Summer 2008

The Art
Of Beautiful Medicine
Facial
Assessment
Consultation &
Treatments by
Specialists in Plastic Surgery
&
Cosmetic Dermatology
Summer 2008
www.skinworks.ca
NEW Plasma Skin Resurfacing – Michelle A., Clinician
Highlights:
Page
NEW Plasma Skin Resurfacing… 1
The Land Conservancy…
1
Ask the Doctor…
2
The Dangers of Tanning…
2
Sclerotherapy…
3
Tips for Restylane/Juvederm…
3
Protect your Investment…
3
News and Notables…
4
The science of beauty has reached a new level in cosmetic rejuvenation. Skinworks is the
first dermatology clinic in Vancouver to introduce Plasma skin regeneration (PSR) technology.
Established four years ago as an alternative to classic ablative resurfacing (CO2, Erbium),
PSR technology uses energy delivered from nitrogen plasma rather than light, laser, or
radiofrequency. The plasma is emitted in a millisecond pulse to deliver energy to targeted
skin tissue. It is used at varying energies and depths in the skin, from superficial to deep
dermal, depending on the skin condition and desired level of correction.
Traditional resurfacing ablates the skin in a controlled manner, in turn triggering a healing
response which leads to skin rejuvenation and improvement in various signs of aging. With
plasma resurfacing, a chemically inert, high energy ionized nitrogen gas suppresses tissue
burning as it displaces the oxygen required for oxidization to occur. For this reason, the skin
does not burn and there is no open wound, thereby decreasing the risks of scarring, infection,
and pigmentation commonly experienced with conventional ablative resurfacing.
Mainly used in the treatment of wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring, and skin tightening,
treatments are performed one to four times, depending on the skin condition. Recovery is
approximately one week where the skin will appear sunburnt, dry, and flaky as it regenerates
and remodels. According to experienced plasma user Dr. William Groff of La Jolla, California,
you can expect a reduction of wrinkles by 40-70%, skin tightening of 10-15% and
improvement of acne scars on average of 35% after just one assertive treatment.
is taking green
action! Committed to help preserve
special places in BC for future generations,
Dr. Jang and Dr. Carr have partnered with
The Land Conservancy (TLC), B.C.’s own
National Trust. This year’s contribution will
go toward saving the Valhalla Mile, a
spectacular 155-acre waterfront property in
the Slocan Valley.
We encourage you to learn more about land
conservancy and TLC. You may contact Bill
Turner at (250)479-8053 or visit
www.conservancy.bc.ca. Furthermore,
former Lieutenant Governor of BC, Iona
Campagnolo, Honourary President of TLC,
will be speaking at Skinworks’ Open House
October 2nd, 2008. Watch for upcoming
news on this event!
Help preserve the pristine shoreline of the Valhalla Mile at Kootenay Lake
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Ask the Doctors: Everything you wanted to know but
were afraid to ask.
Q:
Frances Jang, MD, FRCPC
Dermatology
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
A: Patients are often confused between Botox and dermal filler agents.
Although both treatments complement one another, they address aging
concerns in completely different ways. Dermal fillers are injected into the skin
to lift fine lines and wrinkles by restoring volume. The most common dermal
fillers on the market are hyaluronic acid gel products, such as Restylane and
Juvederm. Botox, however, is a prescription drug used to relax specific
muscles to quiet the dynamic wrinkling of facial expressions. This
subsequently effaces etched lines and secondarily prevents future wrinkles
from forming. Both treatments are highly satisfying, especially when used in
combination, as each contributes to creating a softer, less stressed
appearance. You’ll appear as if you have just returned from a restful vacation!
The Dangers of Tanning – No Tan is Safe! – Michelle A., Clinician
Tanning is a multibillion dollar industry. 1920’s fashion icon Coco Chanel may be credited by some for single-handedly
sparking the tanning craze across the western world, proclaiming that a golden tan is the index of chic. However, over the
past 40 years, the association between sun exposure, prematurely aged skin, and skin cancer has become indisputable.
Despite this, the desire to tan is arguably higher than ever before. This is a baffling fact considering ultraviolet radiation
(UVR) exposure is the most modifiable risk factor in the prevention of skin cancer, as there is a growing body of evidence
firmly linking UVR to the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
There is a great misconception that tanning provides protection from further UVR. Tanning is a response to DNA damage
and occurs when unprotected skin is exposed to natural or artificial sources of UVR (i.e. tanning beds). The molecular
alteration in the skin caused by tanning beds is the same as in the skin of those who tan from the sun. Total doses of UVR
from a tanning bed may be as much as 5 times greater than UVR from natural sunlight (i.e. 20 minutes under a tanning bed
may be equal to spending 2-3 hours in the noon-time sun). No tan is a safe tan!
There is a large body of studies that focus on the role of vitamin D in normal physiology, and many incorrectly imply that
intentional unprotected sun exposure is necessary to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. What they fail to address is that
although vitamin D does provide a critical role in numerous cellular processes, the amount of UVR required to produce
sufficient levels of vitamin D is quite small, and does not justify the use of tanning beds.
Maximal vitamin D production occurs in less than 5 minutes of sun exposure. Studies
examining vitamin D levels in individuals who used sunscreen daily versus individuals
who didn’t use sunscreen revealed that none of the participants had below normal
levels of vitamin D. Everyday we receive inadvertent sun exposure to areas of the
body we often neglect to apply sunscreen, such as the ears, neck and hands, and
most of us intake vitamin D through the foods we eat or through multivitamins. It is
important to note that while longer sun exposure has no effect on vitamin D levels,
UVR induced DNA damage increases linearly with continued exposure.
Start protecting yourself early! There is strong evidence to support the fact that sun
exposure during childhood (before age 18) is linked to the development of skin cancer
in adulthood. A single severe sunburn in childhood may increase the risk of melanoma
twofold. Early education and lifelong prevention are key factors in slowing skin
cancer rates. Protect yourself and your children with broad spectrum (UVA & UVB protective)
sunscreen of SPF 30+ everyday (even on cloudy days and when indoors as UVA travels through
clouds and windows), and reapply frequently, especially when outdoors (ideally every 30-60 minutes).
For your convenience, Skinworks is open Saturdays and Sundays!
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Sclerotherapy – Michelle A., Clinician
Shy about your legs? Are embarrassing leg
veins forcing you to keep your legs covered
this summer? Skinworks offers
complimentary leg vein assessment with
our Registered Nurse, Lisa. She will
customize a treatment plan that works with
your busy schedule as she offers evening
and Saturday appointments. Lisa has
worked with Dr. Jang for over a decade,
and has specialized in sclerotherapy for
spider veins for the past 8 years. If you
have any questions regarding this
treatment, please feel free to email Lisa
directly at [email protected]. To book
your consultation, please call
604-737-7100.
Tips for your Restylane or Juvederm Treatment
– Lisa R., RN, Dermal Filler Specialist
5 things to avoid one week prior to your injection
to help ensure a beautiful result:
*alcohol (especially red wine)
*multivitamins (especially vitamin E)
*Aspirin
*Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil)
*green tea
Avoid these and you will be able to enjoy your
results sooner with less bruising and swelling!
Protect Your Investment with Proper Skincare!
– Shelley K., Clinician
Our face is our most visible feature. Signs of aging can impact how we feel about
ourselves and how others see us. Having a facelift may be the biggest surgery
one has while for others it may be one of several procedures performed. Either
way, skin preparation as well as post surgical skincare can play a vital role in
determining successful outcomes. At Skinworks, we are able to customize a
routine that will take your skin’s appearance to another level. From sunscreens to
moisturizers, antioxidants and cleansers, we have the skill and expertise to help
recommend the products most appropriate for you. Protect your investment and
call us at 604-737-7100 to book a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Jang or our skincare specialist, Monika.
Meet the Skinworks
Nurse!
Brenda
Brenda has over 24 years
of experience working as a
surgical nurse. In the past
she has also maintained a
private practice offering
Reiki, craniosacral
massage and reflexology.
She believes passionately
in a body/mind/spirit model
for living life. Patients are
comforted by her warm and
caring personality. She is
an invaluable asset to Dr.
Carr’s surgical team!
Confused about
skincare?
Choosing the correct
skincare products can be
overwhelming. By booking
a complimentary
appointment with Monika,
our skincare consultant, she
will customize your skincare
regime and teach you how
to maximize your skincare
and procedure results.
Remember, your treatment
doesn't end when you leave
Skinworks!
604-737-7100 ext 237
Monika L.
Skincare Specialist
Page 3 of 4
News and Notables
May
st
3568 West 41 Ave
Vancouver, BC
V6N 3E6
Dr. Jang MD, FRCPC
Cosmetic Dermatology
Tel: (604) 737-7100
Dr. Carr MD, FRCSC
Plastic Surgery
Tel: (604) 733-9711
www.skinworks.ca
For the second consecutive year, Dr. Carr was given the honour of being an examiner for The
Royal Collage of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Ottawa. He was testing final year
plastic surgery residents from across Canada to ensure that they meet all the requirements to
Page 3 of 4
qualify for their FRCSC (Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada) specializing in
plastic surgery.
Dr. Carr was a guest speaker for The Hand Society Annual Meeting in Harrison Hot Springs.
He spoke about “Salvaging Failed Surgery - When Enough is Enough”.
Dr. Jang spoke with Liza Finlay from Elle Magazine about the use of DNA repair enzymes in
skincare products. This is an exciting new area that you will be hearing more about as we try to
incorporate mechanisms to restore thymine dimers (pieces of DNA broken by sun exposure).
Watch for this in the September issue.
Dr. Jang was interviewed by More Magazine regarding the explosive use of cosmeceuticals in
skincare products. Can they truly effect change in the skin? Find out which products she
recommends, especially for women over age 40 and for post menopausal women. Watch for it
in the September issue.
June
Dr. Jang was featured in the Saturday, June 21st, 2008 issue of The Globe and Mail. She was
interviewed by freelance writer Marjo Johne as an expert in dermatology. Learn how cosmetic
procedures can enhance and improve the eye area and what the latest non-surgical
procedures are.
Dr. Jang participated in two workshops in the month of June. The first, with
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton, discussed Sculptra as the latest long lasting dermal filler for facial
sculpting. The second workshop held June 17th with Dr. Virginia Stevens and Dr. William
Groff discussed the new Plasma resurfacing technology in cosmetic rejuvenation. The
Plasma is new to Skinworks…see our article on Page 1!
As Head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at UBC, Dr. Carr is fundraising for a fantastic
project in conjunction with the BC Professional Firefighters. Dr. Carr traveled to Ottawa with
firefighter Tony Burke to make a presentation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dave
Emerson, to help raise the $25 million required to complete the Vancouver Firefighter's new
Burn Fund Building slated for completion in 2010. The building will house a UBC burn and
wound healing lab, a simulated burning building educational centre for children and an overnight
stay facility for burn survivors and their families. So far, about $10 million has been raised
and we are hoping for an “angel” to take this project under their wing. Please contact Dr. Carr at
Skinworks if you would like more information.
July
Dr. Carr attended the CSPS (Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons) chaired meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland, alongside
plastic surgeons from across Canada. Dr. Carr chaired a panel discussing the latest advances in plastic surgery.
Dr. Jang and Dr. Carr marked the start of the academic year by hosting UBC plastic surgery residents to a day at their cabin on
Anvil Island. In addition to learning about the utility of solar power, the residents were treated to gourmet food prepared by Dino
Renaerts, chef at Diva at the Met and President of the BC Chef’s Association.
On Thursday, July 17, 2008, Dr. Jang was featured in the Westender’s cover story on “Achieving beach-ready bodies!” Learn
about the latest technology, Ultrashape, for body contouring. Discover how it works and what the benefits and results can be for
you!
Dr. Jang spoke with The Georgia Straight’s Carlito Pablo, about common mistakes people make with regard to skin and sun
exposure. Dr. Jang talked about different ways you can protect yourself against the sun’s harmful rays while still enjoying yourself
outdoors. Also, learn tips on what measures to follow to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the summer months.
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