botox

Towards the goal of looking and feeling younger, BOTOX® Cosmetic

There are a myriad of choices available today to rejuvenate your skin and revitalize your appearance. To achieve the most natural looking and effective results, it is important to choose a procedure that properly addresses the specific concerns you have and a treatment that is able to address the root cause of the issue. There is no other procedure that can duplicate the positive effects of BOTOX®.
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments involve the injection of very tiny amounts of a purified protein into specific area to improve lines, wrinkles and furrows caused by excessive facial movements such as excessive frowning. In experienced hands the results of this non invasive therapy are predictably wonderful. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular aesthetic treatment in the world today, with over 4 million treatments done last year, because of its ability make a person look refreshed, revitalized and younger.
Within just a few days after this completely non invasive treatment you will develop a younger, more relaxed appearance. BOTOX® treatments will elicit comments from friends and coworkers such as, wow, you look great, been on vacation? Get a good night sleep last night? You look beautiful! They will recognize a change, but won’t understand why!

BOTOX® Cosmetic: Why is it so popular? Is it just about lines?

There is a common misconception that BOTOX® is merely about treating lines and wrinkles. It only takes one treatment for patients to realize it is much more than that. BOTOX® Cosmetic therapy involves gently reshaping the brows and altering their position as well as rounding and opening the eyes. These beneficial effects translate into a refreshed, more youthful appearance.
The ultimate complement we look for you to get is for your close friends and family to tell you that you look great but not be able to ‘put their finger on it’. Comments like the following are common; have you been on vacation? Have you changed your hair? Have you started working out? Did you get a good night sleep last night?

What is special about the process of BOTOX® Cosmetic injections at Awesome Aesthetics?

The desired effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are quite personal in nature. The physicians of Reflections will first ask about our patients to describe their goals of BOTOX® therapy and together they we will create a treatment plan. Factors such as whether dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm will be utilized to complement the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic may influence the pattern of injections.
We then take before photos to establish a baseline image which shows the pre-treatment shape and position of the brows and shape of the eyes. We will use this photo to analyze the changes that will occur.
The physicians then evaluate patterns of facial muscle movement and look for asymmetries. Next they carefully mark the injection spots with an erasable marker and perform the injections. Patients leave the office with no signs that injections were done. Post treatment photographs are performed in two weeks.
The physicians of Awesome Aesthetics have extensive training in the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic and use advanced techniques to achieve the best and most long lasting results.

Awesome Aesthetics has been awarded Gold status by Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Be wary of physicians who ‘dabble’ in the field and who may provide BOTOX® Cosmetic injections or other aesthetic treatments as part of a medical practice, whether it be a Gynecology, Internal Medicine or a Family Practice. Look for a practitioner that is only dedicated and committed only to the field of Aesthetic Medicine and one who uses BOTOX® Cosmetic all day long, each and every day. As with any other skill in medicine, experience is critical to a good outcome.

What do some patients have concerns about BOTOX® Cosmetic injections?

The most common obstacle to therapy with BOTOX® is a fear that BOTOX® will make a patient look frozen. This effect is completely avoidable and this result suggests that the treatment was performed by an inexperienced Practitioner. The goal at Awesome Aesthetics is to achieve wonderful, natural looking results. Our patients learn to understand the approach and techniques we utilize to accomplish this goal.

Do BOTOX® Cosmetic injections hurt and will the treatment require downtime?

The physicians at Awesome Aesthetics use tiny specialized needles for BOTOX® injections that make the process very comfortable. No anesthesia is required and downtime is definitely not expected afterwards. Bruising is not common.

Can BOTOX® Cosmetic injections be done on the same visit as dermal fillers (i.e. Restylane or Juvederm) or with laser treatments?

Yes. We often provide filler injections on the same day as BOTOX®. The results of each therapy complement the others and provide a more comprehensive, rejuvenated appearance. Many laser treatments can also be performed on the same day as well but it is wise to confirm that the specific laser to be utilized will not interfere with the effects of BOTOX®.
A common scenario is to use BOTOX® for the dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles present during a muscle activity) and a filler for the static wrinkles (wrinkles present at rest). BOTOX® is more commonly used in the upper face and fillers in the lower face.

What happens after the procedure?

There's no recovery time needed. You're ready to get on with your day! For approximately one hour after treatment we like our patients to contract the muscles in the treatment area to enhance the binding of BOTOX®.

What are the possible side effects and complications of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Side effects and complications are very uncommon. They include temporary decrease in brow height and rarely eyelid droop. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection but these effects are quite atypical.
We do not perform BOTOX® Cosmetic injections on patients that are pregnant or breast feeding. Furthermore, patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

What other areas of the face can be treated?

In addition to the frown lines, crow’s feet and worry lines, BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to treat vertical lipstick lines, bunny lines, dimpling on the chin as well as other areas of the face. The following diagram shows just some of the areas an experienced injector can treat.

1 Forehead Lines: Frontalis Muscle
2 Glabella/Frown Lines: Corrugator Supercilii and Procerus muscles
3 Crow's Feet (Lateral Orbital Lines): Orbicularis Oculi and Procerus Muscles
4 Bunny Lines (Transverse nasal)
5 Peri-oral Lines (Smoker's Lines): Orbicularis Oris Muscle
6 Marionette Lines: Depresssor Anguli Oris and/or Trangularis Muscles
7 Mentalis Dysfunction (Chin "Dents"): Mentalis Muscle
8 Vertical Platysma Bands: Platysma Muscle
9 Brow Lift: BOTOX can be injected above the outer area of the brow to create a lifting effect
10 Underarm(Axillary) Hyperhydrosis or Hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)

How long does BOTOX® last and how can I make it last longer?

The results of BOTOX® Cosmetic typically last around 4 months. By coming in for retreatment before the effects of the last treatment fully wear off the muscles never get a chance to fully recover and the longevity of the effect can be enhanced. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment.

What about BOTOX® for hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating)?

BOTOX® is FDA approved to treat excessive underarm sweating and is welcomed by those who suffer from this very troublesome condition. It is quite safe and yields predictable improvement for at least 6 months. For more information, see BOTOX® for underarm sweating

BOTOX® Hyperhydrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable sweating beyond that required for regulation of the body temperature. Primary hyperhidrosis is estimated at around 1% of the population, afflicting men and women equally. That number, however, does not reflect the true number of cases since the condition is not always diagnosed.
Primary hyperhidrosis must be distinguished from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can start at any point in life. For some, it can seem to come on unexpectedly. The latter form may be due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning. Such secondary forms may have more serious consequences than just hyperhidrosis, making medical consultation advisable. Primary hyperhidrosis is found to start during adolescence or even before, and interestingly, seems to be inherited.
Hyperhidrosis can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, axilla (underarms), and the groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected. Patients afflicted with this condition often experience a reduction in their quality of life. Sufferers feel at a loss of control because perspiration takes place independent of temperature and emotional state.
A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous because they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain foods & drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.
Treatments for axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating)
There is no known permanent cure for hyperhidrosis. Treatment options include topical and systemic therapies, iontophoresis, surgical intervention and BOTOX.
BOTOX therapy for excessive underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis)
The most exciting development in the treatment for hyperhidrosis is BOTOX Injections. Botulinum toxin can disable the sweat glands for 6-9 months, and sometimes longer, and help you regain a normal life, free of the stress and anxiety associated with excessive sweating.

What is BOTOX?

BOTOX® is FDA-approved natural, purified protein used to treat severe underarm sweating. It works by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. When the sweat glands don't receive chemical signals, the severe sweating stops. The positive effect from these treatments normally lasts at least 6 months. BOTOX has been available for over a decade and has been used to treat more than 1 million patients with various conditions, including spasticity, movement disorders and facial wrinkles. With FDA approval, the United States joins more than 20 other countries that have already approved the use of BOTOX for excessive sweating.

What are the BOTOX treatments like?

The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of hyperhidrosis is most effective when performed by a physician who is received special training and who has experience with the procedure. Botulinum toxin injections require relatively little time, and do not demand any restrictions in work or leisure activities.
During the procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of BOTOX just under the skin near the sweat glands responsible for excessive perspiration. Multiple injections are given based on our assessment of the area that needs to be treated. Shortly after the injections your sweating problems fade away.

Medications for axillary hyperhidrosis

Medications for hyperhidrosis include topical, oral and injectable therapies. Topical treatments range from over the counter antiperspirants and powder to prescription strength aluminum chloride solution; ie, Drysol, MegaDry, Driclor. Unfortunately, aluminum chloride solutions often cause skin irritation.
There are several oral drugs available to treat the condition. Anticholinergic drugs like Ditropan are available but many patients are unable to tolerate the drowsiness and dry-mouth associated with the drug .Since the disorder is often caused by or exacerbated by high-anxiety, antidepressant drugs can sometimes help alleviate symptoms.

Surgical intervention for axillary hyperhidrosis

Surgical intervention is also used sometimes. During endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS), select sympathetic nerves in the chest are either cut or burned (completely destroying their ability to transmit impulses), or clamped (theoretically allowing for the reversal of the procedure). A second type of procedure involves sweat gland suction during which the sweat glands are permanently removed in a manner similar to liposuction. Other treatments include iontophoresis and percutaneous sympathectomy - treatments where the nerve impulses are blocked by an injection of phenol.

For more information please visit http://www.allergan.com