There are few cosmetic procedures more highly touted than Botox. This technique was originally used to treat eye conditions like uncontrolled blinking and lazy eye. In 2002, the FDA approved the use of Botox to treat frown lines between the eyebrows. Today, this procedure is used to treat many other areas of the face as well, by eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
How does Botox Work?
Botox is the commercial name for a toxin produced by bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, these bacteria can cause a type of food poisoning known as botulism. However, smaller doses of the substance effectively reduce the activity of facial muscles that lead to fine lines and wrinkles. The result is smoother skin with a diminished appearance of even deep wrinkles. While the procedure was originally approved for frown lines, it has also been used to treat crow's feet, forehead lines and neck wrinkles.
What is a Botox Treatment Like?
Botox treatments are most commonly done in the physician’s office. They may also be conducted in a medical spa. No anesthesia is required for the procedure, but some doctors use a topical numbing cream to make the patient more comfortable. Injections of the solution are done using a fine needle placed directly into specific muscles. Depending on the size of the treated area, a session may only take a few minutes. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
What are the Side Effects of Botox and what is Recovery Like?
There are few side effects from Botox, although some patients report mild swelling and discomfort at the injections sites. Headaches can also occur after the procedure, which usually go away within 24 to 48 hours. In rare instances, temporary eyelid drooping may occur, which resolves itself within three weeks. Patients are instructed not to lie down or rub the treated area for two or three hours after the procedure to prevent this side effect.
There is no recovery time required after a Botox session. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Because there can be redness, swelling and bruising around the injection sites, patients are advised to have the procedure done well in advance of major events like reunions, weddings or vacations. Most patients will see visible results within a few days of the procedure.
Is Botox a Permanent Treatment for Wrinkles?
The effects of Botox are not permanent, so the procedure will need to be repeated periodically to maintain desired results. In most cases, the results will last for up to four to six months. Because Botox is considered a cosmetic procedure when used to treat wrinkles, it is not usually covered by insurance companies. It is important to arrange for payment through your doctor's office before scheduling the procedure.
Botox is an excellent technique for turning back the clock on the skin. The procedure is minimally invasive and requires absolutely no recovery time. Risks associated with the procedure are rare and usually mild. If you would like to bid farewell to fine lines and wrinkles, make an appointment to see if Botox is a good solution for you.
Juvederm is an injectable wrinkle filler used to treat medium to deep lines and folds on the face. The procedure is particularly effective on nasolabial folds, but has also been used to successfully reduce the appearance of other fine lines and wrinkles as well. Juvederm is a synthetic gel made from hyaluronic acid. This substance occurs naturally in the skin and adds hydration and volume for a younger appearance.
How does it Work?
Juvederm injections are done as an outpatient procedure in a doctor's office. The procedure is nearly painless, although some areas might be numbed before treatment for the comfort of the patient. There is no anesthesia used and the entire process may take under 30 minutes to complete. Most patients are able to return to normal activities immediately following a Juvederm session.
Dermal fillers like Juvederm are injected underneath the skin, where the solution spreads out and plumps the skin to smooth the surface and eliminate the appearance of wrinkles. Juvederm tends to be most effective on wrinkles of the lower face, such as nasolabial folds and laugh lines. Because Juvederm is made from hyaluronic acid, the ingredient will continue to work after the treatment to hydrate and smooth the skin's surface from underneath.
Are there Side Effects with Juvederm?
Side effects from dermal fillers like Juvederm are rare and may include mild swelling and discomfort at injection sites. Most side effects subside within a few days. Patients require no recovery time after a Juvederm procedure. Results can be seen right after the procedure and are usually achieved with just one session.
Is Juvederm a Permanent Solution?
Juvederm is not a permanent solution for wrinkles, although one of the advantages of this dermal filler is that it lasts longer than many other products. Results usually last anywhere from six to nine months and will need to be repeated to maintain desired results.
Juvederm is a relatively safe, non-invasive way to bid farewell to fine lines and wrinkles. If you would like a younger looking appearance with minimal discomfort and no recovery time, schedule an appointment to see if Juvederm is the right choice for you.
Latisse is a prescription product approved by the FDA to treat hypotrichosis, or inadequate eyelash growth. It is applied at home over a period of time to promote the growth of lashes on the upper lid. Users of Latisse report eyelashes that are thicker, longer and darker than before. The product boasts about an 80% success rate, with the large majority of patients seeing desired results when they used the formula according to recommendations.
Who can use Latisse?
Nearly any patient who wants longer, thicker lashes can use Latisse, including patients with sensitive eyes. Because Latisse is a drug, it may interact with other medications. Patients on antibiotics, heart medicine or who are undergoing treatment for neurological disorders should talk to their doctors before taking Latisse. Women who are pregnant are advised not to use this medication. Contact wearers should remove their contacts before applying Latisse and wait at least 15 minutes after application to replace lenses.
How does Latisse Work?
The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. While medical experts aren't exactly sure how this substance works, the general premise is that it increases the length of the growth phase of the eyelash follicle. Originally, the product was discovered while researchers were in the process of developing a different eye treatment for glaucoma. When the benefits to the lashes were documented, focus quickly shifted to the marketing of Latisse for the purpose of eyelash growth. The FDA approved Latisse for this purpose in December of last year.
Latisse is a gradual drug that produces results over a period of weeks. According to the Latisse website, users will see the final effect by week 16. It is only recommended for use on the upper lid and should never be applied to the lower lid. Latisse is applied once daily; usually at night. The product is easy to use and comes with its own disposable applicators to make the process convenient and safe.
How is it Applied?
Before applying Latisse, contact lenses and makeup should be removed and the area around the eye should be cleaned thoroughly. The applicator is then treated with a single drop of Latisse close to the tip. The applicator is brushed over the skin at the base of the lashes in a similar fashion to eyeliner application. Excess Latisse must be blotted away, since medication that falls in other areas could stimulate the growth of hair in those areas. The applicator is disposed of to avoid contamination from one eye to the next.
Are there Risks?
The most common side effects of Latisse include an itching sensation and redness around the eye area. According to the Latisse website, these symptoms do not last for long and do not indicate an allergic reaction. Other possible risks include dryness and redness in the eyes and skin discoloration around the eyelids. Patients may also experience hair growth on other areas of the skin that come in contact with the Latisse solution.
Latisse is not a permanent solution to eyelash growth. The medication is designed to use consistently to maintain results. If the medicine is stopped, eyelashes will return to their original state within four to six weeks. Most patients find that after daily use for 12 to 16 weeks, they can drop their dosing amount down to once every two to three days to maintain longer, thicker lashes. Because Latisse is considered a cosmetic product, insurance will not usually cover the cost of prescriptions.
Obagi skin care systems are designed to treat a host of skin conditions. The products are only available through physician's offices and administered through trained nurses and aestheticians. The formulas contain potent active ingredients that are used for anti-aging, sun protection and skin conditions like rosacea and acne. There is also a line of products to enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion and Botox.
Nu-Derm
The Obagi Nu-Derm system treats sun damaged skin by accelerating cell turnover. The formula works underneath the surface of the skin to transform its appearance at a cellular level. Signs of sun damage on your skin include:
If you have any of these visible signs of damage, Obagi Nu-Derm may be able to restore your skin to a renewed state of health. This line is particularly effective on skin with moderate to severe sun damage.
Rx System
The Obagi Rx System is used primarily on skin with moderate sun damage. In addition to treating damage that already exists, this line prevents future problems by neutralizing free radicals and protecting vulnerable skin from the sun's harmful rays. The system uses a powerful punch of vitamin C and hydroquinone to restore and maintain more youthful skin.
CLENZIderm M.D.
This collection of prescription strength acne treatments by Obagi uses a patented form of benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deep into the follicle and stop breakouts before they begin. The products are available in formulas for both normal-to-oily or normal-to-dry skin, and involve a three-step process to reduce both bacteria production and the appearance of lesions.
Rosaclear
The Rosaclear line is a newcomer to the Obagi family and offers the first complete therapeutic treatment for rosacea. These products effectively:
The four-part system is one of the first of its kind and is only available through physician's offices.
Condition and Enhance
This line of Obagi skin care products is designed to enhance the effects of cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion, Botox and chemical peels. These formulas pick up where cosmetic procedures end, by continuing to firm, lighten and tighten skin. The products are available through a physician and are generally prescribed before a cosmetic procedure is performed.
Obagi skin care products offer prescription-strength formulas for best results. If you are interested in any of the Obagi products, make an appointment to discuss your options with your doctor today.
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