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Botulinum-Toxin
(e.g. Botox©,
Dysport©)
Injections
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Botox
treatments are becoming
increasingly popular, and with
good reason. In many cases,
Botox is a very effective
method for reducing wrinkles.
Botox can be used to smooth
wrinkles in the neck and face
to create a more youthful
appearance. It is especially
useful in the eye area.
Removing wrinkles from between
the eyes can dramatically
change a person’s look from
one of permanent anger or
sadness to one of contentment
and restedness.
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It is also
frequently used on the thin
wrinkles that surround the
eyes (often called “crows
feet”) and the mouth, but
can also be used in other
areas, such as along the chin
and jaw. The
solution used in these treatments is
made of botulinum A toxin, a
purified protein made from botulism
bacteria. This solution temporarily
paralyzes nerves of the facial
muscles so that they cannot contract
and cause wrinkles in the area being
treated.
Botox may also be helpful in
treating migraine headaches, and can
be used to decrease excess sweating
of the palms and underarms.
If you’re considering Botox
treatment, the following information
will provide you with a good
introduction to the procedure. For
more detailed information about how
this procedure may help you, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl.
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What
are some of the most common benefits
of Botox treatments?
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Botox
treatments are unique in
that they can be used to
remove dynamic wrinkles -
the wrinkles that are
produced by facial movement.
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What
will happen at the initial
consultation?
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During
the consultation, you will
have the opportunity to talk
to Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about the
changes that you’d like to
make in your appearance. He will explain the
different options available
to you, the procedure
itself, and the risks and
limitations involved.
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How
are the treatments performed?
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Botox
treatments are brief and
simple. First, the skin may
be treated with a topical
numbing agent, if necessary
at all.
Next, very small amounts of
Botox are strategically
injected in different parts
of the face. This is
accomplished with thin
needles that cause very
little pain.
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How
long do the treatments take?
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Depending
on the number of injections
needed, the treatment may
take 10 to 30 minutes.
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Where
are the treatments performed?
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Botox
treatments are being performed
in the office. Anesthesia
is rarely needed, but
sedatives and numbing agents
may be used.
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How
much pain is there?
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There
is some discomfort involved
with the injections, but the
discomfort is slight. The
feeling has been likened to
an insect bite. After the
procedure, there is
virtually no pain.
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What
can I expect afterward?
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The
results of the procedure are
generally visible within 3
to 5 days. Although results
vary, the results of an
individual treatment last
for about 4 to 6 months. The
procedure may be repeated
and, with each new
treatment, the results tend
to last longer.
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What
is the recovery period like?
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You’ll
probably be able to return
to work or home immediately
after the procedure.
However, care must be taken
to keep the head upright and
avoid massaging the treated
area, so that the Botox
affects only the desired
areas.
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What
is the long-term outcome like for
most people?
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Most
people are very pleased with
the results. For long-term
results, the procedure will need to be
repeated at least twice per year.
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Ideal
candidate:
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In
general, the best candidates
for Botox treatments are:
- Dynamic
wrinkles
in the face or neck
- Knowledgeable
about the procedure
- In
good physical and
psychological health
- Wanting
to improve their
appearance
- Realistic
in their expectations
- Not
a heavy user of alcohol
The
above is only a partial list
of the criteria that Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
will consider in determining
whether or not this
procedure is appropriate for
you. Be sure to ask Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
if he considers you an
ideal candidate for Botox
injections.
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Other
important information:
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This
procedure can remove or
deter wrinkles by preventing
the repeated facial
expressions that contribute
to their formation. It
cannot improve the overall
texture of the skin, but
procedures such as laser
or radiofrequency skin resurfacing
can be used to accomplish
this. Botox treatments cannot tighten the
facial skin either. Look for
facelift
and foreheadlift
for ways to
accomplish this.
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Risks:
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Mild
bruising or swelling may
occur at the site of the
injection. The treatment may
also cause a brief headache.
In rare cases, the
injections may cause the
eyebrow or upper eyelid to
droop, but this condition is
temporary and corrects
itself without treatment
within 2 to 3 weeks.
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Be
sure to:
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- Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about any
allergies you have (to
foods, drugs,
environmental elements)
- Tell
Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl about all
medications, herbal
supplements or natural
supplements you are
taking (both
prescription and
non-prescription)
- Carefully
follow any instructions Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
gives you
regarding eating and
drinking and smoking.
- Avoid
aspirin and
aspirin-containing
medicines for two
weeks prior to surgery.
- Please
inform Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl
immediately in case you
should experience fever
or symptoms of an
infection after surgery.
The
information on this web site
is only intended as an
introduction to this
procedure and should not be
used to determine whether
you will have the procedure
performed nor as a guarantee
of the result.
The
best method of determining
your personal options is to
schedule a personal
consultation with Dr. Kremer / Dr. Zettl. He will be able to
answer specific questions
related to your situation.
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