The Ins and Outs of
GLAM + STYLE | Beauty + Spa
BOTOX
®
By Lauren Caggiano
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Aging is a privilege, but wrinkles, facial creases and other imperfections don’t have to be part of the experience. Fortunately, BOTOX® and other brands of neuromodulators are a safe and effective way to address these concerns so you can look and feel better in your skin.
The medical spa community has been using BOTOX® for years. BOTOX® is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brand names, such as Dysport and Xeomin, which all block signals from the nerves to the muscles. Lynn Blanchard with Belle Sante Med Spa said the procedure allows for targeting trouble areas. “BOTOX® is injected with a micro-needle into the muscle or areas that your individual needs require,” she said. This means the injected muscle can’t contract and therefore the wrinkles relax and soften, giving you a more youthful look. So, what can you expect with this treatment? Lauren Eickhoff, Marketing Director at Aspire Plastic Surgery, is a wealth of knowledge on this topic. “During your consultation, you will meet with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brian Lee or one of our Advanced Practitioners,” she said. “At that time, they will examine your skin and talk about your goals for the procedure and areas of concern.”
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From here, they will recommend the best treatment for you and proceed with the injection. The sites will vary according to the patient’s needs, but Dr. Ryan M. Diepenbrock with Diepenbrock Facial Cosmetic Surgery offered a few guidelines. “The most commonly treated sites include the area between the eyes known as the 11 lines,” he said. “Usually the forehead and crow’s feet are treated simultaneously to provide the optimum result for wrinkle treatment in the upper face.” This is not a quick fix, however. According to Eickhoff, it can take up to two weeks to see full results. And BOTOX® is not permanent, but the effects do last about 3 to 4 months; therefore, treatment is recommended every 3 to 4 months. BOTOX® is a commitment and may not be accessible to all women due to the financial investment. “Cost depends on what areas we treat and how many units are injected. Plan to spend on average $300 to $625 per treatment,” said Eickhoff. It may be worth it, especially if you notice your skin is starting to show signs of aging, such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines. Many women begin BOTOX® injections in their twenties to prevent further aging, she added.
Diepenbrock agreed. “Neuromodulators are being injected in younger patients today than ten years ago,” he said. “Many patients in their mid to late 20’s and early 30’s are looking for preventative BOTOX®. By weakening the muscles early, it prevents the skin from wrinkling during animations. This limits the onset of wrinkles at rest.” But like any procedure, women shouldn’t rush into the clinic without doing their homework. “BOTOX® injections are perfectly safe when administered by a licensed professional who is trained in injectable treatments,” Eickhoff said. “It is imperative to do your research to ensure that your provider is licensed and has the proper training to ensure a safe treatment with the best possible results.” a
Resources: ASPIRE Plastic Surgery, Fort Wayne, 260.427.7473, aspireplasticsurgery.com Belle Sante Med Spa, Fort Wayne, 260.204.5215, bellesantemedspa.com Diepenbrock Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Fort Wayne, 260.423.2340, diepenbrockfacialcosmeticsurgery.com
