Acne and Hair

Prescriptions come in different forms, from creams (benzyl peroxide, vitamin A), antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment (tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline), oral hormonal treatment (low dose birth control pills, spirolactone), oral retinoid (Accutane or Clarus), to photodynamic therapy (Leyulan or Metvix).

IPL Therapy is essentially a very powerful flash of light with multiple spectrums. Unlike lasers with a single wavelength, IPL provides energy in a spectrum of light. Often more gentle than most lasers, it can be used to treat pigmentation and acne, and can also perform hair removal and collagen induction procedures.

What is Ultrasonic Cleansing?

The technology adcancement in medical science has brought convenience and effectiveness to the most important step in any skin care routine, cleansing. Cleansing is the foundational step in skin care but is often overlooked and undervalued. The ultrasonic technology utilizes a cleansing brush oscillating back and forth at a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second. In just 60 seconds, this micro-massage motion is able to gently remove impurities trapped within pores that cannot be achieved through manual cleansing.

Benefits - Clean, Softer and Smoother Skin

The Clarisonic PRO Cleansing System has been clinically tested and proven to provide users the following benefits:

• Removes 6X more makeup than manual cleansing
• Removes 2X more dirt an oil than manual cleansing
• Cleanses so effectively that products absorb better
• Cleans pores and reduces the appearance of pore size
• Helps reduce oily areas, dry patches, and blemishes
• Remarkably gentle for cleansing all skin types, including skin affected by complicated conditions

In recent years, much research has focused on phtotherapy (light treatments). Laser hair treatments have been proven to be effective. Even some of the basic laser hair combs have show minor improvements. The more significant results were only seen in clinic based on laser/light treatments. Most of these in-clinic treatments have a very high cost associated with the program (usually $3500-$5000 for six months of treatment). These programs also require the patient to travel to the clinic at least twice a week.

At Skin Matters Medical Centre, we have been following closely the development in the area of non-surgical hair rejuvenation. In Feb 2011, iGrow Helmets manufactured by Apira, the makers of the very successful in-clinic Revage 670, was introduced to BC. Skin Matters was the first clinic to offer Helmet and in men, oral hormone receptor blocker can offer excellent and substantial hair restoration and rejuvenation. With this combination, many patients and their hair stylist have noticed a difference as early as 4 weeks.

With the new iGrow, consumers have access to the very same technology relied upon in so many doctors offices and clinical settings now in the comfort of their own homes at a fraction of the cost. Simple and convenient to use, the iGrow comfortably sits atop the user's head, providing continuous overall coverage and leaving them completely mobile and free to do other things while receiving treatment. The iGrow even allows for users to listen to music while their hair rejuvenates, it features iPod/MP3 compatibility.

The iGrow features 51 light sources that include 21 laser diodes and 30 LED lights to provide full scalp coverage, while combs and other hand held devices only have 9-15 laser lights. The output from iGrow is equivalent to most in-office clinical hair lasers. Hundreds of clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on various conditions including hair loss, carpal tunnel syndrome and acne. Results from using iGrow are rapid and substantial.

It is important to remember that the earlier the problem is treated the better the outcome. A younger person will usually expect a better and faster result. Patients should be assessed clinically first to allow an individualized optimal treatment plan to be recommended. 

Latisse By Allergan Inc.

Latisse is a prescription treatment used for eyelash hypotrichosis (having inadequate/not enough eyelashes). The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, promotes the growth of eyelashes, increasing their length, thickness, darkness, and enhancing the overall look of the eyes. 

In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop used to treat ocular hypertension. Many patients using this medication experienced an unexpected effect; they began to grow longer, fuller and darker lashes. This led Allergan to begin its study of this medication's active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthlamic solution 0.03%, for the sole purpose of generating lash growth. After many years of research and clinical studies showing its effectiveness and safety, the medicated treatment program is approved in Canada. It is the only clinically tested, safe, proven, prescription for helping grow eyelashes in Canada. With unpublished data and past experience, Latisse has been shown to be much more effective than any other competing brands.

At Skin Matters, Latisse is the only eye lash growth enhancer we offer as it is the only product on the market that meets our strict criteria of proven safety and effectiveness. The Latisse treatment is topical and applied by the patient daily with specific brush applicators. Results start to become visible after 4 weeks of application, reaching full results after 16 weeks. The medication will only be available through selected clinics and specifically trained physicians in Canada. Skin Matters is one of the first clinics in Vancouver to offer Latisse. A specialized Central Pharmacy is also available to accept prescriptions. It will not be available through regular local pharmacies. 

Please call the clinic to book your consultation. During the visit, we will explain how the medication work and how it is applied. You will be seen by one of our Doctors for a brief consultation.

After the consultation, you have a choice to receive a written prescription, or you have a choice to purchase the medication from our clinic directly. If not all, most extended health plans will not cover the cost of this medication due to its cosmetic nature. It is eligible in certain self directed health funds/plans. Please check with your insurer directly. The DIN# for Latisse is 02350939.

For more information about Latisse, please visit the official Latisse website.