The use of BOTOX® is simple, safe and rapid method to improve wrinkles in between the eyebrows (‘frown lines’), in the forehead, and in the "crows feet" or eye area. This non-surgical technique is most effective for wrinkles of the upper one-third of the face, but may also be used to good effect around the mouth, and in the neck (for ‘platysma’ bands). Botox injections may also be used to treat excess sweating of the armpit area, also known as ‘hyperhydrosis.’

There is virtually no downtime for this minimally invasive treatment, which can be performed in the office during a short visit. Topical ‘numbing cream’ may be used to diminish any discomfort during the injections, and the pleasing effects of treatment typically last for three to four months, at which time a repeat injection can be performed if desired.

BOTOX® is a purified protein produced by the bacteria ‘clostridium botulinum,’ and acts to weaken select facial muscles that cause undesirable wrinkles. Carefully applied, BOTOX® can also be used to alter and enhance the shape of the eyebrows, producing a subtle ‘physiologic’ brow lift, by weakening the muscles that pull the brow downward.

BOTOX® has been used in the treatment of muscular disorders of the eye and neck for the past two decades, and has an excellent safety record. There are no known generalized or ‘systemic’ side effects of BOTOX® treatment; BOTOX® is approved by the FDA for temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, in patients 18-65 years old. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery an estimated 3.8 million people were treated with BOTOX® in 2005 alone.

BOTOX® may be used in combination with facial fillers for enhanced results. Since Botox is most effective in the upper third of the face (the forehead), and fillers are most effective in the mid-face (cheeks), these two treatment methods may be used to complement one another quite well.

Facial Injectibles or’Fillers’

Injectable fillers increasingly are used as a non-surgical method of rejuvenation. There are a variety of products available, with new agents coming on the market frequently. Some of the fillers used most commonly include the hyaluronic acid products (Restylane, Captique, Hylaform and Juvederm), collagen products (Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm, Zyplast and Zyderm), calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse), polymethyl methacrylate spheres in collagen (Aterfil or Artecoll) and poly-L—lactic acid (Sculptra or New-Fill).

As we age, wrinkles begin to develop for a number of reasons. The skin and underlying tissues that keep our face looking youthful and full begin to break down from the effects of gravity, sun damage and years of repeated facial muscle movements. Additionally, we tend to lose fat from the face as we age, and this results in sagging and wrinkling. Dermal fillers can be used to replace some of this lost volume, temporarily restoring a smooth and more youthful appearance.

The most commonly treated areas are the ‘nasolabial crease/nasolabial fold’ or ‘smile lines’ in the cheek area, as well as the ‘marionette lines’ at the corner of mouth. Lines around the mouth may also be treated in some cases (perioral or smoker’s lines), as may ‘frown lines’ between the eyebrows (Botox is used here most often, but fillers have a role for some patients).

Filler can also be used to add volume to the lips (lip augmentation), and to diminish the appearance of some facial scars, including acne scars and/or those that are ‘depressed.’ Fillers may also be used to restore volume to the lower eyelid area (improving the appearance of the ‘nasojugal’ crease or ‘tear-trough’ deformity), and to alter facial contours.

Dr. Rudkin will discuss the various filler options with you, and help select the best product for your individual needs. Hyaluronic acid products, including Restylane, typically last about six months, though some patients may experience improvement lasting a year or more. Radiesse and Artecoll may last significantly longer (often one year or more), and collagen products are effective for three to four months in most cases. While allergy testing is required for some collagen-based products, most other products do not require testing, and treatment can usually be performed at the time of initial consultation. This effectively allows treatment with fillers to provide ‘immediate’ results.

For BOTOX® injections in Beverly Hills contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Rudkin at 310.410.4599