Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation -- Vancouver Physician Discusses Combination Therapy

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - Dec 24, 2013) - According to Shehla Ebrahim, MD, a Vancouver skin care professional and physician with Afterglow Physician Directed Medical Aesthetics, non-surgical makeovers are one of the ways patients can rejuvenate their facial appearance without the need for going through a time-consuming surgical process. To provide her patients with a formula designed to maximize results, Dr. Ebrahim explains that she commonly performs combination procedures in which two or more non-surgical products or treatments are applied together.

"Generally, women who want the best results will opt for combinations treatments because aging affects all aspects of the face -- skin, fat pads, elasticity, volume, bone, and teeth," she says. "No single procedure addresses all aspects of aging. Combination therapy gives the best outcomes. I always say to my clients two plus two equals 10."

At the Vancouver cosmetic dermatology-focused practice, Dr. Ebrahim says that the patient's aesthetic goals and preferences determine which combination procedure will be most appropriate. For individuals looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, a Microlaser Peel and Profractional Laser Skin Therapy can be used to stimulate collagen production and the growth of healthy skin tissue. Additionally, one popular combination procedure is the Soft Lift™, where BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® are injected along areas targeted for treatment to smooth deep wrinkles and fine lines, as well as restore lost volume in the face.

"These treatments are known as 'lunch hour procedures' in my clinic," she says. "My clients are able to get back to their busy lifestyles the same day."

In a recent blog post, "Combination Therapy: the Non-Surgical Makeover," Dr. Ebrahim explains that one of the most appealing aspects of non-surgical combination procedures is the rapid results. Generally, the recovery period for combination procedures can take up to one week, notes Dr. Ebrahim, but in some procedures, no recovery is required. "Some combination treatments require multiple visits to give the best results, but the beauty is no downtime in-between treatments."

According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the largest number of BOTOX® injections were performed in 2012 at 6.1 million. The annual report also indicated that the top five minimally invasive facial procedures all experienced growth from the previous year. Soft tissue fillers at 2.1 million and microdermabrasion at 974,000 also experienced higher growths, increasing five and eight percent, respectively.

As the Vancouver skin care professional indicated, evidence of this increasing popularity for non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures is commonly reflected at her practice among busy patients looking to refresh their appearances. "At Afterglow Physician Directed Medical Aesthetics, when we look at an aging face we want to achieve global rejuvenation," she says. To accomplish global facial rejuvenation, Dr. Ebrahim explains that she divides the face into thirds, treating each portion with a unique procedure. Most commonly, BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers are used in the upper and middle portions of the face. The lower part is addressed with laser skin rejuvenation and ultrasound technology, or Ultherapy®, to repair sagging skin. Lastly, patients receive a thorough finishing procedure, such as the Silk Peel Dermabrasion and BroadBand Light (BBL™) treatment to polish the skin and smooth any wrinkles.

Dr. Ebrahim says the ultimate results of combination skin rejuvenation therapy has helped many of her patients feel great about the way they look. "We perform combination treatments in the majority of our patients, resulting in a 'WOW!' effect."

About Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, MD
A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim completed her medical degree in family medicine and received her practical dermatology diploma from the University of Cardiff in Wales. As the Medical Director for Afterglow Physician Directed Medical Aesthetics and Ambleside Dermedics Health Centre in West Vancouver, Dr. Ebrahim's areas of expertise include laser and light-based therapies in the treatment of a numerous dermatological conditions. Dr. Ebrahim is member of the BC College of Family Physicians, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the British Columbia Medical Association, and many other medical organizations. With her practice nominated for numerous awards, such as the 2013 Best Facial Rejuvenation Clinic award and the 2013 Best New Business award, Dr. Ebrahim enjoys serving as a mentor for women in business in the community. Dr. Ebrahim was also nominated as a Best Doctor on the North Shore in 2011. Dr. Ebrahim is available for interview upon request.

For more information about Afterglow Physician Directed Medicial Aesthetics, visit afterglowskincare.ca or facebook.com/afterglowmedical.