Approved by the FDA in 2002 to temporarily treat moderate-to-severe frown lines, Botox is a prescription medication made of botulinum toxin, a cosmetic form of Clostridium botulinum. Botox works to temporarily paralyze the muscle at the injection site to achieve a more youthful appearance.

When used cosmetically, only a small injection is required for maximum results. Botox can be injected:

• between your eyebrows (corrugator)
• in your forehead (frontalis)
• in your nose (nasalis)

This non-invasive cosmetic procedure has proven results. Botox injections are quick and easy and do not cause much pain. Botox injections are labeled a ‘3S’ procedure because they are simple, safe, and successful.

Botox Side Effects

To achieve the best results, Botox injections should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon or advance practice provider (APP). Side effects and complications include:

• Crooked smile or drooling
• Droopy eyelids or cockeyed eyebrows
• Flu-like symptoms
• Headache
• Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site

If you experience muscle weakness, vision problems, breathing issues, speaking, or swallowing please call your doctor immediately.

If you suffer from allergies to cow’s milk or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s generally recommended you forgo having Botox injections. You and your plastic surgeon can discuss options that will work better for you.

Fillers are made up of Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule within your body. Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in keeping the collagen and elastin in your skin healthy. As we age, the amount of collagen and elastin is reduced, which causes lines and reduced facial volume.

Injecting Hyaluronic acid into your fine lines and wrinkles achieves natural results while also stimulating collagen production in your skin. Dermal fillers are injected underneath the soft tissue of your skin and offer immediate results.

Common cosmetic fillers include:

• Restylane/Perlane - safe on delicate skin, these fillers fill in deep lines and increase volume in various areas of your face
• Juvaderm - an FDA-approved gel-type filler that works to remove smile lines, as well as scars. Juvaderm is often utilized in lip augmentation