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The Art Of Facial Aesthetics
We are pleased to be able to extend to our patients
the art and science of facial aesthetics, tailored to
fit your personal requirements and your individual expectations.
A face is constantly changing and its beauty is best
maintained by periodic evaluations and if desired, treatment.
Because of this, aesthetic procedures at our center
are flexible and patient specific. We look forward to
assisting you in enhancing your quality of life.
Botox® Cosmetic
What is it
Repeating the same expressions over time creates "expression
lines" or "dynamic wrinkles". These wrinkles
add years to your appearance and often make you look
tired, angry, or worried, when you are not. Botox®
Cosmetic is a highly purified form of a natural protein
that has the capability of relaxing the muscles that
cause these wrinkles. Botox® Cosmetic is injected
into the muscles using an ultra-fine needle. The areas
that are typically treated with Botox® Cosmetic
include the "frown lines" between your eyebrows,
"crow's feet" around your eye area, and your
forehead lines. The procedure is known as cosmetic denervation,
and the result of this simple treatment is a dramatic
softening of your dynamic wrinkles and expression lines,
restoring a more rested, confident, and youthful appearance.
The benefits of Botox® Cosmetic come from its ability
to selectively and precisely relax the underlying muscles,
allowing the skin covering these muscles to gradually
become smoother and wrinkle free.
What does it do
When Botox® Cosmetic is injected into the targeted
muscles the result is a weakening of the targeted muscle
and a smoothing effect of the skin covering it. This
effect begins gradually, within 3-5 days after treatment
and is not complete for about 2 weeks. Optimal results
may not be seen for 2 weeks and sometimes longer. The
effects of Botox® Cosmetic typically begin to wear
off in approximately 3-4 months. If you liked the effect
of your Botox® Cosmetic treatment, you will want
to return before your treatment with Botox® Cosmetic
has worn off completely. When you have a second treatment
before you have noticed that the results of the first
have worn off, the treatment may last longer (about
4-5 months). When you do the same with your third treatment,
it may last as long as 5-6 months. After a couple of
years, it is not unusual for people to go for 6-12 months
between their Botox® Cosmetic treatments.
Not all facial wrinkles are the result of the activity
of the underlying muscles. "Static wrinkles"
are the result of too much sun exposure, the natural
aging process, and of smoking. Static wrinkles may be
greatly improved by using Botox® Cosmetic in combination
with filling agents such as Restylane™ and Perlane™.
Please keep in mind that Botox® Cosmetic will not
improve wrinkles due solely to aging or to sun-damaged
skin, nor will it improve any sagging of the skin. These
conditions are not muscle related.
Common Uses for Botox® Cosmetic
include:
- Safe and effective use for over 15 years, and in
all age groups, for the medical treatment of overactive
muscles including ophthalmic use for blepharospasm.
- Recent studies suggest Botox® Cosmetic may be
effective in the treatment of migraine and tension
headaches.
What are Botox® Cosmetic treatments
like
- Using a tiny micro-needle, a small amount of Botox®
Cosmetic is precisely injected into several facial
locations. Most patients compare the sensation to
that of a bug bite. Any sensation that may be experienced
lasts for approximately 5 seconds. No sedation or
local anesthetic is required.
- You may resume your normal activities immediately
following your Botox® Cosmetic treatment.
- The entire procedure takes only a few minutes
- Vincent P. Basilice, M.D, personally performs all
procedures.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
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Hydration is important so drink plenty of water prior
to your treatment.
- Bruising is seldom a major problem, however, it
is suggested that you refrain from the use of aspirin,
alcohol, and Vitamin E for three days prior to treatment.
- Please do not wear makeup on the day of your procedure
so that the treatment areas may be clearly seen. However,
you may apply makeup immediately after your treatment
if you so desire.
- Please be sure to give us at least 24 hours notice
if you need to change your appointment.
Post Treatment Instructions
- It is important for you to avoid rubbing or pressing
on the injection site for 2 hours following your procedure
to avoid spreading Botox® Cosmetic into non-targeted
muscles surrounding the treatment zone.
- In addition, do not lie down for 2-3 hours after
your treatment to avoid accidentally moving the Botox®
Cosmetic into an unwanted area.
You Should do the Following
To ensure the best possible uptake of Botox® Cosmetic
by the treated muscles, you are encouraged to do these
simple facial exercises during the first 2 hours after
your treatment:
- Frown to exercise the muscles above and between
the eyebrows that cause frown lines
- Raise the eyebrows to exercise the muscles that
cause forehead wrinkles
- Squint and smile to exercise the muscles that cause
crow's feet
Possible Side Effects
Please note that the effects of Botox® Cosmetic
are completely reversible, and any side effects will
be temporary, lasting a few weeks at most.
- No long-term side effects, health hazards, or allergic
reactions have thus far been associated with the use
of Botox® Cosmetic.
- If your Botox® Cosmetic has moved out of the
targeted muscles and into the muscles of the surrounding
area the result might be:
- Less of an effect on the treated muscles
- Unwanted temporary relaxation of nearby facial
muscles that may last a week or two as the toxin
may migrate and cause temporary weakness in the
surrounding muscles.
- Bruising is a temporary side effect.
- In rare cases, there may be the drooping of an eyelid
or facial asymmetry.
Contraindications:
The following should not be treated
with Botox® Cosmetic
- If you are pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
- If you have certain neurological disorders
- If you are allergic to albumin
Reminder: We are here
to answer your questions and address any concerns you
may have regarding our facial aesthetic procedures.
Please feel free to ask our facial aesthetic coordinators
or Dr. Basilice if there is anything you do not understand,
or would like additional information regarding. Thank
you for giving us the opportunity to share in your quest
for personal fulfillment.
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