Injectibles: Botox ®/Collagen/ Restylane®/Juvéderm™


BOTOX®, collagen (and its derivitves), Restalyne® and Juviderm™ are popular injectible treatments for wrinkles, mild acne scars, and furrows or small impressions on the face and other bodily areas. Both women and men commonly seek this treatment, which only requires a short office visit.

Please ask Dr. Monteiro about anything you don't understand in the information contained below.

About BOTOX® ... About Collagen... Before and after photos Your new look..!

BOTOX®

Some wrinkles are specifically formed as a result of the actions of muscles. Examples of this are the lines in the forehead, frown lines and crow's feet. The contraction of small muscles under the skin results in grooves being worn into the skin. BOTOX® is most commonly injected into the frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow's feet.

BOTOX® works by preventing these muscles from causing the wrinkles, thereby allowing the skin to relax and assume its non-wrinkled appearance. (BOTOX® is a protein derived from a bacteria. Although BOTOX® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects associated with its use.) The toxin is injected in minute amounts and remains local. BOTOX® is injected in tiny amounts into the muscles that create wrinkles. When this occurs, the nerve impulses are blocked and the muscle weakens. This weakness lasts for several months, after which the injection may be repeated.

BOTOX® only effects the muscles, there is no numbness following the procedure. In some patients, injection into the neck muscles is performed to provide a more youthful-appearing neck. The effects of BOTOX® last between three and six months. Some side effects that may occur include bruising. Rare side effects include eyelid heaviness, which is temporary.

People that should not have BOTOX® treatments are those known to be allergic, persons with neurologic diseases, and pregnant women.

Collagen

Wrinkles are formed as a result of the actions of muscles, from the effects of sun damage, or the effects of normal aging. Collagen is typically used to fill in lines and furrows, and improve certain types of scars. Collagen treatments can also make lips fuller.

The results from collagen are immediate, though a short period of redness and slight swelling at the injection sites may last for a few days - usually to no more than a week.

A skin test is necessary, prior to receiving collagen. Skin tests must be watched for up to four weeks prior to treatments to insure that the patient has no allergic reaction. Ongoing treatments are necessary to maintain the improvement created by the collagen.

		Before and after the treatment: The male before BOTOX® treatment of excessive verticle wrinkling of the forehead between the eyebrows (see before photo at top).
Male patient - before
		The male patient at left received BOTOX® for treatment of excessive verticle wrinkling of the forehead between the eyebrows (note before photo above). - Patients seeking BOTOX® or collagen need not prepare in any special way for the treatments. - Usually patients can come into the doctor's office for a short visit and return to work immediately after.
Male patient - after
		The female patient ( at left) before receiving collagen, Restylane® or Juvéderm™ to soften the appearance of furrows, or "smile lines" on either side of his mouth. Some redness, or some slight bleeding at injection sites may occur; temporary swelling may also be present. These side-effects vary from individual to individual and usually disappear within a few days to a week.
Female patient - before injection
		Most patients will see an immediate improvement. Often the improvement is dramatic and patients will elect to continue treatments over time to ensure a continuity of care from the treatment.Some patients elect to enhance the effects of a facelift, or eyelid surgery with BOTOX® or collagen treatments.
Female patient - after injection

Your new look...!

After any minute swelling or slight redness is gone, you will see a dramatic reduction and a noted improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your skin. Both women and men noticeably benefit from these simple treatments, and results generally last from three to six months.