Truth time: we’ve been doing Botox and fillers for years (and years). More honesty: we generally went in (and came out) of each appointment not knowing much about these treatments, or how they work. Certainly, we’d heard the hype around wrinkle reduction but, other than that, we left the outcome in the hands of the people administering (i.e., injecting) these products to our faces. A hope and a prayer, we suppose?

Recently, we experienced a new way to receive Botox and fillers, and to participate more fully in the process, thanks to Dermapure Vancouver, a professional cosmetic clinic and a leader in the field of medical aesthetics, on 41st Avenue near Dunbar Street. (Of note: for the past 10 years this clinic has held the title of the Best Place for a Non-Surgical Makeover” in the city.) To start, the Dermapure mission is different—and refreshing—the aim being to educate patients on the best practices for skin health and beauty and to provide them with the most innovative non-surgical rejuvenation treatments offering noticeable and natural results. This goal was evident from the jump; our session began with a discussion about our issues and desired outcomes, and a 360-degree photo shoot that caught our “before” face from all angles.

Next, we sat down with one of the most knowledegable (and quick-witted!) dermatologists we have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. Dr. Frances Jang has always been a step ahead of her field in both laser and injection treatments; over time, she’s set the gold standard for injections. And, in terms of technology (specifically in the aesthetic medicine field), she is constantly on the lookout for best practices that will help benefit her clientele.

Dr. Jang, who travels worldwide to complement her already expansive knowledge and to study multicultural beauty, believes the most natural enhancements come with treating each patient as a unique individual, and adapting the treatment to enhance their features in an almost undetectable way. She explained that she favours the “long-term approach” in terms of caring for her patients, where gentle enhancements over time create organic, age-appropriate beauty and, most important, a natural look. She also gave us a very comprehensive overview of the treatments available to us that day; not just neuromodulators like Botox, which is primarily used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, but fillers like Juvederm, Esthelis, Teosyal, Restylane and others. This latter category of injectibles, she explained, applied in adequate amounts, can correct volume loss while maintaining the unique features of each individual. It is, she says, “our most popular procedure for a successful metamorphosis.”

“Dermal fillers and volume-building injections are widely used in aesthetic medicine to fill static wrinkles and to compensate for the loss of volume over time,” says Dr. Jang. “They are composed of hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate (sugar derivative) occurring naturally throughout the human body. As we age and due to repeated exposure to environmental pollutants and the sun’s UV rays, our skin cells lose their ability to produce hyaluronic acid. As a result, facial features become harsh and sunken. That’s when volume-building injections of synthesized hyaluronic acid come in handy. Injected under the skin, hyaluronic acid binds to water, capable to hold more than a thousand times its weight, which makes it ideal to hydrate the skin and to maintain tissue volume. It is a safe non-surgical treatment, often used in combination with neuromodulators.”

With that in mind, she helped us craft a plan for our unique needs; a mix of neuromodulators and fillers, administered to just the right areas and in just the right amounts, to not just minimize those pesky lines, but also to address a loss of volume in our face, with a goal, over time, to restore balance and build back a very youthful-sounding “ballerina” shape. To this end, Dr. Jang says, “Identifying your injection treatment goals and needs is essential. Several aspects are to be considered, including your age, skin quality and condition, genetics, etc., and would affect the amount of product required for optimal and natural results.” She then applied a numbing gel to reduce any discomfort (not a common step at other clinics, but never skipped at Dermapure), and injected the selected product under our skin with a needle. Throughout the session, we were able to use a mirror to follow the procedure and to participate in certain decisions—a real revelation, after undergoing so many other treatments “blind.”

After Dr. Jang had completed her work, we returned to our normal activities immediately; no downtime. And in the days and weeks following, we absolutely noticed a difference—a subtle yet positively pleasing transformation that was anything but overt. On the contrary, we love how natural the results look—and, perhaps even more so, appreciate the time and attention Dr. Jang and the rest of the staff at Dermapure took to listen to our concerns and desired outcomes, explain our options and allow us, essentially, to take part in this highly personal process. If you’re looking to level up your Botox and filler experience, and to truly achieve your long-term cosmetic goals, look no further than Dermapure. —Noa Nichol

dermapure.com

Win! A $670 Dermapure Prize Pack!

Congrats Julia M. of Langley, B.C., who will receive a $670 Dermapure Prize Pack including:

• Dermaplaning
• Experience Hydrafacial
• Functionalab products
• Skinceuticals products

Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.