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If a patient has fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, frown
lines, crow's feet, lip lines, and neck lines, Botox injections
can be done to smooth the dynamic lines and wrinkles. Fraxel® laser
treatments are then done to stimulate the growth of new collagen
and give skin a smoother, more radiant appearance. Since the dynamic
movement is stopped by Botox, the new collagen produced by the Fraxel®
laser can remodel into smooth skin.
Botox® Cosmetic is a procedure that can smooth frown lines on the
face and neck for both men and women. It can soften lines and wrinkles
that make you appear tired, upset or angry. Botox® Cosmetic can
help you maintain your appearance without surgery and there is little,
if any, recovery time. It is the most popular physician-administered
cosmetic procedure, with over one million patients receiving treatment.
It is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures done.
Dr. Gidon has had extensive training and experience injecting Botox®
Cosmetic and regularly participates in advanced continuing education
programs.
What is Botox® Cosmetic?
It is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium bacterium and
is used in extremely small amounts to relax dynamic wrinkles caused
by contraction of muscles.
Is it safe?
It has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over
15 years and in wrinkle therapy for over 13 years. It is also used
to treat migraine headaches and several neurological problems, with
children as young as 2 years of age safely receiving more than 10
times the amount used for wrinkles.
How does Botox® Cosmetic work?
Wrinkles and frown lines are the result of muscle activity. Dr.
Gidon analyzes this activity and determines which muscles require
treatment. Several tiny injections of Botox® Cosmetic are administered
very precisely into the muscles that cause the wrinkles. It blocks
nerve impulses from reaching that area and the muscles relax. As
a result, the wrinkles overlying the muscles are smoothed away.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is minimal and brief. An anaesthetic cream can be used
beforehand to numb the areas being treated, so no pain at all is
experienced.
What areas can be treated?
The most common areas treated are the frown lines between the brows,
the forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, the eyebrow area to lift
the brow and open up the eyes, around the mouth, and the neck area
to soften tight bands and help shape the jaw line. In Canada, Botox®
Cosmetic is approved for use for frown lines between the brows,
forehead lines and crow's feet.
What happens after treatment?
The treatment takes about 10 minutes and you can resume normal activities
right away. In 3 to 14 days, the wrinkles will appear softer and
smoother.
Are there any side effects?
Occasionally, a small bruise lasting a few days may occur and can
be covered with make-up. A mild, temporary headache may occur in
some patients. Rarely, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid that may
last a few weeks may occur.
Will my facial expressions look natural?
Treatment will not radically change your appearance. Most people
will not notice that you had any treatment done since you will still
be able to smile or look surprised or angry. You will just appear
more relaxed and happier.
How long will the effects of Botox® Cosmetic last?
The effects initially last about 3 months. When movement of the
muscles is detected, it is time for another treatment. With repeated
treatment, some patients' results may last 4 to 6 months or longer.
If you discontinue treatment, your wrinkles will gradually return
to the way they were before treatment.
Can Botox® Cosmetic treatments be combined with any other treatments?
Definitely! Botox® Cosmetic treatments can be combined with many
other anti-aging procedures to enhance their effectiveness and give
longer-lasting results. Intense pulsed light treatments, Thermage™,
Fraxel™, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, filler substances and
the use of anti-aging products are all complementary procedures.
Is this treatment for everyone?
Men and women, from age 18 to 80, who would like a more relaxed
appearance, enjoy the benefits of Botox® Cosmetic. There are very
few restrictions. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or have certain
neurological disorders, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, should
not be treated.
What is the Send-a-Friend program?
If you refer a friend or family member who is new to our clinic
for a Botox® Cosmetic treatment, he or she will receive a discount
on his or her first treatment and you will receive a gift certificate
toward your next Botox® Cosmetic treatment. Ask our staff for details.
How do I find out if I am a candidate for Botox® Cosmetic?
During your consultation, Dr. Gidon will assess you to determine
if you might benefit from these treatments. She will also address
any further questions you may have.
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