& Other Fillers
By now many people have heard of Botox injections as a simple and very effective treatment for frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow's feet. Botox ™ is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Since the early 80’s Botox has been FDA approved for use as a treatment for a “lazy” eye and uncontrollable eye blinking.
It wasn’t until 1989, that the more cosmetic benefits of Botox became apparent. A Vancouver dermatologist began using this drug to treat skin wrinkles after his wife, an ophthalmologist, pointed out to him that lower forehead and crows feet wrinkles were being eradicated in some of the eye patients she had treated with Botox.
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AFTER
When one frowns for any reason, the tissue is gathered between the eyebrows into a fold. In some cases this can cause a chronic furrow. The appearance of this furrow produces a frustrated, discouraged, or angry look on the face. Crow's feet around the eyes, the result of sun damage and aging, create a more mature or aged appearance, which many find undesirable so soon in life. Now, these unsightly lines of facial expression can be treated with results lasting four to six months or even longer with a simple procedure using Botox.
Botox works by weakening the muscles of facial expression which are located beneath the immediate surface of the facial skin. Once the resting tone of these muscles is weakened, the muscles relax and the skin flattens out. This treatment option is an entirely different approach to treating the aging face. While collagen injections work by filling in a wrinkle, a Botox injection will physiologically weaken the muscles, removing the wrinkles naturally.
All cosmetic procedures carry the possibility of risk and uncertainty. Side effects and possible risks of Botox include, unmet expectations, frequent injections, low level of response, lid-lag, paralyzed muscles, weakened muscles, infection, and in rare cases, a systemic reaction, including aches, pains, and headaches. It is important to discuss your medical history during your initial consultation. A thorough discussion with your physician of risks and benefits as well as your expectations will be completed prior to your procedure.
Collagen/Restylane & Other Fillers
Fillers are a safe non-surgical treatment that smooth out facial lines, wrinkles, and scars by replenishing the natural collagen support layer beneath your skin.
Just beneath the epidermis layer of the skin is a second layer called the dermis. This layer’s primary make up is of a protein called collagen. Collagen forms a network of fibers that provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. Simply put, collagen acts as the support structure for your skin.
When your skin is young, the collagen framework is in intact, keeping your skin moisturized and elastic. Young skin is resilient – the lines on your forehead that appear when you frown simply disappear when you stop frowning. Over time, the collagen framework weakens and your skin loses its elasticity making it much less resilient.
Collagen Replacement Therapy involves the injection of a collagen implant just beneath the skin’s surface. This procedure is simple enough to be completed during a lunch hour and, for most people, is a safe, convenient, and immediate way to treat lines and wrinkles. However, just like natural collagen, injectable collagen eventually loses its form and wears down. Ongoing treatments are required to maintain the improvements achieved with Collagen injections.
Restylane is one of the latest approaches to help replenish and supplement the natural collagen beneath skin. Restylane is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. Restylane effects have been shown to last generally for about six months.
All cosmetic procedures carry the possibility of risk and uncertainty. Side effects and possible risks of collagen include swelling, throbbing, stinging, redness, and allergic reactions. This type of therapy is not for everyone as there are some medical conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and systemic diseases that would make this treatment prohibitive. Allergic reactions to Collagen, or any of its products, are cause for avoidance. It is important to discuss your medical history during your initial consultation. A thorough discussion with your physician of risks and benefits as well as your expectations will be completed prior to your procedure.
If you have frown lines, forehead wrinkles or crow's feet and wish to have them reduced for a younger, fresher, and more restful appearance, schedule a consultation appointment with one of our doctors by calling (309) 674-SKIN or visit us on the web at www.skinnews.com. Discover the benefits of Botox and Collagen at Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C.
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