You are here: Home / Frequently Asked Questions
New patient coming for a free consultation?
Download & complete the medical history form before you come in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Main l BOTOX Cosmetic® for wrinkles l BOTOX® Injections for hyperhidrosis l Fillers l Laser Hair Removal l Laser Vein Removal l Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy l Microdermabrasion
Main
Q: What is ReVita Medispa?
A:ReVita Medispa offers non-surgical medical cosmetics services performed by physicians, but in a beautiful spa like setting. Our two experienced esthetic consultants will assist in identifying your needs, resulting in the ultimate you.
Q: How is ReVita Medispa different?
A:ReVita Medispa welcomes you into a calm and peaceful environment to have your inner beauty revealed. You will feel Rejuvenated and ReVitalized. Come for the experience.
Q: Do services at ReVita Medispa cost more ?
A:One might think that our attention to detail and comfort come at a higher cost, but in fact you'll find our prices very competitive!
BOTOX Cosmetic® for wrinkles
Q: What is BOTOX cosmetic®?
A:BOTOX cosmetic® is used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles such as "crow's feet", frown lines and forehead wrinkles caused by years of squinting, laughing, frowning and worrying.
Q: Is it safe?
A:BOTOX Cosmetic® is very safe. It has been available for over 20 years and has been used to treat many neuromuscular disorders (even in children as young as 2 years old who have Cerebral Palsy) and has proven to be safe through many years of research and testing. It is an approved prescription drug for the treatment of wrinkles. Some patients are concerned that it BOTOX Cosmetic® can give you botulism. This is not true. It is a highly purified, naturally occurring protein derived from the bacteria, Clostridia Botulina. It is processed and diluted to produce a sterile product appropriate for its many therapeutic uses. Botulism is the name of an illness not the name of the product.
Q: How does it work?
A:BOTOX Cosmetic® works to relax the specific muscles under the skin into which it is administered. It has no effect on sensory nerves so there is NO loss of sensation or numbness in the area of injection.
Q: What can I expect during a treatment?
A:After your consultation with the Physician, the procedure itself takes only 15 to 20 minutes and sometimes much less depending on the area being treated. The injections are given with very tiny needles and there is no anaesthetic required. There may be a small amount of discomfort lasting only seconds when the needle is inserted but most patients remark at how little pain there is. You can immediately return to your daily activities after your treatment.
Q: How quickly does it work? How long does it last?
A:It can take a few days to a couple of weeks to take effect. In this time you should notice that the treated muscles are more difficult to contract or "wrinkle", resulting in a more rested and refreshed look. This relaxation may last for 2 to 3 months and then the muscles will gradually regain their normal tone and you will return to your pre-treatment appearance. However, to maintain the effects, further treatments are necessary. Subsequent treatments generally last longer if administered prior to the previous treatment wearing off. For example, a second treatment may last 3 to 5 months and a third treatment may last 5 to 6 months but this will vary between patients. The physician who is treating you will be able to discuss when further treatments will be necessary usually at the follow up appointment 2 weeks after your treatment.
Q: What are the side effects?
A:In general, the side effects are very rare and not permanent. Sometimes there can be some very minor bleeding at the site of injection. We recommend patients discontinue any blood thinners such as Aspirin, vitamin E/C, alcohol or other anti-inflammatory medications 7 days prior to their procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising. Rarely, if the BOTOX® affects the muscles that raise the eyelid (usually if the BOTOX® migrates down from the injection site through rubbing etc.) you might experience a drooping of the lid (ptosis). This is only temporary and we can offer eye drops to help improve this. It is also important to know if you are pregnant or have any neuromuscular disorders or skin rashes that might affect the BOTOX® treatments. Certain medications can also potentiate the effect of BOTOX® and the Physician will review your medical history prior to any treatments.
BOTOX Injections for hyperhidrosis
Q: Can BOTOX® help reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)?
A:BOTOX® is now being used in the treatment and management of hyperhidrosis (the medical term for excessive sweating or perspiration). Hyperhidrosis affects millions of people and has a detrimental impact on their self-confidence and appearance as well as hindering and embarrassing them in many social encounters. Many people find that use of anti-perspirant alone is not enough to stop the sweating and odour and some even resort to absorbent pads under their arms to soak up excess perspiration.
Q: How is Hyperhidrosis diagnosed?
A:The area of increased sweating is determined by a simple method. A weak solution of iodine is applied to the skin under the arms and then a dusting of powdered starch is applied over the iodine. This mixture will turn blue in the areas of excessive sweating allowing the physician to know where to inject the BOTOX®. These blue marks will be cleaned off after your treatment.
Q: What can I expect during a treatment?
A:After the area of excessive sweating is determined as described above, the BOTOX® injections are given by small, fine needles, just under the surface of the skin about 1 centimeter apart. No anaesthetic is required and we do not recommend applying topical anaesthetics (like EMLATM) that might interfere with the starch-iodine test. The treatments usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes per underarm but may vary depending on the areas of excessive sweating.
Q: How does BOTOX® work to reduce my sweating?
A:BOTOX® enters the sweat glands in the skin and reduces the chemicals responsible for the production of sweating. It does not completely stop your sweating but reduces it to more normal and acceptable levels. You continue to sweat normally in other areas of your body so there is no risk of "overheating". Some people find that it also reduces the odour that accompanies there excessive sweating is also diminished!
Q: What are the side effects?
A:Generally, the procedure is well tolerated but there can be some discomfort at the site of injections. Some people have a perceived increase in sweating in other areas of their body also.
Q: Is it expensive? Does my insurance/extended health benefits help pay for my hyperhidrosis treatment?
A:Price will be discussed with the physician at your consultation. There is a charge for the administration of the BOTOX® and then a cost for the amount of BOTOX® used (per unit). Many insurance companies will cover some of the cost of the treatment for excessive sweating so that you will only be charged for the service of administering the BOTOX and whatever portion your health insurance does not cover. We now have available to us through Allergan, the company who produces BOTOX®, a special program which helps expedite approval of your treatments so that you can receive treatments the same day as your consultation if you wish.
Q: What other options are there to treat hyperhidrosis?
A:There are other options including medications, topical treatments (applying aluminium chloride hexahydrate, iontophoresis (low intensity electrical current), and surgery (such as cutting the nerves that cause excess sweating). However, BOTOX® injections are one of the easiest, safest and most effective treatment methods.
Fillers - Restylane® Injections
Q: Is Restylane® safe?
A:Yes. Restylane® has been used safely in more than 1.5 million people worldwide.
Q: Do the injections hurt?
A:Tiny amounts of Restylane® are injected into the skin with a very fine needle resulting in minimal discomfort. Sometimes local anesthetic is also used in the treatment area. The procedure itself takes only 20-30 minutes.
Q: How quickly does it work? How long does it last?
A:The treatment is quick and easy and the results are instantaneous. The results are long lasting but are not permanent. A visit 2 weeks after the initial treatment is recommended for small touch-ups. Another treatment is usually required after 4 to 6 months, but normally a smaller amount of product is needed.
Q: How much does it cost?
A:Although there is a cost to Restylane®, it is affordable. The cost of Restylane® will depend on your specific needs. Since it is a longer lasting procedure it is more economical. At your consultation, the best treatment recommendations and the cost will be explained to you.
Laser Hair Removal
Q: How does the laser remove hair?
A:The laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or turned on, for only a fraction of a second and is then absorbed by the hair follicles, stopping their growth, resulting in quick, safe and effective hair removal.
Q: What is the advantage of using a laser over other methods?
A:The laser has three distinct advantages: comfort, speed, and accuracy. There are no needles involved, and so the risk of infection is greatly reduced. Unlike electrolysis, lasers allow for multiple hairs to be treated simultaneously, considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process. Finally, the laser is an exact instrument that can be used to damage only the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. You will see results that last far longer than tweezing, waxing, shaving, chemical depilation, or other temporary methods.
Q: What is different about the Cynosure Apogee EliteTM Laser?
A:Two laser wavelengths, the Alexandrite and the Nd:YAG, have become the standards for laser hair removal. Each has been designed to optimize treatment for a different patient population. While most facilities use one or the other, the combination of the two wavelengths embodied by the Apogee EliteTM, provides optimal hair removal across all skin types. In addition, the SmartcoolTM Chiller numbs the treated area with air, eliminating the need for messy gels and creams.
Q: What will happen after my first laser treatment?
A:After your initial treatment, you will notice a significant reduction in the amount of hair in the treated area. However, it will take 2-4 weeks for the treated hair to push its way to the surface and fall out. It is important not to pluck or wax between treatments, as this may change the growth phase of the follicle. With each subsequent treatment, the hair in the active growing phase will be effectively treated.
Q: How much does laser hair removal cost?
A:The cost varies depending on the area treated. The larger the area, the greater the cost. Laser hair removal may seem expensive at first glance, however if you factor in the cost of other cosmetic alternatives and the time spent doing them, laser hair removal is a long term investment that will end up being significantly less expensive. Most of our clients consider the cost an investment in themselves !
Laser Vein Removal
Q: How does laser vein removal work?
A:The laser targets the pigments in the red blood cells in the unwanted veins, in the same way that the laser targets pigments in the hair follicle during laser hair removal.
Q: What areas of the body can be treated?
A:Lasers can be used to treat unwanted discoloration due to surface blood vessels anywhere on the body. Small "spider veins" on the legs, as well as neck, face and body are all perfect examples of areas that can be treated. Smaller vessels, such as the telangectasias of the face, or even the diffuse redness caused by damaged blood vessels in rosacea can all be treated safely and effectively with the laser.
Q: How long does the laser vein removal take?
A:The time for each procedure varies with the number and size of the veins being treated. Some may be treated in as little as 10 minutes, while other, larger areas may take an hour or more.
Q: Does laser vein removal hurt?
A:As with other laser-based procedures, most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The SmartcoolTM Chiller helps to numb the area prior to treatment, greatly reducing any painful sensations.
Q: Will the veins come back after they are treated?
A:While most laser treatments should not be considered permanent, laser vein removal effectively eliminates the treated vein from ever returning. Some patients do have a natural tendency to form spider veins, which will lead to the formation of new clusters in other areas, months or years following the initial treatment. We recommend that you have those areas treated as they appear during a touch-up or maintenance session.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Q: How is IPL different from a laser?
A:Intense pulsed light is a term often used interchangeably with the term "laser" when in fact the two are very different. Lasers emit a single beam of light at a very specific wavelength (like a laser pointer), whereas IPL contains light of all visible wavelengths (more like a light bulb). As a result, the IPL is able to treat a wide range of skin conditions at a superficial level, but does not have the ability to target specific structures, especially those that are deeper in the skin.
Q: How does IPL work?
A:IPL produces its effects in a manner similar to the laser, in that it targets the pigmented (or colored) portions of the skin - like broken capillaries and brown "age spots" - and eliminates them via a thermal reaction. This same thermal process also stimulates collagen production in the skin, which results in smoothing out of finer wrinkles, tighter pores and leaves the skin with an overall smoother and radiant appearance.
Q: Are the results permanent?
A:While the results from a series of 4-6 treatments can last for several years, your skin ages as you do, and many people find that new blemishes arise over time, necessitating further maintenance treatments.
Microdermabrasion
Q: Does microdermabrasion hurt?
A:Some patients describe a "tingling" sensation when they are being treated, but overall the procedure is essentially painless.
Q: How long does a treatment session take?
A:Each treatment session lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.
Q: Will anyone know I've had something done?
A:You may notice your skin is a bit more sensitive, especially during the winter, but there is little redness and no swelling, and most people return to normal daily activities immediately following a treatment session.
Q: Are there any risks associated with microdermabrasion?
A:While the microdermabrasion is essentially a risk free procedure, especially since the introduction of the crystal free systems, there are a small number of people who should not have microdermabrasion. These include people with active rosacea or cystic acne, active herpes, warts, or those currently using AccutaneTM or other retinoic acid containing medication.