How do scars and stretch marks form?
Scars and stretch marks develop as a result of disruption of the integrity of the dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin. The appearance of scars and stretch marks is due to lack of collagen and elastin which form strong bonds in order to maintain the skin's moisture and elasticity.. Stretch marks are similar to scars in that there is pulling of the skin, leading to small linear scars, but there is no actual separation of the skin as with true scar formation. Stretch marks appear after the skin is stretched excessively such as in pregnancy, spurt of growth during puberty, rapid weight gain or weight loss, and in body builders.

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE:
1) How does laser remove scars and stretch marks?
Since the etiology of scars and stretch marks are the same, they are treated with the same laser technique. A special laser beam is transmitted through the skin which loosens the collagen fibers, thus loosening the essence of the scar or stretch mark. The laser energy also creates a mild inflammation in the dermis structures which causes the body to restructure the area and create newer skin. This over time leads to disappearance of the scar and stretch marks. Final results are achieved gradually over several laser treatments.

How long does each treatment last?
Depending on the size and location of the body to be treated, between 30-60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your scar/ stretch marks, skin type and color etc. Usually five to six treatments spread out a month apart are required to achieve satisfactory results.

Does it hurt? What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse of laser feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. Our lasers use a special cooling device which uses a computer controlled cryogen applicator to cool the skin temperature and keep it at a constant temperature at all times. This minimizes pain during treatment.
Our clinic is one of very few laser clinics in Toronto that use the Zimmer Cryo Chiller - the new technology and the effective answer for reduction of pain associated with Laser treatments.
Topical anesthetic creams may also be used but most people don't require them.

How soon can I resume my daily activities?
You can resume all of your daily activities immediately after treatment. You should however avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks and wear a sunblock on a daily basis.

Can all skin types and color be treated?
Yes, our state of the art lasers offer you customized treatment according to your skin color and texture.

What type of laser do you use?
We carry the latest models of the Light Sheer, Nd:Yag and Vasculight lasers. All of these lasers are FDA approved and have been shown to provide excellent results with various types of stretch marks and scars.

Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site, but this typically goes away within hours. On rare occasions, some blistering or bruising may occur, but typically resolves quickly. The skin may also become lighter or darker following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after treatments will minimize risk of complications.

What do I need to do before treatment?
Avoid sun exposure for about 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. Wear a daily sunblock lotion.

Can you use any special creams?
Yes, we offer special, concentrated Collagen and Elastin gels which can be used in combination with laser treatment which will actually give you much better results in removing stretch marks and scars.

2) How does Omnilux treat scars & stretch marks?
The Omnilux Red is used to effectively remove stretch marks and scars with the use of professional ingredients which help to regenerate the skin's cells, therefore helping to reduce the appearance of scarring. The Red lamp is used to stimulate the concentrated ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin so faster and more effective results can be seen. The treatment can be used on all skin types, there are no side effects and is absolutely painless. You can resume to your daily activities immediately, yet be sure to wear sunblock if the area is exposed to sun.

How long does each treatment last?
Depending on the size and location of the body to be treated, between 30-60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments varies on the type of the scars or stretch marks whether they are light or deep. An average of 8-10 treatments is recommended and is done twice a week to achieve faster results.

3) Microdermambrasion for scars and stretch marks
The process where the skin's dead surface is being abraded by very small crystals. It is virtually painless and there are no side effects and down time. The constant renewal of the skin is going to reduce the appearance of the scarring. This treatment is ideal to combine with the Omnilux and Oxyjet. On resurfacing the skin, it is much easier to penetrate the concentrated ingredients so that the results can be achieved sooner.

What actually happens during treatment?
The skin is properly cleaned and microdermabrasion is performed all over the skin overlapping to make sure it was covered evenly. The doctor can control the depth of peel depending on the skin type. After a light "gommage" (exfoliation massage) is done and the crystals are washed off.

What to expect after treatment?
Skin may feel a bit tight after the procedure and is absolutely normal, you would be advised to moisturize at least once a day. Minor redness occurs right after treatment but disappears in a couple of hours. There is NO scarring, bleeding or blistering of the skin. After a couple of days there might be slight peeling of the skin. Be aware of sun exposure and use sunblock.

4) Oxyjet Treatment for scars and stretch marks
Due to the skin's continuous loss of collagen and elasticity, scars and stretch marks appear to be more prominent over a period of time. Specially formulated ingredients are necessary for reducing the appearance of scars. They are better penetrated into the skin's surface with the use of the Oxyjet system. This painless and effective procedure allows for deeper absorption of the concentrated ingredients, thus faster results are noticed over a shorter period of time.

What to expect during and after the treatment?
The skin is properly cleansed and exfoliated, then the concentrated ingredients are applied topically and the Oxyjet is performed on the area. Pure oxygen is "shot" together with the ingredients into the skin. The procedure is absolutely safe and painless. The skin may appear to be slightly red after the treatment but usually goes away in a couple of hours. Always apply sunblock on the treated area if exposed to sun.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary for each patient depending on the type of procedure, area of the body to be treated, and the number of treatments needed. We strive to offer the LOWEST PRICES for all procedures as compared to other clinics in the GTA. Our affordable prices and financing plans assure that nearly everyone can have the new look they have always wanted. Come in today for your free consultation and you will be amazed as to how affordable we truly are.