Cosmetic Procedures
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is a revolutionary approach to reversing the effects of facial wrinkles caused by muscle movement. The most common areas of treatment are:
- Frown wrinkles on forehead
- Crow's feet around eyes
- Elevation of corners of mouth
These are referred to as dynamic wrinkle lines and all are treatable with this procedure. BOTOX® is actually a purified protein that when injected into a muscle, temporarily reduces its movement. Thus the elimination of wrinkles!
Before Surgery
A thorough medical history is obtained before consent is given for the procedure. Patients with certain neurological disorders are not candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic. Areas of concern are identified and are marked. Photos may be taken both before and after your treatment. You will be asked to make a number of facial expressions in order to identify the exact sites of injection.
The BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered in our office, normally without anesthesia. Although the injections are quick and tiny, some patients prefer to numb the skin over the injection sites. Post-treatment discomfort is minimal, and a return to normal activities is common immediately after the procedure. Most patients begin to see results within days after the procedure. The effects can last up to 4 months and are completely reversible.
Research has suggested, however, that long term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience such dramatic results. BOTOX® Cosmetic is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Results may vary between patients, and it is important to consider whether BOTOX® is the appropriate procedure for you.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Karges uses one of the newest lasers, the Luxar LX-20SP laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.
What is a laser?
The word "laser" is an acronym which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable, while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed in our office, under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural looking skin.
What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?
The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin, problems which often cause concern to both men and women.
Benefits of Treatment
Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are that there is less pain and a faster recovery time. In most cases, it is also less costly.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, Dr. Karges and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs.
The Procedure
A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Karges directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.
What can be expected?
In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one to three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic, and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and the patient's heredity, age and general skin condition.
JUVEDERM ®
Juvederm ® is a natural cosmetic material used to fill in voids or deep wrinkles in certain areas on the face. It is made from a biocompatible material called hyaluronic acid. Thus it is virtually free of allergic reactions or disease transmission. Studies show that Juvederm ® can last up to 6 months or longer, almost twice as long as collagen. It differs from Botox in that Juvederm ®is a natural cosmetic filler, while Botox blocks nerve transmission to the underlying muscle. Unlike collagen, it can be used immediately, without the need for allergy testing. Injections are given through an ultrafine needle, causing minimal discomfort. Some patients prefer to have the treatment area numb prior to injecting Juvederm ®, and NO ONE is more skilled at giving local anesthetic injections than your oral surgeon. The most common sites of injection are the nasolabial folds, enhancing the lips and the area beneath the cheekbones.
