Why do I need to do a consultation for my laser treatment? I’ve done this treatment in the past at other clinics.
Although it is possible that you have had the same, or similar treatment at another non-Victoria Park clinic, we take your wellbeing and your results very seriously and are committed in providing you with the upmost treatment plan and service. Our technicians and nurses go through an extensive training to ensure that the highest standards are met. The consultation is then necessary for our staff to determine if the treatment you are choosing is the best one for you, as well as provide you with all pre- and post-treatment care and contraindications. With this in mind, a great option is our Virtual Consultations, which can be done from the comfort of your own home on any computer, tablet or smartphone with a microphone and camera!
Why do I need to do a consultation for my doctor appointment?
In order to provide you with the best possible information and personalized treatment plan, a consultation is mandatory with all of our physician specialists. Your safety and wellbeing are always at the forefront of our process and we want to make sure that all proper steps are followed before proceeding with any treatments. Our doctors will need to know your medical history as well as have a clear understanding of your treatment goals and results. Here at Victoria Park Medispa, we will always recommend the treatment best suited for you, not just what we happen to have. This also applies to existing clients who switch to a new doctor at any of our locations; a new consultation will be required.
Can I have a treatment on the same day as my consultation?
Same-day treatment cannot be guaranteed (with the exception of our Bela MD serum infused microdermabrasion) without having had a consultation with our specialists. Your safety and wellbeing are always at the forefront of our process and we want to make sure that all proper steps are followed before proceeding with any treatments. We will always recommend the treatment best suited for you, not just what we happen to have. With this in mind, a great option is our Virtual Consultations, which can be done from the comfort of your own home on any computer, tablet or smartphone with a microphone and camera!
Are your laser or surgery treatments covered by RAMQ?
As we are a private clinic, none of our procedures or services are covered by RAMQ. If you have private insurance, you must verify with your insurance company directly to find out if your treatment would be covered.
Are your dermatology treatments covered by RAMQ?
As we are a private clinic, none of our procedures or services are covered by RAMQ. If you have private insurance, you must verify with your insurance company directly to find out if your treatment would be covered.
Which treatments can I do if I am pregnant? If I am breastfeeding?
Only our Bela MD serum infused microdermabrasion treatment is safe on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What is the age requirement for dermatology?
Our dermatologists will treat patients as of the age of 12 years old; no legal guardian is required as of 14 years old.
What is the age requirement for laser treatments?
All of our laser treatments are 18 years or older, with the exception of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can be performed as of the age of 16 years or older with the presence and consent of a parent or guardian, and menstruation must have occurred for at least 2 years for females.
Can you provide pricing without a consultation?
A consultation is required to assess your current situation and the results you are looking to achieve. This could affect which treatment is recommended, the number of cycles, number of treatments and intervals. We are happy to provide a range in pricing but to get a precise quote, we put all our trust in our consultation specialists.
Can I buy products online?
We are working on making this possible very soon! In the meantime, you may call or text us at 514.488.8668 and we will gladly place a product order for you and ship it to your home. You may also continue purchasing products at our boutiques in all of our Victoria Park Medispa locations.
Can I do laser treatments if I am tanned?
Our technicians are trained to deliver the safest treatment possible and deliver the best results for your skin. As such, if your skin color has darkened since winter or a vacation etc., your skin may be considered too tanned for a laser treatment and we suggest reserving an appointment for when It has returned to its natural skin tone.
How can I purchase a gift card?
For physical gift cards with complimentary gift-wrapping and shipping, please call 514.488.8668 during business hours or email your request to reservations@vicpark.com at any time. Our staff will help you customize your card, gift wrap your gift card for pickup or free shipping, and securely take your payment information. For eGift Cards, you can send a personalized Gift Card by email to your loved ones by clicking here.
Where are you located?
Victoria Park Medispas are located in Westmount, Downtown Montreal, Pointe-Claire, Montreal East, Laval, Longueuil, Town of Mount Royal, Gatineau, Quebec City and Ottawa.
I’ve had a bad reaction to a treatment, what do I do?
Your results and well-being are an integral part of your journey with Victoria Park Medispa, therefore any reaction you may experience is taken very seriously. We invite you to call or text our Appointment Concierge Team at 514.488.8668 so that we may schedule you in for a free follow-up appointment to assess the situation and have your provider contact you immediately.
What is the difference between filler injections (such as Juvederm or Restylane) and muscle relaxant injections (such as Botox or Dysport)?
Dermal fillers are generally used to treat folds, creases, and deeper lines that appear over time. They can be used to improve facial proportions, add lost volume, enhance your lips, contour your jaw line, and even enhance the natural look of your nose without surgery. Muscle relaxant injections or wrinkle relaxers, also known as neuromodulators, are products injected into the facial muscles responsible for wrinkles and fine lines to relax those muscles. The ingredients in these products block the signal between nerve and muscle, thereby reducing its ability to contract and form wrinkles. At Victoria Park Medispa, our experienced and knowledgeable service providers will determine the best treatment plan according to your facial symmetry and proportions to ensure natural, beautiful results.
How many syringes do I need for my lip filler? What happens if I don’t use all of it?
These are great questions that are best answered by your provider during your consultation. They will take into account your facial proportions as well as the results you are looking to achieve and be able to provide you with a personalized treatment plan as well as answer any of your questions!
Can I do laser hair removal if I am menstruating?
Laser hair removal is perfectly safe during menstruation, however certain areas might be more sensitive. It is important to note that if treating the bikini area while menstruating, a tampon is mandatory.
Is the consultation fee with the doctor deducted from the treatment price?
At Victoria Park Medispa we like to be fully transparent regarding our pricing. Therefore, consultation fees and treatment prices are completely separate and not deducted.
Can I come accompanied during my consultation / treatment?
Due to COVID-19 protocols, and to ensure a limited amount of people in the clinic at one time, only parents/guardians of under-age patients or caregivers are permitted to accompany patients to their appointments.
Do you have parking at all of your clinic locations?
Westmount: Complimentary indoor parking is located to the left of our main entrance. If your appointment is before 9am, after 5pm or on the weekend, a garage code may be necessary to access the parking garage. Contact our Appointment Concierge Team at (514) 488–8668 if your appointment is during those times and one has not been provided to you.
Downtown: Street parking is available (at your own cost) as well as a paid outdoor parking at the corner of de Maisonneuve and de la Montagne.
Pointe-Claire: There is free parking surrounding the building.
Montreal-East: Free parking is located to the right of the building.
Laval: Free parking is located right in front of the building.
Longueuil: Free parking is located in front of the building.
TMR: A paid parking lot is attached to the right of the building.
Gatineau: Free parking is located in front of the building.
Ottawa: TBC
Quebec City: TBC
Can I do injections at the same time as my consult?
Although same-day treatment is not guaranteed, as it depends on the results of your consultation, enough time is allotted for the possibility of having the injections done at the same time.
I recently had injections done with one of your doctors / nurses, I am not 100% satisfied with the result, what should I do?
We invite you to call or text our Appointment Concierge Team at (514) 488-8668 and it would be our pleasure to schedule you in for your follow-up appointment* with your provider so that you may voice your concerns and they can assess the situation.
*Please note that there is possibility of additional fees if more product is injected.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, cheque, American Express, Visa and Mastercard, as well as financing plans from Paybright!
Which Victoria Park Medispa clinics practice medical dermatology?
We have two medical dermatologists that work in the private sector with us: Dr. Steven Bernstein at our Westmount location and Dr. Miriam Hakim at our Pointe-Claire location. All of our other dermatologists practice Aesthetics and do not treat medical dermatology cases.
If I had a laser treatment done at one of your locations, can I do the same treatment in another Victoria Park location?
Although we recommend pursuing your treatment with your existing technician, if another location is more convenient for you, we can have your file transferred over so that you may continue your treatments there. The only exception would be if your treatment is not offered at that location, you would need to be scheduled for a new complimentary consultation to be able to recommend you another of our treatments that may provide you with similar results!
Are the same treatments offered across all of your Victoria Park Medispa locations?
Most of our treatments are offered across all of our locations, however you may find some that are offered only in individual locations. We invite you to call or text our Appointment Concierge Team at (514) 488-8668 and we will gladly review which location offers the treatment you are most interested in. We currently offer over 70 laser treatments with our technicians and nurses, and over 170 types of surgeries offered by our doctors, so we are confident that we can find exactly what you are looking for!
Do I need to shave before my laser hair removal treatment? How long before?
It is mandatory to shave before laser hair removal treatments for all areas, with the exception of the face. It is recommended to shave the night before for optimal results.
Still got questions?
Here are some in depth Q&A’s on some of our treatments:
VBeam VS Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Laser photo-rejuvenation treatments are highly effective laser skin therapies that can treat a variety of indications including redness, sun damage, pigmentation issues, age spots, fine lines, and large pores. Most patients also find that photofacials also leave their skin feeling softer and smoother than before the treatment.
Two of the most popular forms of photo-rejuvenation, IPL PhotoFacial and VBeam, can produce very similar results. However, there are some key differences between the two lasers.
WHAT IS INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)?
IPL™ PhotoFacial uses precise amounts of visible light (IPL is ‘intense pulsed light’) to effectively treat facial redness and improve sun-damaged skin. The light energy is absorbed by the damaged tissue resulting in a stimulation of the production of collagen. This reaction addresses common signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
IPL devices can use a variety of different wavelengths or colors of light in the same pulse. As such, IPL treatments can be customized for a variety of different indications and levels of severity.
WHAT IS VBEAM?
VBeam is a laser device that emits a single wavelength (595 nm) or color of light in order to safely and effectively remove vascular and pigmented discolorations, including rosacea, sun spots, age spots, freckles, port wine stains, and facial veins.
WHICH LASER IS BETTER FOR TREATING SUN DAMAGE?
IPL treatments tend to address sun damage better than VBeam, especially for patients with lighter skin tones.
WHICH LASER IS BETTER FOR TREATING REDNESS?
Both laser types are great for treating redness. However, the VBeam usually achieves an optimal result in fewer treatments compared to IPL.
WHICH LASER TYPE IS BETTER FOR ADDRESSING ROSACEA?
VBeam tends to better address rosacea in far fewer treatments. Typically it can take IPL up to 6 treatments to resolve rosacea-induced redness while VBeam can yield similar results in 3 to 4 treatments. Additionally, VBeam also helps with rosacea-induced acne.
WHICH TREATMENT WORKS BEST FOR BROKEN BLOOD VESSELS?
The VBeam laser can use different attachments and settings enabling it to treat blood vessels of different sizes and depths. IPL only works to treat overall redness but not specific vessels.
In summary, my vote as it relates to the issues addressed are:
Issue |
IPL |
VBeam |
| Sun Damage | Preferred | Good |
| Redness | Good | Preferred |
| Rosacea | Good | Preferred |
| Vascular | Not Treatable | Preferred |
WHICH TREATMENT IS THE SAFEST?
In the hands of an experienced provider, both IPL and VBeam are relatively safe. However, the VBeam laser does have a built-in safety function: it uses a spray of cold air along with each pulse of laser light to prevent skin damage or overheating. This benefit is not available for IPL, which does make it possible to overheat or potentially burn the skin if an IPL treatment is not performed by an experienced technician.
WHICH TREATMENT HAS LESS DOWNTIME?
Compared to other laser treatment options, the downtime associated with both IPL and VBeam is relatively low. That said though, VBeam generally has a shorter recovery period compared to IPL. Most patients will experience some redness and light swelling for 2-4 days after treatment. IPL, on the other hand, can involve some scabbing and temporary pigmentation over the entire treatment area that lasts a week.
OVERALL WHAT’S BETTER: IPL OR VBEAM?
The answer to this question depends on the specific needs and characteristics of the individual patient. While it’s great for patients to understand how IPL and VBeam differ, the best person to answer this question is a skilled laser technician with experience in both platforms.
If you are interested in VBeam or IPL, please contact us today for a consultation.
Candela GentleLase Laser vs IPL
The Candela GentleLase also has the largest spot size (18mm diameter), combining together characteristics that enable deeper penetration by laser energy of the targeted area and faster treatments than early forms of Laser hair Removal machines such as, Long Pulse Ruby, Diode Lasers, and Flash-lamp devices
Candela GentleLase vs. Other Technology
Lasers and IPLs have been used for permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation treatments for many years. Although both IPL and Laser are light-based technologies, there are distinct differences between the two. Light is a component of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. The name itself stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (L A S E R). To understand how LASERs work we need to understand two terms: coherent and incoherent light.
Incoherent Light is emitted by normal means such as a flashlight or a bulb. The photons of the many wave frequencies of light are oscillating in different directions ( IPL systems), therefore photons will dissipate before reaching the follicle.
Coherent light is a beam of photons (almost like particles of light waves) that have the same frequency and are all at the same frequency. Only a beam of laser light will not spread and diffuse. In Genuine lasers, waves are identical and in phase, which produces a beam of coherent light. To achieve best results for Laser Hair Removal, Coherent Light is required in order to accurately target the follicle.
Laser Hair Removal wavelength:
- Longer (scatter less)
- Deeper penetration (Less Epidermal damage)
Long Pulsed Ruby Laser —- (694 nm) Long Pulse Alexandrite Laser —- (755 nm) (GentleLase) Pulsed diode Laser —- (800 nm) Long Pulsed Nd: YAG —- (1064 nm) Flashlamp system —- (515 – 1200 nm)
Laser Hair Removal Pulse duration:
- Longer (ensures best results)
- Precise rapid heating without damaging surrounding area (Selective Photothermolysis)
Spot size:
- Bigger the spot size the better results
About IPL, VPL, SPL and SLPL:
IPL – Intense Pulsed Light is the name of the technology Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a light-based technology. It works by delivering shots of light of many different incoherent wavelengths over the area being treated. There are many variations of IPL machines currently available and new ones arrive every day.
Some machines are simple IPLs, others are SPLs, APL or VPLs, then there are SLPLs… All this can be very confusing. So the important thing to remember is that anything “PL” – is a Pulse Light systems and NOT Genuine Laser. The manufacturers invent many of the names for new Pulsed Light (PL) Systems for the purposes of describing the point of difference of their equipment compared to their competitors.
The truth is that majority of Pulsed Light (PL) Systems work on the same principle, that is: computer generated Pulsed Light with an incoherent light wave pattern.
Example :
SLPL – This abbreviation stands for Super Long Pulsed Light. As the name obviously suggests pulses or shots are longer in duration. However, this does not necessarily mean better results. The wave light pattern is still incoherent.
VPL – V stands for Variable pulse. This allows for multi-pulsing (several pulses of light within each shot) is still incoherent
SPL – S in this example, stands for Square Pulse Light. This means the light is equally disbursed under the skin and it takes a lot less energy to achieve the same effect as it would with a “standard” pulse. SPLs are usually lower energy machines with an incoherent wave pattern.
Conclusion:
Lasers and IPLs have been used for permanent hair reduction and skin rejuvenation treatments for many years. Although both IPL and Laser are light-based technologies, there are distinct differences between the two. Lasers use a single wavelength of coherent light while IPLs utilise various wavelengths of incoherent light.
here is a great assortment of IPL machines operating in clinics and salons. Different IPL equipment would usually operate on different wavelengths and parameters.
Various wavelengths of light absorb into (and effect) different substances [chromophores] in our skin and body differently and this can make it very difficult for the consumer to choose the correct laser machine. The machine would have to suit their particular skin and hair type and tone as well as be suitable for treatment of that person’s particular condition [hair removal or pigmentation treatment etc].
This means that two different people may respond to laser hair removal treatment on the same equipment completely differently. At Victoria Park Medispa, we use Candela GentleLase (Alexandrite Laser). The Candela GentleLase has a longer wavelength (755nm), and high energy (100J/cm2) well suited to safe and effective Hair Removal.
The Candela GentleLase also has the largest spot size (18mm diameter), combining together characteristics that enable deeper penetration by laser energy of the targeted area and faster treatments than early forms of Laser hair Removal machines such as, Long Pulse Ruby, Diode Lasers, and Flash-lamp devices.
Once again, we strongly encourage you to spend some time researching your chosen Laser Hair Removal Clinic and the equipment it uses. Contact Victoria Park Medispa to arrange a FREE consultation to discuss a treatment plan that suits your needs with one of our trained, qualified and experienced laser hair removal staff.
Liposuction VS SmartLipo of a double chin and Belkyra?
Liposuction involves a minimally invasive surgical procedure with local anesthesia. There is a special device such as a laser, in the case of SmartLipo, inserted into the fat of the double chin and where the fat is melted. The melted fat is aspirated out and removed. The advantage of liposuction for a double chin, triple chin or even quadruple chin is the immediate removal of fat in a single stage. However, it does require between 3 and 7 days of recovery and a modest degree of bruising and discomfort. Clients seeking a one-time treatment for the removal and improvement of their double chin with modern forms of liposuction, can discuss these options with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Clients that want a noticeable improvement of a double chin, but performed subtly without any incision, sutures or recovery over time are good candidates for Belkyra Injectable (also known as Kybella injectable procedures in the US).
Dermal fillers VS wrinkle relaxers like Botox?
Over time, the muscles above and between your eyebrows repeatedly contract, causing wrinkles to form. Wrinkle relaxers are generally injected around these muscles. They relax the muscle for a period of four to six months so that the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced, creating a refreshed or relaxed appearance.
Dermal fillers replace volume and structure lost through the aging process. The leading brands in this category include dermal fillers like Juvederm®, Emervel®, Perlane®, Restylane®, Belotero®, Sculptra® and Radiesse®. Dermal fillers are generally used to replace volume in lips and reduce the appearance of deep folds and lost volume in the face.
Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are often used in combination in different areas for an optimal result. Our physician specialists are very careful in the application of these products to avoid a frozen look or an overly treated look which can be the result of their use in the wrong hands.
CoolSculpting VS Liposuction and SmartLipo?
While CoolSculpting and liposuction (and other types of liposuction like SmartLipo) both remove fat cells from your body, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment. CoolSculpting uses a patented cooling process to destroy fat cells without impacting your other tissues whereas liposuction is a surgical process where an incision is made and fat cells and other tissue are removed from your body.
Liposuction may be an option for clients who are not averse to surgery and where a larger treatment is required, or when other surgery is already being done. Victoria Park Medispa has board-certified plastic surgeons who may be referred to as an option in these cases and our plastic surgeons will often refer clients to CoolSculpting in cases where it is the better option.
Bela MD VS regular microdermabrasion?
A basic dry microdermabrasion simply exfoliates your dead skin cells and does not infuse treatment serums. Some advanced microdermabrasion systems provide exfoliation and try to deliver serums to the skin.
However, the patented close-looped vacuum system of Bela MD makes it unique. Without such technology, serums merely sit on top of the skin – they are not delivered to the base of the pore where they can more effectively treat the condition being addressed.
CoolSculpting VS UltraShape?
Victoria Park Medispa was one of the first centres in Canada to offer UltraShape – the first treatment that was ever clinically proven to permanently destroy fat cells. UltraShape uses ultrasound technology to eliminate fat in a protocol generally involving three treatments.
In 2013, after extensive testing with positive results, we added CoolSculpting to our selection of body contouring solutions. Due to its superior results, it quickly became our most popular body contouring solution and we added two more CoolSculpting units to keep up with demand – becoming the Medispa with the most CoolSculpting machines in Canada.
Due to our clients obtaining more significant results with less treatments and less discomfort than UltraShape, we decided to exclusively offer CoolSculpting as our non-surgical solution to eliminate stubborn fat.
CoolSculpting’s effectiveness has lead it to be the world’s #1 non-surgical fat reduction procedure. CoolSculpting also has a very high satisfaction rate with 8 out of 10 patients planning to refer friends and family members for a CoolSculpting procedure.*
*Market research data on file.
Will a treatment with Botox make me look frozen or unnatural?
At Victoria Park Medispa, our goal is to ensure our clients always look naturally rejuvenated. That is why all treatments are performed only by aesthetic medical specialists – plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and dermatologists.
Friends should not be able to tell that you had a treatment, just that you look fresher and more relaxed. You can review our before and after photos in person before any treatment to understand the improvements from any treatment.
Exilis Ultra VS Venus?
Victoria Park Medispa has been a pioneer in medical aesthetics for over fifteen years. Many of our physicians sit on the advisory boards of medical aesthetic suppliers and we have completed many studies for laser equipment and injectable suppliers.
Due to this, we have tested a large variety of new equipment including the Venus Freeze to ensure we carry what we believe to be the best possible solutions for our clients.
As well, while some Medispas use Exilis Elite, Victoria Park was the first in Canada to introduce Exilis Ultra – the first body contouring and skin tightening treatment in the world to combine radio frequency with ultrasound technology.
What is the best solution for treating a double chin?
Victoria Park is pleased to offer multiple options to treat your double chin, this way you can choose the best solution that is right for you, not just the one solution we happen to have.
For cases of a larger double chin (also known as submental fullness), we find that CoolSculpting treatment for double chin can work best. For a smaller double chin, we often recommend Belkyra®. Where there is not an issue of fat, but of skin laxity, we find that Ultherapy or Exilis can work best. We have also found that dermal fillers used for enhancing the jawline can make a big difference in reducing the appearance of double chin.
A consultation with one of our physician specialists where all your questions can be answered is the recommended starting point for determining the treatment program that is just right for you.
