Neuomodulators (Botox®)

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. The more emotion you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. While you may have earned every one of your worry lines, you don't have to show them anymore. Now, thanks to a use for an approved drug, dynamic lines can be dramatically softened. The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses Botox® to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow's feet and other dynamic wrinkles. This treatment is also used for chronic headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating from the underarms) and is available here at Laser Health Works.

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Botox® is a novel therapeautic product (protein);
Has been studied extensively for facial rejuvenation since the early 1990s;
90% positive patient response to improvement of wrinkles; and
Approved for use in Canada for other muscle-related medical conditions.

HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?

Botox® blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. It relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.

Botox® works at the root of the problem

Botox® relaxes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (deep wrinkles caused by overactive muscles). A tiny amount is placed precisely into the overactive muscle through a fine needle. The muscle relaxes and the overlying skin becomes smoother, giving your face a more relaxed look. Most common side effects are mild and a temporary headache, occur less than placebo and ptosis (drooping of eylelid) less than 5%.

ARE THESE TREATMENTS SAFE?

Botox® injections have been used safely and effectively for fifteen years to treat many ophthalmologic and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive these treatments for a variety of conditions (club feet, post stroke spasticity, etc.). It is now becoming a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT LIKE?

Cosmetic temporary denervation with Botox® is a simple and safe procedure. Using a tiny micro needle, a very small amount of the product is injected, very precisely, into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the discomfort associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. In some cases, the toxin can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles. In very rare cases, there can be a drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Your doctor will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects of Botox® are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, cosmetic denervation can smooth these lines out and give you a more youthful and pleasant appearance. However, this procedure cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin since they are unrelated to facial muscle contractions. The injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for fillers, a facelift or brow lift.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF BOTOX®?

Unfortunately, Botox® injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of Botox® last from three to six months. You will need to have Botox® injections about two to three times a year. The early clinical studies indicate that the duration of treatment benefits is increased over time so that you should require Botox® less frequently in the future. Also, the duration of effect varies from patient to patient and may be less effective for those over 65 years of age.

IS THIS PROCEDURE USED TO TREAT OTHER SYMPTOMS?

Yes. Botox® has been used for fifteen years on thousands of patients to treat blepharospasm (chronic blinking). Botox® is also used to treat migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, hyperhidrosis (excessively sweaty underarms) and post stroke spasticity.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF I'M A CANDIDATE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if these treatments might work well for you, please call our office and schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. Contact us

POST TREATMENT

We suggest that for 6 weeks the client follow a very specific program to support the skin tissue. This is done to maintain the skin’s tone and vitality. This program includes cleansing exfoliation and hydrobalancing of the skin to ensure its health. The restorative program, which entails the use of Ecoprotective cream and concentrates will target the condition of the skin and strengthen the skin’s defenses. Peau Vive uses botanical ingredients such as Dextrin which act as mechanical tensors to tone cutaneous tissue and improve the visible signs of aging. A botanical ginseng which is used stimulates tissue metabolism and tones the cutaneous muscular system. Thus, nightly use of Peau Vive's Toning Concentrate 404 and Contour Toning Cream 304is recommended after the correct cleansing product has been used. We will assist you in these choices depending on your skin type.