About Botox & Fillers
What are BOTOX, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Daxxify?
BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA), Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA), Jeuveau™ (prabolulinumtoxinA-xvfs), Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA), and Daxxify™ (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) are variants of a naturally occurring substance that can decrease muscle movement. They have been used for years to improve muscle spasms, eye twitching, double vision associated with muscle imbalance and their uses in medicine continue to expand. The injection of very small quantities in precise locations can relax facial muscles for cosmetic purposes; this prevents frowning, improves crow’s feet and other expression lines. They are also used to decrease sweating on the face, underarms, palms, and soles.
What is the treatment like?
The product is injected under the skin to decrease muscle contraction. Your healthcare provider will determine how much of which product to use based on your desired outcome. To maintain and improve the long-term results, BOTOX, Dysport and Jeuveau are every 12 weeks, and Daxxify is every 24 weeks.
At each appointment, the treatment area is cleansed, then small amounts of product are injected just under the skin with a small needle. The treatment area is iced during and after injections to minimize discomfort. Pain is minimal, however topical anesthesia can be used prior to treatment.
Are there any possible side effects?
The most common side effects from this treatment include mild pain, bruising, and temporary swelling or redness at injection sites. Most side effects are mild, and all are temporary.
Are there any contraindications?
You should not use these products if you have an infection in or around the area to be treated. To make sure this treatment is safe for you, please inform your doctor of the following:
- History of central nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- History of muscle weakness
- History of vision problems
- History of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
- Taking aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin) or muscle relaxants
- History of excessive scarring
- Taking substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E
- Taking immunosuppressive therapy that could increase your risk of infection
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Bruise Prevention and Treatment Tips
NEVER STOP PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS UNLESS DISCUSSED WITH PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN AND DERMATOLOGIST.
Things That Can Be Stopped to Minimize Bruising
NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve) two weeks before your treatment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative which will not make you more likely to bruise.
Herbal and vitamin supplements associated with thinning the blood (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, Co Q-10, saw palmetto) one week before your treatment.
Alcohol 3 days before your treatment.
All can be restarted following your appointment, even if you bruise.
Things to Start
Arnica Montana can help prevent bruising and speed the resolution of bruises. Start the oral or topical form 2 days before your treatment.
Bromelain, found in pineapple, also helps to prevent and treat of bruises. Eat fresh pineapple the two days before your appointment.
Try to relax. Elevation of blood pressure also contributes to bruising. We use numbing cream, play music, and provide squeezy balls and ice during treatments. BUT always tell us if you need a break.
If You Develop a Bruise
Ice the bruised areas for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for first 48 hours to minimize bruising and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Oral and topical arnica, pineapple and 200mg of vitamin C daily have also been shown to speed recovery. Continue these steps until bruises resolve.
If you have significant bruising, pain or changes in skin color after a procedure please call our office immediately.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Versa, Belotero Balance, Teoxane RHA 1, Teoxane RHA 2, Teoxane RHA 3, Teoxane RHA 4)
What are hyaluronic acid fillers?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are sterile gels consisting of non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar-based gel substance that is naturally found in the dermal portion of the skin. It binds to water molecules to give the skin a substantive, revolumized appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to diminish the appearance of facial wrinkles, improve contour defects, and enhance lips.
What is the treatment like?
Your healthcare provider will decide how much of which product(s) to use based on your desired outcome. Fillers are expected to last 1-2 years depending on the product and volume used, area and condition treated, and other patient factors. The longevity of the filler used determines how often treatments are scheduled for maintaining and improving long-term results.
Please eat before your appointment. Topical anesthesia is applied 30 minutes prior to treatment. Then the treatment area is cleansed, and filler is injected under the skin. Pain is minimal and the treatment area is iced during and after injections to minimize discomfort.
Are there any possible side effects?
The most common side effects from filler treatment include mild pain, bruising, and temporary swelling or redness at injection sites. Bruising is a possibility but can be minimized by avoiding blood thinners (ibuprofen and aspirin) 2 weeks before and not drinking red wine the night before treatment. Most side effects are mild to moderate in nature. Though rare, there is a potential for more serious complications which can be discussed with your provider.
Are there any contraindications?
You should not use fillers if you have an infection in or around the area to be treated. To make sure fillers are safe for you, please inform your doctor of the following:
- Medical history
- List of medications
- History of severe headaches
- History of TMJ
- History of excessive scarring
- History of allergies to Gram-positive bacterial proteins
- Taking substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E
- Taking immunosuppressive therapy that could increase your risk of infection
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Bruise Prevention and Treatment Tips
NEVER STOP PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS UNLESS DISCUSSED WITH PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN AND DERMATOLOGIST.
Things That Can Be Stopped to Minimize Bruising
NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve) two weeks before your treatment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative which will not make you more likely to bruise.
Herbal and vitamin supplements associated with thinning the blood (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, Co Q-10, saw palmetto) one week before your treatment.
Alcohol 3 days before your treatment.
All can be restarted following your appointment, even if you bruise.
Things to Start
Arnica Montana can help prevent bruising and speed the resolution of bruises. Start the oral or topical form 2 days before your treatment.
Bromelain, found in pineapple, also helps to prevent and treat bruises. Eat fresh pineapple the two days before your appointment.
Try to relax. Elevation of blood pressure also contributes to bruising. We use numbing cream, play music, and provide squeezy balls and ice during treatments. BUT always tell us if you need a break.
PLEASE EAT before your appointment. This can help with feeling light-headed during the procedure.
If you develop a bruise
Ice the bruised areas for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for the first 48 hours to minimize bruising and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Oral and topical arnica, pineapple and 200mg of vitamin C daily have also been shown to speed recovery. Continue these steps until bruises resolve.
If you have significant bruising, pain or changes in skin color after a procedure please call our office immediately.