Botox

Orange County Botox

WHAT IS BOTOX®?

Botox® is a purified toxin approved by the FDA in the late 1980s (Food and Drug Administration) for use to treat certain optic muscle disorders. When using Botox® for this purpose, some doctors noticed a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes as well. Allergan used this information to begin clinical trials for the use of Botox® for the cosmetic reduction of wrinkles. In April 2002, Botox® gained FDA approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows - called glabellar lines. Botox is also used for treatment of wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. Physicians have now been using Botox® for over a decade to successfully treat severe lines around and above the eyes and it is currently one of the most common cosmetic procedure performed.

How does BOTOX® work?

Botox® contains a chemical that inhibits signals from the nerves to the muscles. Wrinkles occur in the skin when overactive underlying muscles tighten, especially when facial expression are repeated often and over time. To treat these wrinkles, small amounts of Botox® are injected with a fine needle into overactive muscles of the brow and around the eyes. The procedure is virtually painless, takes only a few minutes, and you can go right back to your normal activity. Over the next several days, the Botox® will begin to work by reducing the effectiveness of the nerve signals to the muscle which cause the muscle to react. The injected muscles will then begin to weaken in their contraction and the wrinkles will begin to relax and soften. Botox® is effective on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.

HOW LONG DOES BOTOX® LAST?

The effects of Botox® will last four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, wrinkles will begin to reappear. It is normally recommended that you schedule treatments approximately 4 months apart to maximize the benefits of the Botox® treatments and prevent reoccurrence of undesired wrinkles.

BOTOX® COUNTERINDICATIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

You should not be treated with Botox® if you are pregnant, if you think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. As with any injection, Botox may result in bruising. You should avoid aspirin containing products and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior to treatment in order to reduce bruising. Infrequently, patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves itself within days up to four months.

THE COST OF BOTOX®

Botox® is usually sold by the unit or by the area. Botox® is usually sold for between $10-$12 per unit with the total cost of the procedure ranging between $125 to $600.

What is JUVÉDERM™?

JUVÉDERM™ injectable gel is a colorless hyaluronic acid gel that is injected into facial tissue to smooth wrinkles and folds, especially around the nose and mouth. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body. The role of hyaluronic acid in the skin is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin by holding in water, and to act as a cushioning agent. Juvéderm™ injectable gel instantly restores your skin's volume and smooths away “jowl lines,” “smile lines,” and “parentheses.” It can also be used to add volume to lips and cheeks.

HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE AND HOW LONG DO IT LAST?

With Juvéderm™, the injection process takes only about 15-30 minutes. It may be done with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The results of Juvéderm™ are immediate and you may return to your normal activity within an hour or so. Results may last up to 1 year.

JUVÉDERM™ COUNTERINDICATIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

You should not be treated with Juvéderm™ if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you have severe allergies, especially with history of anaphylaxis. Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps. Patients who are using substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as with any injection, may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site.