If you are experiencing skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles or stubborn fat pockets, then you may be considering treatments that fall under the realm of cosmetic dermatology. Our Ottawa cosmetic specialists explain what cosmetic dermatology is, the different types of dermatology and what services we offer at our cosmetic skin clinic.
What is cosmetic dermatology and what is it used for?
Cosmetic dermatology is a type of dermatology that focuses on the appearance of the skin. Most medical cosmetic treatments will affect concerns of the face and neck. You may also hear of cosmetic dermatology referred to as aesthetic dermatology or aesthetic medicine.
At our cosmetic medical clinic in Ottawa, our team may also combine cosmetic services such as micro-needling with medical dermatology services to achieve the best possible results.
Cosmetic dermatology is performed by medical professionals that have received specialized training in care for the skin. Unlike your aesthetician, a dermatologist is able to perform unique medical treatments.
Your dermatologist or cosmetic specialist will consult with you to create a treatment plan focused on your specific needs.
What is the difference between medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology?
When it comes to dermatology, there are two main branches – medical and cosmetic.
Cosmetic Dermatology
Cosmetic dermatology focuses on the aesthetic appearance of the skin. Clients will look into medical cosmetics when they want to change the appearance of their skin, which may minimize the signs of aging or effects of daily life on their skin, especially on their face and neck.
Our Ottawa skin care clinic aims to help clients with achieving the look that they desire while offering a selection of medical cosmetic procedures that can also assist with the treatment of medically related concerns.
Medical Dermatology
Medical dermatology is the field of skin care that focuses on improving the overall health of the client's skin. Your dermatologist will be able to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of certain medical conditions that affect the skin, such as skin cancer, hives, psoriasis, etc.
Medical dermatologists will target the 'disease' aspect of dermatology and aim to treat skin concerns that may affect your health in some form. Our medical cosmetics clinic can work with your medical dermatologist's treatment plan to help treat a wide variety of skin concerns that you may have.
What are the different types of cosmetic dermatology treatments?
Botox Injections
At our Ottawa skin care clinic, our cosmetic specialists use Botox to create a natural and subtle look for you. Botox injections can be used to reshape the jawline, lift the eyebrows, and can help create symmetry in your face.
Botox is a neuromodulator - it contains a form of botulinum toxin that, when injected, relaxes the muscles underneath the skin to help create a smooth, refreshed, and youthful appearance.
Botox can also be used for wellness purposes, including the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected at varying depths into the skin. Depending on your desired results, our Ottawa cosmetic specialists will use fillers to create a natural look or enhance certain facial features.
In most cases, dermal fillers are used to restore volume to your face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds to create a youthful and fresh appearance.
Dermal fillers can also be an effective treatment for minimizing the appearance of depressed scars.
Here are some of the many types of dermal fillers that may be offered at different cosmetic skin clinics:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers
- Synthetic wrinkle fillers
- Collagen wrinkle fillers
- Autologous wrinkle fillers, i.e, fillers made from a patient’s own fat or blood
Exfoliating Treatments
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells that can make skin look dry and tired. There are a number of methods that can be used for this service such as:
- Physical exfoliation involves applying an abrasive substance to the face that scrapes away dead surface cells.
- Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals that are sprayed on the skin to reach the middle layer of the skin.
- Chemical peels use chemical, usually acidic, substances to exfoliate the skin and come in a variety of strengths.
- Laser skin treatment exfoliates the skin with light energy and also works to stimulate collagen production.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, otherwise known as a photofacial, is a way to improve the colour and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure or age that is particularly noticeable on the face, neck, and chest.
IPL uses light energy to target skin discolouration. Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light. It can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time.
Laser Hair Removal
IPL hair removal procedures are some of the most popular treatments done in North America. The treatments are incredibly useful for removing unwanted hair from anywhere on the body.
At our cosmetic medical clinic in Ottawa, we use IPL treatments to safely and effectively remove unwanted hair. Because our team is highly skilled, we can use our devices to their fullest potential to get the best results while keeping safety top of mind.
Non-Invasive Fat Removal
Our cosmetic specialists safely and effectively target excess fat using RF (radio frequency) skin tightening. This procedure gradually heats the skin to 38 - 41 degrees, stimulating the healing factors known to rejuvenate, remodel and restructure the collagen and elastin proteins found within the skin. It is suitable for all phototypes and most skin types.
How can cosmetic dermatology help with medical skin problems?
Cosmetic dermatology can work together with medical dermatology to help treat various medical-related skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, sun-damaged skin, blood vessels and more.
What can be achieved with cosmetic dermatology?
With age your body will show signs of wear and tear and your cell regeneration will begin to slow down. This can be most seen in the face, neck and hands.
Over time your skin will become loose and begin to show signs of discolouration. You may start to see some of the most common signs of aging skin which may appear as wrinkles, drooping, crow’s feet around the eyes, and “frown lines” around the mouth.
Along with the typical signs of aging, you may also have other skin-related 'imperfections' that you would like to target. You may want to make changes in areas affected by sun spots, moles and unwanted body and facial hair.
Dermatologists at cosmetic skin clinics are trained and equipped to help you with your skin care needs.
Cosmetic Dermatology Services at Pure Medical Cosmetics
With state-of-the-art treatment technology and years of experience, our cosmetic medical clinic in Ottawa provides compassionate care while minimizing discomfort for treatments including:
Whether you are just beginning your skincare journey or visiting us for a routine touchup, the team at our cosmetic skin clinic will be your partner in care every step of the way.