Botox
What Are Injectables and How Do They Work?
A variety of factors contribute to the development of facial lines. It’s not just cellular changes, reduced collagen production, or damage from free radicals caused by the sun and environmental exposure. Repeated muscle movements like frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows cause the skin to crease and fold, eventually leading to the appearance of facial lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic targets the muscles beneath the skin’s surface, temporarily reducing the activity that leads to moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults, helping the skin appear visibly smoother.
BOTOX® Cosmetic remains the first and only FDA-approved treatment to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults. The result? A refreshed, natural-looking appearance with less noticeable facial lines. The treatment is quick, taking just 10 minutes, with minimal downtime. Results can begin to appear within 24 to 48 hours and may last up to 4 months for moderate to severe frown lines.
Dysport
Dysport is an effective solution for temporarily treating moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows by reducing targeted muscle activity.
Facial wrinkles form as a result of repeated movements and muscle contractions. A single injection at each of the 5 points between and above the eyebrows temporarily blocks the muscle contractions that lead to the development of frown lines.
What are the side effects?
Since this product is administered via injection, bruising and swelling at the injection site are possible. These are temporary side effects that will subside with time. To minimize bruising and swelling, gentle pressure and ice application to the area after treatment can help.
Additionally, Arnica gel and tablets may assist with recovery. If bruising occurs, it can take up to two weeks to fully resolve. On the day of treatment, concealer can also be applied to cover any bruising.
Other possible side effects include flu-like symptoms, eyebrow drooping or heaviness, headache, and potential drug interactions. Severe side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and overall weakness. If you experience any of these severe reactions, please contact our office immediately.
Who should not get the treatment?
- Those who have a history of being allergic or hypersensitive to Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin.
- Those who have an infection at the treatment area.
- Those who are pregnant or nursing.
What should I do before the treatment?
- Tell your injector if you are taking any medications, have allergies or a medical condition.
- We recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, St. John’s wort, and high doses of Vitamin E for seven days before your treatment. This precaution helps reduce the risk of bruising and swelling. If you experience any side effects, it's advisable to allow ample time between your appointment and any special event you're preparing for.
What can I expect during the treatment?
The injector will use a fine needle to administer the product into your skin. You may experience some temporary discomfort, but if needed, we can apply ice prior to the treatment to help alleviate any discomfort.
What can I expect during the treatment?
We recommend that you avoid massaging the injection sites or pressing them into your skin, as this may increase the likelihood of bruising and swelling. Additionally, please refrain from strenuous exercise, taking aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, or exposing yourself to direct sun on the day of your treatment. Allow the product to take effect, which can take up to two weeks. You should begin to notice the muscles relaxing and fine lines diminishing. If you still see a few persistent lines after two weeks, please contact our office for a touch-up appointment. We're happy to address any concerns.
Is there any safety information I should know about?
All botulinum products carry the risk of spreading beyond the treatment area, potentially leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, blurred vision, double vision, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking. These symptoms can occur from hours to weeks following the treatment. If you experience any of these signs, please seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.
Dermal fillers:
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contours.
Though often referred to as "wrinkle fillers," dermal fillers do much more than simply reduce wrinkles. They are highly effective in addressing a variety of concerns, including:
- Diminish vertical lip lines;
- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples;
- Improve symmetry among facial features.
- Plump & enhance the lips;
- Smooth out a chin crease;
- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses);
There are many different fillers available on the market to choose from today. They each serve the same purpose but some are best for certain areas of the face. Additionally, some last longer than others. Whether you want to enhance your lips, fill in the hollow under the eyes, or volumize your cheeks, there is a filler for you. Please call our office for a consultation. Our staff will advise you on how to best address your concerns.
JUVEDERM
- Is made of a Hyaluronic acid gel;
- Is best for smile lines, lip, chin, or jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, fine lines around mouth, and acne scars;
- Results are immediate and Juvederm is FDA approved to last up to a year with one treatment.
RESTYLANE
- Is made of a Hyaluronic acid gel;
- Is best for smile lines, lip, cheek chin, and jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, marionette area, acne scars, and for under eye hollow;
- Results are immediate and may last 6 months.
RADIESSE
- Is made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel;
- Is best for smile lines, cheek, chin, and jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, marionette area and acne scars;
- Results are immediate and proven to last a year.
SCULPTRA
- Is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid (for making dissolvable sutures);
- Is best for areas of moderate to severe volume loss like the jawline, cheeks, and temples;
- Results are gradual over time and can last beyond two years.
How does it work?
Young, plump skin is rich in collagen and molecules like Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which keep the skin firm and hydrated. Over time, factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and aging reduce the skin's ability to produce these vital substances, leading to sagging and thinning skin. Dermal fillers restore lost HA, effectively plumping and rejuvenating the skin. As the filler is gradually absorbed by the body, it stimulates the skin to produce its own natural collagen, enhancing its elasticity and overall appearance.
What are the side effects?
Temporary side effects from dermal fillers may include swelling, firmness, pain, bruising, or lumps at the injection site. These typically resolve within a week. To help manage swelling, we recommend applying ice and taking Tylenol or Arnica. If bruising occurs, it may take up to two weeks to subside, and concealer can be used on the day of treatment. Other potential side effects include infection, itching, severe allergic reactions, and discoloration. If you experience any of these, please contact our office immediately for assistance.
Who should not get the treatment?
- Those who have a history of hypersensitivities.
- Those who have an infection at the treatment area.
- Those who are pregnant or nursing.
What should I do before the treatment?
Tell your injector if you are taking any medications, have severe allergies, or a medical condition.
To minimize the risk of bruising and swelling, we recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, St. John’s Wort, and high doses of Vitamin E for seven days before your treatment. This precaution helps prevent unnecessary side effects. If you anticipate any side effects, such as bruising or swelling, we suggest allowing ample time between your appointment and any special events you may have. For added comfort, you are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to your treatment if you would like numbing cream applied.
What should I do before the treatment?
We recommend that you avoid massaging the injection sites or pressing the filler into your skin. It’s important to allow a week for the results to fully settle, as swelling is common. You may notice small lumps of filler under the skin, which should resolve after a week.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise, aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and direct sun exposure during this period.
The longevity of the filler can vary based on factors such as your age, health, smoking history, and the degree of volume loss. Your injector will advise you on when to return for your next treatment.