Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Botox®

Botox treatment is a revolutionary approach to reversing the affects facial wrinkles. Crow’s feet, worry lines and laugh lines can all be a thing of the past. These are referred to as dynamic wrinkle lines and all are treatable with this procedure. Cosmetic denervation is the process of injecting botox into the tiny facial muscles that create the wrinkles.

Before Surgery

To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes is made in order to decide the most effective injection sites. All issues and concerns will be discussed.

The areas that will be treated are marked and digital photographs are taken in order to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.

The Botox Procedure

Botox injections are performed without anesthesia because it is virtually painless. Only a very small sting is felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to three times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that long term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment’s effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience as dramatic of results. Botox is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.

Post-Operative Information

After the operation patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Patients may immediately return to work and resume normal activities. The BOTOX® injection will gradually take effect in three to five days. It is important that you keep your head elevated (e.g., do not lie down or bend over) for approximately two to three hours after a BOTOX® Cosmetic injection.Normal activities can be performed immediately. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases an eyelid may droop. Botox is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. The doctor will explain all risks associated at the time of your consultation.

Dysport®

Introducing a Fresh New Choice

Dysport – the Botox Alternative is here!

The doctors at LSU Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Faculty Practice would like to introduce to you a new Botox alternative called Dysport. Dysport is not really new…It’s been in used in Europe for over 18 years with over 2 million users. Dysport is new to the US having just been released by the FDA for public use in May 2009. The office is excited about Dysport because our clients can now have a choice on which product to use.

The Dysport Difference

Dysport is very similar to Botox in many ways. They are both from the same drug family, Abobotulinum Toxin A, and perform similarly in results. However, there are some differences. Dysport can be more cost effective as the cost per unit is less. However, Dysport requires more units per treatment. There is also evidence that Dysport injections may be more effective with large muscle groups, like foreheads and armpits.

Like Botox, Dysport is administered via injections at the site of wrinkles and acts by temporarily weakening the facial muscles, which then smooth and soften the facial wrinkles and lines caused by excessive action of these muscles. The result is a face that looks fresher and younger.

However, the manufacturing process of Dysport is slightly different, resulting in slight differences in its clinical use for cosmetic purposes. For instance, Dysport may provide a little faster onset of action and has a greater ‘spread’ (giving a more ‘natural’ look) compared to Botox. Botox, on the other hand, tends to remain more localized, allowing for greater precision in the treatment area, but possibly requiring more injections in the course of a treatment. There are also claims and suggestions that Dysport results may last up to a month or even two beyond that of Botox.

The doctors at LSU Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Faculty Practice have worked with both products and are fully comfortable using either product to their patient’s benefit. Having alternative products to choose from is always beneficial for patients, as it enables the physician to choose the best treatment according to each patient’s individual needs, previous responses to treatment, and patient expectations.

Injections of Dysport® are performed with a very fine needle. Dysport® treatments typically take no longer than 15 to 30 minutes to complete, and can be performed over your lunch hour.

Although there will be some temporary swelling and redness after Dysport® treatment, you should be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately. Of course, anytime a needle is used, however fine, bruising is a possibility. This is minimized by avoiding aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (eg. Ibuprophen) for 1 week prior and 2 days after injection, when possible. Results are often the most apparent about one week after treatment, and typically last three to four months. Once the effects of Dysport® begin to fade, you can keep the results going with occasional “touch-up” treatments.

Restylane

Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is a satisfying lip filler, bringing “new life” to small, narrow lips. Restylane was the first filler of its kind in the U.S. market and has achieved much success. You will be very satisfied with this treatment experience. The results are appreciated before you even leave the office.

Restylane is made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acid-based products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This quality limits any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.

Restylane requires no pre-testing and the effects generally last for about six months. Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient, and the results are practically instantaneous.

Restylane is currently the best selling injectable filler in the United States. It is a clear gel made of hyaluronic acid, which is a component of human skin and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid binds water, so when it is injected into wrinkles, it adds volume, or fills them. This makes the wrinkles less deep, smoother, less noticeable. Restylane, like Juvederm, and Perlane, the other popular hyaluronic acid fillers, is purified from bacteria, so no human or animal proteins are present, eliminating risk of allergic reactions. Restylane is typically used in the lines around the mouth and lower face, the lips, and lines around the forehead and eyebrows.

Perlane is made by the same company as Restylane. It is also a hyaluronic acid filler, also a clear gel. Perlane is thicker than Restylane, so it is used in deeper creases and seems to last a little longer, 6-9 months in most patients.

Perlane

Perlane is made by Medicis, the same company that manufactures Restylane. Perlane and Restylane are both made of hyaluronic acid, but the particle size is larger in Perlane, making it thicker. Both products are clear gels. Hyaluronic acid is a component of human skin and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid binds water, so when it is injected into wrinkles, it adds volume, filling them. This makes the wrinkles less deep, smoother, less noticeable. Perlane,–like Juvederm, and Perlane, the other popular hyaluronic acid fillers–is purified from bacteria, so no human or animal proteins are present, eliminating risk of allergic reactions. Perlane is typically used in deeper creases around the mouth and lower face and in the lips. It last 6 – 9 months or more in most patients, probably a little longer than Restylane and Juvederm.