What is a Morpheus8 treatment?

A Morpheus8 treatment is an advanced skin treatment offered at Essentials Medi Spa in Medicine Hat that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) technology...

How long do Morpheus8 results last?

Morpheus8 results can continue to improve for up to three months and typically last around one year. Maintenance treatments are recommended...

Injectables

Essentials Medi Spa combines the expertise of anatomy & surgical training to elevate your natural beauty.

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What is an injectable?

The term “injectable” refers to a non-surgical procedure that is offered with medical-grade products for either aesthetic correction or enhancement.

At Essentials Medi Spa, a skilled registered nurse, under the supervision of Dr. Brooks, provides injectable procedures to enhance your natural beauty.

Meet our registered nurses at Essentials Medi Spa

Learn More About Kara

Kara

Kara has a detailed eye for beauty which she uses when creating individualized treatment plans.

Kara began injecting in 2017 & passed her Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist exam in 2019 with recertification again thereafter.

Learn More About Kelsey

Kelsey

Kelsey takes pride in making her clients feel their best by boosting their inner confidence or providing therapeutic treatments.

Kelsey completed extensive injectable training with Dr. Andrew Dargie in 2019.

Kara and Kelsey, our registered nurses, are dedicated to aesthetic medicine and have a commitment to annual professional development. They are both highly trained in injection techniques by some of the most qualified plastic surgeons in Canada.

Dr. Brooks has also trained with internationally recognized expert injectors, including Calgary’s Dr. Kent Remington (dermatology) and Dr. Arthur Swift (plastic surgery), to achieve the highest quality outcomes.

What Does an Injectable Procedure Look Like at Essentials Medi Spa?

We never rush through your injectable experience. We want you to feel confident in your decision. Although an injectable procedure may only take 15 minutes from start to finish, your initial consultation with our nurses will typically take 30 minutes.

The consultation is when you can talk about your areas of concern and our team can make recommendations and explain the process as well as the costs associated. This initial consultation ensures you don’t feel rushed into anything, and there are no surprises at the end of a procedure.

Essentials Medi Spa is a leader in BOTOX® and Dysport injections in Medicine Hat.

BOTOXⓇ & Dysport contain the active ingredient Botulinum Toxin Type A. This is what is used in the injection to achieve the results you are looking for. The toxin acts by blocking neuromuscular transmission from the peripheral nerves which lead to the muscles.

What’s the difference between BOTOX® and Dysport?

Botox®

Longevity is 3-4 months
Results from treatment are visible in 10-14 days
Brilliant distinction points

Dysport

Longevity is 3-4 months
Results from treatment are visible in days

How long do the results last from BOTOX® & Dysport?

Within days of receiving a BOTOXⓇ/Dysport treatment, you will see results, and outcomes can continue to improve for up to a month. Most individuals find the results last on average 3-4 months.

Cost

BOTOX® & Dysport are priced per unit or injection.

BOTOXⓇ & Dysport Cosmetics: $10/unit

BOTOXⓇ & Dysport Therapeutic: $3.57/unit

During the complimentary consultation, we determine the number of injections you need to help get your best results.

Number of Treatments

Full treatment results are typically visible within 2 weeks. The effects of BOTOX® & Dysport gradually wear off as it is metabolized by the body. The results of treatment last up to 3 months.

We recommend you repeat the treatment every 3 months to maintain results.

BOTOXⓇ & Dysport pairs well with:

Fillers

Book your procedure to take place during a time of day when you have already finished all exercise, strenuous activity, facial massage, and exposure to high-heat environments (e.g., hot yoga studio, hot tub, sauna, etc.)

14 days before, avoid anything that causes skin irritation (e.g., chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, etc.)

Reschedule if you feel unwell (from a vaccine or common viruses).

7 days before, avoid blood thinning medications like ASA (aspirin), ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, omega-3) and vitamins.

24 hours before, do not drink alcohol.
Our injection nurse will do a full mapping on the targeted area to assess the points for injection.

Your skin area will then be gently cleaned, marked, and ready to receive your injection.

You will feel a slight pinching when the needle breaks the skin, but that will not last long.

A topical anesthetic is sometimes used to prevent any pain associated with injections.
You may experience small amounts of swelling, temporary bumps, redness, bruising, a mild to moderate headache, and sensations such as tingling or mild itching.

For 90 minutes, do not apply makeup over the injected area (risk of infection).

Only touch the injected area with clean hands, clean makeup tools, and clean towels.

For four hours after treatment, stay upright (sleeping on your face may cause unwanted results).

For the rest of the day, avoid wearing tight caps/hats around the injected areas.

For the rest of the day, avoid pressure on the injected areas. If the area around the eyes was injected, use gentle strokes away from the eyes when cleansing your face.

For the rest of the day, avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, exposure to UV radiation, and high-heat environments.

For the next two weeks, avoid facial massages and anything that causes irritation to the skin of the treated areas.

To protect your results and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects, book a follow-up exam before you leave the clinic (due 14 days after treatment).

Arrive prepared for after photos.

Click “Confirm Appointment” in your reminder emails/text messages to secure your appointment.

We have a no-show or late cancellation fee, so please give over 24 hours' notice for cancellations.

Changes will appear in around 7-10 days, but the peak effect occurs by day 14.

Results will continue to improve over the next four weeks and wear off after three months (on average).

Schedule an appointment

Pre & Post Care Instructions

What to expect from BOTOXⓇ & Dysport

For BOTOX COSMETIC® and Dysport, most of our patients opt to treat a few areas in one visit. Popular areas for treatment include forehead creases, vertical lip lines or lip flip, frown lines, bunny lines of the nose, crow’s feet or jelly rolls around/below the eyes, or jaw slimming. BOTOX COSMETIC® and Dysport work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause the creases, fine lines, and/or wrinkles.

Common treatment areas for BOTOX COSMETICⓇ & Dysport

Forehead
Furrow
Crow's Feet
Brow Lift
Bunny Lines
Smoker Lines
Lip Flip
Gummy Smile
Frown
Chin
Jaw Clenching
Neck Lines

Getting Started with BOTOX COSMETIC®

BOTOX® Therapeutic is our choice for therapeutic migraine treatments. In Alberta, this is a provincially health-covered procedure, meaning there is no charge for the injection fee if you have a valid Alberta Health Care card and are between the ages of 18-64. When you turn 65, the injection fee is no longer covered. The injection fee is $250. To follow insurance coverage guidelines, your treatments are spaced no sooner than every 3 months, so we get to see you 4x a year.

We are accepting new patients for migraine treatments with Botox® Therapeutic.

Have insurance?

Your personal insurance may cover your BOTOX® Therapeutic product. If this is the case, your provincial health coverage (AHS) pays for the injection fee and your insurance company pays for the BOTOX® Therapeutic product. At your consultation appointment, we take a copy of your insurance card and fill out some forms. Along with our pharmacy partner, we take care of determining if you have insurance coverage in full, partially, or not at all.

No insurance?

If you suffer from migraines and do not have insurance coverage, your provincial health coverage (AHS) will still pay for the injection fee if you are aged 19-64. We can help you get coverage so please book a consultation appointment if you are suffering from 15+ headache days per month.

Please note that BOTOX COSMETIC® and Dysport Cosmetic are not covered by health coverage and are out of a different vial that is charged at $10/unit.

BOTOX® and Dysport for bruxism assists patients to ease the tension that is caused by clenching or grinding teeth. You may suffer from bruxism and haven’t even realized it. For example, have you ever had someone tell you you grind your teeth at night? Or are your teeth or gums sore when you wake up? Another common trait is people who clench their teeth in the daytime without realizing this habit.

Our BOTOX® and Dysport Therapeutic service can be beneficial for anyone that requires treatment of their masseters (muscles involved with clenching).

Please note that almost no insurance companies cover this treatment unless it is combined with migraine treatment. The treatment can cost approximately $500 without coverage from insurance, so keep that in mind for budgeting.

BOTOX® Therapeutic for hyperhidrosis assists individuals who experience excessive sweating in the underarms. Many insurance companies cover the product, but there is no AHS coverage of the injection fee, so you will have to pay for that fee on your own. The injection fee is $150.

A diagnosis of hyperhidrosis from our healthcare practitioner can help determine the best treatment/management of excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Dr. Brooks has the knowledge and expertise to determine if you are a candidate for the following treatments.

BOTOXⓇ for Hyperhidrosis

Treatments are done at our clinic by Dr. Brooks or our registered nurses.

Results last approximately 6 months with treatments 2 times a year.

MiraDry Laser
Treatments are available elsewhere, we can refer you to a clinician.

Surgical Axillary Sweat Gland Removal

Surgeries are done at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital or Southland Surgical Centre by Dr. Brooks.

Dermal filler consists of Hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and is known for its ability to attract moisture. Dermal filler injections are customized by our aesthetic nurse specialist for every patient.

Our injectors use HA fillers to balance and harmonize your facial features by adding volume and hydration while diminishing lines and wrinkles. Continuing treatments are necessary to maintain your results. The length of effect for dermal filler injections varies.

Essentials Medi Spa offers a variety of dermal filler products including Teoxane and Revanesse and strives to offer the best dermal filler experience in southern Alberta.

How long do the results last from dermal filler?

Within moments you’ll see immediate change. The best results are visible about 3-4 weeks after your initial treatment once your filler has settled. Most individuals will return to Essentials for a follow-up appointment at the 2-week mark, then see us for a repeat treatment at least once a year to maintain optimal results.

Common treatment areas for Dermal Filler

Temples
Cheeks
Under Eyes
Nasolabial folds (laugh lines)
Lips
Jawline
Marionette lines
Chin

Cost

Half syringe: $367.50
Full syringe: $525

During the complimentary consultation, we determine the treatment cost based on the amount of dermal filler necessary to achieve your optimal results.

Number of Treatments

Full treatment results are typically visible within 2-3 weeks.

Most patients pair their filler with BOTOX® or Dysport so we will see you for regular 3-month appointments and then monitor the longevity of your filler and suggest touch-ups as needed.

Dermal Filler pairs well with:

BOTOX/Dysport

14 days before, avoid anything that causes skin irritation (e.g., chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, etc.), and inform us if you have a vaccination appointment within this time.

7 days before, avoid blood thinning medications like ASA (aspirin), ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), herbal supplements (i.e. garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, omega-3, and vitamin E).

24 hours before, do not drink alcohol.

Arrive to your appointment with no makeup on as we need to remove it for the treatment.
Your makeup is coming off, we gently clean the skin area before your injection.

We use various pain control measures to keep you comfortable during your treatment depending on the sensitivity of the area and patient preference.
Due to the lidocaine in the filler, you may feel numbness or tingling immediately after the treatment.

You will likely have swelling, temporary bumps, redness, bruising, and tenderness over the treated areas.

Some people experience a dull ache and continued tenderness which subsides between 2-3 days.

Mild, non-painful swelling can last for two weeks.

Bruising is usually visible and most obvious the day after then gradually fades over 7-14 days. Some rare bruising may last longer than 2 weeks.

After your treatment, the following helps protect your results and reduce side effects:

Keep the area cool with a cold compress.

For 90 minutes after treatment, do not touch or apply makeup over the injected area (risk of infection).

Only touch the injected area with clean hands, clean makeup tools, and clean towels.

For 4 hours after treatment, stay upright.

Do not massage the treated areas unless directed to by your injector.

For the next 2 weeks, avoid pressure on the areas (e.g., do not sleep on the face, do not sleep with hands near the face, and do not use facial cleansing tools or dermal rollers).

For the rest of the day, avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, exposure to UV radiation, and high-heat environments.

For the next 2 weeks, avoid facial massages and anything that causes irritation to the skin of the treated areas, and avoid air travel.
Changes to vision or speech.

Intense pain near or around the injection site which gets worse over time, especially if there is a pale area of skin or a change in colour indicating a lack of blood flow.

Swelling, puffiness, nodules, very firm filler, or lumpiness which does not fade in the first week with gentle massage, especially if there is redness or tenderness after two days.

Always contact us even if you also see your family doctor or a walk-in clinic doctor.

Any other side effects which you think are important.

If we are unreachable after-hours, go straight to the nearest Emergency Room where they can call Dr. Brooks or another specialist surgeon on-call. An urgent reversal of the filler may be required.

Do not hesitate to contact our office at 403-487-0460 if you have any questions or concerns or e-mail us directly info@drtrevorbrooks.ca, kara@essentialsmedispa.ca or kelsey@essentialsmedispa.ca

Schedule an appointment

Pre & Post Care Instructions

What to expect from dermal filler

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments help kickstart the production of collagen and other healthy proteins to rejuvenate your skin and promote hair growth. PRP essentially aids in your body’s natural repair process, leaving your skin feeling smoother, softer and hydrated.

Essentials Medi Spa offers both facial rejuvenation and hair loss prevention PRP treatments. What appeals to many patients is that PRP treatments are your own growth factors (your DNA), so no foreign substances are introduced into your body. PRP allows your body to build, repair, and replenish key proteins which taper off in production as we age. PRP fabulously aids in natural tissue regeneration.

A PRP facial rejuvenation treatment aids in your body’s natural repair process. The treatment uses your own growth factors (that play the role of messengers, signalling skin cells to function) to boost tissue regeneration and stimulate collagen production. This replenishment process leaves your skin hydrated and feeling smoother.

PRP alone is ideal for clients who are not candidates for under-eye filler (they don’t have volume loss below the eyes), but who still have thin “crepey” skin and fine lines.

For enhanced results, PRP can be combined with dermal filler. The dermal fillers immediately restore volume, while the PRP will gradually improve your skin tone, texture and elasticity. The cost of adding dermal filler to your PRP treatment can be discussed in your consultation.

Cost

From $300-$600.

Full Price List

Number of Treatments

Most individuals will achieve their desired results in 4-6 treatments.

However, everyone is different. You may require fewer or more treatments.

If you are in good health, you are a great candidate for PRP.

This treatment is not ideal for those who have blood disorders, undergoing anticoagulation therapy, have anemia, or have an active infection.

Clear your schedule, no special events for two weeks after your procedure (3-4 weeks is even better in case of bruising).

14 days prior, no corticosteroid use (consult your physician before discontinuing anything prescribed).

14 days prior, avoid anything that causes skin irritations (e.g., chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments).

If you develop a fever, cold, flu, cold sore, blemish or rash in the area of treatment, please reschedule. Cold sores will require a prescription to prepare you for treatment.

7 days prior, avoid blood thinning medications like ASA/aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort) and some dietary supplements such as vitamin E and omega-3.

Stay hydrated and increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

24 hours prior, do not drink alcohol.
We draw a small amount of blood from your arm. We then separate the blood cells and draw out the “liquid gold”/PRP.

Depending on the treatment location, we can apply topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable.

Depending on the treatment, we apply the PRP:

On top of the skin with your microneedling treatment (Morpheus8), or

Inject it directly into the targeted area (e.g., under eyes, jawbone, necklines, around the lips).

The PRP is injected into the desired treatment area(s). Injections are spaced 1 cm apart, so expect there to be many injection points.
Common side effects include (but are not limited to), discomfort, pain, redness, swelling, temporary bumps, firmness, itching, bruising, tenderness, warmth, and tingling.

Rare but more serious side effects include nodules, headache, neck pain, dizziness, infection/skin ulceration, change in blood pressure, nausea, bleeding, discoloration at the injection site, and temporary nerve injury.

PRP results are not visible right away and are not permanent. Facial rejuvenation results can last 4-6 months when combined with filler.

Aftercare for best results after a PRP hair rejuvenation treatment:

Before leaving the clinic, book a follow-up and set up the next appointments for a treatment plan.

For 4-7 days do not use anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen). We want inflammation!

Avoid touching or washing the area for a minimum of 8 hrs, do not apply makeup over the injected area until the next day (or risk infection).

For 1-2 days avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, strenuous exercise, and exposure to UV radiation, high heat environments (e.g., sauna, steam room, tanning beds, hot showers) or risk worsening swelling and discomfort.

Wait 1 month before receiving another PRP treatment. A series of 3-5 treatments, spaced 15-30 days apart is a good estimate for how many treatments will be needed.

If you experience any other side effects which you think are important we ask that you contact us. Always contact us even if you also see your family doctor, a walk-in clinic doctor, or go to the ER.

Schedule an appointment

Pre & Post Care Instructions

What to expect from a PRP facial rejuvenation treatment

How long do the results last from PRP facial rejuvenation?

The filler portion of the treatment will last on average 4-6 months. PRP alone can require multiple treatments to achieve your aesthetic goals. For desired results, we recommend most patients complete 4-6 treatments. Keep in mind, for facial volume loss, combining the PRP with dermal filler may reduce the number of treatments needed.

A PRP treatment for hair loss will actively stimulate the generation of stem cells throughout the body. This treatment is backed by a number of scientific-based articles showing its effectiveness to increase hair count, improve hair thickness, and prolong the growth phase of your hair cycle.

You are an excellent candidate for a PRP treatment if you are in good health and experiencing hair loss. Those with early hair loss tend to respond best. If you have a blood disorder and are undergoing anticoagulation therapy, have anemia, or have an active infection, we do not recommend PRP for hair restoration.

In comparison to surgical treatments, like hair transplants, a PRP treatment plan has virtually no downtime, less discomfort and comes at a lower price point.

Cost

$600

Full Price List

Number of Treatments

Most individuals will achieve their desired results in 3-5 treatments and then schedule maintenance treatments every 3-6 months.

Everyone is different. You may require fewer or more treatments.

Clear your schedule, no special events for 2 weeks after your procedure (3-4 is even better because of possible bruising).

14 days prior, no corticosteroid use (consult your physician before discontinuing anything prescribed).

14 days prior, avoid anything that causes skin irritations (e.g., chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments).

If you develop a fever, cold, flu, cold store, blemish or rash in the area of treatment, please reschedule. Cold sores will require a prescription to prepare you for treatment.

7 days prior, avoid blood thinning medications like ASA/aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort) and some dietary supplements such as vitamin E and omega-3.

Stay hydrated and increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

24 hours prior, do not drink alcohol.
A small amount of blood is drawn from you. We then separate the blood cells & draw out the “liquid gold”/PRP.

The PRP is injected into the desired treatment area(s). Injections are spaced 1 cm apart, so expect there to be many injection points.
Common side effects include (but are not limited to): discomfort, pain, redness, swelling, temporary bumps, firmness, itching, bruising, tenderness, warmth, and tingling.

Rare but more serious side effects include nodules, headache, neck pain, dizziness, infection/skin ulceration, change in blood pressure, nausea, bleeding, discoloration at the injection site, and temporary nerve injury.

PRP results are not visible right away and are not permanent. Hair restoration will require 3-5 treatments then quarterly or 6-month injections to maintain results.

Aftercare for best results after a PRP hair rejuvenation treatment:

Before leaving the clinic, book a follow-up and set up next appointments for the treatment plan.

For 4-7 days do not use anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen). We want inflammation!

Avoid touching or washing the area for a minimum of 8 hours. Hats or headgear may be worn the next day.

For 1-2 days avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, strenuous exercise, and exposure to UV radiation, high heat environments (e.g., sauna, steam room, tanning beds, hot showers) or risk worsening swelling and discomfort.

Wait 1 month before receiving another PRP treatment. A series of 3-5 treatments, spaced 15-30 days apart is a good estimate for how many treatments will be needed.

If you experience any other side effects, we ask that you contact us. Always contact us even if you also see your family doctor, a walk-in clinic doctor, or go to the ER.

Schedule an appointment

Pre & Post Care Instructions

What to expect from a PRP hair loss treatment

How long do the results last from PRP?

Consistency is key for most things in life, including your PRP treatments. A series of 3-5 treatments, spaced 15-30 days apart is a good estimate for how many treatments will initially be required.

Clients usually note a decrease in hair shedding to start with, which is followed by early regrowth and increased hair length.

As results do not last forever from PRP hair loss treatment, a quarterly or semi-annual treatment plan helps clients maintain optimal results. The number, frequency and cost of treatments will be determined by the condition of your hair and your aesthetic goals.

Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) that stimulates collagen production in the body. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that use hyaluronic acid (HA) to add volume to target areas, Sculptra works with your body to restore your skin’s inner structure.

As the PLLA microparticles are absorbed, collagen production improves, helping to restore facial volume over time. This results in smoother skin with a visible reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin folds.

What’s the difference between Sculptra and dermal filler?

Sculptra

Gradual results
Lasts up to 2 years
Stimulates collagen production in the target area to add volume over time

Dermal filler

Immediate results
Typically lasts for 6-12 months
Directly adds volume to target area

How long do the results last from Sculptra?

Sculptra is designed to encourage collagen and elastin production in your body, so you won’t see results immediately after a treatment. It could take anywhere from 3-6 months to see the effects. However, the results of Sculptra may last for up to 2 years, which is significantly longer than other filler options.

What to expect from Sculptra

7 days before, avoid blood thinning medications like ASA (aspirin), ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Wort, omega-3, and vitamin E).

3 days before, avoid products containing retinol.

48 hours before, do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes or electronic vaporizers.

48 hours before, hydrate well.
Our certified aesthetic nurse specialist will do a full mapping of the targeted area to assess the points for injection. Your skin area will then be gently cleaned, photos taken, marked for treatment, and you’ll be ready to receive your injection.

You will feel a slight pinching when the needle breaks the skin, but that will not last long. A topical anesthetic is sometimes used to prevent any pain associated with injections.

Treatments typically take 60 minutes.
You may feel tenderness or swelling after treatment and may experience bruising, redness, or temporary bumps. This should only last for 24-48 hours following treatment.

For 24 hours, apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the injection entry point to help reduce pain. Avoid putting ice directly on your skin.

Only touch the injected area with clean hands, clean makeup tools, and clean towels.

For 24 hours, do not apply makeup over the injected area (risk of infection).

Avoid strenuous exercise and exposure to sun, UV lamps, indoor tanning beds, or extreme temperatures within the first 24 hours after treatment.

Massage the treated area for 5 minutes 5 times per day for 5 days after your treatment.

Changes will appear in around 3-6 months, but the peak effect occurs by month 6.

Results will continue to improve over the first 3-6 months and wear off after 2 years (on average).

Contact us if you:

Develop a side effect such as unusual pain, vision changes, a white appearance of skin near the injection site, or any signs of stroke during or shortly after the procedure.

Experience any other side effects, which you think are important.

See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic doctor, or go to the ER.

Schedule an appointment

Pre & Post Care Instructions

Cost

One vial: $850

During your complimentary consultation, our certified aesthetic nurse specialist will determine the number of vials you need to help you get your best results.

Number of Treatments

We recommend between 1-3 initial treatments for optimal results. In the months after your final treatment, your skin will continue to improve.

Book in to see us 3-4 weeks after each session so we can determine if you need further treatment.

Sculptra pairs well with:

Chemical Peels

Temples
Cheeks
Jawline
Neck