Botox: Smiling is a positive feature; however with time and squinting smile lines in the crow’s feet area become permanent at rest.  Frown lines give the impression of being sad, mad or worried.  Some patients refer to this genetic or habit pattern as their thinking, concentration, or squinting lines.  Essentially it is the same frown muscle group in action.  This negative look makes patients look stressed and unapproachable. This demeanor has nothing to do with how you feel but it does transmit a message to others.

Botox can soften and relax these dynamic lines.  Botox creates a much more approachable confident look to your face. Botox injections are close to the ideal cosmetic procedure: Dramatic benefits, few side effects, and reversible if the patient does not care for the result; however most patients request repeat Botox treatments 2-3 times a year.

COMBINED TREATMENTS
Botox is often used in combination with other facial procedures.

1. RESURFACING: Botox treatments for smile lines and frown lines will greatly enhance the end result of laser resurfacing for exaggerated wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.
2. EYELID LIFTS: Laser blepharoplasties for baggy upper and lower eyelids are often combined with Botox injections to relax the smile and crow’s feet areas.  The dropping of the outer part of the eyebrow is a genetic tendency that happens with time plus the influence of gravity.  This exaggerates the droopy tired look of the eyes and increases the bagginess of the upper eyelids.  A Botox lateral brow lift is an excellent option to enhance the effect of the laser eyelid lifts.
3. DEEP FOLDS AND WRINKLES: Persistent lines and furrows at rest in the frown area after Botox treatments can be smoothed and filled with the newer injectables like Restylane, Hylaform and Artecoll.
4. PHOTOREJUVENATION: At the Remington Laser Centre we often combine Botox Cosmetic use with our Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments which we use to reverse sun damage.  This is a unique approach combining two non-ablative treatments and there is no downtime for the patient. You can go right back to your social or work environment without any observable negative effects.
5. DROOPY MOUTH CORNERS (SULKY LOOK): The “sulky look” is a genetic – inherited variation that increases with time.  Minute amounts of Botox at the angles of the mouth combined with fillers using Restylane, Hylaform, or Artecoll creates an excellent result.  This clever combination of two non-invasive treatments performed on the same day gives a softer look to your face.  “This small difference in anatomy makes a big difference in appearance”

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BOTOX
The positive effects of Botox and how long the results last are dependent on at least six variables:

• Men versus women: Women’s facial muscles are easier to relax. The effect is more complete and the stability lasts longer.
• Age Group:  Women in the younger age group (30-55) respond better than those over 55.
• Facial skin thickness:  Expressive animated patients with “thinner skin” respond much better with a more stable result than patients with a thicker courser skin that have excessive folds and wrinkles when relaxed, unanimated mode.
• Patients with a moderate facial expression pattern respond more predictably.  Results are more stable than those patients with aggressive and extensive animated expressions.
• Facial location:  The animated areas that generally respond the best are the central frown lines, exaggerated crow’s feet areas, and foreheads.
• Amount or concentration Botox used and technique:  Each facial zone has an optimum amount of Botox Cosmetic required to create the positive results patients are looking for. In the frown zone, in the average 45 year old woman who is a good candidate, 25-40 units of Botox Cosmetic gives a great result with excellent stability.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER USES OF BOTOX

1. Headaches
     a) tension headaches
     b) migraine headaches
2. Hemifacial spasms
3. Hyperhidrosis (sweating)
     a)  axillary
     b)  palmar
     c) gustatory (one side of the face)
4. Aging Neck
5. Botox eyebrow lift

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX?
If you would like to learn more about Botox or other facial procedures make a consultation appointment without a referral from your physician so that we can discuss your treatment options. Botox is now the most popular cosmetic procedure in North America.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFTER BOTOX TREATMENT

1. Do Not Massage Or Rub The Area Treated For The Rest Of The Day.
2. Exercise The Muscle Group Treated For 3 To 4 Hours After Treatment.
3. Remain In The Upright – Vertical Position 3 To 4 Hours After Your Botox.
4. Reminder That It Takes 7 To 10 Days For The Botox To Work.

COSMETIC TREATMENTS IN THOSE OVER 55 YEARS OF AGE GIVES “LIFE” TO YOUR YEARS.