The Cosmetic Center - In-Office Procedures

Facial Rejuvenation

 There are multiple options for treatment of wrinkles, which involve in office procedures with minimum down time.  These procedures include Botox, injection, wrinkle fillers, chemical peels and various laser treatments.  When  talking to patients about facial aging, I feel that it is most important to be in a good skin care regime.  One of the most important things that a patient can do to decrease early signs of aging or prevent these early signs is to take good care of their skin and to start on a topical vitamin A product, which has scientific evidence of decreasing wrinkle formation.  Hydro crone is another topical therapy that is very useful in improving any discolorations of the skin.  Antioxidants such as vitamin C has also been shown to help fight the aging.

Botox

Botox is a purified form of ______________toxin which bonds to the muscles where it is injected, eliminated their function.  It is used most commonly in the core gated muscles, between the eyebrows which cause the frown lines.  It is also commonly used in the _____________ muscles of the forehead, which causes the forehead wrinkles.  It can also be used in the upper part of the _________________muscle which surrounds the eye eliminating the crow’s feet wrinkles.  Botox lasts for approximately three to four months and then it must be injected again to continue the affects.  Botox is found to be extremely safe and effective.  The amount of Botox used in the placement of the Botox can be adjusted for each individual patient, depending on their concerns and desires for improvement.  The procedure takes approximately five to ten minutes.  A period of several injections are performed in the office setting.  The patient is given the option of topical anesthesia if desired.  The effects will be noticed within two to seven days from after the injection.  Risks of procedure are bruising, bleeding from the needle sticks, asymmetry or incomplete results need for further injections.  A very rare risk is ptosis of the upper eyelid.  This is primarily seen after injection of the frown lines between the eyebrows, the __________of the Botox is injected too close to the muscle which elevates the eyelid.  If this occurs, drops can be given to help elevate the eyelid until the Botox wears off in approximately three weeks time period.  It is common to notice after the injection, around the time when the Botox is starting to work, a pressure sensation in the area where the Botox was injection.  This is normal and does become direct noticeably over time.  Depending on how the Botox is injected and where it is injected, you may notice a change in your eyebrow shape.  That is why it is important to discuss your goals of Botox with the physician before injection. 
           

Wrinkle Fillers

            In contrast to Botox, which stops the muscles beneath the skin from working and therefore decreasing the formation of wrinkles, wrinkle fillers, in fact, plump up the wrinkles and do not affect the muscles beneath.  There are multiple types of wrinkle fillers available.  Human and collagen injections were the first wrinkle fillers developed and are still used today occasionally, but are the shortest lasting fillers available approximately three to six weeks duration period.  _________acid fillers are the most commonly used fillers and are made from ____________acid, which is a chemical naturally produced in the skin, but is chemically produced for the filler.  ___________acid fillers are performed in the out patient setting and through several needle sticks that  are used to plump up wrinkles.  The more extensive the wrinkles, the more product that will be necessary to get the best results.  Patients will notice swelling and possible bruising for a few days after the procedure.  They may notice redness, which can be covered with makeup.  They also will occasionally notice firmness in the area, but if placed properly this will be minimized.  Ice can be used after the injection to help swelling.  Depending on the ________________acid, the product lasts anywhere from six to eighteen months.  _______________will last longer in areas which there is not a large amount of movement.  The patients do not need to have the skin test with the _____________acid as the chance of  allergic reaction is quite rare.