Questions and Answers

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The Scoop on Botox


Common Question About Derma Fillers

 

Questions on Botox

What is it?
A Botox Cosmetics treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes the deep, moderate or mild facial lines that developed over time. One ten-minute treatment - a few tiny injections - relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form, and keeps them relaxed for approximately four to six months. Botox Cosmetics has been widely tested and now is approved by the FDA (since 2002). Botox, however, has been used safely, for medical purposes, for over 25 years.

The results are dramatic and apparent within days. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of the men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better after receiving Botox. For many, Botox Cosmetics virtually "erases" those lines.

Unlike surgery, Botox Cosmetics is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with no downtime or recovery period. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. Within days, they report looking more natural and relaxed. With Botox Cosmetics, they'll know you've done something ... they just won't know what.

What exactly is BOTOX® Cosmetics?
BOTOX® Cosmetics is a purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium. Because of the purification process that is done, there is absolutely no live bacteria in Botox Cosmetics. It is a non-surgical, medical professional administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe lines on the face. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetics are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you will see an improvement that can last approximately 4 - 6 months.


How does BOTOX® Cosmetics work?
Botox Cosmetics is approved by the FDA for only the glabellar area (frown lines). However, Botox Cosmetics can be used in other areas of the face as "off-label". This is perfectly legal. Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetics is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by stopping the release of acetycholine which blocks transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form. The muscles relaxes, therefore the skin over the muscle relaxes, giving a much more youthful appearance.

Is Botox Cosmetics right for you?
If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, Botox Cosmetics may be for you.

Thousands of appearance-conscious women and men have already discovered the benefits of Botox Cosmetics. Not just models and movie stars, but ordinary people - teachers, mothers, and business people from all walks of life.

When will I see results and how long does BOTOX® Cosmetics last?
Results will be seen within 2 to 8 days. Improvement can continue up to 2 weeks, with results lasting approximately 4 to 6 months. If you discontinue treatment, the lines will look like they did before treatment. As subsequent treatments are done, the results tend to last longer. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better one month after treatment.

Who should administer BOTOX® Cosmetics?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetics (physician, physician assistant, registered nurse). One of these clinicians can help you decide if BOTOX® Cosmetics is right for you.

Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetics painful?
Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetics treatment.

Who should not use BOTOX® Cosmetics?
BOTOX® Cosmetics should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological/muscular disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Parkinson's or Lambert-Eaton syndrome should not be treated. Due to the lack of studies that have been, pregnant and lactating women should not be treated.

Will I experience any side effects?
The most common side effects are redness and possible bruising at the injection site. Bruisng does not occur frequently, but can be exacerbated in patients on blood thinning agents. Other side effects that rarely occur include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week. For more details, see the full Prescribing Information in the Allergan Medication Insert.

Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?
Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes lines is simply reduced, so you can still make expressions or look surprised without all the wrinkles and creases.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetics affordable?
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® Cosmetics is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetics is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your clinician for further information.


 

Fill me in on Derma Fillers

What causes wrinkles?
The way your skin looks is directly related to the way your skin is supported. Wrinkles form when the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in your skin diminish during the course of aging. Other factors that cause wrinkles include exposure to the sun, disease, injury, heredity and lifestyle. Collagen provides skin structure while hyaluronic acid provides volume to your skin.

What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar. It is found in the human body in the skin, cartilage, joints and the eyes. In skin tissue, hyaluronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers. The role of hyaluronic acid in skin is to deliver nutrients, to hydrate the skin by holding in water and to act as a cushioning agent.

What is Hylaform?
Hylaform is a dermal filler made of chemically modified hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the fluids surrounding cells and tissues. It is chemically, physically and biologically similar in the tissues of all species. Hylaform is made from highly purified natural hyaluronic acid that is gradually absorbed by your body through natural mechanisms.

What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin temporarily adding volume and/or structure, thereby filling lines, wrinkles and folds from the inside out. Dermal fillers can temporarily restore a smoother appearance.

What is Hylaform used for?
Hylaform is injected into skin tissue for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines.

How does Hylaform work?
Hylaform is injected just beneath the skin's surface temporarily adding volume to the layers of the skin that have deteriorated due to age and other factors. Hylaform, when injected, is used to raise depressions in the skin, providing temporary correction of wrinkles and folds.

Is a pre-treatment skin test required?
No. You can receive Hylaform the same day as your initial consultation or office visit.

Do the injections hurt?
In general, injections may cause some discomfort. Hylaform is injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort. Physicians may choose to anesthetize or numb the treatment area to further minimize discomfort.

Is the product safe?
Yes, for most people. The primary ingredient in Hylaform is hyaluronic acid, which is a component of skin. Hylaform has undergone extensive testing including scientific clinical trials to establish its safety and effectiveness. Hylaform was approved in April 2004 for injection into the skin for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as smile lines) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Can anyone be treated with Hylaform?
Your physician will ask about your medical history,including allergies, to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.

Do I need to take time off to recuperate?
Hylaform is a simple office procedure. Most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal activities immediately following treatment. Temporary puffiness of the treated areas, however, should be expected. As with any injection, you may also notice temporary redness, slight bruising and tenderness around the treatment sites. You are free to eat, drink, or wear makeup or sunblock shortly after treatment.

What areas can be treated with Hylaform?
The most common areas treated are the smile lines around your nose and mouth, marionette lines at the corners of your mouth, frown lines between the eyes and fine lines above the mouth.

How often will I require treatment?
To maintain optimal correction, touch-up injections are usually needed two or three times a year. Everyone's skin is different. That is why the timing of any additional treatment varies from person to person. Over time, Hylaform will be absorbed by your body, which is why you may want ongoing treatments. If you choose not to continue with your treatment, any remaining Hylaform is simply absorbed by your body over time and your skin gradually returns to its natural shape. Your physician can work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Without touch-up injections, how will my skin look?
Correction will reduce gradually until your skin looks like it did before treatment with Hylaform. Touch-up injections will help you maintain correction of the skin surface.

How are Hylaform treatments different from Botox® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A)?
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein that is injected into muscles to relax them, smoothing lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements. In contrast, Hylaform is a dermal filler that is injected just below a wrinkle in order to "fill" it in, smoothing the surface of the skin.

How are Hylaform treatments different from collagen treatments?
Hylaform temporarily adds volume to your skin by mimicking the hydrating effects of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid. Treatment with CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® (and bovine collagen) replenish your skin's lost collagen, restoring skin structure.

Can I get treatment with more than one filler?
Although the safety and effectiveness of combination use has not been clinically evaluated, there is an emerging trend to use collagen and hyaluronic acid-based fillers in combination to temporarily replace lost structure and volume, smoothing away unwanted lines and wrinkles.

Who can inject Hylaform?
Hylaform can be injected by a physician, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon or a qualified health care professional, such as a registered nurse or physician assistant.
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How long does the procedure take?
Treatment and recovery with Hylaform usually takes less than one hour.

Can I have more than one area treated at the same time?
Yes, more than one area can safely be injected at the same time.

How do I know if a dermal filler is what I need?
To help determine if a dermal filler is right for you, perform a simple stretch test. Pull your skin tight on either side of the wrinkle you want to test, this will allow you to assess the potential for optimal treatment capability. If the line/wrinkle goes away when the skin is pulled tight, then full correction may be achieved. Keep in mind that if you can still see a line when you pull the skin, your physician will be able to smooth the area and fill in the wrinkle, but you may still see the line.

How much do the treatments cost?
Pricing varies depending on the number and types of areas being treated, the amount of filler material required to achieve the desired results and the physician administering the treatment. Typically treatments are priced competitively with other injectable wrinkle correction procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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