BOTOX® is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems.

* Temporary removal of facial wrinkles
* Severe underarm sweating
* Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
* Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking
* Strabismus - misaligned eyes

BOTOX® injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to four months. Side effects can include pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use BOTOX® if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

What is BOTOX®?

• BOTOX® comes from a kind of bacteria. The bacteria can make you very sick. But doctors have found that a chemical in BOTOX® can also help treat some health problems. They have been using it safely for many years.
How was this found?

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved BOTOX® over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes BOTOX® tested it. They showed the FDA that BOTOX® worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles.
How does BOTOX® work?

• Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens. BOTOX® is injected through the skin into the muscle. The BOTOX® keeps the muscle from tightening. When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.
You mean you can't move your muscles?

• A doctor trained in the use of BOTOX® will inject small amounts of BOTOX® into the muscle. Only the treated muscle can't move.
What happens over time?

BOTOX® works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.
Are there any side effects?

Yes

Side effects may include:

* Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
* Feeling like you have the flu
* Headache and upset stomach
* Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with BOTOX®, if used the right way

REMEMBER- BOTOX® is a drug, not a cosmetic.
What should I do if I want to try BOTOX®?

* Ask about how BOTOX® could help or hurt you
* Make sure your doctor is trained in the use of BOTOX®
* Make sure you get treatment in a doctor's office or clinic
* Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
* Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
* Do not use if you are breast feeding
* Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics
* Tell your doctor if you have any problems with nerves or muscles

Quick Facts About BOTOX®:

Are "BOTOX® parties" safe?
No. You should only get BOTOX® in a clinic or doctor's office. You should never share a tube of BOTOX®.

Can I use BOTOX® on other wrinkles?
BOTOX® is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Can I get BOTOX® at any age?
BOTOX® is only approved for people 18-65 years old. It has not been tested on people under 18 or over 65.

BOTOX® Injections

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery recommends persons considering Botox® treatment to:

1. Check the physician's credentials: The physician should be trained and qualified in facial plastic surgery. The human face has a complex anatomy and the surgeon must be familiar with the physiology and function of more than 40 muscles present in the face. Members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are qualified to perform injections of the face because of their extensive experience in performing facial plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

2. Insist on a complete medical evaluation: When a person is submitting to any medical treatment that may involve complications, he or she should consult with a physician for a medical evaluation and complete medial history before treatment.

3. Be informed: The physician you are consulting with should explain the factual information and discuss the risk, benefits, and alternative treatments and make recommendations for treatment. An inform consent document must be signed by the patient. Avoid the consumption of alcohol when under going a medical procedure.

4. Choose the appropriate setting for treatment: Botox® injections are medical procedures and should be performed in the presence of trained medical personnel and proper equipment to deal with potential complications. All injection should be performed using sterile techniques and proper disposal of needles and syringes is necessary

(source: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY (AAFPRS): http://www.aafprs.org/media/media_resources/fact_botox.html)

More Information About BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections - back

Overview

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been established as one of the safest and most effective ways in eliminating the fine lines in the upper face. It is one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments available; treating close to 3 to 4 patients a day. It is most often used for 3 areas; the horizontal "worry" lines of the forehead, the vertical "angry" lines between the eyebrows, and the fine "crows feet" lines around the eyes. The miracle of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that it provides a nonsurgical option to problems the plastic surgeon often used to operate on.

Restylane - back

Overview

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

Restylane is the only cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHAT or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal-based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Based on clinical studies3, Restylane treatments produce a very low occurrence of adverse events. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Restylane® has been used in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles and to enhance the appearance of the lip border. It is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, which are the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Clinical studies have shown the average Restylane® treatment results can last six months or even longer. The unique NASHAT technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

Restylane® is different from BOTOX® Cosmetic®.

Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. 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.

Restylane is different than other hyaluronic acid-based products.

Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Restylane is different from bovine collagen.

Restylane is proven to deliver a longer lasting effect than traditional collagen3 with virtually no risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Bovine collagen is derived from cowhide and requires an allergy test. Restylane can be administered without pretesting, so no waiting is required.

Talk to a doctor

Providing Cosmetic Surgery and treatments for patients in:
Loudoun County, Frederick County, and Fairfax County in Leesburg, Reston Ashburn, Winchester and beyond

THERMAGE

The Thermage® procedure has recently received a significant amount of attention from news organizations such as Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN as well as the local news. Thermage has also been highly touted by Oprah Winfrey on several episodes of her show. What is all the hype about? They are all presenting Thermage as the only nonsurgical method of tightening lax tissue. Thermage has even been nicknamed the Nonsurgical Facelift. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat and tighten skin collogen, lifting and tightening the lax skin that develops around the face including the jowls, neck, and brow. In the process, it helps to reduce facial wrinkles.

Thermage is most effective when combined with the array of nonsurgical procedures now available such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane, and Micropeels.

The Procedure:
The Thermage procedure is a nonsurgical procedure performed in an office procedure room. The process takes between a few minutes to an hour depending on how many areas are treated. Because it can be uncomfortable, many patients require apply an anesthetic cream one hour before the procedure to make the procedure more tolerable. Once the procedure is complete, there may be mild swelling along the jawline; but there is otherwise no "downtime". Minimal redness is seen in some patients but it usually disappears shortly after treatment. Heat-related complications can occur but are uncommon. There is no special care needed after treatment. As a part of good skin care, sunscreen is recommended.

Providing Cosmetic Surgery and treatments for patients in:
Loudoun County, Frederick County, and Fairfax County in Leesburg, Reston Ashburn, Winchester and beyond

JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel (Juvaderm)

JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel is the newest dermal filler on the market, can be used to treat frown lines, smile lines, vertical lip lines, and acne scars. and is recommended to last six to nine months. JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel cosmetic facial fillers! JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel is a ‘next generation’ family of smooth, long-lasting gel dermal fillers, and the latest advance in hyaluronic acid cosmetic filler technology. Hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar already found naturally in the body, has become a favored compound for replenishing the areas of the face where the skin’s volume and fullness has been lost.

In the body, hyaluronic acid fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers of the skin. It is present in all living cells; attracting and binding water, hydrating and giving the skin smoothness and volume. However, as the body ages, the ability of the body’s cells to manufacture its own hyaluronic acid is diminished, resulting in the loss of skin volume, producing folds and wrinkles.

JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel is biosynthetic and of non-animal origin. Since it is not created from an animal source, there is little chance of allergic reaction. The formula is highly biocompatible, and no testing is required prior to administration. It has been proven to be safe and effective for skin of all types and colors.

Providing Cosmetic Surgery and treatments for patients in:
Loudoun County, Frederick County, and Fairfax County in Leesburg, Reston Ashburn, Winchester and beyond

Perlane

Perlane® restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). After your treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, and bruising. This will normally last less than seven days. Although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur. If you have had herpes before, an injection can cause the herpes to return. In rare circumstances, the doctor may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. To avoid bruising and bleeding, you should not use Perlane if you have recently used drugs that thin your blood or prevent clotting. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn’t use Perlane®

Perlane is an injectable filler used to treat deep facial lines, augment the lips and contour the cheeks and chin. Perlane is made by Q-Med, the Swedish company that produces Restylane®, Perlane contains purified hyaluronic acid, a sugar found naturally in the body that works with collagen to keep the skin smooth and supple. It is hypoallergenic and so does not require a pre-treatment skin test. With its unique ability to bind with water, Perlane continues to perform up to 60% longer than collagen.

Talk to a doctor

Many patients have questions about Perlane or Restylane® treatment and would like a free consultation. This consultation will allow your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of Perlane or Restylane® treatment. Make sure when selecting a doctor to look for a board certified physician who has references. Any information on this website should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

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