Aesthetic Injections
What is Neurotoxin?
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can’t contract, which makes the wrinkles relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin for the purpose of smoothing out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses), enhancing and restoring volume to sunken cheeks or temples, diminishing vertical lip lines, plumping and enhancing the lips, smoothing out a chin crease, improving symmetry among facial features, and more. We use hyaluronic acid fillers in our clinic for all our dermal filler procedures. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment. We use products made by Juvéderm, Restylane, and Versa to achieve the best results, and can use other products as requested.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Botox and Xeomin are typically safe to use if you’re under 65 and generally healthy.
Don’t use Botox or Xeomin if you:
- Are allergic to Botox, Dysport or any of the ingredients in either product
- Had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, such as Myobloc® (rimabotulinumtoxinB) or Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA)
- Have a skin infection at the planned injection site
- You have had surgical changes to your face
- You have very weak muscles in the treatment area
- Your face looks very different from side to side
- The injection site is inflamed
- You have droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds
- You have deep facial scars
- You have thick, oily skin
- Your wrinkles can’t be smoothed by spreading them apart
- are pregnant
- breastfeeding
- have a neurological disease
The dermal filler products we use are generally sage to use if you’re under 65 and generally healthy. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and review your medical history. While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you need to fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can jeopardize your safety or results. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners, as these increase the likelihood of bruising.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- If you have a special event or vacation coming up, please keep in mind that you may want to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance.
- It is recommended to discontinue the use of any NSAIDS like Aspirin and Motrin, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, or any other essential fatty acids at least 3 days to 1 week before and after treatment to minimize bruising or bleeding. Please consult with your primary physician prior to discontinuing any medications.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, Niacin supplement, high-sodium foods, high sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes 24-48 hours before and after your treatment (All of these factors may increase risk of bruising and swelling).
- If you develop a cold / flu, cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, we recommend that you please reschedule your appointment until it resolves.
- It is recommended to discontinue Retin-A two (2-3) days before treatment to avoid any increased redness and irritation.
- It is recommended that you wait at least 2 weeks to have botulinum toxin treatments performed if you have previously had cosmetic treatments with laser, ultrasound, peels, facials or micro-dermabrasion.
Things to Keep in Mind
For Botox and Dysport Injections
- Getting Botox or Dysport injections takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia. The product is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.
- It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect, and it is best to avoid alcohol starting at least one week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before treatment to reduce bruising.
- Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of Botox and Dysport injections.
- Headaches, which end in 24 to 48 hours, can happen, but this is rare.
- A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually ends within three weeks. Drooping usually happens when the Botox moves around, so don’t rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lie down for three to four hours.
- Botox lasts for anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
- Dysport lasts for up to 4 months.
For Dermal Filler Injections
- Getting dermal filler injections only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia. We provide a numbing cream to reduce any discomfort, and then the product is injected with a fine needle to the desired areas. The filler products we use also contain lidocaine, a mild anesthetic, which is intended to help minimize discomfort during and after your treatment.
- Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections.
- Some patients experience mild bruising and swelling, but these are temporary and should subside over the days following treatment.
- You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but it is recommended avoid exercise or other strenuous activity for the following 48 hours.
Cost
All of our aesthetic injections are for cosmetic purposes only and are therefore not covered by insurance. Pricing will vary based on the number of units used. We run promotions periodically, so follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for specials!
