I'm a 35 year old Korean woman who's had problems with pigmentation my whole life- though in the past few years, my dark spots have definitely become more pronounced. I consulted with a doctor who confirmed my worst suspicions- that I did in fact have melasma. She said melasma is technically incurable and finicky, but I had read some positive reviews and heard from some friends that it can be reduced, at least. So I tried the hydroquinone creams and papaya soaps and topical Vitamin C and everything- some helped, but just barely. More extensive research lead me to the Vancouver Laser Center, where I had a consultation and- I must be honest- I didn't feel welcomed, as an Asian woman. The employee suggested I try IPL, and I knew from having read some of the reviews on this site that that's not a good idea. Even more research landed me in Dr. Daniel Yip's office in Coquitlam, not too far from Vancouver, where I had my face photographed and analyzed (I got to see the black and white beneath-the-skin view, which was TERRIFYING, I had no idea how damaged my skin was!). I spoke with the doctor, who I think specializes in melasma treatment? And I decided on a "VRM" package with the Lutronic Spectra Nd:YAG machine. It was sort of an end-of-the-road last-ditch effort to eradicate my melasma; if this didn't work, I would give up. After a few treatments we took more photos so I could see the results so far, which were fairly good. After 8 treatments I was actually satisfied with how my skin looked- all the major dark spots were gone, and it was just a matter of evening everything out, and perhaps lightening if possible. After 10 VRM treatments from Dr. Daniel Yip (he was the one who did my treatments, which was nice, because other centers I'd heard about/visited relied on staff members, who couldn't give proper advice or be fully trusted), I HAD NO MORE DARKNESS! Now I know melasma has a reputation for coming back, so I'll keep my fingers crossed and sunscreen on. But in the meantime.. oh I'm just so excited. I finally feel beautiful in my own skin!
My lips weren't necessarily small, but I wanted a bit of extra volume and fullness. I did a lot of research on the internet, always coming across paid ads for high profile plastic surgeons, and mixed reviews from smaller offices. Eventually I swallowed my pride and asked some of my friends, who seemed quite proud of their previous procedures, who they suggest I should see for my lip fillers. Time after time, Dr. Daniel Yip's name came up! It was like everybody knew about him. I was pleased with the amount of options he proposed and honesty in his advice- I decided to go ahead with Teosyal lip filler injections. I guess some people go with Juvaderm because it's been around longer (according to the internet), but I found out that what people usually pay for 1 vial of juvaderm (only 0.8cc), is the equivalent of the longer-lasting Teosyal (1.0cc) in both cost and volume/appearance. I purchased a full vial (1cc) of Teosyal, despite only wanting 0.7cc injected, because it was cheaper to purchase in higher volumes and if I wanted any touch ups, I would still have part of a vial on file at the office. I'm incredibly happy with my improved lips- they turned out subtle and natural-looking, just as I had requested! Updated on 23 May 2014: I got a few compliments already, my new lips are just the right shape and volume. All I can think about is what I want done next... exciting! Going in for a follow up in a few days!
