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BOTOX®
has been safely used to treat a variety of conditions for more
than 10 years, and is now FDA-approved for the temporary treatment
of frown lines in people ages 18 to 65. BOTOX® is a natural,
purified protein, which in very low doses relaxes the overactive
muscles that cause frown lines to form. Treatment is simple
and nonsurgical and smoothes the deep, persistent lines between
your brows that develop over time.
BOTOX® generally remains only in the treated muscle and
gradually disappears without breaking down or traveling through
the body. Results last 3 to 4 months, after which, lines gradually
revert to their pretreated appearance.
You can expect a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your
frown lines, but it will not radically change your appearance.
In clinical trials, nearly 90% of the men and women surveyed
rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better.
Overall, you'll look more relaxed and refreshed but not like
"you've had work done."
The only expression you'll lose is the unintentional frown caused
by the overactive muscles between your brows. So you can frown,
smile or look surprised without the creases and wrinkles between
your brows.
No anesthesia is required for this procedure, although your
physician may choose to use an anesthetic cream or ice to minimize
discomfort. The entire treatment takes approximately 10 minutes.
Discomfort is minimal and brief — most patients compare
the sensation to a bug bite. Most people return to work or normal
activity immediately.
The most common side effects, if they occur, are headache, respiratory
infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea.
BOTOX® should not be used if there is an infection at the
injection site.
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX®,
but dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists
or other aesthetic specialty physicians are generally more experienced.
When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® is
quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery's 2000 survey, BOTOX® is one of the least
expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking 7th of the 9
most widely used procedures in the United States. Like other
appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts,
teeth whitening and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed
relative to your expectations.
Collagen
is actually part of the natural support structure of your skin.
Wrinkles form when this natural collagen thins. This loss is
mostly a factor of aging, but exposure, pollution, health, heredity
and lifestyle also play roles. Without enough collagen, wrinkles
and lines start to form wherever the skin moves. Collagen Replacement
Therapy® (using Zyderm® and Zyplast collagen implants),
replenishes the skin's collagen layer, smoothing lines and wrinkles
and adding definition to lip borders from the inside out. And
results are immediate.
Zyderm® and Zyplast® collagen implants are natural products
derived from highly purified bovine collagen that is injected
just under the surface of the skin. Like your own collagen,
your body eventually absorbs this collagen so ongoing treatments
are necessary to maintain results. If you discontinue treatments,
the new collagen is simply reabsorbed and your face gradually
returns to its natural contours.
While healing time varies, many people return to work the same
day. People absorb collagen at varying rates, but treatments
generally last 3 to 6 months.
A skin test is administered 4 weeks prior to treatment to screen
for a preexisting allergy to collagen. Some patients have reported
allergic reactions to bovine collagen as described above.
This procedure must be performed by a physician or a qualified
healthcare professional |
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