Botox
Before and after Botox for the forehead lines
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
Facial wrinkles are due to an intimate combination of aged, sun-damaged
skin and the chronic action of the underlying muscles. Until recently,
methods of renewing the skin abounded, but no treatment was available for
the over-dynamic muscles.
Before and after Botox for the frown lines
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
Through a series of precise, usually painless, injections, Botox will relax the
facial musculature, especially in areas such as the forehead, frown lines
(between the eyebrows) and around the eyes. The result is softening or
disappearance of wrinkles. This concept has revolutionized treatment of
wrinkles in the upper third of the face. Although Botox is sufficient in many
cases, ideally it is used with skin resurfacing to optimize results. Botox is
one of the most popular methods of facial rejuvenation in the US today and
has recently been approved by the FDA for cosmetic indications. Other
uses include treatment of neckbands, chin and excessive sweating.
Botox for the forehead lines
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
How does Botox work?
Botox works by selectively and temporarily paralyzing the
muscles into which it is injected. The rationale for its use is that
one can inject a chemical which selectively inhibits the action
of muscles in certain hyperdynamic areas (like the forehead),
then this in turn will eliminate the wrinkles which are caused by
that muscle action. In the case of excessive sweating, Botox
prevents signaling to sweat glands and normalizes sweat
production.
Before and after Botox for the crow's feet
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
How long do the Botox injections last and are additional
treatments required?
The effect of one Botox treatment usually lasts 3 to 4 months,
after which re-treatment is required. After three to four
simultaneous treatments, however, the Botox effects become
more long lasting, as the muscles that cause the wrinkles begin
to lose their strength and develop atrophy. Minimizing the use
of treated muscles by controlling animation will help Botox last
longer. The best time to re-treat is as soon as the muscle is
starting to move. In the case of excessive sweating,
re-treatments are usually needed after 6-9 months.
Botox to the chin
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
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Smooth Beam
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Aesthetics Services
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Laser Resurfacing of Wrinkles and Scars
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Hair Removal for All Skin Types
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Vascular Lesions (including leg veins)
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Botox
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What are the possible side effects?
Temporary bruising is possible and is minimized by avoiding
aspirin-like products and Vitamin E for 1 week before
injections and alcohol for 3 days before injections. Mild
headaches can occur and usually resolve with Tylenol. A slight
change in the shape of the eyebrow is possible. Drooping of
the eyelid is rare and usually resolves within a few days.
Are there any post-Botox precautions?
You should keep your head elevated for 3 hours if you have
the frown lines treated (so pick up your bag while bending at
the knees, after treatment). It is important to utilize the treated
area for the first 3 hours to help the drug diffuse well. Mild
exercise is allowed 4 hours after the treatment.
How quickly does it act?
Botox works within 2-4 days. The maximum benefit is seen at
14 days.
Before and After Botox for excessive sweating
(only the right hand was treated)
Courtesy of Dany Touma, M.D.
Does it hurt?
We use the smallest possible needles and ice to maximize
patient comfort. Most people tolerate Botox extremely well.
When treating palms and soles for excessive sweating, a nerve
block may be needed.
Fees:
Our fees are carefully selected to be reasonable. Each
cosmetic area requires a different amount of Botox. In
addition, within any given cosmetic area (e.g. lateral eyebrows
and underneath the eyes) additional areas can be treated. A
small additional fee applies to these small extra areas.
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