COSMETIC SERVICES

Dr. Renee Lutwick, MD,CCFP(EM), Diplomat ABPh & Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Lutwick graduated from Dalhousie University Medical School. She trained in emergency medicine then went on to specialize in sclerotherapy and aesthetic medicine in Ontario. Soma Vein Clinic and Medical Aesthetics, located in Bedford, opened in April 2004, which is Dr. Lutwick’s primary practice (somaveinclinic.ca). However, beginning September 27, 2011, she will operate out of Scotia Square Medical Clinic every second Tuesday. Call to book your appointment: 431-1800.

 

Dr. Simon McGrail, MD, MS, FRCSC, Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgeon

Dr John Simon McGrail was a professor in the department of Otolaryngology at the University of Toronto as well as a member of the department of Otolaryngology at the Wesley Hospital, in Toronto , Ontario. Dr McGrail also does Botox and dermafillers at Scotia Square Medical Clinic. Referrals for ENT procedures should be sent from family doctors or faxed to 431-1818. For Botox and Dermafillers please call 431-1800.


Scotia Square Medical Clinic will offer the following cosmetic services:

 

VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT (SCLEROTHERAPY AND COMPRESSION THERAPY)

 

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical office procedure that treats spider veins and varicose veins. A very small needle is used to inject a medicated solution into the veins causing them to close down. They are gradually reabsorbed by the body. An important part of the treatment regime is the use of compression stockings. They improve the effectiveness of sclerotherapy treatment by approximately 25%. There are many benefits of using these stockings immediately after treatment as well as at other times when your veins may be under increased pressure. Not everyone is a candidate for sclerotherapy. A consultation is the first step to finding out if this is the best treatment for you. You can get a referral to our clinic from your family physician. At the consultation one of our certified fitters will measure you for compression stockings and go over how to apply and care for them. The doctor will review your medical history and an exam will be performed. The doctor will discuss your treatment options and further arrangements will be made if sclerotherapy is the choice for you. There are a few things that will make the treatments more effective: do not use ibuprofen or aspirin 2 days before treatment, do not shave your legs, do not use any creams or lotions on your legs and bring shorts. Prior to treatment you will have an opportunity to ask any questions and express any concerns. Treatments can take up to 30 minutes and you could require up to several treatments. You can expect some bruising and perhaps some little “bee-sting” type lesions at the injection site. These lesions improve quickly, however the bruising will last longer. After treatment we recommend you wear the stockings daily - the length of time will be determined by the severity of your condition. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 2-3 weeks time. All post treatment instructions will be reviewed before you leave our office. After the initial set of treatments, some clients choose to return to the clinic at regular intervals, perhaps annually, to maintain the appearance of their legs.


COSMETIC BOTOX

Botox Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines, crows feet and more. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles giving you a more refreshed appearance. Botox Cosmetic is an injectable purified protein derivative. It works by reducing the activity of the muscles that cause lines to form and is administered in extremely diluted dosages. Treatment takes about 10 minutes and involves a few tiny injections. A very small needle is used to inject the Botox into the muscle. There is minimal discomfort. Following the procedure you may experience a very small bruise at the injection site. Improvement can be seen within several days and lasts up to 4 months. Botox has been safely used for ophthalmic disorders for over 10 years. When Botox was used to treat ophthalmic patients, one physician noticed that the lines around her patients eyes improved. In April 2001, Botox Cosmetic was cleared for use in Canada for patients with facial wrinkles. Since then many satisfied people have been safely treated.


DERMAL FILLERS

Dermal fillers are used to correct deep folds, wrinkles, superficial lines as well as used to shape facial contours and enhance lips. At Soma, we use Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm – all of which are hyaluronic acid based gels. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in our bodies. It is bio-degradable and is a non-animal product. There is no risk of transmitting disease or causing an allergic reaction. During the consultation the doctor will listen to your concerns and recommend the product that will work the best for the specific areas. No pre-testing is required and the results are immediate. The gel is injected into the skin with a needle. A topical anesthetic may be used if you are concerned about the injections being uncomfortable. When the lips are being enhanced a local anesthetic is often used to relieve discomfort. After the injections you may experience some swelling, bruising, redness, itching or tenderness. These symptoms will usually resolve within a few days. Some people may experience a hypersensitive-type reaction that includes symptoms such as redness and tenderness that start a few days to four weeks after injections. Most symptoms are self-limiting and usually resolve within two weeks. The doctor will see you for a follow-up appointment two weeks after injections. The results can last a long time, from six to nine months and a follow-up treatment can be done at that time.