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~ Enhancing your Natural Beauty ~
Elite Cosmetics in West Linn
Formerly known as "West Linn Aesthetic Medicine"
FAQ's about Facial Aesthetic Medical Procedures
Why do we get wrinkles?
There are many reasons why a person can get wrinkles...genetics, older age, smoking, a diet in high fat/sugar foods, alcohol/illicit drug use, severe weather conditions such as hot sun or cold/wind, stress....the list goes on. Unfortunately, despite how good some of us take care of ourselves and do all the right things, we still get wrinkles. This is due to the natural causes of aging, which is the one thing we can't control. While we age, the primary components in our skin that make us look young start to break down and deteriorate. When we start to loose the structure of collogen, elastin, and hyluronic acid our skin begins to look saggy, dry, wrinkly, and tired.
What is the ideal patient for injectables:
Injectables are safe and effective for any skin type and ethnicity; as well as for both men and women. The ideal candidate for a treatment with Botox or a dermal filler will be someone in generally good health, understands the procedure, and holds reasonable expectations for the results.
The Botox or Dermal Filler Procedure:
The procedure for injectables will take less than an hour; many treatments can even be completed in 30 minutes or less. Botox, as well as most dermal fillers, can cause mild discomfort, so a topical or local anesthetic may be used prior to treatment. Once the targeted area has been determined, the provider will place the injectable under the skin with a tiny needle. Patients are free to return to their usual activities the same afternoon.
What is Botox and how does it work?
Botox is a highly refined purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum Type A.
Botox injections are a simple and non-surgical procedure whereby very low doses of the purified protein are placed into specific muscles, which relaxes the muscles and prevents contraction.
The actual mechanism of action is by blocking or reducing the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is required for the muscle to contract. Without acetylcholine, the muscle will not contract. If the muscle doesn't contract, then it won't be able to pull the attached, overylying skin into creases which would result on your face as wrinkles.
How long does Botox last?
The effects of Botox generally last 3-4 months on average. However,
results may vary from patient to patient. Many factors can affect how
long the results last: how strong the muscle is that's being injected;
skin condition; how many units are used; what area of the face; wrinkle
depth; repeated habits like frowning; how well patients follow post-treatment
instructions... However, the effects do not disappear overnight, they
gradually dissipate over several weeks. Some patients elect to wait until
the Botox has completely worn off before re-treating, and others come
in regularly every three months because they don't want to see the
wrinkles return. Often times, if you continue your treatments on a regular
schedule the results start lasting longer over time.
Is Botox safe?
"I read the prescribing information and the warning on Botox Cosmetic and it says that it may spread from the area of injection, in addition, may cause difficulties in breathing and swallowing, among other things. How can it be considered safe with this kind of warning?"
These side effects that have been listed by the company have been noted after being used for neurologic conditions. Botox used for neurologic conditions, such as cerebral palsy, require significantly higher doses of Botox (several hundred units at one time) then facial cosmetic procedures. Botox for cosmetic procedures are extremely safe.
There have been millions of treatments for cosmetic injections with Botox Cosmetic, and there has NEVER been a reportable case of death with it. Botox Cosmetic has an excellent safety record, better than aspirin in fact.
How many units of Botox will I need?
It depends on the severity of your wrinkles and the specific areas that you want treated. For example, the radial lip lines (wrinkles around the lips) will generally take 3-4 units for the upper lip. However, the glabellar area (between the eyes) will take approximately 20 units to achieve desired results.
How much does Botox cost?
The cost for Botox treatments will depend on the severity of your wrinkles and the number of areas that you wish to have treated. Unless we're running a special, we generally charge per unit of Botox. We will be happy to discuss pricing and financing options at your initial consultation.
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