Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mesotherapy

Juvéderm

Laser slimming

Mesotherapy

Q. What is used for the Mesotherapy treatment?

A. At DermaSpa our Mesotherapy solution is a form of Choline which comes from soy-lecithin. Soy lecithin is sold as a product in health-food stores and has been touted in the treatment of various medical conditions such as fibroids, mood disorders, high cholesterol etc. It is found in many foods that we consume on a daily basis.

Q. How do I know what will be put into my body is safe? 

A. DermaSpa uses phosphatidylcholine from soy lecithin to break down the fat and increase the metabolism of fats from your treated area. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a purified extract from lecithin and is one of the components of bile (it is required for normal transport of bile acids). It emulsifies and breaks down fat deposits in the body, which make it helpful in the prevention of gallstones, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and liver problems. Research has shown that Phosphatidylcholine is beneficial in depression, memory loss and neurological disorders. It is sold as a supplement in health food stores and is contained in many of the foods we eat daily. 

Q. How is the Mesotherapy procedure done?

A. What we do is inject this solution into any area where undesirable, unwanted fat collects. What it does is cause the fat to be released from the fat cells so that it can be easily burnt off as energy. Pretty much the same as when you exercise, except that exercise most times does not give the desired results in ‘problem’ areas. That’s where Mesotherapy comes in, as these areas can be easily targeted and tackled.

Q. How long does the procedure take and is it painful?

A. The procedure itself takes approximately between 7 and 15 minutes depending on how much fat you wish to treat. The solution is administered by means of fine needles which are surprisingly not painful to most patients.

Q. How soon will I see results?

A. You will begin to see results as early as two weeks, sometimes before. We do a review / follow up 2 weeks after Mesotherapy. Results continue to be seen over 8 weeks following the 15 minute procedure but most of your results will typically seen by the 6th week.

Q. Hooray!! Mesotherapy works! But where does the fat go?

A. Similar to when you exercise, Mesotherapy stimulates the release of fat from the fat cells, which is then metabolized (or burnt off) as energy by your body. The ‘meso’ solution itself is broken down in the process and excreted as waste.

Q. After the fat is gone, will there be flabbiness / overhanging skin?

A. No! The skin tends to retract simultaneously with the dissolution of fat.

Q. Do I need any specialized garment after the procedure?

A. You will not have to wear a girdle or compression garment following Mesotherapy.

Q. How many treatments are usually needed?

A. Most patients will do 1-2 treatments in a particular area. Most of the time when they do more than 2 treatments, it is because they are treating more areas.

Q. Are there any side effects to the procedure?

A. What you will notice after your Mesotherapy procedure is that you may have some amount of tenderness and swelling which lasts approx 3 days for most patients. Residual swelling may last up to a week but for most it will be significantly less after the 3 days. You will be expected to massage the area several times a day over the first 3 days to a week.

Q. Can I take painkillers if I experience tenderness?

A. In the immediate period following Mesotherapy, it is okay for you to take Panadol or Panadiene (unless allergic to Codeine) for tenderness.

Cold compresses can also be used to minimize any tenderness that is felt during the days immediately following Mesotherapy.

Q. Are there any special instructions to follow after the procedure?

A.  You will be given information on how to maintain your results following Mesotherapy. When these instructional guidelines are adhered to, we find that patients have long-lasting success.

You will specifically be expected to observe a low salt /low sodium diet for the first 2 weeks in order to prevent your results from being masked by fluid retention over the Mesotherapy period.

Q. I do go to the gym or plan to start working out, should I continue with my training?

A. Exercise, though not mandatory, is very helpful during and following Mesotherapy and may be resumed as early as 48 hrs after the procedure.

Q. Will the Mesotherapy treatment complicate any medical condition?

A. You should not do Mesotherapy if you have a history of thyroid disease or are diabetic or have a serious medical condition. Please don’t hesitate to alert the doctor to any condition you may have! Even so, our doctor will check your medical history and blood results prior to doing the procedure to ensure that you are indeed a candidate for Mesotherapy.

Q. I am on some medication and/or dietary supplements. Should I discontinue?

A. 3 days prior to Mesotherapy, you should discontinue taking any vitamins and supplements normally taken, and any medications that are not life sustaining. These can be discussed prior to the procedure to ensure that you do not discontinue any medications that you need. For instance, patients with hypertension may continue taking their anti-hypertension medication.

Q. I am allergic to soy based products. Can I do Mesotherapy?

A. You should not do Mesotherapy if you are known to be allergic to soy or soy derived products.

Q. I do not know if I am allergic to soy. Can I still have the procedure done?

A. We advise that you drink a little soy milk for a couple of days as a test, with an antihistamine handy, just in case you have an adverse reaction. We do issue an anti-histamine to all patients as a precautionary measure prior to your having the procedure done.

Q. What level of fat can be treated with Mesotherapy?

A. If you are very obese, Mesotherapy is not recommended. Patients who respond positively to Mesotherapy are those who have ‘pockets’ of fat in certain isolated areas which can be treated easily.

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Juvéderm

Q. How is the Juvéderm®, procedure done?

  A.  By means of fine needles, the gel is injected into areas where undesirable facial lines and wrinkles occur.

 Q. How long does the procedure take?

A. It can take as little as 15-20 minutes, but allow 10 minutes for use of an anesthetic cream prior to the procedure for maximum comfort. You won’t have to take any time off from work! You could have an appointment in your lunch hour, and then get right back to your normal routine afterwards.

Q. Is it painful?

A. Not usually. The consistency of the Juvéderm® gel allows it to be administered easily and smoothly. It also contains Lidocaine to reduce injection discomfort for an even more satisfying experience.

Q. Will I notice the difference right away?

A. Yes! The aesthetic results start right away and continue over the next week. You’ll see the results as soon as the appointment is over. The best thing is that you will look better but no one will know why.

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Following the procedure, you may experience very slight redness and swelling or bruising at the injecting area. Though these effects are rare they usually don’t last for more than a few hours.

Q. Are there any special instructions to follow before the procedure?

A. We advise you to avoid using aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Aspirin, Cataflam, Brufen) or supplements such as Vitamin E, omega-3 or evening primrose oil, Cod liver oil etc. a couple of days before your procedure. This will reduce the risk of bruising.

Q. Are there any special instructions to follow after the procedure?

A. You are advised not to make too many facial expressions, not to apply any creams or make up for one day and to avoid excess sunlight for a few days afterwards. You can wash your face as normal.

Q. How long will I enjoy my renewed youth?

A. The effects of the procedure can last up to and sometimes beyond 1 year! There is also some stimulation of your own collagen which further delays your return to your pre-treatment state.

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Laser Slimming

Q. How long does the Laser Procedure take?

A. Double chin - 12 minutes; Tummy/ love handles/ breast lift - 30 minutes; Legs & buttocks/ arm slimming- 40 minutes.

Q. Is it painful?

A. Not at all! Patients find the Laser Slimming procedure very relaxing.

Q. How long before results?

A. Any time between 25 minutes to 24 hours.

Q. Is it safe?

A. As stated before it is used as a healing therapy in many countries, as it has been shown to shrink small tumors according to initial studies on cancer! We do not however use it to treat cancer or even in known cancer patients until this becomes an approved treatment for cancer. This type of laser therapy is perhaps the safest type of laser worldwide and is used for healing a myriad of medical problems. In China, Japan etc the areas that were being healed were also becoming firmer, youthful looking and more toned. For our purposes we will be using it to slim and sculpt your body. An added benefit is a ‘detox’ of the areas treated.

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Most people have none, while a few have felt like they just came from the gym.

Q. What should I expect after the first treatment?

A. It is important for your expectations to be realistic. Most patients lose between half an inch to one and a half inches the first day of treatment. Some patients lose more. A few patients don’t lose any inches during the first few hours and a rare few (less than 5%) don’t lose any inches at all from the first treatment. For those we recommend treating the legs first as this helps to optimize results.

Q. What can I do to maximize my results?

A. You can ensure that your diet is supportive of your goal to lose weight. Having a low salt, low sugar, high fibre diet helps. During the month of your package you have the opportunity to get into the habit of having more healthy eating habits. Generally once patients see their results they find they are motivated to eat healthier and even to start exercising. If you are slimming your tummy, it has been recommended (though not necessary) that for the very best results that you treat the legs prior to doing so.

Q. How soon before I see results?

A. Generally the results are gradual and you should complete the full package (usually 8 sessions) for complete and lasting results.

Q. Does laser ever not work?

A. A few patients don’t see changes until about their third or fourth treatment. Usually these patients have other medical problems, are on certain medications that slow their results, or have unknown reasons why it doesn’t work as rapidly for them. Our laser nurse or our doctor will tell you the likelihood of getting a response quickly from examination of your affected area based on our experience having done thousands of laser treatments.

Q. How long do the results last after laser therapy?

A. That depends on you. As with all things in life you will need to maintain your results by employing healthy habits. Although the laser may tone and slim you significantly it should not be a replacement for proper diet and exercise. People have been able to maintain their results for several months (over 9 months) after a single laser treatment with the proper habits.

Q. Are there any other benefits that I might notice after laser therapy?

A. Some female patients’ note that at times of the month when they usually get bloated, they do not get as bloated after laser therapy. Individuals with constipation note improvements, stretch marks and scars often improve in treated areas. Menstrual cramping may also improve.

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