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Dermatologic surgeons can now
improve these wrinkles and lines
without surgery, without scars
and usually without any "down
time" by a simple injection of
botulinum toxin.
WHY
CHOOSE A DERMATOLOGIC SURGEON
FOR YOUR SKIN REJUVENATION
TREATMENT?
Dermatologic surgeons are
trained and experienced in the
use of a wide range of surgical,
cosmetic, reconstructive and
non-surgical methods to repair
and improve the function and
appearance of your skin. In
addition to medical school and
internship, they receive
rigorous training in the
surgical diagnosis and treatment
of various skin conditions
during residency and continue
their education throughout their
careers, keeping well versed in
the latest technologies and
advances in their field.
As experts on how skin ages
dermatologic surgeons are
uniquely qualified to employ a
variety of other corrective and
preventive techniques to keep
skin healthy and youthful
looking. In fact, Dermatologic
surgeons pioneered many of the
treatments used today t preserve
and maintain this very visible
part of your body, including
botulinum toxin therapy.
Great strides in surgical
techniques and today's
technology now enable
dermatologic surgeons to achieve
subtle, yet effective results.
Many procedures may be less
invasive, safer and heal more
quickly than ever before.
Further treatment is usually
performed in the physician's
office. Which translates to
added convenience and
cost-effectiveness.
WHAT
IS BOTULINUM TOXIN?
Botulinum toxin is a purified
toxin, and when given orally in
large amounts, it blocks the
nerve signals for the brain to
the muscle, causing a
generalized paralysis called
botulism. However, by injecting
very tiny amounts into a
specific facial muscle, only the
targeted impulse of that muscle
will be blocked, causing a local
relaxation and weakness. I this
way, botulinum toxin acts as a
muscle blockade to immobilize
the underlying cause of the
unwanted lines and prevent
"wrinkly" expressions.
Botulinum toxin has been used
since 1980 to treat many muscle
disorders, such as lazy eye, eye
ticks and uncontrolled blinking.
Pioneered by dermatologic
surgeons in 1990,the use of
botulinum toxin for cosmetic
purposes is an "off-label" or
unapproved use of a FDA-cleared
drug.
TREATMENT AREAS
Botulinum toxin is injected
directly into the target muscle
to improve: " Vertical lines
between the eyebrows and on the
bridge of the nose " Squint
lines or crows feet at the
corners of the eyes " The
forehead horizontal lines " The
platysmal muscle bands often
visible on the neck, commonly
known as turkey neck. " Eyebrow
positioning
Once the muscle is weakened and
relaxed, it cannot contract.
Since there is no way to make
the undesirable facial
expression, the lines gradually
smooth out from disuse, and new
creases are prevented from
forming. Other muscles like
those needed to raise the
eyebrows are not affected so a
natural expression is
maintained. Botulinum toxin may
not be as effective for use on
the smile lines around the mouth
because the muscle action in
this area is needed for
expression and important
functions like eating.
BOTULINUM TOXIN THERAPY
Treatment involves injection of
very small amount s of botulinum
toxin into the underlying
muscles to immobilize them. The
actual treatment is well
tolerated and takes just a short
time with minimal recovery.
Botulinum toxin takes effect
about 3 to 7 days after
treatment. The improvement
generally lasts about 3 to 4
months before the effect
gradually fades and muscle
action returns. It is
anticipated that the average
patient will require re-injection
at various intervals. With
repeated treatments, atrophy
(thinning) of the muscle may
occur which usually produces
longer-lasting results.
OTHER APPLICATIONS: EXCESSIVE
SWEATING
Excessive sweating can be
alleviated with injections of a
highly diluted form of botulinum
toxin that paralyze the sweat
glands of the skin, which are
responsible for excessive
perspiration. Treatment sites
include the underarm skin,
skin of the palms and soles of
the hand or foot. Occasionally
it may be used at the scalp
line. A single treatment can
provide months of relief, and
experts believe that injections
can be repeated indefinitely
once or twice a year to maintain
dryness.
ARE
THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects are minimal and
typically relate to the local
injection. Soreness or mild
bruising, while uncommon, may
occur around the injection site.
Makeup may be worn after
treatment, but care should be
taken to avoid pressing or
massaging the area for several
hours. In rare instances,
patients my develop temporary
droopy brow or eyelid, or a
headache. |