BOTOX®/Xeomin

As we age, predictable wrinkles and folds develop on the face, which is caused by the repetitive contraction of underlying muscles. Neuromodulator injections, including Botox® and Xeomin, are one of the most popular and effective means of relaxing the facial muscles to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of creases and wrinkles resulting in a fresh and rejuvenated appearance. Botox® has over 30 years of proven success with treating crow’s feet, brow creases, frown lines and other wrinkles.

The key to achieving excellent results is to choose an expert injector who understands the underlying facial anatomy. Some patients may be worried about an “overdone” or “frozen” appearance but with meticulous technique and knowledge of which muscles to target, a natural look can easily be obtained. At our office, only the surgeon, Dr. Yau, performs the injections. In consultation with you, Dr. Yau will carefully assess your face and advise you of the most effective treatment plan to meet your aesthetic goals.

Botox® and Xeomin both contain a safe and purified form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. Botox® has been extensively researched with approximately 3000 studies on its safety and efficacy. Properly placed injections of the neuromodulators block nerve impulses sent to specific muscles. The muscles weaken to the point where they cannot contract, thereby eliminating moderately severe furrows and lines.

Administering Botox®/Xeomin

Using a very fine needle, Dr. Yau will inject the neuromodulator directly into the facial muscles that are causing wrinkles and folds. Receiving the injections requires no anesthetic as there is minimal discomfort due to the fine needle size and a small quantity of liquid injected. The procedure itself usually takes less than 15 minutes and results can be noticed within a few days afterward. Following the procedure, muscles lying just deep to the skin relax resulting in a softening effect of existing wrinkles and a preventative effect on the formation of new wrinkles in the future.

Recovery

The recovery from the injections is straightforward with little to no downtime. There may be some redness at the site of injection, but this usually subsides shortly thereafter. Occasionally, there can also be a small bruise or mild amount of swelling that is temporary and typically not very noticeable. Local side effects such as these are normal and will resolve on their own. The effects of the treatment last between 3 and 6 months depending on the individual, the anatomy and the dose administered. With repetitive treatments, the timeframe between visits is often extended as the targeted muscles increasingly lose their ability to contract. The procedure is brief, safe and provides the natural-looking results patients are looking for.