What is BOTOX® and is it safe?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a safe and effective therapy that eliminates facial wrinkles, frown lines, and softens harsh expressions.  BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 10 years, and for wrinkle therapy for over 6 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. LASER AESTHETICS buys its BOTOX® directly from Allergan, the only FDA approved source in the U.S.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified natural protein derived from Clostridium Botulinum, and is the registered trademark of Allergan Inc. Using a tiny micro-needle BOTOX® is injected , very precisely, into several locations on the face, typically, the verticle lines between your eyebrow, forehead lines, the lines at the corners of your eyes (crow’s feet). BOTOX®  injected into these targeted facial expression muscles, block nerve impulses to the muscle so it does not contract. This causes the overlying skin to become smoother, with fewer lines and wrinkles.   The action of frowning is stopped, and the frown lines soften, relax, and diminish. The untreated facial muscles contract in normal fashion allowing normal facial expression and feeling to be unaffected.  

How long does the procedure take?

Following the consultation, the actual procedure takes about 15 minutes.  Since there is no down time-you can do it at lunch time- and no one would know you had it done!

When does BOTOX® Cosmetic start to work, and how long does it last?

The results of your BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment will begin to appear in three to four days. The effect will last three to four months, after which the treated muscles will gradually regain their action. When the frown line starts to reappear, a simple repeat treatment is all that is necessary to maintain the desired results. We advise patients to have their first 3 treatments precisely 12 weeks apart and the next 2 treatments precielsy at 16 weeks.  Typically patients who follow this treatment schedule need less Botox and increase the time needed between treatments.

Are there any side effects?

return to top

Injectables: Restylane®

Restylane® is an FDA approved gel that is injected into the skin adding volume to the lips and filling wrinkles and folds in the skin. Restylane® is a non-animal based substance, making it a safe alternative for those patients allergic to collagen. Results from Restylane® are apparent almost immediately and typically, last much longer than collagen.

What is Restylane®?

Restylane® is safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

What is Restylane® made of?

Restylane® is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a crystal0clear gel called NASHA, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and fully biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. 

Is Restylane® safe?

Yes. Restylane® has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. There is limited risk of animal-based transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane® is fully biocompatible and allergy testing is not required. Restylane® contains trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and should not be use by patients with a history of allergies to such material. After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn’t use Restylane®.

Can Restylane® be used anywhere on the face?

Restylane® has been used in more than 3 million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles.  In the U.S. the FDA has approved Restylane for wrinkles and folds like the ones from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Your doctor will consult with you prior to your injection regarding common treatment areas.

How long does Restylane® last?

Restylane® is proven to deliver long lasting results.  Studies have shown that Restylane® effects generally last for about six months. Restylane’s® stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

How is Restylane® different from BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Restylane® is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.

return to top