Non-laser cosmetic technologies at our Vancouver beauty clinic (in Surrey)

Yes! For those who have been told that lasers won’t work for their skin type, this usually does not apply to other types of energy. However, this does not mean that we won’t need to be just as cautious as when using lasers.

Let us explain:

With lasers, the goal is to get colour to absorb light. For example, with laser hair removal, it is ideal if skin is light, and hair is dark. This allows light energy to heat up only the dark hair, while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The same is true of tattoo removal, or redness treatments (like on visible veins). If your skin contains pigment, the chances of being burned by a laser are high. So, laser technicians should be extra careful when performing treatments on dark skin (which is possible, by the way!).

With non-laser cosmetic technologies, we may still use heat. But, it is not light based. So, we don’t need the distinguishment of colour to achieve intended results. This means technologies like miraDry®, for instance, can reduce underarm hair on any skin tone, while also killing off sweat glands (the latter of which is its primary goal). CoolSculpting®, being cold, can work on any skin tone.

But (and this is a big ‘but’), we must always be careful not to burn skin of colour (or any skin!). Darker skin tones can form post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots more easily than Caucasian skin. These are essentially long-term burn scars.

Choosing a safe, reputable medspa, with highly trained technicians and an experienced doctor, is always advisable for this reason. That goes for both laser or non-laser medical aesthetic treatments.

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Pain during non-surgical cosmetic procedures can depend on a lot of factors, including your own sensitivity. These procedures are certainly less painful than surgery. They also come with shorter downtime (if any at all).

Non-surgical, medical aesthetic technologies, whether lasers or not, can sometimes be painful. But, they can also be painless. It depends on which device we are speaking of, and the intensity at which it is used.

Typically we would say that, with most aesthetic procedures, you will feel something. But that ‘something’ may be more of a discomfort, rather than outright pain.

Either way, our procedures are tolerable! And sometimes, numbing solutions are used, so you won’t feel pain at all during the process.

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No they are not dangerous. The most common side-effect of the technologies, like with lasers, would be burning. Though, this is dependent on how the tools are used. Even if they do happen, burns are usually minor, or treatable.

All of the cosmetic, microwave or radio-frequency (RF) tools at our clinic have been studied for safety and efficacy. They are backed by reputable companies, and have been used on thousands of patients already.

You can learn more about the safety of radio-frequency cosmetic devices, by reviewing this clinical study.

It’s important to know that “radio frequency” does not always imply something ‘bad.’ For example, your microwave at home uses a certain frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum. So does your cell phone, WiFi, TV and car radio. In fact, strictly speaking, even visible light and UV rays from the sun fall on this spectrum. Lasers can also be found in this range.

It is true that certain types of frequencies fall under ionizing radiation, and those are known to be dangerous. But, this is only the case if you are continuously exposed to them (e.g. sun tanning!). In controlled applications, these types of radiation can even be used for medicinal purposes, such as with X-rays, or to treat cancer.

Now, there is a difference between ionizing, and non-ionizing radiation.

When we speak of radio frequency or microwave technology in medical aesthetics, we are not operating in that ‘dangerous’ realm. We are using low-energy, electromagnetic waves. They are non-ionizing.

In fact, if you have an infrared (IR) heater at home, you may be getting more energy radiation from that, than from any of our devices. UV light from prolonged sun exposure is far more dangerous than procedures done at our clinic. To put it into even more perspective, skin tightening with radio frequency typically uses lower energy than your kitchen’s microwave.

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With these types of cosmetic procedures, the aim is to produce a specific amount of heat, at a specific depth in the skin. When lower layers of skin are heated up, collagen production is induced, fat cells are melted, and other ‘beautifying’ things can take place.

This is why lasers can not always be used for sagging skin, fat, cellulite or sweat treatments. They don’t allow the right kind of heat to penetrate deeply enough, without affecting the upper layers of skin. So, scientists turn to another type of energy, to accomplish this effect.

The concept is the same with cryolipolysis, except in this case, we are using cold, not heat. The goal is to freeze fat, without affecting the skin or other parts of the body.

So, just like you can’t freeze your fat off with ice packs from your freezer, you also can’t use a hot iron to stimulate collagen, in an attempt to tighten your skin. It just doesn’t work that way. Special devices are needed to keep you safe, and uninjured during these cosmetic procedures!

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Each of our devices is designed to do a specific set of tasks. You’ll certainly have the choice of undergoing cosmetic procedures that interest you (as long as you’re eligible). However, our tools are not interchangeable, scientifically speaking.

For example, laser hair removal, at present, can not be accomplished with radio frequency heat. Certain lasers can only reach certain depths in the skin. And, certain devices are only cleared for use on some body parts.

If you are hoping for a specific effect, we strongly recommend coming in for a consultation at our clinic. From there, we can answer more questions you may have. We can also let you know which treatments, or combination of treatments, will work to achieve your cosmetic goals.

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