Your skin changes in different ways as you grow older, and some are more noticeable than others — especially those on the face.

Fine lines start to appear around the eyes and mouth. Wrinkles begin to crease the forehead. Volume loss causes skin to sag at the jawline and neck. Sound familiar?

Fortunately, you can address these and other common signs of aging with cosmetic treatments. And while there are various options on the market, dermal fillers are one of the most popular. But what are they?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best dermal fillers for different budgets and goals.

Dermal Filler Basics

Dermal fillers are designed to restore volume and cultivate smoother skin in specific treatment areas. Skilled technicians use a fine needle to place one or more fillers beneath the skin via injection.

Fillers contain multiple ingredients, some of which may be naturally occurring. They can achieve remarkable aesthetic results following multiple sessions, such as reducing the visibility of glabella lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows) and enhancing the shape of the lips.

Dermal fillers are a quick, simple, and convenient alternative to more invasive procedures. In the hands of a trained specialist, an injection into the right spot can restore a more youthful look that lasts for months.

Anatomy of a Dermal Filler

There are several types of fillers on the market, but what goes into them?

Most dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occuring substance that binds water inside the body, vital for transporting nutrients and maintaining a healthy water balance in the skin. Hyaluronic acid injections can make skin smoother and reduce the visibility of lines on the face.

However, dermal filler anatomy varies from product to product. Some types of fillers will include other ingredients such as:

• Polyalkylimide
• Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA)
• Polylactic acid
• Calcium hydroxylapatite

You may discuss dermal filler anatomy during your pre-treatment consultation, which will help you understand the basis of your treatment and how it will affect the skin.

What are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

Here are five of the biggest options on the market:

Juvederm

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based filler and perhaps the most popular type available. Multiple products are available in the Juvederm line, each designed to create a specific aesthetic result.

For example, Juvederm Voluma XC can increase volume below the surface of the skin on your cheeks, making them look more prominent and defined. Juvederm Ultra XC, though, are lip volume-enhancing fillers.

Juvederm also encourages the production of collagen as well as hyaluronic acid, a protein essential for maintaining healthy, strong skin. The human body generates less and less collagen as it ages, so producing extra can reduce skin wrinkling and sagging.

Stylage

Stylage is a hyaluronic acid-based filler containing lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and mannitol (a powerful antioxidant) in one package. It can treat wrinkles around the mouth, on the forehead, around the eyes, and add volume to multiple areas of the face.

Mannitol, also found in various vegetables and fruits, can help to combat the effects of harmful free radicals, which cause collagen to break down, create fine lines, and increase sagging skin. One Stylage product, Stylage HydroMax, includes sorbitol to help retain skin hydration and elasticity.

Restylane

Restylane is another of the most well-known types of facial filler injections, with a wide range of products to its name. This includes Restylane-L, Restylane Silk, Restylane Contour, and Restylane Defyne. Each Restylane product is designed to achieve specific objectives, from encouraging subtle enhancement of the lips to lifting the cheeks.

Some of Restylane’s products incorporate NASHA technology that allows for bespoke treatments, enabling clinics to help clients achieve their ideal results. For example, fillers with large particles can target the deepest wrinkles and introduce substantial volume, terrific for heavily lined, sagging skin.

Bellafill

Bellafill claims to be the only filler capable of stimulating collagen growth for extended periods of time, helping users look younger for as long as five years. It features polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres which are contained inside a collagen gel.

The collagen is intended to start improving the appearance of lines around the mouth right away, while the PMMA microspheres set up a structure upon which your body can begin building more collagen.

Teosyal

The Teosyal line of volume-enhancing fillers includes various products with diverse properties and densities. Each filler type is designed to treat specific parts of the face and improve the appearance of the skin in certain ways, from contour remodeling to reducing the visibility of fine lines.

For example, the Teosyal Rha 1 product is formulated to target wrinkles on the décolleté, neck, and face, while Teosyal Rha 4 works on cheeks and facial contours instead.

Understanding the Cost of Dermal Fillers

If you’re considering any of these treatments, it’s likely that you will be asking “how much do dermal fillers cost?”. That’s not an easy question to answer — prices vary based on the type of filler, your chosen clinic, and other determining factors.

However, we have created a concise dermal filler cost comparison chart to give you a general idea of pricing, based on the different types of dermal filler treatments available and their average prices.

How Much is a Dermal Filler Injection — Price Range

Our comparison chart provides information on the average prices for different dermal fillers, but clinics may charge significantly more or less.

At Astra Medicare, we’re committed to providing dermal filler injections (and a host of other treatments) at the most competitive prices in Brampton.

Which Dermal Fillers are Right for You?

Dermal fillers — which are right for me?

It’s a question we hear often. Fortunately, our team has the training and experience to help you choose the best facial injectables on the market for your skin and aesthetic goals.

Another common question is “what’s a good skincare routine?”, so we’ll provide you with expert tips to maintain the results of your treatment at home. Book your appointment at Astra Medicare today!

Glutathione — The "Beauty Superhero" of the Body

Glutathione is often referred to as the “superhero of antioxidants” or the “beauty superhero” — but why?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant performing essential functions in the body that can have a visible impact on your skin and general wellbeing. While glutathione can be found in certain foods and supplements, glutathione IV therapy is an increasingly popular option.

What does the treatment involve? How does it affect the body? And why should you consider giving it a try?

In this post, we explore how glutathione works on the body, potential glutathione side effects, and the overall benefits of glutathione.

How Does Glutathione Work?

So, what is a glutathione anyway?

Glutathione is a natural antioxidant found within our cells and in a number of foods. As a tripeptide, glutathione is made up of multiple amino acids — glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Each one is powerful in its own way:

• Glutamine: A core part of proteins and essential for immune system support.
• Glycine: Vital for building proteins and maintaining a healthy heart and liver.
• Cysteine: Believed to help reduce aging’s impact on the skin and encourage healing.

Glutathione is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and combating oxidative stress, a natural cellular process caused by metabolic activity. But not everyone has healthy glutathione levels — these can drop due to a poor diet, stress, advancing age, and environmental toxins.

Common symptoms of low glutathione levels include chronic fatigue, frequent colds or flu, allergic reactions, and weight management difficulties. While you can increase glutathione levels by changing your diet and taking supplements, IV glutathione therapy is a quick, simple, convenient way to up your levels.

What is a glutathione IV treatment? As with other IV-based treatments, this involves setting up an intravenous injection and delivering glutathione directly into the bloodstream.

The process is straightforward and quick: just sit and relax while a skilled technician sets everything up for you. They will answer any questions you may have and monitor the IV setup to ensure that you remain comfortable from start to finish.

Most people require multiple glutathione IV therapy sessions to achieve their goals. The number of sessions scheduled for you will be based on the results you’re looking for, how soon you want to see them, and your body’s absorption of the glutathione. Typically, we book sessions one week apart to allow the body time to absorb the glutathione and for effects to become visible.

High Dose vs Low Dose for IV Glutathione Therapy?

Determining the right dosage for IV glutathione therapy is crucial to achieve the desired results. But the correct dose is different from person to person. Why? It’s down to a number of key factors, specifically metabolic rate, weight, height, and (perhaps most important) your reason for trying IV glutathione therapy.

However, other factors can affect your body’s glutathione absorption. These include smoking, your activity levels, and the amount of alcohol you drink. Each of these could contribute to slower absorption and less visible effects, so it’s possible that you may need a higher dosage than someone who exercises often, doesn’t smoke, and drinks little or even not at all.

We will discuss your motivations for trying IV glutathione therapy, your health history, and your general lifestyle in detail during your consultation. This will provide us with the information we need to recommend the right dosage.

The Benefits of Glutathione IV Therapy — Your Solution to Beautiful Skin

So, onto the most important question: does it really work?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Glutathione IV therapy is one of several IV-based treatments we provide at Astra Medicare, alongside vitamin C IV therapy, IV vitamin cocktails, and M.I.C. injections for fat burning. And it has the power to significantly improve the look of your skin.

Below, we’ll explore the main benefits offered by this treatment:

Achieve a More Balanced Skin Tone

A common motivator for people booking glutathione IV therapy, particularly for those affected by hyperpigmentation, is to achieve a more even skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which certain areas of the skin become darker and stand out from the rest. There are various causes, including excess melanin production. As the pigment responsible for determining skin color, too much melanin can disrupt the balance of a person’s skin tone and leave them with uneven coloring.

Hyperpigmentation can be the result of medication, pregnancy, and spending too long in direct sunlight (as UV radiation triggers melanin production). But glutathione can inhibit melanin production to make hyperpigmentation less visible and cultivate (or restore) a more even skin tone.

All forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and sunspots or liver spots, can be treated effectively with this treatment. Your skin will start to look lighter and brighter with each session.

Reduce the Visibility of Blemishes, Freckles, and Acne Scars

Glutathione can remove impurities from the skin and make blemishes or breakouts less visible.

As it inhibits melanin production, glutathione may also improve the appearance of freckles. It can make acne scars less noticeable over time too.

Achieve a Healthy Glow

Glutathione is capable of building stronger skin and reducing the presence of toxins: toxins adhere to the glutathione, which flushes them out of the body. And as glutathione combats free radicals that can lead to premature aging, it can reduce the visibility of common signs of aging (e.g. wrinkles) and leave you with a healthier, more youthful glow.

If you’re concerned about your skin’s appearance, whether it looks dull, dehydrated, or unbalanced, a few glutathione IV sessions will completely revitalize it.

Please note: potential side effects of glutathione-based treatments include abdominal cramps and certain allergic reactions (e.g. a rash).

Now that we have answered “does it work?”, let’s move onto the next question: “how can I book my consultation for glutathione IV therapy?”.

That’s quick and simple. Just get in touch with our team — we’ll be happy to discuss your goals, your requirements, and anything else you need to know. Schedule your consultation with Astra Medicare today!

Are you considering getting a facelift? If so, expect to spend at least three weeks at home in recovery and at least six weeks before you start feeling like yourself again. That's some significant downtime!

Luckily, there are non-surgical alternatives to facelifts that come with a much shorter recovery period. These face contouring procedures can tighten skin, reduce fat cells, and even make your muscles look more toned.

At Astra Medicare Cosmetic Clinic, we offer non-invasive body contouring services for the face and body. Our procedures are powerful enough to make you look and feel more youthful without having to go under the knife.

But what is face contouring exactly, and how does it work? We answer these two questions and many more in this complete guide. Keep reading for everything you need to know before booking your appointment.

What Is Non-Surgical Face Contouring?

Only a few decades ago, going under the knife was the only way to get significantly tighter, more youthful-looking skin. But technology has advanced, and all that has changed.

Today, there are multiple options that the FDA has approved to help you get firmer, tighter skin. And most of them do not require surgery. Some are even completely non-invasive.

We will talk about a few of these facial procedures next.

RF Therapies

RF energy can help improve the texture, tone, and tightness of your facial skin. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production in your skin.

It can offer the same benefits as traditional microneedling treatments. But the advantage is that the use of RF energy means the treatment is completely non-invasive.

Some types of procedures that offer these effects include Morpheus8 and EmpowerRF. We offer both of these therapies at our medical spa.

Thread Lifts

While thread lifts are not completely non-invasive, they are minimally invasive compared to traditional facelifts. These treatments also work by stimulating collagen production, though through a different mechanism.

A doctor will place threads under the skin to lift and tighten your skin. The body then treats these threads like wounds, resulting in an uptick in collagen. Over time, this creates the added benefit of fewer wrinkles.

Many people do not prefer thread lifts because of this uncomfortable process. If that sounds like you, consider some of these other options.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a common non-surgical treatment for the face and body, including jawline contouring. It utilizes ultrasound energy to heat up cells in the target area. This, again, results in collagen stimulation.

People get ultherapy to help with loose skin, wrinkles, and sagging. It can target pretty significant aging. But you may have to book multiple sessions.

Injectables

Did you know that fillers can help tighten your skin? That is right: fillers are not just for people who want to change the shape and/or volume of their faces.

Filling the face with filler will automatically tighten the skin. And with this tightening comes an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles.

However, keep in mind that these facial injections are a temporary solution. You usually have to get them re-injected after six months.

Other Treatments

There are dozens of other treatments to consider if you want a non-surgical facelift. This includes Coolsculpting, Warmsculpting, and Evolve/Evoke.

Coolsculpting and Warmsculpting use cold and hot energy, respectively, to kill fat cells. However, these procedures do not help with skin tightening.

Evoke is a three-step facelift cosmetic procedure that uses thermal energy to melt fat cells, stimulate collagen for skin tightening, and stimulate muscle tissue.

It is one of the best non-surgical face contouring procedures around today.

Does Non-Surgical Face Contouring Really Work?

Yes! Non-surgical face contouring is FDA-approved to help treat sagging skin, wrinkles, and more. The exact facial areas that can benefit from these treatments depend on the exact procedure.

Before the FDA ever approves a procedure, it requires various documentation. This documentation includes scientific evidence that the procedure works the way it claims to.

In this case, there are studies showing the effectiveness of non-surgical facelift procedures. For example, check out this 2022 research study on the benefits and effectiveness of our Evoke facelift procedure.

FDA approval also means that the treatment's benefits outweigh its risks. After all, all medical treatments present some level of risk.

Benefits of Face Contouring Over Traditional Facelifts

There are multiple benefits of getting one of these treatments over a surgical facelift, including:

• Little to no recovery time

• Extremely low risk of complications

• The procedure takes less than one hour

The only downside to these procedures is that they are not all permanent. And some treatments may require multiple procedures before you achieve your desired results.

You may worry that this may drive up the total cost of your procedure. But considering the amount of time you will have to take off from work and the added costs of surgical facelifts, this just is not true.

Non-surgical face contouring can actually end up costing less than getting a traditional facelift, even when you consider top-ups.

Non-Surgical Face Contouring at Atra Medicare

Don't want to go under the knife to get the facelift you have been dreaming about? You don't have to with today's non-surgical facelift options.

Whether you want to tighten skin, reduce facial fat, or both, there is a non-surgical face contouring treatment for you.

Are you searching for non-surgical face contouring treatment in Brampton, Ontario? We offer non-invasive and minimally invasive services to all our clients. Contact us today to set up your appointment!

The demand for body contouring is on the rise with more than 17 million procedures performed in the US each year. With so many non-surgical body contouring options on the market, it's hard to know what works and what doesn't. At InMode, we want to make sure you have all the facts before you make a decision about your health.

That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to non-surgical body contouring. Let's get started.

What Is Non-Surgical Body Contouring?

Non-surgical body contouring is a set of treatments that use different technologies to target and eliminate fat cells. These procedures are non-invasive, meaning they don't require surgery or anesthesia.

There are many different types of non-surgical body contouring, but they all share one goal. That is to help you achieve the body you want without having to go under the knife.

Some of the most popular types of non-surgical body contouring include CoolSculpting, Sculpsure, and Ultrashape.

CoolSculpting uses cryolipolysis, or fat freezing, to target and destroy fat cells. Sculpsure is a laser body contouring treatment that uses heat to destroy fat cells. Ultrashape is an ultrasound body contouring treatment that breaks down fat cells with sound waves.

What Are the Benefits of Non-Surgical Body Contouring?

There are many benefits of non-surgical body contouring. The biggest one is that these procedures can help you achieve your desired results without surgery.

Non-surgical body contouring procedures are also much less expensive than surgery. They have a shorter recovery time. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after their treatment.

Do They Work?

Yes, non-surgical body contouring procedures do work. These procedures are FDA-cleared and backed by clinical studies.

In a study of CoolSculpting, for example, 73% of patients said they were satisfied with their results after just one treatment.

If you're looking for a safe and effective way to improve your appearance without surgery, non-surgical body contouring may be right for you.

What Are the Risks of Non-Surgical Body Contouring?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with non-surgical body contouring. However, these risks are usually minor and temporary.

Swelling is the most common side effect of non-surgical body contouring. It usually subsides within a few days. You may also experience some bruising after your treatment. This will usually go away within a week or two.

Some patients report feeling dizzy or lightheaded after their treatment, but this is usually due to the fact that they are dehydrated.

It's important to drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to stay hydrated.

When undergoing treatments that use radiofrequency energy you may also experience some discomfort during the procedure. This is normal and should go away as soon as the treatment is over.

Are Non-Surgical Body Contouring Procedures Safe?

Yes, non-surgical body contouring procedures are safe. These procedures are FDA-cleared and have a very low risk of complications.

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with non-surgical body contouring. However, these risks are usually minor and temporary.

What Should I Expect After My Treatment?

Most patients see results within a few weeks of their treatment. However, it can take up to three months to see your final results.

It's important to remember that non-surgical body contouring is not a weight loss solution. These procedures are meant to help you achieve your desired shape, not to help you lose a significant amount of weight.

Non-surgical body contouring treatments are considered safe and effective for people who are within 20 pounds of their goal weight and have isolated pockets of fat that they would like to target. These treatments are not meant for people who are looking for major weight loss results; for those individuals, traditional liposuction is still the gold standard.

Examples of Specific Treatments

Now that we've answered some of the most common questions about non-surgical body contouring, let's take a look at some of the most popular treatments. At InMode, our clients love the following treatments for their effectiveness and simplicity.

Evolve X Body Sculpting

The Evolve X Body Sculpting system uses radiofrequency energy to contour and shape the body. This energy remodels the skin, treats fat, and tones muscles without surgery or invasiveness. It can be used to tighten skin, reduce fat, and improve the appearance of cellulite.

This system is a non-invasive alternative to surgery that can help you achieve the results you desire. This is without the downtime or recovery associated with surgery.

Body Tite

InMode's BodyTite system is a new, minimally invasive way to contour the body that only requires a single treatment. It contours tissue and coagulates fat. This provides patients with dramatic results that were previously only possible through surgery.

BodyTite can be used on multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks.

Morpheus8 Body

Morpheus8 Body is a cutting-edge device that uses 3D Smart Frame and Burst technology to provide deep fractional treatments. RF energy is delivered in a sequential radiating pattern to multi-level depths in a single cycle. The patient is left with customized skin, tissue, fat, and collagen remodeling with reduced treatment times.

Vasculaze

InMode's Vasculaze is a new, minimally invasive way to treat vascular lesions. It uses radiofrequency energy to coagulate blood vessels. It also reduces the appearance of vascular lesions. Vasculaze is effective on multiple areas of the body. These include the face, neck, chest, and legs.

The Vasculaze system is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that can help you achieve the results you desire without the downtime or recovery associated with surgery.

Try Non-Surgical Lipo for Great Results

Body contouring can give you body sculpting results like liposuction without surgery effects and downtime. Non-invasive lipo procedures are used in different ways to break down and remove fat cells. Your body will then naturally eliminate the destroyed fat cells through your lymphatic system.

Curious to learn more? Schedule your appointment with Astra Medicare Cosmetic Clinic! You can achieve the figure you always wanted without going under the knife!