What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
It is the purified form of botulinum toxin, a neuromodulating protein that occurs in many natural settings, such as soil, lakes, forests, and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. It was approved for medical use in 1989 and cosmetic use in 2002.
BOTOX® Cosmetic can treat aesthetic issues such as:
Frown lines
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet
It can also treat medical conditions, including:
Migraine headaches
Excessive sweating
Muscle spasms
Facial tics
Jaw pain
How Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Work?
Certain facial wrinkles are caused by the repeated, daily muscle contractions you make when you smile, frown, or furrow your brow. BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily blocks communication between your facial muscles and the nerves that tell them to contract. When those muscles can’t contract, your wrinkles relax.
Kybella is a new FDA approved non-surgical option to reduce stubborn fat under your chin (submental fat), commonly referred to as the “double chin”. Kybella is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule in the body called deoxycholic acid. When injected into the fat beneath your chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells improving the appearance and profile of the neck and chin. Treatments consist of a series of injections done in the office which may only take 15-20 minutes. Typically studies have shown best results are achieved after 2-4 sessions up to 6 weeks apart. A minimum of two injection sessions are recommended and up to 6 injection appointments.
The most common side effects of Kybella include temporary swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. For most patients downtime is minimal and injections are tolerated with minimal discomfort. Side effects may become less bothersome with subsequent treatments. Not all patients are candidates for Kybella.
As we age, both the skin and the shape of our face will change. When we are younger, collagen keeps the skin supple and smooth and the youthful volume of subcutaneous fat below the surface of the skin keeps our cheeks firm and perky. But as we age the fat becomes thinner in the face, the skin loses elasticity and becomes more lax, and the fat and skin sag and gives us that traditional older appearance with loss of volume, folds and wrinkles. The first place you may see this, even in some people in their early 30’s and 40’s is the midface. This is an ideal situation and time to restore volume in this area. If you are looking to restore fullness, Dermal fillers and volumizers are a great option. Fillers are injected into the facial tissues at different levels as needed to temporarily restore lost volume and reduce the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. They can give the appearance of a smoother surface, restore volume in the face, and plump the lips. We have a variety of dermal fillers available in the office based on your individual needs.