Botox Cosmetic in Arcadia
Botox® Cosmetic has become a more common and popular non-surgical treatment to rejuvenate and enhance the face. In many cases, it corrects wrinkles and lines on the face without the need for surgery. Although it has temporary results, lasting an average of 3-6 months, it provides patients with almost instant correction and without any downtime. For some patients, Botox® Cosmetic is another way of “…trying on a brow lift.”
How it works
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions underneath the facial skin like the ones shown above. These muscles control facial expressions, helping us smile, laugh, and frown. These muscles may stay slightly active all of the time, causing worry lines. Botox® Cosmetic relaxes these muscles, smoothing the overlying skin. Untreated muscles are unaffected, allowing normal contraction to occur as part of facial expression.
* Individual results may vary.
Botox® Cosmetic is the brand name for botulism toxin type A, a naturally occurring protein that blocks nerve impulse conduction to muscle. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a registered trademark of Allergan Corporation.
Preparation
The reason that treatments such as Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are so popular is that they have real, effective results that do not require surgery or any recovery time. That said, each of these is a prescription medication that should be administered by, or under the supervision of, a qualified physician. Be aware that unscrupulous individuals stating that they provide Botox® may not be qualified healthcare professionals and/or may not be providing an FDA-approved medication such as Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Others may dilute their treatments, making the cosmetic treatment last for a shorter duration or providing inadequate results. Be wary of unbelievable pricing and always have your treatment done by a qualified healthcare professional.
Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin® may also be administered as part of the Liquid Facelift.
Before the Procedure
One of the wonderful aspects of Botox® is the fact that no true preparation is needed. Most of Dr. Chow’s patients simply arrange an appointment that is most convenient for their busy schedules. That said, certain things will improve your likely results and minimize any risk of bruising that can occasionally occur from the injection.
One of the best things you can do to minimize the possibility of a small injection site bruise is to avoid any aspirin or aspirin-containing products. This will include similar medications, including ibuprofen, Alleve®, Motrin®, and most over-the-counter analgesic pain medications other than acetaminophen (Tylenol®). If you take prescription medications that thin your blood, including (but not limited to) Coumadin® (warfarin) and Plavix®, you should be aware that you are more likely to have bruises from your injections. If you smoke, your likelihood of bruising is also increased. If you bruise easily, you may choose to take a natural supplement called Arnica Montanna. This has been associated with a decreased incidence of bruising.
Naturally, before any treatment, Dr. Chow will evaluate you to determine that you are a safe candidate for the procedure. If you have a pre-existing medical condition that leaves you with muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, speaking difficulties, or breathing difficulties, you should let Dr. Chow know. Every new patient will undergo a full history and expert exam to determine if a treatment such as Botox® will be a safe way to achieve that person’s aesthetic goals.
If you wear makeup daily, you should plan to have some with you so that you can touch up any makeup that is wiped away from your face to clean that area for the procedure. If you exercise daily, you may choose to work out before your treatment at the Chow Center, since Dr. Chow recommends waiting at least four hours before physical exertion following your Botox treatment.
The Procedure
Most people find that talking about Botox® takes far longer than the procedure itself. Most patients choose to have topical anesthetic ointment applied to the areas which will be treated to dull the sensation in the area. Others prefer nothing at all. You will have the opportunity to choose before your treatment.
Just before injection, any topical anesthetic ointment that has been applied will be gently removed and an ice pack applied to the area. After a short time, typically measured in seconds, the ice pack will be removed, and the treatment area will be cleaned with alcohol or an antiseptic such as betadine, and Botox® (or another neuromodulator) injections will be performed. All injections are performed by Dr. Chow, a board-certified surgeon who is fellowship trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
To learn more about a specific procedure, please click on one of the links below.
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Brow (between the eyebrows)
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Forehead
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Crows Feet (lines around the eyes)
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Masseters (to thin the face)
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Neck
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Chin
- Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to the Lips
Recovery Info
After the Procedure
Generally, you will be able to leave the office within minutes of your treatment. Many patients choose to return to work, go shopping, have lunch, attend social engagements (dinners, lunches, parties, etc.) or are on the way home. If you wear makeup, you can reapply or touch up makeup before you leave the Chow Center.
Dr. Chow does not recommend exercising or lying down (flat on a bed) for four hours after a Botox® treatment. In addition, if you have Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® around the eyes, you should avoid vigorously rubbing your eyes for a few days after your treatment. If you are concerned about possible bruising, you can also continue taking Arnica Montana after your treatment for two days, or as long as any bruising persists.
Most treatments require three to five days before results begin to show, except in the case of treatment of masseters. For these muscles, the goal is to reduce their overall size. Therefore, results may not be seen for several months when using Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® to thin the face. For treatments done in other areas, most see results within one, and very occasionally two, weeks.
To maintain your results, be sure to schedule your next treatment session before you leave the office.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
BOTOX Skin Rejuvenation Pasadena cost varies greatly depending on a variety of criteria. Price is dependent on factors like the number of injections required and the number of wrinkles being treated. Please contact our office for more information.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Chow is a highly skilled and experienced facial aesthetic expert who specializes in BOTOX Skin Rejuvenation Pasadena injections. Recognized as one of the best aestheticians in Arcadia, California, Dr. Chow is dedicated to providing the best results Arcadia, California has to offer. Contact the Chow Center today to schedule a consultation for your BOTOX Skin Rejuvenation Pasadena treatment.
FAQ
All you need to know about Botox®
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What is Botox® Cosmetic (what is Dysport®, what is Xeomin®)?</h3 >
Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are prescription medications that are injected into muscles to relax them, thereby reducing lines and wrinkles that are formed by the contraction of these muscles. This result is temporary (non-permanent).
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How does Botox® work?
This prescription medicine, when injected into a muscle, blocks nerve impulses to the muscle, reducing muscle contractions that lead to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
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How long does it take before I see results after Botox®?
Most patients at the Chow Center see significant results within three to five days, although some may not see results for a longer period. Lines can continue to improve for up to 30 days after treatment.
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How long does Botox® last?
After seeing a marked improvement in the lines treated by Botox® within days, visible results usually last 3 to 4 months. In some cases, results have lasted longer. Since individual results may vary, consult with Dr. Chow regarding your expectations before your treatment.
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Who administers Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin® at the Chow Center?
Dr. Chow personally performs all such treatments for every patient. Many treatments have been carefully developed for a specific individual based on that person’s cosmetic concerns and goals.
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Is treatment with Botox® painful?
Discomfort is usually brief and minimal. Even so, you will have anesthetic cream applied to your injection area, as well as a cold pack to help numb the area just before treatment.
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Who should not have a Botox® treatment?
You should always seek the advice of qualified health care professional before receiving prescription medication. In general, do not seek Botox® Cosmetic treatment if you have:
- a disease that can lead to muscle or nerve weakness
- allergies to any botulinum product (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Myobloc®)
- an infection in the treatment area
- swallowing problems
- bleeding problems
- significant breathing problems
- are pregnant or attempting to conceive
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.
Dysport® is a registered trademark of Ipsen Biopharm Ltd.
Myobloc® is a registered trademark of Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.
Xeomin® is a registered trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.
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