, which should be lightened or eliminated. You should wait a month or two after your final laser treatment before having a new tattoo placed in the treated area.

How much does laser treatment of tattoos hurt?

Many patients find that the discomfort of their first laser tattoo treatment is similar to the discomfort they had when getting the tattoo. There may be less discomfort after the first couple of treatments because as the tattoo fades there is less pigment to absorb laser energy.

The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band, or tiny specks of hot bacon grease on the skin.

A couple of plain Tylenol can be taken to raise your pain threshold somewhat before laser treatment.

What are the risks of treatment?

In most cases, the laser treatment leads to satisfactory fading or complete removal of the tattoo without significant side effects. Serious side effects are very unusual.

The most common problem with tattoo treatment is incomplete fading or removal of the tattoo.

This is mainly an issue with complicated multicoloured tattoos. Not all tattoo inks respond and rarely certain colours can get worse. Heavy professional tattoos in particular may not completely fade. Significant and sometimes irreversible darkening of tattoo ink may occur, where the pigment is impossible to remove. This is mostly a problem with flesh-collared, red, tan, and white inks, and a small test area can be done to detect this problem.

Although true scarring is very unlikely there can be some mild change in the texture of the skin

(Perhaps 1-2% of cases). Sometimes there is pre-existing texture change in the skin caused by the tattooing process itself. Please tell us if you have a tendency toward forming unusual scars.

There can also be some loss of natural tanning ability in the treated area, which usually improves with time. You can reduce the chance of irregular tanning by protecting the tattooed area from sun exposure.

Hypo pigmentation and Hyper pigmentation

Hypo pigmentation (Lightening of the skin) or hyper pigmentation (darkening of the skin) are quite infrequent, and are almost always temporary. Dr. Bense’s Medlite C6 laser is the safest in the world for dark skin colours. African, Asian and Mediterranean people can have their tattoos safely treated without changing the surrounding skin colour.

Allergic reactions

Can occur after treatment, especially if you are already having an allergic reaction (redness and itching) in your tattoo. Allergic reactions are rare, and can usually be treated with Benadryl™. Allergic reactions are usually caused by metallic dyes, which contain mercury, manganese, chromium, cobalt, or cadmium. In contrast to drugs and cosmetics, tattoo pigments have never been controlled or regulated in any way, and the exact composition of a given tattoo pigment is often kept a "trade secret" by the manufacturer. In most cases, neither the tattoo artist nor the tattooed patient has adequate information about the composition of the tattoo pigment.

You should be mentally and emotionally stable when having any cosmetic procedure.

This will help you to deal with the healing period after each treatment, and give you the patience and persistence to get through the complete series of treatments, which will be spread over many months.

After any kind of surgery or cosmetic treatment some patients experience a lull or down period where they become depressed or feel unattractive while healing. This is normal, but fortunately these feelings are quite uncommon and usually resolve after a few days or weeks. It is important to be patient and remain positive as this promotes better healing and relaxation. It is best not to pass judgment on your progress until the healing process has completed.

In general, who are the best candidates for laser treatment of tattoos?

The best candidates:

Are physically healthy
Are psychologically stable
Do not smoke (non-smokers usually heal a bit faster)
Want to improve their appearance
Are willing to commit a substantial amount of time to the process
Do not have fluorescent colours in their tattoo
Are well informed about laser treatment of tattoos
Have realistic expectations about the outcome
If you no longer want your tattoo, now is the time to take advantage of this new breakthrough in laser technology. There has never been a better time than right now to make that change in your life.

Acne Scar (& Other Scars) Management

Scarring is usually caused by acne, injury, burns, and surgery or as a result of severe chicken pox. Scars can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and impact one’s self esteem. Most patients seek treatment to improve the appearance and texture of the scar.

Topical treatments;
Hypertrophic, keloid scars. You can use steroids with occlusion, silicone gels and tapes, and topicals including Kinerase cream
Intralesional steroids with Wydase;
Hypertrophic, keloid scars
Aldara; Imiquimod;
Has some unique properties that help with some types of fresh scars
Botox for painful scars;
Tends to be very successful by injecting into the scar zone. Substance p is blocked which is a neurotransmitter responsible for pain in sensitive tender scars
Thermage;
It allows for tightening of collagen without damage to overlying skin.
Sciton and CO2 laser surgery;
The lesion can be excised precisely or blended into the surround
IPL:
IPL can change texture, tone and mould collagen and is done every 2-4 weeks for 5 treatments
Fillers;
Depressed scars can now be improved with newer fillers.

Laser Treatment for Facial Vessels

These include spiders, nose telangiectasia, purple lip vessels and peri-orbital reticular blue veins under the lower eyelids

What is telangiectasia?

These are small unsightly red, purple or blue vessels found along the surface of the skin on the face, upper chest, neck and elsewhere. Similar vessels are found on the legs and are called spider veins. Removing them gives a more pleasing appearance.

Our long pulsed YAG laser (1064) can treat:

Port wine hemangiomas
Hemangiomas
Venous lake angiomas on the lips
High pressure nose telangiectasia
Peri-orbital reticular blue veins

www.bladefree.ca

Services & Procedures

Bense Medical Aesthetics

Most Popular Cosmetic & Aesthetic Procedures

iLIDLIFT™

Old Technique: Traditional Blepharoplasty with a Blade

New Technique: iLIDLIFT™ is a 100% blade-free laser eyelid operation that combines the following surgical procedures:

iLIDLIFT™

Description

How is iLIDLIFT™ performed?

Upper iLIDLIFT™ Advantages over Traditional Blepharoplasty:

Lower iLIDLIFT™ (Transconjunctival) Advantages over Traditional Blepharoplasty

Disadvantages of Upper and Lower iLIDLIFT™

Complications from iLIDLIFT™

Causes of BAGGY EYELIDS

The Best Candidates for iLIDLIFT™

Introduction

Planning Your iLIDLIFT™ procedure

Preparing For Your iLIDLIFT™

THE iLIDLIFT™ Laser Blepharoplasty procedure

After Your iLIDLIFT™ procedure

Getting Back To Normal

Your New Look

Lovely Results

Our Technology

ProFractional

FEATURES

THE TREATMENT

THE TECHNOLOGY

THE RESULTS

POST-CARE

Our Technology

Micro Laser Peel

Photos Before and After Surgery

CO2 Laser Resurfacing of the Face and Hands

Photos: Pre-operative and Post-operative

Sciton Erbium Laser: Resurfacing of the Face and Hands

Photos Pre and Post-operative

The Contour ThreadLift™…A 60-Minute Facelift!

Before & After Photos

Acthyderm for Cellulite

Mesotherapy for Love Handles, Tummy Fat, Jowls and much more

Before and After Photos

Crystal Peel (Microdermabrasion)

Obagi™ Skin Rejuvenation Program

Vivier

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Injectables and Fillers for Luscious Lips Wrinkles and More

Before and After Photos

Luscious Lips: (Lip Injections to Enlarge and Beautify Lips)

ThermaCOOL (Thermage)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Laser Hair Removal

Botox

It's all about freedom of expression...

Introduction

Tell me of the ever-popular Combination treatments involving Botox

How does BOTOX Cosmetic™ work?

Can you show me some results please?

How fast does Botox smooth out your wrinkles?

How about procedure and recovery times?

Do you use Botox Cosmetic™ for Abnormal Sweating?

Do you give Botox injections for Brow Elevation?

Do you treat migraine headaches at BMA?

Can you give me some expert advise on treating Migraines with Botox Cosmetic™

Do you use Botox for other reasons?

Varicose Vein Treatments

Before and After Photos

TATTOO REMOVAL

Acne Scar (& Other Scars) Management

Laser Treatment for Facial Vessels