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BOTOX® & Dermal Fillers
Frequently Asked Questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic
Frequently Asked Questions about Dermal Filler
BOTOX®
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely and effectively for more than 15 years to treat medical conditions where overactive muscles require relaxation.
In 2001, BOTOX® Cosmetic received FDA approval for cosmetic purposes and has become a leading treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging by relaxing facial muscles which cause many of our wrinkles.
What conditions are successfully treated using BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Facial lines, creases, and wrinkles are caused by making the same expression thousands of times. These expression lines, often referred to as dynamic wrinkles, typically include “frown lines” between the eyebrows; forehead lines and creases, and “crow's feet” around the eyes.
Expression lines can make a person look older, tired, or stressed. Now, by utilizing BOTOX® Cosmetic, an FDA approved muscle-relaxing agent, expression lines can be significantly reduced.
BOTOX® is now FDA approved for hyper-hydrosis (excessive sweating).
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What is BOTOX® Cosmetic, and how does it work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein that relaxes muscles by blocking nerve impulses. It has the ability to specifically relax the muscles which cause facial wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic does not affect the nerves responsible for sensation so there is no numbness or loss of feeling in the treated areas. After BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments the skin over the treated muscle becomes smoother with fewer wrinkles as the muscles relax.
The treated muscles begin to relax within days after the treatment, reaching their maximum degree of relaxation within three to four weeks. Your face will not be frozen. You will have facial expression. Over time, the BOTOX® Cosmetic will gradually begin to wear off, and clients will want to return for another treatment.
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Does BOTOX® Cosmetic work for all types of wrinkles?
Not all of our wrinkles are dynamic and related to activity of the underlying muscle.
Deep creases and skin folds, referred to as “static wrinkles,” are the wrinkles that are still visible when the skin is stretched lightly between your fingers. These wrinkles are caused by sun damage, loss of collagen, and smoking. These facial characteristics respond best to dermal filler, such as RESTYLANE®. Many static wrinkles result from a combination of muscle activity and aging and respond best to a combination of BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal filler.
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How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?
The effects usually last between three and four months. Some clients report the effects lasting six to eight months after receiving several successive treatments.
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What are the potential side effects?
BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used for more than 10 years with no reported long-term side effects, allergic reactions, or health hazards related to its use. Side effects such as mild headache, bruising, and eyelid drooping are rare and always temporary.
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What is a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment like?
Injectables such as Botox® is a medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified medical professional who understands neuromuscular and facial anatomy as well as side effects of the product.
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are easy, quick, and involve little if any discomfort. The area to be treated is first numbed with ice.
The BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected through a very fine needle into the specific muscles that are causing lines and wrinkles.
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Is there anything special I need to do after the treatment?
Immediately following treatment you may resume normal activities. It is important to exercise the muscles treated every hour for the first four hours after treatment. Do not touch or rub the treated area or lie down for the first two to three hours after the treatment. There are no other restrictions on your activities.
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How much do BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments cost?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is priced according to the amount required to relax the muscles. Please schedule a free consultation to determine the appropriate treatment for you.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We also offer the CareCredit Plan, which has a full range of payment plans to meet every financing need including interest free for three months and low interest options.
Most health insurance plans and policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. Please consult your carrier for more information.
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BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.
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Dermal Fillers
 What is dermal filler?
Dermal filler is a substance which is injected into the skin to plump it up, make it firmer and smooth out lines and wrinkles.
There are many dermal fillers on the market these days. We use synthetically produced non-animal products consisting of hyaluronic acid which is a natural chemical constituent of the skin. These products are far less likely to produce allergic reactions than old-fashioned fillers such as bovine collagen.
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What is RESTYLANE® and how does it work?
RESTYLANE® is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body which provides the appearance of volume and fullness in the skin.
RESTYLANE® has been used worldwide by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 to improve facial characteristics by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. RESTYLANE® is fully biocompatible. Allergy testing is not required.
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Does RESTYLANE® work for all types of wrinkles?
The most common areas of the face to be treated are wrinkles above and below the lips and the nasolabial folds, which are the vertical folds that typically extend below the cheeks on either side of the nose toward the corners of the mouth.
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How long do the effects of a RESTYLANE® treatment last?
RESTYLANE® is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies show that the effects generally last for about six months. The product's stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.
It is important to remember that as long as our faces make expressions, wrinkles, furrows and folds will continue to grow.
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Are there potential side effects of RESTYLANE®?
The potential side effects are redness, slight swelling, bruising, and tenderness lasting no more than three to seven days. To minimize the risk of bruising, avoid taking products that will have a blood thinning effect, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, vitamin E, or alcoholic beverages. However, you may take Tylenol.
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What is a RESTYLANE® treatment like?
Injectables such as RESTYLANE® and Botox ® are medical procedures that should be performed by a qualified physician who understands neuromuscular and facial anatomy as well as side effects of the product.
The area to be treated will be numbed with ice or a topical numbing cream. The RESTYLANE® is administered through a very fine needle by a licensed medical professional.
Some clients experience mild discomfort from the prick of the needle, particularly on sensitive areas of the face; however, an experienced medical professional is able to minimize this discomfort through appropriate technique and numbing agents. As the treatment progresses you may see immediate results.
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Is there anything special I need to do after my treatment?
After your treatment, you may immediately resume normal activities. You might experience redness or swelling in the treated area. This normally disappears in a few days.
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How is RESTYLANE® different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?
RESTYLANE® is a natural cosmetic filler that adds volume while BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that relaxes the underlying muscles. BOTOX® is typically used on areas of the face where patients wish to reduce or eliminate dynamic wrinkles. Sustained use of BOTOX® Cosmetic will prevent dynamic wrinkles from growing deeper.
RESTYLANE® is often used to fill in deep, static wrinkles (those that don’t go away when you gentle stretch your skin) and in those areas of the face where clients want to add volume such as in the lip area, the nasolabial folds, and the cheeks.
Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products for distinct areas.
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How much do RESTYLANE® treatments cost?
RESTYLANE® is priced according to the amount required to address the areas. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We also offer the CareCredit Plan, which has a full range of payment plans including interest free for three months and low interest options.
Most health insurance plans and policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. Please consult your carrier for more information.
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