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Injectible Treatments
BOTOX®Injection of the small amounts of the bacterial-derived toxin commonly known as "BOTOX®" can be used to cause a temporary, controlled weakening of the muscles. This can be a useful, non-surgical method to improve the appearance of wrinkles. The FDA has approved BOTOX® for use in improving "frown" lines that are between your eyebrows. It is also commonly used in other locations of the face as well. What to expect: Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott about the precise plan that is right for you. Using a small needle, BOTOX® is carefully injected into the pre-selected muscles. There is typically no anesthesia needed. Following the injection, it is important to elevate your head for 3-4 hours and avoid any rubbing of the area. The effects can last up to 6 months. Some of the unlikely complications: Headache and mild bruising can occur. Less likely problems include a droopy eyelid if the injected BOTOX® migrates to the upper eyelid muscles. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease should not use BOTOX®. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety. Fat Transfer ("Fat Injections")Sometimes areas in the face, such as the folds between the cheeks and lips, can be enhanced by replacement of fat. This involves the use of liposuction and fat-processing that optimizes and prepares fat from another part of the body for use in the face or body. Once injected, your fat needs to acquire a new blood supply in the new location in order to achieve a good "take." The techniques aim to achieve the highest possible long-term survival of the transferred fat. This technique can also be used in some reconstructive situations, such as after loss of tissue due to cancer or trauma, or occasionally to improve difficult scarred areas. What to expect: Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist. Through small incisions, Dr. Scott will remove a predetermined amount of fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen. The fat is processed using sterile technique and then carefully placed using an injection cannula into the areas where fat injections and tissue augmentation are planned. The recovery: The areas where the fat was removed and placed will generally have some pain and swelling that improve over several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored in the clinic by Dr. Scott and the staff. Some of the unlikely complications: Infection, fluid collection, or bleeding can occur and may require surgical drainage. Contour irregularities or asymmetry can sometimes occur. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Juvederm™)Hyaluronic acid is a synthetically-derived substance normally found in our bodies and can be used in gel-form as an injection to help improve the appearance of wrinkles. The facial areas that are often treated include the nasolabial folds (between the cheeks and lips) and the upper lip. The duration of the effect can vary but can last for up to one year. A thorough discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety. Injections are typically performed by Dr. Scott in the office. What to expect: Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott. Dr. Scott will inject a pre-determined amount of filler material into the areas targeted for improvement. The recovery: There may be some mild discomfort near the injection areas and some mild swelling that can persist for several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored in the clinic by Dr. Scott and the staff.
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