BOTOX® COSMETIC (BOTULINUM A TOXIN)

Botox® Cosmetic is a new concept in treating facial wrinkles. Botox® Cosmetic works by weakening the muscles of facial expression. Once the resting tone of the treated muscles is 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, etc., all work by filling in wrinkles or depressions. These fillers are frequently not as effective as Botox® Cosmetic in removing wrinkles in the upper third of the face. By weakening the muscles that cause the wrinkles, wrinkles are removed naturally.

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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 be paralyzed, thereby improving the appearance of the wrinkles. This paralysis is temporary, and re-injection is necessary within three to ten months if desired.

Botox® Cosmetic is prepared fresh on the day of injection. Once prepared, the medication needs to be used within 12 hours as the potency diminishes with time. Very small amounts of Botox® Cosmetic are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed using a tiny needle. Depending on the areas being treated, multiple injections may be required. Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds. If desired, we offer patients the option of having nitrous oxide administered with their Botox® Cosmetic injections.

There are no known generalized side effects to Botox® Cosmetic. If any of the Botulism toxin reaches a facial muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that muscle may last for several months. (It is for this reason that you are requested not to massage the injected areas for 12 hours following injection.) In the event of an area of unwanted muscle weakness, the only "treatment" is to wait for the effect of the toxin to wear off in several months.

Botox® Cosmetic has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 15 years. 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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COLLAGEN REPLACEMENT

Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by the thinning of the collagen support layer underlying your skin. Topical creams can moisturize or exfoliate the surface of your skin, but they can't diminish the lines or wrinkles that are caused by the loss of the underlying collagen.

Collagen replacement is safe for most patients, nonsurgical, and it smooths out facial lines, wrinkles, and scars by replenishing the natural collagen under your skin. Best of all, results may be seen immediately.

What Is Collagen?

Your skin is composed of two layers: the uppermost layer , called the epidermis, is a protective barrier. The epidermis controls the loss of moisture and without it you would dehydrate.

Just beneath the epidermis is the dermis. This layer is composed primarily of collagen. Collagen provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. As the main component of the dermis, collagen is the supporting layer of your skin.

Why Do Lines Appear?

When your skin is young, the collagen is intact, keeping your skin elastic. Young skin is resilient-meaning that the facial lines that appear when you smile or frown disappear when you stop smiling or frowning. Over time, the collagen weakens and your skin loses elasticity. Older skin is less resilient, so the facial lines that appear with a smile or frown don't disappear.

How Does Collagen Replacement Work?

Collagen replacement replenishes the skin's natural collagen, smoothing facial lines and even some types of scars. CRT is a nonsurgical treatment in which collagen is injected just beneath the skin's surface, where the body commonly accepts the collagen as its own. Collagen replacement produces an immediately visible change in your skin.

Just like natural collagen, injectable collagen eventually wears down. Ongoing treatments are required to maintain the improvements.

How Do I Achieve Full Correction of Wrinkles?

It's important to understand that treatment with collagen is highly individual. The amount of collagen required for correction will depend on your age, skin condition, and sun damage.

The amount of collagen and timing of maintenance treatments also vary according to the individual. We will recommend a treatment program that meets your individual needs. Before beginning a collagen replacement program, we perform a simple test. If you do not have an adverse reaction to the skin test, you can have collagen injections.

We now offer patients the option of having nitrous oxide administered with their collagen injections.