Worried about loosing your “WOW” appeal? Let’s talk about BOTOX®. Dramatic results than are safe, naturally noticeable within a week and without any downtime. BOTOX® is the only FDA approved treatment of this type. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular of all physician-administered cosmetic procedures. What about the procedure? A thorough history and cosmetic evaluation should be done by a physician. A 10 minute procedure, a few small injections, and within 3 days a gradual resolution of the wrinkles is noticed. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. How does it work? Botulinum toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in a medial setting it blocks the signals that would normally tell your muscle to contract. The effects of the treatment have been reported to last anywhere from three to eight months. By injecting the toxin directly into a certain muscle or muscle group, the risk of it spreading to other areas of the body is greatly diminished. What about other procedures? Wrinkles of the upper face are due to facial muscle movement and expression. BOTOX® reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines to form over time. Wrinkles of the lower face are to gravity. They are best treated by proper skin care (i.e. microdermabrasion exfoliation, cleaning etc.), wrinkle fillers (i.e. Restylane®), or cosmetic procedures (i.e. facelift). BOTOX® is a great alternative for those who do not desire surgical treatment. It also allow the prospective surgical candidate to “test drive” the results for future Endoscope eyebrow lift (upper facelift), or blepharoplasty (removal of eyelid skin due to hooding). Buyers beware of the latest creams and ointment claiming “…just as good as Botox.” Do Men do BOTOX®? A man who has pronounced lines between his brows, or heavy laugh lines may be perceived as angry or stressed—and he doesn’t want to look that way. A man who goes to the gym to work out and cares about his clothes and grooming is a man who not only cares about his appearance, but what it says about him personally, as well as in business. This discrete procedure gives us the opportunity to rejuvenate, revitalize and recapture some of our youthful appearance. Will my facial expression change? If you greet your friends and coworkers with a heavy, harsh eyebrow look, or smile witht extensive resting crows feet, then yes! You will transform into them more rested, awakened appearance that welcomes the world. The ability to express emotions will not be compromised. Is BOTOX® only used on the wrinkles? It has been used to treat patients with uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm) and misaligned eyes (strabismus), muscle spasms, excessive sweating of the underarms, hands and feet. It has also been seen to work on certain patients who suffer migraine headaches. How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last? Results from treatment can last for up to 4 months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment. With repeated use these muscle loose there activity thus prolonging the effect with continued use. Medial Information • Be sure that a qualified/certified doctor performs the procedure. • Make sure that the doctor is trained and qualified in cosmetic skin surgery of the face. • Ask questions and be informed about the benefits and risks involved in the procedure. • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued statements warning of the possible hazards of “Botox® parties.” Injection of alcohol around the time of injection could worsen any bruising. • Choose a medical setting using sterile techniques.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa here in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. For questions or future article requests please contact
