Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment Questions:
-
Neuromodulators such as BOTOX® and Dysport® are Health Canada approved medications which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by causing controlled muscle weakness. This creates a well-refreshed and rejuvenated appearance both at rest and during animation. Neuromodulators can be used off-label to reduce pore size, slim the lower face, help with a gummy smile, and etc. Neuromodulators are also excellent for its preventative and anti-aging benefits.
-
Fillers are gel-like substances designed to restore and enhance volume, soften fine to deep lines, hydrate the skin and dependant on the product, can stimulate collagen production. There are many variations of fillers, the most popular being Hyaluronic Acid (brands such as Teosyal®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, Belotero®, Revanesse®, Stylage®, etc). Other fillers include Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®), Poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra®), Polymethylmetacrylate (Bellafill®), etc.
-
To describe simply, neuromodulators in general are used to treat lines and wrinkles by relaxing overactive muscles. Fillers on the other hand have no neuromodulating effects and are designed to fill and replace volume under the skin. While there may be some overlap with what neuromodulators and fillers can achieve (ie, softening a line), they are two very distinct and different treatments. It is also important to note that neuromodulators and fillers are not just limited to the aforementioned descriptions. It would be our pleasure to help provide further information during a complimentary consultation at The Collective Clinic.
-
Neuromodulators and fillers are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While there are no studies that show neuromodulators and fillers can affect the unborn fetus or poses a large enough risk to be absorbed into breast milk, there are few extensive studies and a lack of conclusive evidence to state otherwise. Procedures such as Platelet Rich Plasma and MesoGold® Microchanneling (without neuromodulators or fillers) are pregnancy safe.
-
Aesthetic goals and presenting anatomy varies greatly from one person to another. Therefore, the amount of units or syringes of products are customized to you after a thorough consultation. There are no one size fits all approach to neuromodulator and filler treatments.
-
Results for neuromodulators can be seen as early as 3-4 days with peak results at 14 days. Results for fillers can be seen immediately with the final results at about 2-4 weeks. It is always recommended to visit your provider as needed for a follow up appointment and possible touch up treatment.
-
On average, neuromodulators can last 3-4 months. Fillers on the other hand can last between 6-9 months in areas with a high degree of dynamic movement or 12-18 months in areas that are less susceptible to movement and manipulation. It is important to note that these are rough timelines based on averages. Longevity of results are highly dependant from person to person. Factors that may affect this are skincare habits, lifestyle, diet, age, genetics, and etc.
Treatment Instructions:
-
Prior to receiving injections, it is highly recommended to avoid the following:
• Blood thinning agents such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Warfarin, etc (at least 2 weeks pre-treatment)
• Alcohol (at least 24 hours pre-treatment)
• Nutraceuticals such as biloba, garlic or ginseng, fish oils, Omega 3, St. John’s Wort, Vitamin E, etc (at least 2 weeks pre-treatment)
• Dental work (at least 2 weeks pre-treatment)
• Vaccinations (at least 2 weeks pre-treatment, pertains to filler only)
Taking arnica tablets a few days prior and on the day of your treatment may help with reducing the chances of bruising and inflammation.
You CANNOT receive neuromodulators or fillers if you:
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a neuromuscular disorder such as Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton Lambert Syndrome, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, etc (pertains to neuromodulators only)
• Are allergic to neuromodulators and/or fillers or any ingredient within the products
• Are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (pertains to neuromodulators only)
• Have an infection at the proposed injection sites -
• Immediately after treatment, it is not abnormal to experience redness, swelling, tenderness, and possible bruising of the injected sites
• Some patients may experience a mild headache after a neuromodulator treatment
• For 4-6 hours post treatment, do not touch, rub, or manipulate the areas injected. Do not lie face down or bend your head below your waist. Do not wear a hat, headband, or any tight head garment
• For 24 hours post treatment, avoid consuming alcohol and performing activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise
• If bruising occurs, immediately applying ice (be very cautious to avoid adding any pressure to injected sites), arnica gel/cream, and Vitamin K ointment may help. Applying a warm pack to bruise(s) after 24 hours may also help speed up recovery. Consuming pineapples (a natural source of Bromelain) may also help
• Results can be seen as early as 3-4 days with peak effect and final results at 14 days. It is highly recommended to wait 2 weeks before scheduling a follow up appointment and possible touch up treatment. Asymmetry naturally exists in everyone and there can be variations from one half of the face to the other with respect to the response to your treatment. Additional injections may be required to reach your desired level of effect and results
• Please call our clinic if you are experiencing any of the following rare, but possible complications such as an allergic reaction, difficulty swallowing, dry eyes, drooping of the eyelids, infection, increase in pain beyond the point of normal tenderness, excessive or prolonged swelling, or weakness of any adjacent muscles. If outside of clinic hours, please email info@collectiveclinic.ca -
• Immediately after treatment, it is not abnormal to experience redness, swelling, tenderness, lumps/bumps and possible bruising of the injected sites. The aforementioned symptoms can present asymmetrically and vary from treatment to treatment
• If bruising occurs, immediately applying ice (be very cautious to avoid adding excessive pressure to treated areas), arnica gel/cream, and Vitamin K ointment may help. Applying a warm pack to bruise(s) after 24 hours may also help speed up recovery. A warm pack may possibly provoke more swelling – please alternate between cold and warm packs as needed. Consuming pineapples (a natural source of Bromelain) may also help
• For 4-6 hours post treatment, please do not touch, rub, or manipulate the areas injected. Do not do any strenuous exercise, consume any blood thinning agents, or have prolonged exposure to heat
• After 6 hours post treatment, you may wash your face gently, but continue following the abovementioned
• After 24 hours, you may resume most normal activity. Please continue to avoid touching, rubbing, or manipulating the areas treated as little as possible for as long as possible to promote healing, reduce infection risk, and prolong longevity of results. Slowly increase back to your normal workout routine over a few days
• Wait 2 weeks post treatment before receiving any vaccines
• Wait 2 weeks post treatment before receiving a facial or massage to the areas treated
• Wait 4 weeks post treatment before any laser or energy based treatments
• Results from filler can be seen immediately, but with final results seen at about 2-4 weeks. It is highly recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before scheduling a follow up appointment and possible touch up treatment. For non surgical rhinoplasty, please wait at least 4 weeks. Small lumps/bumps are normal and typically soften on their own in about 2-4 weeks. If there are any concerns that are not resolving, we would be more than happy to see you for an in-person follow up. Asymmetry naturally exists in everyone and there can be variations from one half of the face to the other with respect to the response to your treatment. Additional injections may be required to reach your desired level of effect and results
• Please call our clinic if you are experiencing any of the following rare, but possible complications such as an allergic reaction, infection, increase in pain beyond the point of normal tenderness, excessive or prolonged swelling, visual problems, and/or skin that appears unusually pale, ischemic (dusky purple/grey appearance), or mottled/reticulated pattern. If outside of clinic hours, please email info@collectiveclinic.ca
Clinic Questions:
-
Appointments can be scheduled via phone or our online portal. We recommend to book your appointment a few weeks in advance to secure a date and time that works best for you
-
In the heart of Bridgeland, Calgary at:
#210 69 7A Street NE
T2E 4E4
Calgary, Alberta -
Our clinic is located on the second floor of the General Block Building. Access to the second floor is situated right next to UNA Pizza. Alternatively, you may utilize the ramp on the west side of the building, accessible from the parking lot behind the General Block.
-
Monday: 10AM – 4PM
Tuesday: 10AM – 4PM
Wednesday: 10AM – 4PM
Thursday: 12PM - 8PM
Friday: 10AM - 6PM
Saturday: 10AM - 4PM, By Appointment Only
Sunday: & Public Holidays Closed -
7A St NE – Paid street parking directly in front of the clinic, 30 minutes free parking north of the clinic between 1 Ave NE and Centre Ave NE
Centre Ave NE – 2 hours free parking west of the clinic, 2 hours metered parking east of the clinic
1 Ave NE – 2 hours metered parking north of the clinic -
We kindly ask that you remove your footwear upon entrance into The Collective Clinic
Please maintain a physical distance with other patients at all times; every effort will be made by staff to stagger appointments in order to avoid crowding in the reception area
You may bring one guest/support person to your appointment. If at all possible, we recommend children do not accompany you into your procedures for their safety during treatments. There are exceptions however and we would be more than happy to accommodate requests where possible
Please be mindful of other patients by maintaining a low to moderate voice level at all times
Policies:
-
Appointments canceled within 48 hours of your scheduled time and date are subject to a $100 fee. A credit card number is required at the time of your booking to respect this policy and as a courtesy to our team.
-
A no show to your scheduled appointment will be subject to a $100 fee. A credit card number is required at the time of your booking to respect this policy and as a courtesy to our team.
-
Products that are returned within 14 days in its original condition and unopened can qualify for a full refund or in-store credit. Otherwise, all other purchases made in clinic or online are final sale.
-
While we sincerely appreciate the kind gesture, we do not accept tips for service at our clinic. Although we are in the aesthetics industry, we are a medical based clinic first and foremost offering medical grade solutions and treatments. Proper medical care and service should always be standard and never influenced by monetary value in the form of a tip. Instead and optionally, the greatest compliment would be an honest Google review of your experience at The Collective Clinic.