If you’ve ever wondered what doctors actually think about injectable fillers, Women’s Post has found the answer. Dr. Barb Loiskandl is a mom, wife, and physician who uses cosmetic enhancement herself to reflect her inner radiance.

Working at a women’s magazine, I get into many conversations about what makes a woman truly beautiful. Beauty is a combination of qualities that both delight the senses and stimulate the mind. Enhancing their physical appearance helps many people fully express their inner beauty, and explains the reasons behind a thriving cosmetic industry.

If a woman wants to go beyond makeup: “We can do something, and it’s safe,” says Dr Barbara Loiskandl, owner of Laser Health Works in Ontario. “Some women come in and I notice they cover their lips when they talk because they’re embarrassed about what they look like. I call it sinking and shrinking. It happens over time, their features go down like the Titanic.”

Dr. Barb is a special kind of doctor, having transitioned into cosmetic medicine. She is also a bit of a celebrity in the TV world, as she has appeared on shows such as CP24 Talk TV, Health Edition - as a guest and their substitute host. She has been performing cosmetic tissue filling with Medicis products for 10 years at her practice.

What’s the difference between getting a haircut and tissue fillers? Not much according to Dr. Barb. “Sometimes it takes a little work on the outside to shine on the inside, just like getting a haircut,” she says.

“I never wanted to use collagen as a filler,” says Dr. Barb, and that’s when she found out about Restylane. The injectable family of Restylane, Perlane, and Restylane Fine Line are her first choice for injectable fillers because they’re natural to humans, making them a more suitable alternative. She researched the product and got some injections herself. “I wouldn’t do anything to you that I haven’t done to myself.”

Since starting cosmetic medicine, Dr. Barb has been able to connect with many women over the idea of beauty. “I have time to spend with women. I get to know them, about their kids, marriages, and work,” says Dr. Barb. “Women are busy and are expected to do more. We want the confidence to move forward and help them do that.”

Although Dr. Barb is pro “cosmetic medicine,” she has some rules about getting the most from these treatments.

Research first: Many of Dr. Barb’s patients come in with lists of questions. This is a good sign that they have done research in advance. “Knowledge is power. People should be fully aware of the risks and benefits of the treatment” she says.
Don’t jump into it: Have a consult with the doctor first to talk about what you would like. Dr. Barb has every patient hold up the mirror to show her what they would like smoothed out. It is her face after all, so pointing out exactly what she wants freshened up is the best way to get the results she wants. Once the patient has talked about what she wants, she should go home and think about it and then book her next appointment. The product is very precise and can be put exactly where it will stay. This is why it’s important to know what you want (although it can be reversed if needed – Dr. Barb has never had to do this).

If you have a milestone event such as a birthday, anniversary, or reunion make sure you give yourself plenty of leeway to have the treatments. “This is not a makeover show. Give yourself some time. Come in six months before the big day,” she suggests. Dr. Barb says some of her patients get their treatments every couple weeks to get results gradually. “Patients come back and I ask if anyone noticed and they say, ‘No one even noticed,’” says Dr. Barb. This is the best way to have the look you want for the big day.