Botox - San Jose & Bay Area

Background

Almost 5 million Botox and Dysport procedures were performed in 2009. Botox® and Dysport® work by relaxing and softening the action of muscles. This is primarily used on the muscles of the face to improve and smooth facial wrinkles. Botox® and Dysport® are part of a class of “neuromodulating” medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cosmetic use.

Why people choose Botox® or Dysport®

The muscles of the face are unique in that they insert onto the skin to give us facial expressions. When these muscles move, the overlying skin accordions resulting in a facial wrinkle. When the wrinkles occur only with facial animation, they are called “dynamic wrinkles” (wrinkles only with activity). When the muscle relaxes, the skin flattens and the “dynamic wrinkle” goes away. Over time, however, dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles (wrinkles present all the time), especially in patients with hyperactive facial muscles. Static wrinkles can become permanent and are much more difficult to treat. Many people believe that early treatment with Botox® or Dysport® can prevent or delay the formation of permanent (static) facial wrinkles.

Facial muscles vary in size and activity between different people. A common area of hyperactivity is the area between our eyebrows, also known as the glabella (corrugator muscles). When these muscle contract, they depress the medial eyebrows conveying a stern, angry, or frowning look. When these muscles are hyperactive, people appear “angry” even when they are not.

The glabella was the first region where Botox® Cosmetic was used. Now it is commonly used all over the face and body. Neuromodulators have strong safety records with millions of patient injections every year and a decade of clinical cosmetic use.

• Forehead
• Glabella (area between eyebrows)
• Crow’s feet (wrinkles on the outer side of the eyes)
• Nose (bunny lines on nose)
• Perioral (vertical lip wrinkles around mouth)
• Platysma (neck bands)
• Corners of mouth (turns up the corners of the mouth)
• Jawline (make a square face more angular)
• Armpits for excess sweating (excess sweating)

The Consult

During your initial consultation, Dr. Liu will perform a thorough facial aesthetic analysis to determine if you are a good candidate for Botox® or Dysport®. The goal of the consultation is for you to obtain all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding Botox® or Dysport®. Following your consultation, you will have a better understanding of how neuromodulators help you achieve a more relaxed and youthful face.

What to Expect

All cosmetic injections are performed by Dr. Liu, a fellowship trained plastic surgeon. Botox®/Dysport® injections are very safe and relatively painless. Most patients report very little discomfort. After the injection you can drive yourself home and resume your normal activities. The effect is not immediate. Patients begin to see some softening of wrinkles in 1 - 2 days but may take up to 7 days for the full effect. Occasionally, patients request a touch-up at 2 weeks to further improve certain areas or to give a booster for more dramatic effects.

The average Dysport and Botox San Jose patients receive will normally last approximately 3-4 months. The actual duration varies between individuals and by the region being treated. One study showed about half of the patient had mild or no glabella frown lines at 3 months. You can space out your injections to a level that you find acceptable.

Recovery

After the injection, patients can resume normal daily activities. Avoid strenuous activities the evening after injection. You will have no additional restrictions thereafter. Bruising is rare. Occasionally there is a slight redness where the injections were placed that is gone by the next morning.

Summary

Botox® and Dysport® play an important role in any facial rejuvenation program and can offer significant aesthetic and personal benefits for the right candidate by improving or preventing facial wrinkles. Drs. Jerome and Tom Liu are committed to providing each patient with the safest and most comfortable Dysport and Botox San Jose has to offer. To find out if Botox® or Dysport® is right for you, please make an appointment with Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu.