The Ponytail Lift Everyone’s Talking About
At KANDL, we’re always looking for smart, subtle ways to lift, define, and rejuvenate without surgery, and the latest buzz is all about the Ponytail Lift. This innovative treatment uses filler placed along the sides of the hairline (yes, right into the temple and hairline area) to gently lift and contour the face. Instead of adding volume to your cheeks or jawline, the filler works like an invisible string that tugs the face slightly upward, mimicking that sleek, youthful look you get when your hair is pulled back tight in a high ponytail. No strings attached, don’t mind the pun. The result? A more angular, defined, and refreshed face without ever touching your actual facial features. It’s one of those procedures you have to see to believe. The treatment takes only about 20 minutes, results are immediate, and there’s no downtime at all. You can walk out ready to meet friends or head straight to work. Patients have been genuinely amazed at how natural and transformative it feels, like seeing their younger self, but better. While the Ponytail Lift won’t replace surgical options for everyone, it’s a clever and cost-effective way to get that lifted, sculpted look without the recovery, risk, or expense of surgery. Most people are great candidates, though a quick consultation will confirm what’s best for your anatomy and goals. Curious to see if the Ponytail Lift at KANDL could be right for you? Book an appointment and let our specialists show you how a small tweak can make a big difference. KANDL- Beauty backed by Science
KANDL Turns One
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year. When KANDL began, it was a few rooms, a few loyal clients, and a few too many cups of coffee. We had no idea that what we were building would grow into something this alive. A space that hums with possibility. A place where science and beauty sit quietly side by side, and confidence is the language everyone speaks. We started with a simple idea: skin care should feel personal. It should look like you, only better. It should age with you, not against you. That idea became a mission, and the mission turned into a movement. Our clients didn’t just come for treatments. They came to feel good in their own skin again. Somewhere along the way, KANDL became less about a look and more about a feeling. The one you get when you catch your reflection and think, that’s me. The past year has been a blur of growth, laughter, and learning. We’ve added new services, new technologies, and new people who share our obsession with detail. We watched our clients glow, transform, and come back with friends. We’ve heard the stories that keep us going, the woman who said her skin hadn’t felt this alive in twenty years, the man who swore his coworkers thought he’d just come back from vacation, the client who said she finally stopped hiding behind makeup. Behind every new treatment, there is a story of curiosity. Someone on our team sees a new study, a new method, a new possibility, and we test it, refine it, and adapt it until it feels like KANDL. That is what makes us different. We never stop asking what’s next. The science never stops moving, and neither do we. Of course, none of this happened in a vacuum. We have an extraordinary team, people who care as deeply about skin as they do about the people who walk through our doors. They are artists, scientists, therapists, and listeners. Every glow that leaves this place has their fingerprints on it. And to our clients, thank you. You made this year what it was. You gave us your trust, your loyalty, and your faces. You told your friends, shared your photos, and cheered us on from the start. You made KANDL more than a clinic. You made it a community. Now we’re looking ahead. What’s next is not just more treatments. It’s more connection. We are working on new collaborations, new technology, and ways to make every visit feel more customized. We are refining what we already love and exploring ideas that feel almost futuristic. Think regenerative care, precision formulas, and techniques that don’t just treat but train your skin to perform better. We are interested in the long game, the art of keeping skin healthy and luminous at every age. The future of KANDL is rooted in innovation, but it’s also grounded in something simpler. Gratitude. We remember the first client who walked in when the paint was barely dry. The first review that called us “the best-kept secret.” The first time someone said, “You’ve changed how I feel about myself.” Those moments keep us grounded. They remind us why we started. So here we are, one year in. A little wiser, a little busier, and a lot more inspired. KANDL has become a place where beauty feels intelligent. Where technology serves artistry. Where every visit feels like a small act of self-respect. And where, somehow, the best is still ahead. Come see what we’ve become. And what you could be.
Scare to Care: The Heartbeat of my clinic
People often ask how my clinic, Clinique Medic Elle began, expecting a story about business plans or inspiration boards. The truth is simpler and more human. It began with fear, intuition, and the smallest act of self-preservation that grew into something larger than I could have imagined. It feels fitting to tell it now, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The beginning of my clinic traces back to a single moment in a doctor’s office, the kind that quietly rearranges your sense of safety. During a routine annual checkup, my doctor felt a lump in my breast. I had been careful ever since my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, keeping my yearly appointments the way some people keep prayer, out of both faith and fear. He told me it was probably just a cyst, that familiar word physicians use to soften uncertainty. But intuition can be loud when something is wrong. Fear began to rise, silent but undeniable, a tide you cannot talk yourself out of.Before heading to Clarke Radiology for the ultrasound, I stopped for coffee. It was my ritual when anxiety took hold. My coffee was my liquid courage, a small comfort that reminded me life could still feel ordinary. Holding that warm cup made me feel anchored, even as the ground beneath me began to tilt. Clarke Radiology was the opposite of comfort. The waiting room felt sterile and impersonal, more concerned with procedure than people. The receptionist looked at my cup with suspicion and told me coffee was not allowed because it might yellow the grout. I remember thinking how strange it was that in a place devoted to diagnosis and healing, the grout mattered more than the person holding the cup. When I finally saw the doctor, I was still trembling. He noticed the tears on my cheeks and looked at me with a mix of confusion and impatience, as if fear were a behaviour to correct rather than a human reaction. His detachment stung. It was not cruelty, but absence, the kind of absence that makes you realize how much compassion has gone missing from medicine. Everything was fine, but the experience haunted me. Out of that disquiet came the first spark of what would become my clinic. What if care could feel different? What if a clinic could be built around warmth instead of walls, where no one was made to feel foolish for being afraid, or for needing a moment with their coffee before facing whatever came next? That is how my clinic began. Not from ambition or strategy, but from a small act of defiance, a refusal to let care become cold out of fear, yes, but also from a deep belief that healing should feel human. That belief became the foundation of Clinique Medic Elle, a place where compassion is as essential as medicine, and where the people will always matter more than the grout.
Finding Light: Nat Lauzon’s Story of Strength and Second Chances
Nat Lauzon is one of Montreal’s most familiar voices, a seasoned broadcaster on The Beat and voice artist whose warmth and humor have been part of people’s daily lives for years. Beyond her work, she’s someone who brings people together, tells the truth with a wink, and finds light even in the heaviest moments. This year she’s opening up about her experience with breast cancer, not just to share medical details but to remind us that even in the scariest chapters, family, friendship, and perspective are what carry us through. Earlier this year, Nat was diagnosed with DCIS, an early form of breast cancer. Like many women, she faced a maze of decisions and uncertainty, but she also found strength in research, in medical advances, and in the people who stood beside her. With the support of her doctors, her family, and close friends, she was able to navigate treatment in a way that fit her life and celebrate the incredible relief of hearing that her risk was as low as it could possibly be. Through it all she has kept her sense of gratitude, her humor, and her belief in living life with joy, second chances, and the people she loves most.
Intimate Rejuvenation with Dermal Filler
Why We’re Talking About It Now Over the past few months, many of my patients have been asking me about intimate rejuvenation. It is not surprising. Our bodies change with time, hormones, pregnancy, and even weight fluctuations. While women are very open when talking about skin, hair, and health, conversations about intimate concerns often stay behind closed doors. Patients whisper, they hesitate, and then finally they ask: “Is there something I can do to restore comfort and confidence?” The answer is yes. What Is Intimate Rejuvenation? Intimate rejuvenation with dermal filler is a quick, in-clinic procedure that restores soft fullness to the outer labia. Over time, the natural tissue can lose volume and elasticity, and this can leave women feeling less confident or even uncomfortable. Dermal filler helps smooth and plump, giving back a more youthful look and feel. The treatment is discreet, safe, and performed in a completely confidential setting by an experienced medical team. Who Is Asking for It? What surprised me most is the wide range of women interested in this treatment. Some are in their thirties, post-pregnancy and curious about restoring what has changed. Others are in their fifties or sixties, noticing shifts after menopause. The common thread is the same: they want to feel like themselves again. Confidence is not a luxury. It is a vital part of how we move through the world, and I love that women are embracing their right to ask for it. Why Now? We live in a time when women are more empowered to speak about every stage of life. We discuss skincare, we discuss hormones, and we should absolutely feel free to discuss intimate health. Offering this treatment at KANDL feels like a natural extension of what we already do. Our goal has always been to help women look and feel their best at every age. What to Expect The procedure itself is straightforward. It is done right here in the clinic, takes very little time, and requires minimal downtime. Patients often tell me they are surprised at how comfortable and easy the process is. Most importantly, they leave with a renewed sense of confidence. That is the part I love most.
Where Scars Become Strength
“Is that your STEP?” was the first thing she said to me during a class at Westmount Y, and so unfolded a friendship woven with both luminous and dark threads. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m sharing Kella’s story as a vivid tapestry of human resilience, a rallying cry beyond pink ribbons. I will call her Kella to honour her privacy, but a changed name can’t dilute the magnitude of her life story. Over casual walks and more cups of coffee than I can count, I learned Kella was living with a man a decade her junior. A seemingly benign detail until I discovered she was also battling breast cancer. She opted out of a recommended mastectomy, not by choice, but because her boyfriend forbade it. I realized Kella was fighting two cancers: one in her cells and another in her home. When I advised Kella to seek professional help for her abusive relationship, she did, but to no avail. The system failed her as surely as her body was failing her. Her twin battles against cancer and domestic violence marched on, intertwined and relentless. Faced with an inescapable mastectomy, her boyfriend committed another act of violence. He unleashed another round of abuse on her the night before her life-saving operation. Concurrently, I was embroiled in my own challenges—launching a women’s wellness clinic. Born from a vision of empowerment, the clinic became an ironic crucible of misogyny, fueled by both my financial partner and my so-called healer of a doctor. We devised a plan: Upon completing her final chemo session, Kella would sever ties with her boyfriend and move in with me and Peter, turning a new page toward happiness and healing. This hopeful blueprint crumbled with a gut-wrenching call from the police. They had found Kella bruised and battered on a city sidewalk and immediately escorted her to a shelter for her safety. Despite this jarring setback, she refused to be deterred. We found her an apartment and brought her into the fold at my clinic, inching closer to a sense of normality. It was then that Kella, freshly liberated from an abusive marriage and chemo’s grip, stepped in to be my rock. Her indefatigable spirit became the lifeline that anchored me through my own quagmire of struggles. A semblance of normalcy seemed within our grasp, a testament to how far determination can carry us, even when the world insists on knocking us down. Things were going well; months rolled by with Kella working steadily, rekindling friendships, and genuinely enjoying life. Then, as if fate had a dark sense of humor, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Six months later, she was gone. Kella was a warrior. She had the kind of grit that turns suffering into strength, not just for herself but for others. Amid her storms, she became my anchor, demonstrating a selflessness that defied logic. Her beauty was in her indomitable spirit, her capacity to love even when she was starved of it. Kella left an indelible imprint on the souls she touched, proving that heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes, they bear scars. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I celebrate Kella, a radiant beacon of strength and unconditional love. She didn’t just fight her battles; she made us all a little stronger for them. And for that, her memory deserves nothing less than to be celebrated and forever etched into the chronicles of the warriors who make this world a better place. I miss her.
Why and Who Does Your Filler Matter
A story that walked through our doors The other day, a woman came into our clinic to see one of our doctors. She was visibly upset, and when we asked what was wrong, she told us about a recent filler appointment. She had gotten her lips and cheeks done at a place that promised the same results for half the price. Instead of a doctor, the injections were done by someone introduced as a nurse. At first, the discount felt like a win. But within days, she noticed hard bumps in her cheeks that did not move. Her skin became red and painful. She ended up in the emergency room, terrified that her face was ruined forever. The worst part? She later discovered the injector was not a nurse at all. She had no credentials. None. Why credentials count There is a reason fillers and Botox are classified as medical treatments. They are not just beauty quick-fixes. They involve needles, anatomy, and real risks. Knowing exactly where to inject and how deep matters. Knowing how to handle complications is even more critical. Doctors who practice aesthetics are trained not only in the artistic side of creating balance and symmetry but also in the medical realities. They know what to do if something goes wrong. A discount injector without training does not. What we did to help When she came to us, her cheeks were swollen, lumpy, and infected. The only safe way forward was to slowly dissolve the filler. We used hyaluronidase, an enzyme that melts away hyaluronic acid filler, but this process had to be done carefully over time to avoid damaging her tissue. She was incredibly fortunate. If the harmful injections had been Botox instead of filler, there would have been no antidote. Botox cannot be reversed once injected. The hidden cost of a bargain Saving 50 percent feels great until it costs you 500 percent more in correction, treatment, and stress. Infections, lumps, and vascular occlusion (when filler accidentally blocks a blood vessel) are real risks. When you are in safe hands, the chances of something happening are minimal, and if something does happen, your doctor knows exactly how to manage it. How to protect yourself If you are considering filler or Botox, here are a few quick things to check before letting anyone near your face: The bottom line Aesthetic medicine can do wonders for confidence when it is done properly. But your face is not the place to cut corners. That woman’s experience is unfortunately common, and it is precisely why we believe treatments should only be performed by qualified medical professionals. Cheap filler is never cheap once you add the cost of fixing it.
Fall Skin Refresh with Dr. Mathieu Powell
Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care in Fall and Winter As summer fades and the colder months roll in, your skin’s needs change dramatically. Humidity drops, indoor heating cranks up, and suddenly dryness, redness, and irritation become daily visitors. Knowing how to adjust your skincare routine now can save you from a long, flaky winter. Hydration is the First Step One of the most significant skincare shifts for fall is the importance of hydration. Summer humidity helps our skin hold moisture, but autumn air is far less forgiving. To keep skin soft and resilient: These small changes can prevent dry patches and keep your skin barrier strong. Treatments That Work Best in Fall Fall is the ideal season to book treatments that don’t mix well with summer sun exposure. With lower UV levels, your skin heals more effectively and the results last longer. Some of the best options include: If you’ve been waiting all summer to try these, now’s the perfect time. Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen It’s a common mistake to stop using SPF when summer ends. But UV rays don’t take a holiday. Fall and winter sun, especially when reflected off snow, can cause just as much damage. Daily SPF is non-negotiable if you want to prevent premature aging and skin cancer. Key Takeaway: Prep Now for Winter Skin Success Think of fall as a reset button for your skin. Hydrate more, repair summer’s damage, and protect against the sun year-round. With the proper care and treatments, your skin will look and feel its best, even when the temperature dips. See you at the clinic, Dr. Mathieu Powell
Under Eye Brightening Without Heavy Filler
I looked like I slept. That was new. Most mornings my face says I read till two. Concealer helped until it did not. I tried cold spoons, caffeine rollers, eye patches that promised miracles, and a thousand tiny taps. Cute, not game changing. At KANDL I asked for the undereye fix that still looks like me. No heavy filler. No puffy surprise. The plan was simple. Tackle texture and tone, then support the area so light bounces again. The consult that felt like a plan We looked at three things in good light. The verdict. My hollow was mild. Texture and tone did the heavy lifting on the tired look. Perfect for a combo of RF microneedling around the eyes plus PRP for brightness and fine lines. If I ever add a touch of filler, it will be tiny and only after the skin looks stronger. Session one RF microneedling Topical numbing. A series of quick stamps around the undereye and upper cheek. It feels like tiny pins with warmth, then a flushed glow. I was pink that evening and normal the next day. Makeup sat better by week two. Pores looked smaller on the upper cheek, and fine lines did not swallow concealer. Session two PRP, the “own blood” glow They drew a small tube of my blood, spun it, and used the golden plasma where I needed help most. A few gentle passes by microneedling, then a light layer under the eye. I felt puffy for a few hours, then fine. Over the next month my undereye looked brighter, not ballooned, and the crepe eased up. Timing and aftercare that kept it easy What changed and what did not Changed Did not change Who this is for Who should talk about other options In those cases you want a tailored plan. Sometimes that is a tiny amount of filler with a very light hand. Sometimes it is laser or a different approach. The point is to match the tool to the face, not the trend. The KANDL part Rania mapped the treatment so nothing overlapped on healing days. Dr.Frohar reviewed my goals and kept the plan conservative. I left with instructions that fit real life. No drama, no mystery, just small choices that add up. If you want your eyes to look awake without the overfilled look, book a consult and ask about RF microneedling plus PRP for the undereye and upper cheek. Bring your concealer. Try it on after. You will see why I am sold.
Laser Hair Removal Diaries
Why I Finally Did ItFor years, I danced around the idea of laser hair removal. I’d Google it late at night, then back out like I was committing to a tattoo. Shaving was quick but annoying. Waxing was expensive and felt like a weird punishment. And let’s not talk about ingrown hairs. Just don’t. But then I found KANDL, the medical aesthetic clinic in Montreal. They do laser hair removal all the time, and more importantly, they do it well. My friend went for underarm laser and called it “the best breakup of her life.” She dumped her razor for good. So I booked a consultation. Just like that. Bikini and underarms. Go big or go home. My First Visit to KANDLI don’t know what I expected. A scary machine? A lab coat and a warning label? Nope. KANDL is warm, clean, professional, and shockingly relaxing for a place that involves lasers near your lady parts. The staff? Angels. Kind, discreet, and not even remotely fazed that I was asking them to zap hair off my inner thighs. They explained the whole process. The laser targets the pigment in the hair, weakens the follicle, and over time, reduces growth dramatically. And no, it wouldn’t burn my skin. It’s medical-grade equipment in the hands of people who know what they’re doing. What It Felt LikeLet’s cut to the chase. Does laser hair removal hurt? A little. But not like you think. My underarms felt like tiny snaps, over in less than three minutes. Bikini took longer and yeah, there were some wince moments. But the laser they use at KANDL has a built-in cooling system. So it zaps and soothes at the same time. Genius. It wasn’t relaxing exactly, but I’ve had facials that hurt more. And this one gave me actual results. Post-Treatment: The Glow-Up BeginsAfter my first bikini and underarm laser session at KANDL, I was fine. No redness, no irritation. Just a bit of sensitivity that faded in a few hours. I used aloe like they suggested, skipped hot showers for a day, and that was it. About two weeks later, I noticed something. The hair started falling out. Not all at once, but in patches. It was bizarre and amazing. My armpits? Smooth. Like, smooth-smooth. Bikini area? Already lighter, softer, less prickly. Also, no more ingrown hairs. None. That alone was worth the price. How Many Sessions Does It Take?Everyone’s hair is different, but most people need eight to ten sessions. I did six. The team at KANDL spaced them out monthly. Each time I came in, there was less to treat. Less hair, less pain, less shaving between visits. By the fourth session, I wasn’t even reaching for a razor. The results just kept getting better. Why KANDL?Because results matter. And because I trust them with a laser. KANDL isn’t one of those pop-up places with a flashy Instagram and no credentials. It’s part of Clinique Medic Elle, so you’re getting medically supervised care with high-end equipment and trained professionals. No weird up-selling. No sketchy discounts. Just real, safe, effective laser hair removal in Montreal. They’re also discreet. Like, really discreet. You could be in and out in 20 minutes and no one in the waiting room would know what you were zapping. I appreciated that. Was It Worth It?A hundred times yes. Laser hair removal at KANDL gave me something I didn’t expect: not just smooth skin, but relief. Relief from the constant upkeep, the shaving rash, the razor burn. I don’t think about hair anymore. I just… go. Vacations are easier. Tank tops are stress-free. Even laundry day is less risky. I wouldn’t call it life-changing, but I’d call it lifestyle-changing. Thinking About It? Just Do ItIf you’re on the fence about laser hair removal in Montreal, let this be your sign. KANDL is the place. You’ll be treated like a person, not a walking coupon. You’ll get real results. And you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Also, your future self will thank you every time you lift your arms or put on a swimsuit. Trust me. I’ve been her.
