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Botox & Dermal Fillers
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BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA approved drug that is used to temporarily treat dynamic wrinkles of the forehead and eyes to give a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This highly purified, naturally occurring protein called botulinum toxin, works by blocking the nerve impulses to the muscles of the face that produce wrinkling. Over the last ten years millions of BOTOX injections have been performed. It has become the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure because of its predictable effects and excellent safety profile.
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Treatment involves several injections with a tiny needle. No sedation or anesthesia is necessary and normal activities can be resumed immediately that same day. Occassionally, patients will experience bruising in the injected areas. The effects are typically seen one to five days later. The effects of the BOTOX Cosmetic injections last three to four months and in some cases even longer.
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Dermal Fillers are injectable gels that are used to fill nondynamic wrinkles of the face. These are the wrinkles that are present even when you are not smiling or animating. The most commonly used fillers are Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse. These are FDA approved purified, naturally occurring polysaccharides, called hyaluronic acids, that are found in all living cells. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of the dermis connective tissue matrix.
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By injecting these gels into the dermis, wrinkles can actually be smoothed out. Areas that are particularly well suited to these treatments include the lines and folds along the face and mouth. Crow’s feet and frown lines that persist even after BOTOX Cosmetic treatment may also be good indications for these fillers.
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