What is Botox?

Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin in the form of a purified protein. The mechanism of action for Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is really quite simple; it is injected into facial muscles but really doesn’t affect the muscle at all. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) works by blocking the transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate the muscle.

The areas typically treated with Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for wrinkles are the forehead, between the eyes (glabellar region), around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) and around the lips (smokers lines or gummy smile). There is no loss of sensory feeling in the muscles. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscle cannot contract, causing wrinkles in the skin to smooth. The effects of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) last approximately three to four months, at which time the patient will require retreatment.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) has important clinical uses as an adjunct in facial pain and bruxism cases for patients with chronic TMJ and orofacial pain. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is also used to complement esthetic dentistry as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Botox Procedures

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is used esthetically to decrease the appearance of aging by reducing muscle movement. Areas of treatment include; the glabellar area (the 11's/frown lines between the eyes), frontalis muscles (forehead lines), crow’s feet, and radial lip lines (smoker’s lines). Botulinum Toxin can also be used to reduce the muscle mass in the masseters (jaw line) for a slimming facial esthetic result.

Receiving Botulinum Toxin takes only a few minutes and there’s no need for anesthesia or down time. The injections are made using a very fine needle and are virtually painless.

Generally, results are visible within two to ten days. To reduce the possibility of bruising/swelling, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and aspirin/anti-inflammatory medications for a period of two weeks prior to the procedure. As always, consult your physician before stopping any medications. The most common side effects of Botulinum Toxin injections are bruising, redness, and swelling. To avoid adverse reactions/results, do not manipulate the treated area for 2 hours after injections and maintain an upright position.

The esthetic effects of Botulinum Toxin typically last three to four months. As the treated muscles regain movement, lines and wrinkles will begin to reappear and require retreatment. Over time, these lines and wrinkles should appear less noticeable due to training the treated muscles to relax.

FILLER

What are dermal fillers?

If you want to smooth out a few fine lines or plump your lips, injectables are for you. Millions of people use dermal fillers to achieve a more relaxed and smooth facial appearance while still having the freedom of expression.

As skin ages, it begins to lose collagen filled with hyaluronic acid (HA). Collagen and HA add structure and volume to the face, therefore a lack of HA causes the skin to sag and wrinkle - that's where dermal fillers come into play.

Dermal fillers are smooth injectable gels made from naturally occurring hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers add volume to weakened facial features and can stimulate collagen growth. Each dermal filler is unique in its own way but similar in two. First, they plump skin and gently lift it to restore collagen loss due to the normal aging process. Secondly, dermal fillers motivate the body to create its own natural collagen and restore your face to a more natural, youthful appearance.

Dermal fillers approved by the FDA are minimally invasive and very safe. As with any procedure, there are possible risks, the most common being post-procedure bruising and swelling which are usually very minimal and resolve quickly.

Dermal filler treatments typically take 20-40 minutes and the amount of dermal filler needed will depend on volume loss and the areas you would like to restore to its natural beauty. You will see results immediately after treatment. Due to the possibility of bruising, schedule your dermal filler appointment at least two weeks prior to any major event, such a wedding.

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a soft but stable injectable gel made of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin that assists in adding hydration and volume. The American Academy of Facial Esthetics trained professional clinicians carefully introduce Juvéderm into the mid to deep dermis to temporarily smooth wrinkles and fine lines; replenishing volume in the skin almost instantly. The dermis is part of the subsurface skin layer that includes nerve endings, blood vessels, sweat, oil glands, and connective tissue.

The Juvéderm dermal filler treatment process is very quick (about 15 minutes) with immediate results. Downtime is minimal and you can get back to your normal routine right away.

Juvéderm is a robust formula designed to add volume to lips and correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds providing versatility while restoring the contours of your face to a smooth and natural look.

The Juvéderm advantage is that its supple gel consistency provides a more natural-looking appearance than other products. Juvéderm is also long lasting so you can keep your improved appearance from six to nine months. If you have a follow-up enhancement within a few weeks after the first dermal filler treatment, the benefits could last even longer. Side effects are rare, but may include tenderness, bruising, mild pain, swelling and redness at the injection site and generally resolve within a few days.