Kirpan Dhillon is a super talented artist & actor who tackles South Asian culture with a comedic flair. She has been interested in injectable treatments for anti-aging but did not want to lose the expression on her face because it’s her livelihood. Kirpan is sharing her journey with us as she consults with Dr. Sanghe to determine the best path forward to look & feel her best. Here is Kirpan’s story.

I recently turned the big 3-0 and have been thinking about anti-aging injectable treatments for some time. But as an artist, expression is my life! I was interested in treatment but wanted to look and feel like my natural self. To be honest, I was hesitant in getting Botox & filler treatments in the past for three key reasons: fear of the outcome, my anxiety around needles and considerations about the high costs.

I had heard that Dr. Sanghe is one of the best in the business from a few of his long-time clients. So I decided to book a consultation to find out for myself. I found him to be very knowledgeable as he explains how he places the least amount of Botox and filler in exactly the right places on your face for the best outcome. He listened to all my concerns and answered the questions that I had. To be honest, I was pretty nervous about moving forward with treatment, but Dr. Sanghe totally put me at ease. I decided to get a combination of both Botox and filler treatments. I was so happy with the results and received so many compliments saying that I was glowing up more than ever!

I decided to come back to Wave because I’ve been thinking about lip filler for a while. Now that I have found a practitioner who I can trust with my most important asset – my face, I’m all in!  Here were five things that were top of mind for me in terms of the lip filler treatment:

WILL IT HURT? Dr. Sanghe put me at ease and said that Juvederm fillers contain lidocaine, which offers localized pain relief. This means that your treatment will be pain free so you can feel comfortable before, during, and after your treatment!

WILL IT LOOK FAKE OR BUMPY? He let me know that Juvederm lip fillers offer the most natural results. Dr. Sanghe said that unlike other fillers that are made from granular gel, Juvederm has a smooth consistency and never bumpy! This creates an even result that looks and feels the most natural. 

WILL IT TAKE A LOT OF TIME? Dr. Sanghe assured me that it’s a pretty quick and convenient procedure. Typically, one lip filler treatment would take about 15 minutes. And the best part is the downtime is minimal which means I could go right back to work!

CAN I SEE IMMEDIATE RESULTS? More good news. Dr. Sanghe said the results are visible almost instantly. With other dermal fillers, it can take some time for you to see the actual results. However, lip fillers show instant improvements in the treated areas. Many patients only require one treatment to achieve the results they desire. I’m naturally impatient so I was super excited about the real-time results and loved the outcome!

Thinking about Lip Injections? 

Follow Kirpan on: Instagram: @kirplization and TikTok: @kirpandhillon 

Why More Men are Choosing Botox & Filler Treatments to Look & Feel Their Best 

Just like women, men are not immune to the effects of aging which includes the loss of bone, fat and skin elasticity leaving one’s features feeling flat. There has certainly been an upwards trend with more and more modern men taking advantage of the game changing benefits of injectables to combat the signs of aging or to simply refine their looks. It’s no surprise that Botox and filler treatments have been steadily on the rise for men who are paying more attention to the variety of grooming and self-care treatments offered by the aesthetics industry.

Here are a few reasons why more men are choosing injectables to look and feel like their best selves:

1. As cosmetic procedures become more widely available, affordable, and less invasive, more men are inclined to try them.

2. Men are seeing first-hand, the benefits these treatments offer their wives and partners and want to look and feel as good as the ladies do.

3. The cultural shift towards self-care and self-improvement has encouraged men to invest in their physical self for overall well-being.

4. With the rise of social media, info about aesthetic procedures is more accessible and men are doing their own research to explore the latest treatment options available to them.

5. Men view these procedures as a way to boost their self-esteem and confidence in the dating world and workplace.

6. Male celebrities and public figures are openly discussing their use of cosmetic treatments which has helped destigmatize these procedures for men.

7. Botox and filler are minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures with little or no downtime, making them highly appealing to men who want to improve their appearance without disrupting their daily routines.

8. Men opt for injectables because they want the most natural results where no one will know they had anything done.

How Botox & Filler Work for Men

We talked to Dr. Sanghe at Wave Skin Care about how medical aesthetic professionals can tailor treatments to suit men’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Here’s what he said.

“As men age, they can experience the loss of facial volume, leading to sagging skin and less defined features. Dermal fillers, often made from hyaluronic acid, are injected into the targeted areas to add volume to areas that have lost fullness restoring a more youthful and well-defined look,” says Dr. Sanghe.

“Dermal fillers can also be strategically used to reshape the jawline for men, creating a stronger and more chiseled appearance. This procedure involves injecting fillers into specific areas to add volume and structure to create a more masculine jawline,” says Dr. Sanghe. “A well-defined jawline can contribute to balanced facial proportions, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the face.”

Dr. Sanghe is also seeing more non-surgical rhinoplasty treatments for men which has the power to transform a profile by adding projection to the tip, disguising nasal humps, and creating a straighter bridge. He feels that subtle improvements can make a surprizing difference.

Dr. Sanghe explains that a skilled medical professional can assess an individual’s facial structure and aesthetic goals before determining the most appropriate injection points and filler type. This personalized approach ensures the most natural-looking results that complement a man’s unique features. 

He adds, “No matter your gender, at Wave Skin Care, we believe that injectables are meant to elevate and refine your natural appearance, so you look and feel like the best version of yourself.”

Talk to a Qualified Professional

While dermal fillers can provide temporary enhancements to the face, the results are not permanent. Regular treatments are typically required to maintain the desired appearance. As with any cosmetic procedure, individuals should consult with qualified medical professionals to make informed decisions and to ensure both safety and satisfaction.

How MD Codes are Revolutionizing the Injectables Industry 

If there’s one thing we know about technology it drives innovation to move industries forward and MD Codes have done just that for the medical aesthetics industry. MD Codes  are a proven framework for guiding the precise placement of filler and Botox  injections for optimal facial rejuvenation and results. Dr. Sanghe of Wave Skin Care in Surrey is a highly experienced practitioner of the state-of-the-art MD Codes facial sculpting technique. Here’s what he had to say about how MD Codes are changing the game in facial rejuvenation. 

Q. Who came up with the MD Code process and why?

Dr. Sanghe: MD Codes is a holistic approach for assessment and facial treatments using Botox and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers.  MD Codes were developed by world renowned Brazilian Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Mauricio de Maio. The system was designed to reduce variability and patient dissatisfaction with traditional facial dermal filler treatments. MD Codes are a set of guidelines that provide a standardized and systematic approach to dermal fillers and Botox injections. The focus is to reduce unfavourable emotional attributes of the face (e.g: a tired look) and provide the most natural and age appropriate results.  Through the use of this systematic approach at Wave Skin Care, I can reassure my patients they will have predictable, consistent and desired outcomes. 

Q. How do MD Codes actually work on patients?

Dr. Sanghe: MD Codes consist of a series of anatomical points on the face that are targeted for the exact placement of injectables. These points are determined based on the underlying anatomy, muscle dynamics, and aesthetic goals. For example, MD Codes divide the face into different zones and subzones, with specific codes. The zones include the forehead, temples, eyebrows, upper eyelids, lower eyelids, cheeks, nose, mouth, chin, and jawline. Within each zone, there are further subzones that help guide the precise treatment areas where filler and Botox injections should be administered to offer the most natural results. It’s exciting because MD Codes offer a much more consistent and repeatable process that can address a patient’s unique needs while using less products.

Q. Can anyone inject using MD Codes?

Dr. Sanghe: It’s important to note that MD Codes are a treatment framework and should be applied by trained medical professionals who have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetic principles. Applying MD Codes effectively requires an injector who is already fully experienced, and who is committed to learning, perfecting, and applying the myriad of techniques associated with MD Codes. Over time this leads to the physician (or nurse) becoming a Master Injector. A Master Injector is a credentialed medical professional with a track record of creating exceptional results while prioritizing patient safety first. Proper training, experience, and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics are also crucial to achieving the best results. 

Q. How can I get started with treatments based on MD Codes?

Dr. Sanghe: It all starts with a comprehensive assessment with a professional trained on MD Codes. The MD Code approach encourages a thorough evaluation of the entire face, considering the individual’s facial anatomy, muscle dynamics, and overall aesthetic goals. By considering the face as a whole, rather than treating isolated areas, creates a more balanced and harmonious result. This helps avoid overfilled or exaggerated outcomes, resulting in a more natural and refreshed appearance. Again, it’s essential to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who is well-versed in the MD Codes methodology for the most optimal results.

How Rapid Weight Loss Leads to Accelerated Facial Aging & What to Do About It 

There’s been a lot of hype about Ozempic, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar, lowering the appetite, and leading to rapid weight loss. A semaglutide, Ozempic has certainly taken the world by storm as the viral weight loss trend of the moment. In some cases, weight loss can be quite significant which has made the drug extremely popular but there are some important side effects to be considered.

Although weight loss is a desired outcome for most, rapid weight loss can often lead to unwanted changes in facial appearance due to the sudden loss of facial fat. This outcome can cause the skin to look more sunken or gaunt, with wrinkles and lines becoming more pronounced. This phenomenon has been dubbed as “Ozempic face.” A term that was coined by Dr. Paul Frank, a US dermatologist, which refers to facial aging and sagging as a side effect of the popular weight loss drug.

Enter the Era of Ozempic Face

The more rapid the weight loss, the less likely it is for the body to balance the weight loss effectively. Therefore, Ozempic users may start to notice the following changes in their face:

• Skin laxity and sagging
• Duller appearance
• Dry dehydrated skin
• Dark circles under eyes
• Sagging around the jawline and mid-neck area

Dr. Pom Sanghe of Wave Skincare says, “Anytime we see major weight fluctuations, collagen and elastin are disrupted resulting in a loss of volume or fat in the face which leads to a more aged look. These skin changes are primarily from nutrition and vitamin depletion over a short period of time. I am seeing a lot more of these cases in my clinic as Ozempic use is on the rise.”

Dermal Fillers to Restore Lost Volume
Some people may feel self-conscious or unhappy with these sudden changes in their face. If this is your experience, the good news is there are non-invasive treatments that can help restore volume and lead to a more youthful appearance.  

Dr. Sanghe says, “Dermal fillers can help address the impacts of weight loss in the face by restoring volume and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, hollow cheeks and sunken eyes. 

They work by injecting a substance such as hyaluronic acid at specific location under the skin to restore volume loss and smooth out any imperfections creating a naturally, youthful look.”

He adds, “I have seen fantastic results with dermal fillers on my patients. Especially after a sudden weight loss, dermal fillers can really help individuals feel more confident in their appearance again and may improve their overall quality of life.” 

Consult with A Medical Professional

If you are considering using Ozempic for weight loss, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. If you are considering using dermal fillers to address changes in your facial appearance after weight loss, be sure to seek out a qualified and experienced medical practitioner who can evaluate your personal needs and determine the best option for you. 

We asked Dr. Sanghe of Wave Skin Care to help debunk some common myths and misperceptions about Botox. Here’s our conversation with him where Dr. Sanghe separates fact from fiction as it relates to Botox for medical aesthetics.

Myth #1: Botox can cause the loss of facial expressions 

Dr. Sanghe: False. When done properly, Botox is an extremely precise treatment that is used to target specific areas and muscles such as those creating wrinkles on the forehead or crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox will only relax the muscles at these specific treatment points. So, you will still be able to display most of your facial expressions. However, Botox should always be administered by a trained medical professional to ensure it is injected correctly to maintain the harmony of the muscles and the natural balance of the face.

Myth #2: Botox works immediately 

Dr. Sanghe: False. The initial effects of muscle relaxation will begin in approximately 2 days. However, the complete relaxation of the muscles can take up to 5-7 days. Resolution of the wrinkles may take longer and is dependent on the individual patient. This depends on age, extent of the wrinkles and if prior Botox treatments had been done. For prevention, it is advised to start Botox treatments at the early signs of new wrinkle formation.

Myth #3: Botox is only used to relax wrinkles 


Dr. Sanghe: False. Botox injections are well-known for their ability to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the face. However, Botox is also used to treat conditions such as corrective eye alignment, reducing neck and shoulder pain, controlling excessive sweating, and treating overactive bladders. Botox injections are also known to effectively treat chronic migraines and TMJ pain.

Myth #4: Botox and fillers are pretty much the same thing 

Dr. Sanghe: False. Botox and dermal fillers are not the same.  Botox is a medication which relaxes muscles that create facial wrinkles. The effects of Botox last for 4-6 months and like all drugs, is eliminated naturally by the body. Dermal fillers are products which are used to replace volume loss in the face to maintain a youthful appearance. Fillers are based on synthetic elements and naturally occurring substances we have in our bodies such as hyaluronic acid. Both dermal fillers and Botox are used in conjunction to contour, lift and maintain the natural balance of the face.

Myth #5: Botox is only for older people 

Dr. Sanghe: False. Traditionally, people have viewed Botox as a treatment for the appearance of age-related lines and wrinkles. However, people in their 20s are now turning to Botox as a way of preventing wrinkles from happening in the future. In fact, since 2010, Botox injections have increased in people between the ages of 20 to 29 by 32 percent. In Canada, patients must be 18 years or older to be able to receive Botox treatments.

Myth #6: If you stop getting Botox, your facial lines only get worse 

Dr. Sanghe: False. When you stop using Botox, your muscles will eventually start working just as they did before you began the treatment. However, your muscles and your skin do not make up for lost time by accelerating wrinkle formation. In fact, during the time a patient uses Botox, the effects of aging or wrinkle formation slows down. However, patients will continue to see anti-aging benefits even after the treatments subside. These benefits will obviously be optimized by starting your Botox journey early for prevention and then to maintain its long-lasting effects. 

Myth #7: Botox is unsafe and can build up in your body over time

Myth #8: Botox can be injected by anyone


 Dr. Sanghe: False. Botox is becoming more accessible than ever, but it is important to remember that it is a prescription drug that should always be handled with great care and precision. Injecting patients with Botox is considered a medical treatment. Therefore, for your own safety, Botox should only be administered by a well-experienced, qualified, and certified medical practitioner. When used properly, Botox results in a natural and balanced appearance by relaxing facial wrinkles. However, improper use can lead to improper movement of the facial muscles.

About Dr. Parminder Sanghe

Wave Skin Care founder and Medical Director, Dr. Sanghe has been providing patients with natural-looking medical aesthetic treatments since 2003. With over 20 years of first-hand expertise and experience, Dr. Sanghe is a masterful injector and is the gold standard in non-surgical, corrective, and restorative skin care treatments in BC. Dr. Sanghe is highly committed to the advancement of the medical aesthetics industry in BC. He regularly participates in world-class medical aesthetic education and training programs to get the latest insights on the ground-breaking innovations in the industry. He received his Bachelor of Science and Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

SPF stands for sun protection factor and refers to the measure of UVB radiation it takes to cause a sunburn. 

(SPF only refers to UVB rays, it does not relate to UVA rays, which has another rating system not used in North America, but you may come across it if purchasing sunscreen in Europe.)

The lower the SPF, the more likely you are to burn. Many confuse SPF with the time spent in the sun rather than solar energy. How often you need to reapply will depend on what you are physically doing and how intense the sun is at that particular time of the day or year.

For sunscreen to work, it needs to bond to the skin, and throughout the day, your body is actively shedding dead skin cells and sweating; therefore, as time goes on, the sunscreen you apply can start to disappear. 

In terms of the time of day; you will need to reapply more often at the hottest part of the day, usually around 1 pm than you would in the morning and more often in the summer than in the winter when the sun is much less intense (unless you are high up on a mountain skiing!) 

The general rule of thumb is to reapply at least every two hours. By re-applying every 2 hours (and after our skin dries off when we come out of the water), we can better ensure a layer of sunscreen protects our skin.

Your skin type also depends on the SPF level you need to apply. For example, those with fair skin need much higher than those with a darker skin tone as darker complexions have a built-in SPF of around 13.4 and can still protect themselves with an SPF of 30. A great way to think about SPF is like putting a mesh over your skin.

The lower the number on the SPF, the larger the holes in the mesh. The higher the number, the finer the mesh. However, some research shows that once you hit about SPF 50-60, anything higher doesn’t really make a difference, and you will still need to reapply every two hours since you are still shedding skin and sweating. 

SPF is not the only acronym you need to consider when shopping for sunscreen. As we mentioned, SPF only refers to UVB rays; you also need to think about UVA rays. But what’s the difference? 

Although exposure to both is harmful and contributes to the risk of skin cancer, the two types of UV light affect the skin differently. The easy way to remember the difference between the two is:

• UV-A: “A” for Aging
• UV-B: “B” for Burn

Clouds and windows can block UVB rays, whereas UVA rays can pass through clouds and windows, so it’s essential to protect yourself from UVA rays throughout the year (not just when it is sunny). When choosing a sunscreen, it is best to look for one that states it offers broad UVA-UVB spectrum protection.