Patient Information
Procedure Before and After Care Information
Neuromodulators (Botox®)
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Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamins that increase bruising/bleeding 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Please arrive with a clean face, without makeup, if at all possible.
Be sure to have a good meal, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chance of lightheadedness during your treatment.
As bruising and/or swelling may take 2-3 weeks to resolve, please consider rescheduling your appointment if you have an upcoming event, such as a wedding or vacation, within the next month.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any neuromuscular disorders, you will not be able to receive Botox. Please contact our clinic for more information.
Reschedule your appointment if you feel unwell.
Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or hair removal creams in the area of treatment.
Please bring a list of your current medications with you on the day of your appointment.
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Avoid Rubbing or Massaging:
Refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area for the first few hours after the procedure.
Stay Upright:
Remain in an upright position for at least 4 hours after the treatment. Avoid lying down or bending over to prevent unwanted spread of the product.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise:
Refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise for the rest of the day to prevent the spread of the Botox to unintended areas.
Avoid Heat Exposure:
Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and intense sun exposure for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Limit alcohol intake for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Onset of effects
Results take a few days to become noticeable. We advise patients to wait at least 10 days before touch ups.
Report Any Adverse Effects:
Contact our clinic or attend urgent care if you experience any unexpected side effects, such as severe pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Dermal Fillers
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Please arrive with a clean face, without makeup, if at all possible.
Be sure to have a good meal, including food and drink before your procedure. This will decrease the chance of lightheadedness during your treatment.
Please reschedule your appointment if you develop a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area to be treated or feel generally unwell.
As bruising and/or swelling may take 2-3 weeks to resolve, please consider rescheduling your appointment if you have an upcoming event, such as a wedding or vacation, within the next month.
Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising).
Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications (unless prescribed by your physician), if possible, for a period of 5 days before treatment.
Medications and supplements such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or hair removal creams in the area of treatment
We do not recommend you fly within 2 weeks of receiving dermal filler.
If you have had or are planning to have any vaccines (ie influenza/COVID), you must avoid dermal filler injections for at least 6 weeks after the last dose of these vaccines.
If you have a history of cold sores and you are having your lips or mouth area treated, please pretreat with anti-viral medication prior to treatment (as prescribed by your physician) as any injections in this area may trigger a flare of the condition, which may lead to adverse outcomes.
Avoid dental work for 2 weeks before or after receiving filler - this includes cleaning and scaling.
Please bring a list of your current medications with you on the day of your appointment.
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Rubbing the Site:
Refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area for the first few hours after the procedure, unless directed otherwise by your physician.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise:
Refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise for the rest of the day to prevent worsening swelling.
Avoid Heat Exposure:
Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, and intense sun exposure for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Limit alcohol intake for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Pain Medications:
We recommend acetaminophen, if you are not allergic, to help with post-injection discomfort. This should subside within 48-72 hours. If you are still tender after that time period, please contact our clinic.
Report Any Adverse Effects:
Contact our clinic or attend urgent care if you experience any unexpected side effects, such as severe pain, swelling or fever.
Compression Stocking Fittings
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Schedule your fitting for the morning, when your legs are less swollen.
Shower and completely dry your legs before your fitting.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up or removed.
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Put your stockings on first thing in the morning.
Wear your stockings as directed, most often all day.
Take care of your stockings as per manufacturer's instructions. Medi® stockings may be machine washed and dried on a low heat setting.
Laser Hair Removal
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Avoid Sun Exposure:
- Please avoid skin irritation (e.g., dermabrasion or exfoliation) or intentional skin tanning (including self-tanning products). Sunblock is advisable when outdoors during daylight hours.
Avoid Certain Skincare Products:
Avoid using skincare products that may irritate the skin, such as retinoids or products containing vitamin C, on the treatment area for a few days before the procedure.
Avoid Hair Removal Methods:
Refrain from waxing, plucking, or electrolysis for at least 4-6 weeks before the treatment. These methods remove the hair follicle, which is the target of the laser.
Shave the Treatment Area:
Shave the treatment area the day before or the day of the procedure. This ensures that the laser energy is focused on the hair beneath the skin's surface, not on the hair above it.
Discuss Medications:
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, especially those that may increase photosensitivity, such as certain antibiotics or acne medications.
Remove Makeup and Lotions:
Ensure the treatment area is free of makeup, lotions, and deodorants on the day of the procedure.
Wear Comfortable Clothing:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the appointment to avoid irritation to the treated area after the procedure.
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Avoid Sun Exposure:
Stay out of direct sunlight for at least a few days after the procedure. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the treated area.
Avoid Hot Baths and Saunas:
Skip hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas for a few days after the treatment, as heat can exacerbate any redness or irritation.
Use Cold Compresses:
Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the treated area if you experience any redness or swelling.
Avoid Irritating Products:
Steer clear of skincare products that may irritate the treated skin, such as retinoids or products containing alcohol, for a few days.
Gentle Cleansing:
Cleanse the treated area gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritation.
Avoid Scrubbing or Exfoliating:
Refrain from scrubbing or exfoliating the treated area for a few days to prevent irritation.
Avoid Hair Removal Methods:
Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams on the treated area between sessions.
Avoid Excessive Heat:
Avoid activities that generate excessive heat, such as hot yoga or intense exercise, for a couple of days after the treatment.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and aid in the healing process.
Use Moisturizer:
Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the treated area to soothe the skin.
Skin Lesion Surgery
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) Treatments
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Please bring a list of your medications and health conditions to your first appointment.
Patients not eligible for PRP are those who have active cancer or are undergoing cancer treatments, have a blood-related disorder such as a anemia or clotting issues, chronic liver disease or active infections. There is limited safety data for the use of PRP in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so for this reason, it is avoided in these patients.
It is best to delay your appointment if you have been sick or had a fever within the past two weeks, or have received a corticosteroid injection within the past month.
If it is safe to do so, discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen at least 48 hours prior to the procedure, as directed by your primary healthcare provider or specialist. This is to minimize the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Please drink 1L of water with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt a few hours prior to arriving at the office on the day of your procedure.
Limit or avoid alcohol consumption for a few days before the procedure, as alcohol can affect blood clotting. Additionally, consider reducing or quitting smoking, as it can interfere with the healing process and the effectiveness of the procedure.
Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support the healing process and avoid fatty foods for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.
If you are treating the scalp, please wash your hair on the morning of your appointment.
If you are treating the skin, please arrive with clean, dry skin without makeup.
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Avoid Touching or Disturbing the Treated Area:
Refrain from touching, rubbing, or scratching the treated area for at least 12 hours, as this may introduce bacteria and interfere with the healing process. If the scalp was treated, please do not wear a tight fitting hat for at least 1 week post treatment.
Keep the Area Clean:
Keep the treated area clean and dry. If you are having your scalp treated, you may wash your hair 24 hours after treatment.
Avoid Sun Exposure:
Minimize sun exposure to the treated area for a few days. If you need to go outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin.
Gentle Skin and Haircare Products:
Use mild and hypoallergenic skin and haircare products on the treated area. Avoid products containing strong chemicals or potential irritants. Please avoid facials, lasers or other skincare treatments for 10 days on the area treated.
Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs:
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for 48 hours to minimize the risk of infection.
Limit Strenuous Activities:
Limit strenuous physical activities and exercise for 24 hours to prevent excessive sweating and potential irritation to the treated area.
Opus Laser Treatment
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If you have a history of cold sores, please pretreat with anti-viral medication prior to treatment (as prescribed by your physician) as this treatment may trigger a flare of the condition.
Please avoid skin irritation (e.g., dermabrasion or exfoliation) or intentional skin tanning (including self-tanning products) for at least a week prior to your treatment. Please wear SPF 30 or higher for any sun exposure prior to treatment.
Please discontinue any irritant topical agents (retinols, salicylic acid, etc) for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
You should arrive for treatment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, self-tanning product residue, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.
If the area to be treated has any visible hair, please shave/remove hair at least one day in advance.
Please allow for 24 hours of “downtime” post procedure as you will have the feeling of a moderate sunburn and possibly some mild swelling.
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For 24 hours, you will have a sunburn sensation. Please avoid touching the area and apply the cream provided with clean hands, to relieve any itching or tightness. You may also use a clean, cool towel or a fan for comfort.
Please use a gentle cleanser, Vitamin C serum, good quality moisturizer and a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning, starting 24-48 hours after treatment. Please see a North Toronto Surgical staff member for product recommendations.
You may apply makeup 24 hours after treatment, although a sandpaper like texture may be visible for 5-7 days.
“Grid marks” on the skin from the laser may be visible for up to one week post treatment.
Please avoid direct sun exposure for at least 72 hours following treatment. To maintain your results, ongoing daily SPF is essential.
If a crust or scab develops, allow it to fall on its own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH at the area.
It takes at least 3 weeks to see the benefits of the Opus® laser - the wait is worth it!
Endovascular Venous Procedures
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
Sclerotherapy
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
Vascular Laser (VBeam Perfecta)
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- Please avoid skin irritation (e.g., dermabrasion or exfoliation) or intentional skin tanning (including self-tanning products). Sunblock is advisable when outdoors during daylight hours.
- You should discontinue any irritant topical agents for 2-3 days prior to treatment.
- You should arrive for treatment with clean skin. There should be no lotion, make-up, perfume, self-tanning product residue, powder or bath/shower oil present on the skin in the area to be treated.
- If the area to be treated has any visible hair, please shave/remove hair at least one day in advance.
*Important: If the skin is not well prepared, the appointment would need to be rescheduled.
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The treated area may show a reddish/bluish discoloration. This will last 5-14 days, depending on what part of the body is treated. The treated area is delicate and should be treated with care.
Discomfort, itching or stinging may be evident, but usually lasts no more than a few hours. Consider Tylenol for comfort and applying cool packs post treatment.
If a crust or scab develops, allow it to fall on its own. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH at the area.
Showering is permitted. Do not soak in a hot tub until the area is healed. Do not rub the treated area with a face cloth or towel. Pat the area dry so the skin is not disturbed.
When exposing the area to the sun use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
It is preferable to avoid swimming and sports for 72 hours, in order to reduce skin irritation and risk of infection.
Colonoscopy
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Please report to Ambulatory Procedures – 2nd Floor West Wing – 1 hour prior to your schedule appointment.
Instructions:
1. Do not forget to purchase the laxatives. If the preparations is not followed, your test will be cancelled.
2. Bring your Ontario Health Card.
3. Do not bring any money over $5.00 with you unless needed for Taxi fare.
4. If you are under the age of 16 years old and single, a parent/guardian must accompany you to the hospital to sign the consent needed for the procedure.
5. You will not be permitted to drive or take the TTC.
6. Tell us if you are allergic to Demorol, Atropine, Diazepam, or Xylocaine.
7. Expect to be at the hospital for 2-3 hours. At times there are unavoidable delays to emergencies which may delay your appointment.
Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions
1. Purchase one of the following :Peglyte, Colyte, or Klean Prep from your pharmacy.
2. Stop all nuts and seeds 5 days prior to your procedure.
3. DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD the day BEFORE your procedure.
4. The day before your procedure, CLEAR FLUIDS ONLY: soup/broth – no noodles, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, Jello – no red or purple, ginger ale, sprite, 7Up, black coffee, black tea, lemonade, Gatorade – yellow only.
5. Add water to the level shown on the laxative bottle and shake to ensure the product has dissolved. Refrigerate for better taste!
6. Start the product at 4pm the day before the procedure, drink one glass every 10 minutes until you have finished half the bottle. Drink the other half at 6am the morning of the test, every 10 minutes until you have finished entire bottle.
7. NO ADDITIONAL FLUIDS ONCE THE LAXATIVE IS COMPLETED.
8. You will be given sedation, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE HOME.
9. If you are taking Aspirin, you may continue taking it but you must remain off any other blood thinners 5 days prior.
If you are unable to keep this appointment, please notify the office at least 48 hours prior to your schedule appointment.
Flex Sigmoidoscopy
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Surgery Bowel Prep – Dr. Moska Hamidi
Buy 2 Fleet Enema’s from your local pharmacy.
Take the first Enema, one night before your surgery at 6-6:30pm.
Take the second Enema, at 8:00pm (after you have had a bowel movement from the previous Enema.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office directly at (416) 742-2961.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Many of our services are covered with a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card. Please see the service you are interested in for further details, or contact our office for more information. Please bring your OHIP card with you on the day of your appointment. For OHIP-covered services, our clinic will require a $150 deposit from you to be seen if you do not have a valid health card with you at the time of your appointment.
It is important to note that if you require any medical procedures that are not covered by OHIP, you will need to pay the full amount at the time of each treatment. We accept various payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Debit, Cash, and North Toronto Surgical Gift Certificates. Our clinicians do not accept gratuities. Additionally, please keep in mind that our cosmetic services are non-refundable once they have been performed.
To confirm and secure your online booking for a paid service, a $50 deposit is required, and prepayment that will be deducted from the total cost of your service. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, helping us maximize our availability for our patients.
Directions to the clinic and parking
We are located on the 6th floor of the University Heights Building at 1275 Finch Ave West, which is just east of the Keele St and Finch Ave intersection. Our office is just a five-minute walk from the Finch Ave West subway stop. We kindly request that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time to allow us enough time to complete your paperwork. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the construction traffic in the area. There is underground parking available off Tangiers Road, with the entrance located near the Tim Horton's Drive-thru entrance. The first 30 minutes is free with a daily maximum of $15. We validate underground parking in our building with any purchase from North Toronto Surgical. Please inquire with a member of our front desk staff at the time of purchase.