Cosmetic Dermatology

BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxin A) is the trade name for a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The protein blocks nerve impulses to muscles thus preventing contraction of the muscle. Since 1989, it has been used to treat frown lines, and more recently it has been shown to also improve crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and neck folds. It is now FDA approved for cosmetic use. In addition, BOTOX® is used for correction of "lazy eye", spasms of the eyelid, neck, and low back, headaches, and excessive perspiration.

BOTOX® is performed using a small amount of the substance injected directly into the muscles that are causing furrows or wrinkles. Treatments usually take approximately 10 minutes and are associated with a minimal and brief stinging sensation. BOTOX® takes effect 2-4 days after injection and results in a smoother, more rested and relaxed appearance. It usually lasts 3-5 months and can be repeated when the effect begins to wear off. Many people feel that the muscles causing the wrinkles remain relaxed for a more prolonged period after several treatments. There is typically no downtime and side effects are limited to mild redness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site and a rare possibility of temporary lowering of an eyelid.

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic is considered a safe, predictable, non-invasive procedure to improve many unwanted facial lines and wrinkles. There is another product similar to BOTOX® called Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxin A). The results with this product are very similar to BOTOX®. The principal difference is earlier onset of action with Dysport®, taking effect in 1-2 days. Either product can be used to achieve the desired effect and you are encouraged to speak with your physician about each product.

Want more time with less lines? Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxin A-lanm) is newly approved by the FDA for cosmetic treatment of frown lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows; for some the results may last twice as long as conventional treatment. The protein blocks nerve impulses to muscles thus preventing contraction of the muscles which are causing the furrows or wrinkles.
Daxxify™ is performed using a small amount of the substance injected directly into the muscles in the same manner as Botox® or other neuromodulators such as Xeomin, Dysport or Jeveau.  Treatments usually take approximately 10 minutes and are associated with a minimal and brief stinging sensation. Daxxify™ takes effect 3-5 days after injection and results in a smoother, more rested and relaxed appearance. It usually lasts 6-9 months and can be repeated when the effect begins to wear off. Many people feel that the muscles causing the wrinkles remain relaxed for a more prolonged period after several treatments. There is typically no downtime and side effects are limited to minor risk of mild redness, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site and a rare possibility of temporary lowering of an eyelid.

Juvéderm® is an FDA-approved injectable hyaluronic acid gel for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds very similar to Restylane® and Perlane®. Hyaluronic acid is the natural "ground substance" found in our skin. It can reduce the signs of aging by treating nasolabial folds, thin lips, acne scars and other facial lines with a smooth, natural look and feel. It adds volume and support to the skin which results in a more youthful appearance.

Treatments generally take 15-30 minutes and common side effects include mild redness and swelling that usually resolves in 2-3 days. The results are immediate and last 6-12 months. Because it is a non-animal based product, no allergy testing is necessary prior to treatment.

Restylane® and Perlane® are FDA-approved dermal fillers used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. They offer exceptional treatment for the nasolabial folds that stretch from the nose to the corners of the mouth, as well as scars, thin lips and other facial wrinkles. Fillers replenish lost volume and restore youthful contours to the face by non-surgically lifting and supporting tissues.

Restylane® and Perlane® are made of hyaluronic acid gel biosynthesized from non-animal sources and processed for injection under the skin. Hyaluronic acid is the natural "cement" or ground substance between collagen fibers that is found in our skin and gives it a full, natural, soft texture.

The injection procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and may require either topical or injectable anesthetic. The most common side effects are temporary redness and swelling which typically resolve within 2-3 days. No allergy testing is needed because Restylane® and Perlane® are non-animal based, non-allergenic products. Average treatment results last six months or longer.

Radiesse® is a safe, FDA-approved synthetic injectable filler used to correct moderate facial wrinkles such as nasolabial folds and smile lines, and restore facial volume. It consists of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in a gel carrier. These microspheres form a "scaffold" to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen. This will smooth lines and wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. Over time, the microspheres gradually break down and are naturally absorbed by your body. The results are immediate and typically last a year or longer. Treatments usually take approximately 15-30 minutes. There is typically little to no downtime and side effects are limited to normal injection-related reactions such as mild redness, swelling, or bruising and should subside within a few days. Most patients achieve the desired results after just one treatment, but occasionally a "touch-up" treatment may be recommended.

RHA ® collection Resilient Hyaluronic Acid

The RHA® collection of fillers are the first and only FDA-approved injectable hyaluronic fillers for dynamic wrinkles and folds. RHA® uses a gentle manufacturing process with few chemical modifications. This helps preserve the original structure of the HA, allowing it to mimic the natural HA found in your skin.  The collection is designed to be resilient enough to adapt to your facial movement, which will provide a more natural look.  Hyaluronic acid is the normal "ground substance" found in our skin. It can reduce the signs of aging, adding volume and support to the skin to provide a more youthful appearance. Treatments generally take 15-30 minutes and common side effects include mild redness and swelling that usually resolves in 2-3 days. The results are immediate and last 9-11 months.

Sculptra Aesthetic® is a poly-L-lactic acid, once injected it works deep within the skin to stimulate collagen production creating a framework that helps restore facial volume. Sculptra Aesthetic works subtly and gradually over time for results that can last for more than 2 years. It is a regimen of 2-3 injection sessions scheduled 5-6 weeks apart for correction of volume loss, cheek hollowing and facial wrinkles. Treatments usually take approximately 15-30 minutes. The treatment area should be massaged for 5 minutes 5 times per day for 5 days following injection. There is typically little to no downtime and side effects are limited to normal injection-related reactions such as mild redness, swelling, or bruising and should subside within a few days. Makeup may be applied within a few hours.