12 -- Sunday, June 30, 1996 ~'North Shore News Dermatol ogist uses laser to zap away the years BY LAYNE CHRISTENSEN Fashion Editor A cure for wrinkles, blemishes and age spots that is virtually painless and long lasting, too? . It sounds too goad to be true but it is possible, according to Dr. Joanne Day. The West Van dermatologist has been ' using laser technology to zap years off a client’s face since she purchased the new high-tech machine last December. “It’s incredible. We haven't done 4 patient here who wasn’t happy (with the results).” she says, speaking from her modem facility on Bellevue Avenue, ‘Before and after photos are testimonial to her claim. .. A70-something patient with major sun _ damage to her face had previously under- / gone-a face lift. and dermabrasion with unsatisfactory results. “Laser skin resur- facing,” as.the procedure is called, has erased her crow's feet, fine lines and sun : spots. Her previously tanned and leathery skin is radically transformed, now several shades lighter and virtuaily untined. Another “before” shot shows a 43- year-old former smoker with feathering around the lips. Days after surgery, the lines have vanished. ... Another patient, a 65-year-old; is so ‘happy with the results of laser surgery to remove deep “crevices” from around her lips that she’s coming back in the fall to have her whole face done, says Day. To perform the procedures, Day uses a ; new piece of: equipment called .the UltraPulse 5000C laser, twas so expen- sive that she is reluctant to quote its cost * but places it in the quarter-million-doHar *’ yange.. “Put it this. way. I used to have a “|; cabin in Whistler,” she scoffs, but adds that this particular machine was worth the _ investment, One of its greatest features, she says, is that it shoots a columnated beam of light ‘that remains in focus, even at different dis- vo», lances to the face. “With other lasers, if you go too close, . df you're not in precise focus you can go “too deep. If you" re too far put you get scat- ter.and burns,” she says. How the laser. works, Day explains, is that when it: pulses, high-energy light is . absorbed iby, the skin cells, which then “vaporize” and disuppear'id- a plume of smoke. ° «s -The intensity and patter of light is - controlled by a computer and is tailored to SEMI ANNUAL SALE| NEWS photo Mike Waketicid DOR. Joanne Day uses a high-energy laser to “vaporize” sun damaged and wrinkled skin, leaving patierits jooking 10 to 15 years younger. a patient’s skin. Day may have to make several passes with the laser over heavily lined areas, while non-problem areas ure “blended in” with a feathering pass for a natural look. The procedure is performed under locai anesthetic or intravenous sedation. Pain is minimal and recovery time is short. After the surgery. the skin will weep and then: crust as it heals. After abont seven days. the new skin will have a pinkness that will fade over the next two to six weeks and STARTING JUNE 24 2 0% off MINIMAN » MARESE © PETIT BATEAU » MEXX © ESPRIT © DEUX PAR DEUX « International Radio & TV. Personalities can be easily covered with makeup. There are caveats, however. As with any surgical procedure, opti- mun results depend on the skill of the physician The procedure is not cheap, ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. ‘And anyone with unreasonable expec- tations or who sees a defect when there isn't one will not be ueated. “If there's no problem there it isn't going to get any bet- ter,” says Day. Find out more about yourself from these gifted channels! SUE ANDERSON - Tarot ELIZABETH ADAMS - Psychic Consultant ANGELA GERHART - Aura/Angels/Past Lives DIANE GRANT-FRANCIS - Clairsentient B Same owner, same high Dr. Christine Collison is pleased to announce the opening of her new family dental practise. New patients weicome - all ages Call for your appointment today 55 kast 15th St. N.Van. 980-0112 | COUSINS oy Our 38th ¥ Year 1.C.B.C. - B.C.A.A. - APPROVED CENTRE FREE COURTESY CARS FOR COLLISION REPAIRS “LIFETIME GUARANTEE” a. J AS LONG AS You OWN Your CAR HL DON TAYLOR