Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox?

Botox is a product developed from the botulinum toxin. It is a neuromodulator and in small quantities can help relax muscles. This helps treat and prevent expression lines and wrinkles.

What can Botox do?

Botox prevents the formation of wrinkles as well as softens the appearance of pre-existing lines and wrinkles.

What areas can be treated?

Common areas include the forehead, crows feet and lip lines. Botox can also be used therapeutically for migraines, jaw grinding (bruxism) and hyperhidrosis. Ask your doctor about medical coverage for these therapeutic indications.

When should I start getting Botox?

There is no right time for Botox. Botox is most effective for the prevention of lines and wrinkles rather than when these have already formed.

How soon will I see results?

Results typically take 3-7 days to occur but can take up to 2 weeks for full effect.

How long does Botox last?

Typically 3-4 months but treatment effect varies. Botox tends to last longer the more consistently you book a treatment.

What does a treatment feel like?

Botox treatments are brief and have minimal discomfort. There is no recovery time and clients can return to work immediately. Some clients even book treatments over their lunch break.

Does Botox hurt?

Only ultra-fine needles are used so there is minimal pain. If a considerable number of units are required, for example with hyperhidrosis, a numbing cream can be prescribed.

How much does Botox cost?

An average treatment is 30-50 units and 1 unit typically costs $10.

Is Botox safe?

Yes. Health Canada has approved Botox for cosmetic and therapeutic use. However, clients that are pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain neurological conditions should not receive Botox.

Are there side effects?

There are usually minimal side effects. Some patients may get some redness, irritation, swelling or bruising at the injection site which will disappear over time.

Will Botox make me feel numb and look frozen?

Botox will not remove facial expressions but is designed to soften lines and wrinkles from excessive squinting and frowning for example.

Should I do anything to prepare for the treatment?

Although there is no specific preparation required before treatment, you should refrain from strenuous physical activity for 24 hours after treatment.

Why choose Renew Medical Esthetics?

Dr. Lisa Van Aerde has been a medical practitioner for over 10 years. Her current practice at Oceanside Urgent Care Center exposes her to a high volume of a variety of medical conditions giving her significant expertise with medical procedures. She has undertaken extensive esthetics training, including attending The Botox Course in Vancouver and The Filler Course in Victoria. Lisa is passionate about esthetics and she wants her clients to feel the same way so she offers a free initial consultation to openly discuss a treatment plan with no obligation to commit.

What is filler?

Filler is an injectable treatment of a gel-like substance, most commonly hyaluronic acid, used to soften wrinkles, create lift and add volume to areas of the face for facial rejuvenation.

Where can fillers be used?

Common treatment areas include temples, cheeks, lips, tear troughs, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, chin and jawline.

How much does filler cost?

Filler starts at $600 per syringe.

How long does filler last?

Filler dissolves naturally with time and typically lasts 6-18 months but varies depending on the area treated and type of filler used. If needed, filler can be dissolved using an injection of hyaluronidase.

Does filler treatment hurt?

Pain is very individualized but for most people discomfort is minimal. Topical numbing cream is used for sensitive areas such as the lips.

What are the common side effects of filler?

The most common side effects include swelling, redness and bruising at the treatment site which typically resolve within 72 hours.

Why choose Renew Medical Esthetics?

Dr. Lisa Van Aerde has been a medical practitioner for over 10 years. Her current practice at Oceanside Urgent Care Center exposes her to a high volume of a variety of medical conditions giving her significant expertise with medical procedures. She has undertaken extensive esthetics training, including attending The Botox Course in Vancouver and The Filler Course in Victoria. Lisa is passionate about esthetics and she wants her clients to feel the same way so she offers a free initial consultation to openly discuss a treatment plan with no obligation to commit.

What is Belkyra?

Belkyra is an injectable treatment of deoxycholic acid that can reduce submental fat (double chin) and redefine your jawline.

How much does Belkyra cost?

Belkyra costs $600 per vial. Treatment is tailored to an individual’s needs but most people require 2 vials per treatment and a total of 2-4 treatments done 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results.

How long does Belkyra last?

Belkyra destroys fat cells in the treated area causing permanent results unless an individual gains a significant amount of weight.

What are the common side effects of Belkyra?

The most common side effects include temporary swelling, redness, bruising and firmness at the injection site which typically resolve within 72 hours.

Why choose Renew Medical Esthetics?

Dr. Lisa Van Aerde has been a medical practitioner for over 10 years. Her current practice at Oceanside Urgent Care Center exposes her to a high volume of a variety of medical conditions giving her significant expertise with medical procedures. She has undertaken extensive esthetics training, including attending The Botox Course in Vancouver and The Filler Course in Victoria. Lisa is passionate about esthetics and she wants her clients to feel the same way so she offers a free initial consultation to openly discuss a treatment plan with no obligation to commit.

What is PRP?

PRP is a form of aesthetic injectable treatment that uses a client’s own platelet rich plasma. The plasma contains bioactive proteins, growth factors and growth rich platelets. When injected back into the skin, it accelerates the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin providing overall skin rejuvenation. When injected into the scalp it can be used for hair restoration.

What is the procedure for PRP?

First, a small sample of a clients blood is drawn. The blood is then spun in a special centrifuge for a few minutes to separate the PRP from the red blood cells. Finally, the PRP is then injected into the treatment area.

What does PRP do?

PRP has numerous benefits. PRP treatment can improve skin texture and tone, reduce fine lines, stimulate collagen and skin cell production for a smoother, plumper and more radiant complexion. PRP can also stimulate hair follicles for hair regrowth and improved hair texture and thickness when injected into the scalp.

What areas can be treated with PRP?
  • PRP can be injected into the scalp for hair restoration in both men and women.
  • PRP can be used with microneedling for treatment of the entire face, neck and décolletage.
  • PRP can be injected directly into treatment areas including under eyes, cheeks, neck, hands and décolletage.
Is PRP safe?

PRP is a very safe injectable treatment because your own natural elements are used without the addition of any foreign products. Temporary side effects from treatment are usually minimal but can include swelling, redness, bruising.

When do you see results from PRP?
  • With facial treatments results can be seen as early as 1-2 weeks and can continue to improve for up to 6 months after treatment with results potentially lasting years after treatment.
  • For hair restoration we recommend 3-4 initial treatments 4-6 weeks apart followed by maintenance treatments every 6-12 months. Results are typically seen 3-6 months after the first treatment.
How much does PRP cost?

A facial treatment usually costs $600 and a hair restoration treatment costs $700.

Why choose Renew Medical Esthetics?

Dr. Lisa Van Aerde has been a medical practitioner for over 10 years. Her current practice at Oceanside Urgent Care Center exposes her to a high volume of a variety of medical conditions giving her significant expertise with medical procedures. She has undertaken extensive esthetics training, including attending The Botox Course in Vancouver and The Filler Course in Victoria. Lisa is passionate about esthetics and she wants her clients to feel the same way so she offers a free initial consultation to openly discuss a treatment plan with no obligation to commit.

What is SkinVive?

The first and only microdroplet hyaluronic acid injectable facial rejuvenation treatment that is designed to add long lasting hydration directly into the skin.

How does SkinVive work?

SkinVive increases skin hydration leading to improvements in skin smoothness, radiance, texture and reduction of fine lines.

How long do SkinVive results last?

Results last 6 to 9 months.

What areas can be treated?

SkinVive is designed to be used for cheeks and neck but can be used for other areas as well.

How is SkinVive administered?

Skinvive is injected with a fine needle very shallowly into a grid of multiple sites across the cheeks and/or neck. SkinVive then diffuses into the skin, where it draws in water molecules to activate long-lasting hydration.

How long does treatment take?

Topical numbing cream is first applied to the treatment areas for 10-15 minutes followed by SkinVive injections which take 15-20 minutes.

Are there any side effects to SkinVive treatment?

SkinVive is a safe treatment with essentially no downtime. However, some clients can have slight swelling at the injection sites for a few hours after treatment, and possible bruising that may last a few days.

How is SkinVive different from other dermal fillers?

SkinVive works at a more superficial level. It is a skin booster used to improve skin hydration, smoothness, texture and glow. In contrast, traditional dermal fillers are typically injected deeper and used to restore volume and sculpt facial features.

How much does SkinVive treatment cost?

Treatment cost is approximately $800 for cheeks and $800 for neck however price may vary depending on a clients individual needs.

Why choose Renew Medical Esthetics?

Dr. Lisa Van Aerde has been a medical practitioner for over 10 years. Her current practice at Oceanside Urgent Care Center exposes her to a high volume of a variety of medical conditions giving her significant expertise with medical procedures. She has undertaken extensive esthetics training, including attending The Botox Course in Vancouver and The Filler Course in Victoria. Lisa is passionate about esthetics and she wants her clients to feel the same way so she offers a free initial consultation to openly discuss a treatment plan with no obligation to commit.