Skin & Injectables in Vancouver & North Vancouver, BC

Medical aesthetics that look after your skin for the long run.

8 West is a skin clinic in Vancouver and North Vancouver: injectables, laser and light treatments, and medical-grade skin treatments. It starts with a complimentary skin consultation, where we look closely at your skin and your whole face, talk about the changes you've noticed, and suggest what's worth doing now and what can wait. The aim is healthy skin that still looks like you, year after year.

Not ready to talk? Start with our free guide. Calls with a patient care manager are complimentary.

Since 2006Family-founded
2 clinicsWest Broadway and West Esplanade
4.8 average across 1,900+ verified reviews →

Suzanne Power, senior medical aesthetician, in laser safety glasses holding a BBL handpiece

Get the Conversation Started

Tell us what you're interested in, and a member of our team will call you for a complimentary, friendly conversation. We'll answer your questions and help you figure out your next step, with no commitment.

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We strive to provide quality services and care in a timely manner. If you require a faster response or have not heard back from us within 2–3 business days, please call us directly at 604-733-1669.

Treatments

Treatments at our skin clinic

Our medical aesthetics treatments come in five groups: injectables, laser and light, skin treatments, body and hair, and private dermatology. Each has its own page with the details, and many people use more than one over the years.

Injectables

Lines, volume and shape

Wrinkle-relaxing injections (neuromodulators) soften lines that come from movement. Dermal fillers add volume and define contours. Sculptra, an injectable collagen biostimulator, is usually given over 2 to 3 sessions.

All injectables →

Laser & light

Tone, texture and sun damage

From broadband light with a day or two of mild redness to full-field laser resurfacing with 7 to 14 days of downtime, plus radiofrequency treatments and laser hair removal.

All laser & light →

Skin treatments

Facials, peels and microneedling

Medical microneedling, chemical peels and medical-grade facials, on their own or between other treatments. Exosomes can be added to laser treatments or microneedling.

All skin treatments →

Body & hair

Body, pelvic floor and hair

CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling on areas such as the abdomen and flanks. Emsculpt NEO sessions take 30 minutes. EMSELLA, for the pelvic floor, is done sitting fully clothed, at our North Vancouver clinic. Hair restoration uses ultrasound and air pressure, with no needles.

All body & hair →

Private dermatology

Moles, cysts and skin tags

Medical care for skin concerns, including the removal of moles, cysts and skin tags.

Mole, cyst and skin tag removal

All private dermatology →

Also at 8 WestHealth optimization

The Essential Guide to Skin Rejuvenation

A guide to healthy skin for years

The free guide walks through 18 of the changes people notice in their skin, from tone and texture to fine lines and volume, with the treatments most often used for each, typical downtime and how many sessions people usually need. It opens on your phone or computer, and we email you the link.

01What you've noticed, area by area
02Tone, texture and lines
03Volume and contour
04Regenerative aesthetic treatments
05What to expect, side by side
06The call and your consultation

Get the free guide

We email you the guide right away. Strictly confidential.

Your care at 8 West

Each treatment works at its own depth

Lasers, light and skin treatments work at the surface, on sun damage, redness, texture and tone. Microneedling and Sculptra, a collagen biostimulator, work a layer deeper, and the change is gradual. Dermal fillers and wrinkle-relaxing injections work on volume and on lines that come from movement.

Most people start with one thing, often frown lines, or sun spots after the summer. At your skin consultation we look closely, ask what you've noticed, and suggest a few treatments in an order that fits your calendar and budget. For the jaw and neck, facial surgery is sometimes the better option, and we'll tell you when it is. You can start with one treatment.

Watch three short videos from our treatment rooms →

At the surface: laser and light and skin treatments. In the collagen layer: medical microneedling and a collagen biostimulator. Volume and movement: dermal fillers and wrinkle-relaxing injections.

One example

Sun spots and cheek volume, over one year

This is one example. Your own steps come out of your skin consultation.

A skin consultationWe look at your skin and face and talk through timing.
Sculptra, 2 to 3 sessionsAn injectable collagen biostimulator for the cheeks and temples. The change is gradual.
HALO with BBLFor sun damage and pigmentation, usually 3 to 5 days of downtime. Exosomes can be added.
HydraFacials in betweenOften used between more intensive treatments.
Forever Young BBL each yearUsed as a yearly maintenance treatment.

Laser, light and facials work at the surface; the biostimulator works in a deeper layer. Each step has its own page: Sculptra, HALO, HydraFacial, Forever Young BBL.

In their words

Three short videos from our treatment rooms

A HydraFacial in a treatment room at 8 West Clinic

0:25

HydraFacial · 0:25

A HydraFacial, start to finish

Rosie from our team has a HydraFacial: cleansing, extractions and hydration, filmed in the treatment room.

A medical aesthetician using a microneedling pen in a treatment room

0:23

Medical microneedling · 0:23

Medical microneedling at 8 West

A serum, then the microneedling pen across the cheeks and nose, in under half a minute.

A team member pointing to the cheek while talking about Sculptra

0:18

Sculptra · 0:18

Where Sculptra is often used

The temples, cheeks, marionette lines, jawline and neck, pointed out one by one.

Hear it from our team

Skin and injectables videos from our clinic

Filmed at 8 West: how two resurfacing lasers differ, what people get wrong about Sculptra, and how skin's stretch changes with age.

All skin videos and articles →

1:13

Suzanne Power · Senior Medical Aesthetician

Two resurfacing lasers, and how they differ

Contour TRL treats the whole area in one session; the Alma Hybrid treats a fraction of the skin at a time. Suzanne explains the downtime of each.

Inside the treatments

Laser treatments, from lighter to deeper

Laser and light treatments differ mostly in how deep they work and how much downtime you have afterwards.

Forever Young BBLBroadband light for pigmentation, redness and broken capillaries. Usually 1 to 2 days of mild redness.
MoxiA gentle, non-ablative laser for tone, texture and early pigmentation. Usually 1 to 2 days.
HALOA hybrid fractional laser for sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines and pores. Usually 3 to 5 days.
Hybrid CO2 laserFractional CO2 with a non-ablative wavelength, for wrinkles, acne scars and texture. Usually 5 to 7 days.
Contour TRLFull-field resurfacing for deep wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damage. Usually 7 to 14 days.

Which one suits you depends on your skin, the season and how much time you can take off. ProFractional, a fractional erbium laser, usually means 5 to 7 days.

From lighter to deeper: Forever Young BBL, Moxi, HALO, the Hybrid CO2 laser and Contour TRL.

Injectables and regenerative aesthetics

Injectables, and what each one does

Wrinkle-relaxing injectionsNeuromodulators relax the muscles behind lines that form when you move: forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Results usually last 3 to 4 months.
Dermal fillersA hyaluronic acid gel for volume and contour, for example in the cheeks, lips, under-eyes, jawline and chin. Results usually last 9 to 18 months, depending on the product and area.
SculptraAn injectable collagen biostimulator, not a filler, usually given over 2 to 3 sessions. The change is gradual, over 3 to 6 months, and results can last up to 2 years.
Medical microneedlingFine needles create tiny, controlled channels in the skin. Usually a series of 3 to 6, with 1 to 2 days of downtime. PRP, made from a small sample of your own blood, or exosomes can be added.
Potenza RF microneedlingMicroneedling with radiofrequency energy, for texture, pores, acne scars, fine lines and laxity on the face, neck or body. Usually a series of 3 to 5, with 1 to 3 days of downtime.
ExosomesA prepared serum containing growth factors and signalling proteins, added to laser treatments such as HALO or Contour TRL, or to microneedling.
Personalised secretomeA serum made from your own hair follicles and prepared for you in a lab, applied to the skin after microneedling or laser.

More than one way to restore volume

Dermal fillers add volume exactly where they're placed, and you see the change right away, which suits many people. Sculptra and microneedling work gradually, over weeks and months, and some people choose them on their own or alongside filler. With PRP, exosomes and personalised secretome, they make up what we call regenerative aesthetic treatments. At your skin consultation we talk through what each one does and which suits your face and your goals.

Before & after

Skin and injectables before and after

Three results from the treatments on this page. Every patient is different.

Contour TRL and Hybrid CO2 laser around the mouth, before, side view — **Contour TRL and Hybrid CO2 laser**Around the mouth, 5 months after treatment

Contour TRL and Hybrid CO2 laser around the mouth, after, side view — **Contour TRL and Hybrid CO2 laser**Around the mouth, 5 months after treatment

Before

After

Sculptra and neuromodulatorsCollagen biostimulator, with neuromodulators for the upper face

HALO laser and BBL, before, partial side view — **HALO laser and BBL**2 months after treatment

HALO laser and BBL, after, partial side view — **HALO laser and BBL**2 months after treatment

Real 8 West patients. Results vary.

More skin and injectables before and after photos

Our team

A few of the people you'll meet here

Skin care at 8 West is a team approach. Here are some of the people you'll meet at our clinics: nurses, medical aestheticians and doctors.

Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, MDFamily Physician

Jenn Sheaves, RNNurse Director

Lisa Roberge, RNAdvanced Nurse Injector

Mimi Le Fox, RNAdvanced Cosmetic & Aesthetic Nurse

Suzanne Power in laser safety glasses in a treatment room

Suzanne PowerSenior Medical Aesthetician

Oksana DanyliukMedical Aesthetician

Andrea StarkMedical Aesthetician

Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSC, in surgical scrubs

Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, MD, FRCSCCo-founder · Specialist in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, with a practice limited to facial plastic surgeries

How it works

Booking a skin consultation

01
Contact us
Send a form on this page or call (604) 733-1669.
02
A complimentary, friendly call with a patient care manager
We answer your questions about treatments, downtime and cost, and help you figure out your next step, with no commitment.
03
Your skin consultation
At our Vancouver or North Vancouver clinic. We look at your skin, ask what you've noticed, and talk through treatments, timing and prices. Your skin consultation is complimentary.
04
Your treatment
Booked when it suits you. Many treatments are done as a series, and some once a year.

Questions

What people ask about skin and injectables

What is medical aesthetics?

Medical aesthetics is cosmetic care without surgery, in a medical clinic: injectables, laser and light treatments, and medical-grade skin treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels and facials.

What's the difference between wrinkle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers?

Wrinkle-relaxing injections (neuromodulators) relax the muscles that cause lines when you move, such as frown lines and crow's feet. Dermal fillers are a hyaluronic acid gel that adds volume and shape, for example to the cheeks, lips or chin. Many people have both, in different areas.

Are there alternatives to dermal fillers?

Yes. Dermal fillers suit many people, and they're one of several ways to restore volume. Sculptra, an injectable collagen biostimulator given over 2 to 3 sessions, and medical microneedling, where PRP or exosomes can be added, work gradually over weeks and months. Some people choose one of these, and some combine them with filler. Which suits you depends on your skin, your face and how quickly you'd like to see a change.

Which laser treatment is right for my skin?

It depends on what you'd like to treat and how much downtime you can take. Forever Young BBL usually means a day or two of mild redness, HALO usually 3 to 5 days, and full-field resurfacing with Contour TRL 7 to 14 days. At your skin consultation, we look at your skin type, the season and your calendar.

How much downtime is there after laser and skin treatments?

It depends on the treatment. Typical ranges: Forever Young BBL, 1 to 2 days of mild redness; Moxi and medical microneedling, 1 to 2 days; Potenza RF microneedling, 1 to 3 days; HALO, 3 to 5 days; the Hybrid CO2 laser and ProFractional, 5 to 7 days; Contour TRL, 7 to 14 days. Your own timeline depends on your skin.

How long do injectables last?

Typical ranges: wrinkle-relaxing injections 3 to 4 months; dermal fillers 9 to 18 months, depending on the product and area; lip filler 6 to 12 months. Sculptra results build over 3 to 6 months and can last up to 2 years. Results vary.

What are exosomes used for in skin treatments?

Exosomes are a prepared serum containing growth factors and signalling proteins. At 8 West, they're added to laser treatments such as HALO and Contour TRL, or to microneedling. Your skin consultation decides whether they suit you.

Is the skin consultation complimentary?

Yes. Skin consultations at 8 West are complimentary, and so is the friendly call with a patient care manager before it.

How much do injectables and laser treatments cost?

The cost depends on the treatment, the area and how many sessions you need. We give you prices at your skin consultation, or you can call us or send the form on this page for current prices. Financing is available through partner companies.

Can I combine injectables, lasers and skin treatments?

Yes, and many people do. HALO is often paired with BBL, microneedling can be combined with PRP or exosomes, and a HydraFacial can fit between more intensive treatments. We suggest the order and spacing at your skin consultation.

What happens after I contact you?

A patient care manager calls you. The call is complimentary, with no obligation: they answer your questions about treatments, downtime and cost and, if you'd like to go ahead, book your skin consultation. If you asked for the guide only, we email it to you right away, and we only call if you tick the box.

Patient reviews

Kind words from our patients

Reviews across both clinics, for surgical and non-surgical care.

4.8 average across 1,900+ verified reviews

RateMDs, Dr. Buonassisi 4.8 · 520+ reviews
RealSelf, Dr. Buonassisi 4.7 · 231 reviews
RealSelf, 8 West Clinic 4.8 · 365 reviews
Google, 8 West Clinic Vancouver 4.8 · 554 reviews
Google, 8 West Clinic North Van 4.8 · 70 reviews

“Dr. Shehla Ebrahim is a gem!! I was nervous as it was my first time trying a treatment, she was so patient, answered all my questions, took her time and was so empathic and kind the whole time. She is truly special and so knowledgeable!”

NK · Skin & Injectables

Common concerns

Skin concerns and how we treat them

Start with what you've noticed. Open a concern to see the treatments most often used for it, and its article if you'd like to read more.

Sun spots and pigmentationLaser & light · Skin treatments

Forever Young BBL: broadband light for pigmentation and redness. Usually 1 to 2 days of mild redness.
HALO: a hybrid fractional laser for sun damage and pigmentation. Usually 3 to 5 days of downtime.
Moxi: a gentle laser for tone and early pigmentation. Usually 1 to 2 days.
Chemical peels: superficial to medium depth, chosen for your skin and your downtime.

Read about sun spots →

MelasmaLaser & light

Moxi: a gentle laser for tone and early pigmentation.
HALO, with settings chosen for your skin.

Melasma can come back, so it needs a careful assessment and daily sun protection.

Read about melasma →

Redness and rosaceaLaser & light · Skin treatments

Forever Young BBL: for redness and broken capillaries.
Dr. Burgener facials: suited to sensitive or reactive skin.

Read about rosacea →

AcneLaser & light · Skin treatments

Forever Clear BBL: a three-step light treatment for mild to moderate acne, usually as a series.
HydraFacial: cleansing and extractions, often between other treatments.
Chemical peels: often as a series.

Acne scarsLaser & light · Skin treatments

Medical microneedling: usually a series of 3 to 6, with 1 to 2 days of downtime.
Potenza RF microneedling: microneedling with radiofrequency, on all skin tones. Usually 1 to 3 days.
ProFractional or the Hybrid CO2 laser: usually 5 to 7 days.
Contour TRL: for deeper scarring, 7 to 14 days.

Read about acne scars →

Texture and poresLaser & light · Skin treatments

HALO or Moxi: for texture, pores and tone.
Potenza RF microneedling: for texture and pore size.
HydraFacial: for congestion.

Fine lines and wrinklesInjectables · Laser & light

Wrinkle-relaxing injections: for lines from movement, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Results usually last 3 to 4 months.
HALO: fine lines along with texture and sun damage.
Hybrid CO2 laser or Contour TRL: deeper resurfacing for wrinkles.

Read about wrinkles →

Facial foldsInjectables

Dermal fillers: to smooth deeper lines and folds. Results usually last 9 to 18 months, depending on the product and area.

Read about facial folds →

Facial volumeInjectables

Dermal fillers: for the cheeks and under the eyes.
Sculptra: an injectable collagen biostimulator, usually 2 to 3 sessions, with a gradual change.
Non-surgical facelift: fillers, wrinkle-relaxing injections and Sculptra over 2 to 3 sessions.

Read about facial volume →

The jawline and chinInjectables · Laser & light

Dermal fillers: to define the jawline and chin.
Sculptra: gradual volume in the cheeks.
EMFACE: radiofrequency and muscle stimulation, with no needles, as a series of 4.

If facial surgery would serve you better, we'll tell you.

Read about the lower face →Read about the jawline →

Skin firmnessLaser & light

Potenza RF microneedling: for texture and laxity on the face, neck or body.
EMFACE: radiofrequency and muscle stimulation, as a series of 4.

On the jaw and neck, facial surgery is sometimes the better option.

Read about skin laxity →

LipsInjectables

Lip filler: hyaluronic acid filler for volume, the lip border and symmetry, with a conservative approach. Results usually last 6 to 12 months.

Read about lip volume →

Under the chinInjectables

Double chin injections: most people need 2 to 4 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, with swelling after each one.

Spider veinsInjectables

Sclerotherapy: for spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs. More than one session may be needed, and full improvement shows at 3 to 6 months.

Watch: spider veins →

Under the eyesInjectables

Dermal fillers: for hollows under the eyes.

When the change is in the eyelid skin itself, eyelid surgery may be the better conversation.

Read about the under-eye area →

Cherry angiomasArticle

Small, bright red spots on the skin. Our article explains what they are and the options.

Read about cherry angiomas →

Learn

Read and watch before you book

Knowledge Centre

Skin and injectables, articles and videos

Short reads and videos on treatments, downtime and what to expect, all filed under Skin & Injectables.

Browse the topic →Videos

Short videos from our team

Our team explains treatments in short videos, from lasers to injectables.

Watch the videos →In the media

8 West in the media

Articles and interviews with our team, including Vancouver Magazine's fall skin piece.

See media mentions →

Five reasons to try microneedling →Five uses for wrinkle-relaxing injections →IPL vs. BBL →

Two clinics

Skin appointments in Vancouver and North Vancouver

8 West Clinic is at 1788 W Broadway in Vancouver and 221 West Esplanade in North Vancouver. Financing is available through partner companies, and we can help you choose an option that fits your budget.

Financing →Contact and locations →

Every patient is unique and treatment results vary.