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BOTOX®
WHAT IS BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a new concept in treating facial wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes, and in the "crows feet" areas (upper third of the face).
Botulinum toxin, or BOTOX® works by weakening the muscles of facial expressions.
Once the resting tone of the treated muscles are weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and the overlying skin flattens.
This approach is different than the other local treatments for the aging face. Silicone, Collagen, Autologous Fat Transfer, Alloderm, Softform, etc. all work by filling in wrinkles or depressions.
These fillers are frequently not as effective as BOTOX® in treating wrinkles in the upper third of the face.
By physiologically weakening the muscles, wrinkles are lessened naturally.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Injection of this material into the small muscles between the brows, in the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes causes those specific muscles to halt their function (be paralyzed), thereby improving the appearance of the wrinkles.
This paralysis is temporary, and re- injection is necessary within three to ten months. Options for alternative treatments include injection of either collagen or free fat, or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually through a brow lift.
HOW IS IT USED?
BOTOX® is freshly prepared on the day of injection.
Once prepared, the medication needs to be used within 12 hours, as the potency diminishes with time.
Because of the short shelf life and the cost, BOTOX® is not available every day in our office. In order for the treatment to be cost effective, more than one patient must be treated on the same day.
Using a very tiny needle, small amounts of BOTOX® are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed. Depending on the areas being treated, 5-15 needle pricks (or more) may be required.
Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds.
SIDE EFFECTS
Occasionally, the needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection and a black and blue area may develop.
Such an area can last 5-10 days and may require make-up to cover.
If any of the Botulinum toxin reaches a facial muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that muscle may last for several months. (For this reason, you are requested not to massage the injected areas for 12 hours following the injection.)
If an untreated area experiences muscle weakness, the only "treatment" is to wait for the effect of the toxin to wear off in several months.
There are no recognized permanent side effects of BOTOX®. Complications are rare but may include paralysis of a nearby muscle, resulting in its temporary loss of function (e.g., a drooping eyelid). BOTOX® has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 15 years.
BOTOX® IN COMBINATION WITH FACIAL SURGERY
BOTOX® injected in conjunction with nearby facial surgery has caused unwanted facial weakness in at least one patient.
For this reason, we will inject BOTOX® only as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.
NOTES
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All procedures have some degree of risk.
We offer patient financing thru Reliance Medical Finance. View BOTOX® injection photos.
COLLAGEN
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have wrinkles on your face or around your lips that you wish to diminish.
If you desire to have fuller or more defined lips.
If you have deep nasolabial folds (the line between the nose and the corner of your mouth).
If you have scars on your face that you wish to improve.
INTENDED RESULT
Collagen can smooth out, fill in and decrease wrinkles.
Collagen will plump lips and define the edges of the lips.
Collagen can fill in and reduce the depth of the nasolabial fold.
Collagen will fill depressed, acne scars.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
You should apply numbing cream for about 60 minutes prior to arriving at the office, unless otherwise instructed.
An injection of numbing medicine (Lidocaine) may be used, if desired.
Collagen is injected into the desired area.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
There may be some mild swelling after the procedure.
Using ice will help to decrease this.
Most patients look normal with make-up within one hour.
Occasionally, mild bruising may be seen or small dots may appear at the locations where the needles were inserted.
OTHER OPTIONS
Lips can be enhanced with implants such as Softform or Alloderm.
Wrinkles can be treated with laser resurfacing or Botox.
Another type of filling material can be used such as fat.
THERMAGE
The Thermage procedure reduces the signs of aging skin by actually tightening the underlying tissue. It is currently used for non-surgical browlifts and the non-surgical tightening of facial wrinkles on the forehead, around the eye, the mid and lower face and the neck. The Thermage procedure is also known as ThermaLift, Thermal Lifting, Therma Plasty and Thermoplastic contouring.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The radiofrequency (RF) energy uniformly heats the dermis while cooling and protecting the epidermis. It is designed to cause immediate collagen contraction followed by new collagen production which occurs over a period of time. The Thermage procedure is the only non-invasive method to tighten loose skin.
HOW LONG WILL THE THERMAGE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Depending on the size of the area treated, the procedure itself may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Your physician may require that you arrive an hour before your procedure for administration of an anesthetic cream.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES
You may return to your normal activities immediately, as there is usually no “downtime.” Minimal redness is seen in some patients but in most cases it disappears shortly after treatment. Heat-related complications may occur but are uncommon. There is no special care needed after treatment. As part of your skin care program, sunscreen is recommended.
WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS
Recently published studies, conducted by Thermage, show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients report seeing an earlier response.
HOW MANY TREATMENT WILL I NEED
A single treatment has produced good results in a significant number of patients. However, your doctor will assess the number and frequency of treatments required to achieve optimal results for your skin.
HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS OF THE THERMAGE PROCEDURE LAST
The Thermage procedure causes an immediate tightening of the collagen structure with additional skin tightening over time. Unpublished reports by experienced physicians indicate that results may last as long as 18 months or longer, based on the patient's natural aging process.
HOW SAFE IS IT
The Thermage procedure is very safe. Although it is possible that skin damage can occur, this advanced treatment has been studied carefully in hundreds of patients with minimal reports of lasting adverse effects
HYLAFORM
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have wrinkles on your face or around your lips that you wish to diminish.
If you desire to have fuller or more defined lips.
If you have deep nasolabial folds (the line between the nose and the corner of your mouth).
If you have scars on your face that you wish to improve.
INTENDED RESULT
Hylaform can smooth out, fill in and decrease wrinkles.
Hylaform will plump lips and define the edges of the lips.
Hylaform can fill in and reduce the depth of the nasolabial fold.
Hylaform will fill depressed, acne scars.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
You should apply numbing cream for about 60 minutes prior to arriving at the office, unless otherwise instructed. An injection of numbing medicine (Lidocaine) may be used, if desired. Hylaform is injected into the desired area.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
There may be some mild swelling after the procedure.
Using ice will help to decrease this.
Most patients look normal with make-up within one hour.
Occasionally, mild bruising may be seen or small dots may appear at the locations where the needles were inserted.
OTHER OPTIONS
Lips can be enhanced with implants such as Alloderm, or another type of filling material such as fat.
Wrinkles can be treated with laser resurfacing or Botox.
We offer patient financing thru Reliance Medical Finance. View dermal filler photos.
RADIANCE
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have lines or creases between the eyebrows and on the upper lip that you wish to diminish.
If you desire to have fuller or more defined lips.
If you have deep nasolabial folds (the line between the nose and the corner of your mouth).
If you have depressions in the skin on your face or blemishes, like acne scars.
INTENDED RESULT
Radiance can dramatically minimize lines and creases and restore vitality.
Radiance will plump lips and define the edges of the lips.
Radiance can fill in and reduce the depth of the nasolabial fold.
Radiance will fill depressed areas and blemishes, such as acne scars.
The positive effects of Radiance may last up to five years.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
An injection of numbing medicine (Lidocaine) may be used, if desired.
Radiance is made up of calcium hydroxiapatite (CaHA), a primary component of teeth and bones.
It is supplied in an injectable form and remains soft, pliable and non-calcified.
There have been no reported allergic reactions or side effects and no skin testing is required.
Once injected, Radiance takes on the characteristic of the surrounding tissue, soft when in fat.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
There may be some mild swelling after the procedure and typically disappears within 24 hours.
Using ice will help to decrease this.
Most patients look normal with make-up within one hour.
Occasionally, mild bruising may be seen or small dots may appear at the locations where the needles were inserted.
OTHER OPTIONS
Lips can be enhanced with implants such as Softform or Alloderm.
Another type of filling material can be used such as fat.
RESTYLANE
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have wrinkles on your face or around your lips that you wish to diminish.
If you desire to have fuller or more defined lips.
If you have deep nasolabial folds (the line between the nose and the corner of your mouth).
If you have scars on your face that you wish to improve.
INTENDED RESULT
Restylane can smooth out, fill in and decrease wrinkles.
Restylane will plump lips and define the edges of the lips.
Restylane can fill in and reduce the depth of the nasolabial fold.
Resylane will fill depressed, acne scars.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
An injection of numbing medicine (Lidocaine) may be used, if desired.
Hyaluronic acid is present in all living organisms.
In your skin it creates volume, resulting in a healthy and vital appearance.
Restylane contains hyaluronic acid in the form of a crystal- clear gel injected into the skin to lift the lip, wrinkle or fold.
Once in the skin, Restylane works together with the body's own hyaluronic acid and joins forces to create volume.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
There may be some mild swelling after the procedure.
Using ice will help to decrease this.
Most patients look normal with make-up within one hour.
Occasionally, mild bruising may be seen or small dots may appear at the locations where the needles were inserted.
OTHER OPTIONS
Lips can be enhanced with implants such as Softform or Alloderm.
Wrinkles can be treated with laser resurfacing or Botox.
Another type of filling material can be used such as fat.
OBAGI PEEL
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have damaged skin on the face or any other part of the body.
If you have an uneven skin surface as a result of scarring, acne or large pores.
If you have deep pigmentation or spots and would like the skin texture to be even.
INTENDED RESULT
Using TCA, the Obagi Blue Peel enables the physician to control the depth of the peel to achieve optimal results and is appropriate for all skin types.
Light discoloration or spots may be corrected with 1-2 peels.
It will take an average of 2 to 3 peels to obtain maximum desired improvement in wrinkles, scars or large pores.
Deep pigmentation or spots may need 6 to 8 peels to achieve improvements.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
In performing this procedure, a low concentration of the peeling agent TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is mixed with a special base prior to its application. Depending upon the condition of your skin, 1-4 coats of the Obagi Blue Peel will be applied. One to two coats will provide the exfoliation and is limited to the epidermis. Three to four coats will reach the papillary dermis and is considered a light peel. Most people will not require sedation. If the doctor indicates sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. A bluish tint will remain on your skin and will usually wash off within 12-24 hours.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
Your skin will begin to peel within 2 to 4 days and should be healed in an average of 7 to 10 days.
In most cases, this peeling should not disrupt your normal lifestyle.
The best time to judge the results of the Obagi Blue Peel is 3 to 4 weeks after complete healing.
OTHER OPTIONS
Depending upon the severity of the condition you are wishing to treat, other options to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, etc. are available and include the following: various chemical peels, laser, and cosmetics.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
This procedure is considered cosmetic, and therefore, is not covered by insurance.
The patient is responsible for payment.
NOTE
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All procedures have some degree of risk.
Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.
Major complications are rare.
We offer patient financing thru Reliance Medical Finance. View obagi peel photos.
FACIAL SANDING
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
If you have fine or deep wrinkles of the skin -- usually on the face.
Uneven skin surface as a result of scarring or acne.
INTENDED RESULT
Skin irregularities, scars, and wrinkles are reduced or made less visible.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local, or general anesthesia.
The superficial layers of the skin are sanded or planed to achieve a smoother and more even surface.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING
The patient goes home with the treated area covered with medicated ointment or a protective membrane.
The procedure usually hurts very little and is controlled easily with oral medication.
The treated skin is usually " healed " within 5-7 days and makeup may be applied.
The redness of the skin fades gradually over a 2-3 month period.
The treated area usually heals the same color as the surrounding skin, but may be either lighter or darker.
The need to use makeup permanently to hide discoloration is unusual.
OTHER OPTIONS
Additional procedures that may be enhance the result are Scar Revision and Dermabrasion of the upper and lower lips.
This procedure can be done in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance.
The patient is responsible for payment.
NOTE
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All procedures have some degree of risk.
Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.
Major complications are rare.
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