Hyperpigmentation | Afterglow Medical Aesthetics & Skin Care

ABOUT Afterglow

Afterglow is a full-service medi-spa, founded in 2005 by Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, a practising family physician. Dr. Ebrahim's passion for wellness and beauty - the underpinnings of self-confidence - has led to Afterglow's growing reputation as a respected provider of professional skincare services in the Greater Vancouver area. Although the medi-spa is situated in North Vancouver, it attracts clients from all over the province: a testament to the satisfaction of those who have experienced Dr. Ebrahim's professional and friendly manner as well as her technical ability.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

Photo by Mandana Zaidi

The staff of Afterglow Medi-Spa believe strongly in corporate social responsibility. Our special role as health professionals enables us to give back to the communities in which we live, as well as to the world at large.

In 2002, Dr. Ebrahim travelled to Tibet to provide free medical services to the nomads of the eastern regions. In 2006, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for BC Children's Hospital.

In 2010 Dr. Ebrahim is preparing to climb Mount Everest Base Camp with a mission to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote, underserviced and war stricken areas of Northern Pakistan. She believes that the best hope for a peaceful and prosperous world lies in the education of all the world's children.

In collaboration with the Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization, Dr. Ebrahim has been donating 2% of the profits from Afterglow, since January, 2009.

Afterglow for Men

Now, the guys have their own treatment facility at Afterglow! Our unique men's skin care program will give you a firmer and smoother face and body and specializes in result-oriented solutions in a confidential and discreet atmosphere.

Dr. Shehla Ebrahim and her highly-trained staff offer the latest medical advancements in cosmetic medicine and skin care for men using state-of-the-art technology.

Take advantage of our men's skin care program today! Eliminate wrinkles, acne, excess body hair and age spots. Improve your looks and enhance your self-image...

We're in the news!

Our reputation is growing. The following article appeared in the March 2009 edition of Fashion Magazine:

Those looking to get that certain covetable glow might want to book a visit with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim at her fully licensed and medically supervised medi-spa in North Vancouver. Asian-influenced decor is the finishing touch on a relaxed, private and no-pressure environment, where informative Power Point presentations about Botox, photofacial and laser hair removal help set realistic expections and put clients at ease. Menopausal women wary of synthetic hormones can look into bioidentical hormone replacement therapy....

To calm any pre-procedure jitters, enjoy complimentary tea and nibble on chocolates as you wait."

Afterglow Skin and Laser Centre

Member of

The Patient's Guide

Certified Physician

wrinkles.org
rosaceatreatment.org
hairremovaljournal.org

COLORESCIENCE AT AFTERGLOW

Effective April 1, 2009, Afterglow will offer the premier mineral makeup line Colorescience (pronounced Colour Science). This innovative line of cosmetics will give you a wonderfully natural look, with an added dimension of urban sophistication. Colorescience cosmetics will even your skin tone, cover imperfections, stay put and protect your skin all day long. We know you'll be thrilled by the contemporary packaging and outstanding colour range.

Spa Ethics

Of course you know all the dos and don'ts of attending a beauty services spa, but did you know that attending a medi-spa means the same small courtesies should be observed?

We want your visit to be as pleasurable as possible, so please read through this short list of requests before you attend your service appointment:

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment (so that you can enjoy a cup of tea and relax)
Please call if you are running late so that we may reschedule your treatment.
Cancellations require 24 hour notice for all treatments to avoid a charge of 50% of all treatments scheduled.
As a courtesy to others, please ensure that mobile phones are set to vibrate only.
We encourage you call us with any questions and concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem.

September 17, 2009

Introducing SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™ for general skin enhancement, acne, aging and/or treatment of melasma

SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™

Afterglow is excited to be able to provide you with fabulous new SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™

This innovative procedure gently exfoliates your skin and infuses it with customized solutions to bring out youthful glow and clarity. If you have a skin condition such as melasma, acne, sun damage or dryness, your skin can be treated with highly effective ingredients that address the specific condition.

For example, Lumixyl™ (a safe lightening agent) is used to treat melasma, vitamic C and peptides are helpful for a dry and/or aging skin, and acne is treated using glycolics. All skin benefits from the use of vitamin C and moisturizing agents.

Here are some of the questions commonly asked about SILKPEEL™:

Q. What exactly is SILKPEEL™?
A. SILKPEEL’s™ “wet abrasion” exfoliates the skin and simultaneously infuses a topical dermaceutical, addressing your specific skin condition and stimulating new cell growth to give your skin the revitalization you want.

Q. Is it Safe?
A. Yes. SILKPEEL™ is a safe, comfortable treatment. You are no longer exposed to the hazards of particulate dermabrasion with SILKPEEL’s™ crystal-free technology.

Q. How long does the procedure take?
A. Procedures typically last about 20 minutes. Since the SILKPEEL™ delivers a dermaceutical during treatment, your post-treatment protocol is quick and easy.

Q. Will there be any pain or discomfort?
A. The exfoliation may cause a mild tightening of the skin. Combined with the cool, moisturizing effect of the topicals, your skin will feel healthy and smooth.

Q. What will my skin look like after a treatment?
A. Your skin will have an immediate, radiant glow that leaves you looking healthy and renewed.

Q. Will I miss work or have to alter my social schedule?
A. SILKPEEL™ is considered a “lunch hour” procedure so you can promptly return to your normal activities.

Q. What do I need to do after a treatment?
A. Dr. Ebrahim or a member of Afterglow’s professional skincare team will customize a post-care regimen which may include moisturizers, cleansers, serums and sunscreens to enhance and maintain results.

Q. Do I have to do anything before a treatment?
A. Not normally. The exception is when Dr. Ebrahim recommends Lumixyl™ (a skin-lightening peptide) as part of your customized treatment for melasma or hyperpigmentation. In this case, you will be requested to apply Lumixyl™ twice a week for two weeks, followed by a SILKPEEL™ dermal infusion every two weeks for a period of 3 months.

Q. How long does it take to see results?
You will enjoy visible results after the first treatment and will achieve optimal results after 4 – 6 treatments spaced 7 to 10 days apart, supplemented by a daily post-care routine. A monthly maintenance treatment will help your skin stay healthy.

SILKPEEL™ and Melasma

If you wish to address melasma or hyperpigmentation of the skin (including “age spots”), Lumixyl™ will be infused into your skin. Lumixyl™ is a skin-lightening peptide that improves the appearance of mild to moderate hyperpigmentation.

Lumixyl™ works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes cells in the skin to produce dark pigment (melanin). One of the benefits of using Lumixyl™ over the traditional hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma/hyperpigmentation is that it does not cause hypopigmentation (lighter patches of skin) in darker skin types.

Combined therapy with SILKPEEL™ and Lumixyl™ provides simultaneous exfoliation and delivery of Lumixyl™ deep into the epidermis. Results are optimized and maintained by the post-treatment home use of Lumixyl™ topical brightening cream twice daily.

To learn more about about SILKPEEL™ DermalInfusion™ or treatment for melasma/hyperpigmentation, or if you have any questions, please call us at Afterglow…

Category: Facial Skincare
Tags: Acne, age spots, aging skin, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, Lumixyl, Melasma, Silkpeel dermalInfusion, sun damaged skin
Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

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August 12, 2009

GOODBYE TO CHEST WRINKLES

Goodbye To Chest Wrinkles

One of the more common concerns voiced by women of a certain age is the development of a delta-like pattern of wrinkles on the chest. Combined with the finer all-over wrinkling often seen on the fine skin of the décolletage, this can add significantly to the appearance of aging.

The delta pattern of wrinkling, where the wrinkles start just under the collarbone and “flow” towards the cleavage is not a true sign of aging. Rather, it is caused by the compression of the soft structures of the chest when a woman sleeps on her side or stomach. (Sleeping in these positions is also responsible for wrinkling and creasing of the face.) If you stand in front of a mirror and push your breasts and upper chest area together with your arms, you will notice how marked the delta creases become.

The best way to prevent delta creases, and-if they are relatively shallow-lessen their appearance, is to sleep on your back. You don’t have to lie staring up at the ceiling, but simply make sure that your shoulders are facing upwards. Positioning your hip sideways will feel more comfortable, and placing a pillow under each arm will help retrain you to stop turning on your side.

If the creases are very marked, they can be treated with the profractional laser or a mild peel to markedly reduce their depth. Very deep creases can be filled with Restylane or Juvéderm to restore the appearance of youth. Dr. Ebrahim also uses Botox® to address wrinkling in the cleavage area.

The network of wrinkles that often appears in conjunction with hyperpigmentation (freckles, age spots) is caused by UV light and frequently worsens after menopause, when the skin thins. This fine, crepey appearance can be addressed by the use of an Afterglow retinoic acid formulation, and/or treatments with the profractional laser. Dr. Ebrahim or her staff will also be able to recommend a skin cream that can address the hyperpigmentation, to restore a youthful, even tone.

Finally, to help prevent deepening of chest wrinkles, be sure to wear your sunscreen every day!

Category: Body Skincare,Sun Damage/Protection
Tags: Chest wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, Juvéderm, profractional laser, Restylane
Posted by: Dr. Shehla Ebrahim

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