From the monthly archives:

August 2007

BOTOX® – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on August 6, 2007

What is BOTOX® cosmetic?
BOTOX® has been used therapeutically for over 16 years to treat a variety of medical conditions.  It is approved in more than 75 countries and remains the most-studied botulinum toxin and one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. The same formulation with dosing specific to glabellar lines was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 as BOTOX® Cosmetic.

What is it used for?
It is a purified protein administered in a simple, non-surgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to server frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines between the brows.

What causes frown lines between the brows?
The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time.  Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract they draw the brows together.  As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between the brows.

What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea.

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Frown lines are caused by overactive facial muscles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing them.  BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only product of its kind that affects the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines.

Have patients been happy with their results?
A recent survey reported that most patients were satisfied with the results of their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, according to a survey conducted in 2005 by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research foundation.

And, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), BOTOX® Cosmetic was the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and non-surgical combined).  ASAPS estimates that almost 3.3 million treatments were performed in 2005 alone – that’s an increase of almost 16% from 2004.

How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product, and each US FDA label has the Allergan hologram.

What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive procedure.  Your doctor makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines between your brows.

Your doctor will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results.  No anesthesia is required, although he or she may choose to numb the area with a cold back or anesthetic cream prior to injecting.

The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes and there is no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief.  Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

How soon will I see a difference?
What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment.  The appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week.

By day 30 in a clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.

Your own results may vary – be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can expect.

Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months, and after that you may be reedy to return for a follow-up treatment.

How do I know if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for me?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic. But first, you must consult with your doctor to see if treatment may be right for you.

And it’s quite affordable.  According to ASAPS, BOTOX® Cosmetic has a low entry-level cost in the Untied States.

And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may find BOTOX® Cosmetic to be a great way to invest in yourself.

How can I find out more about BOTOX® Cosmetic?
First, talk to you doctor to find out if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.  I you still have questions; the most comprehensive source of information is available by visiting BotoxCosmetic.com.  Here you can learn more about the procedure, see before-and-after photographs, and hear more stories about patients’ experiences with this treatment.

Reprinted from BotoxCosmetic.com

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Radiesse® – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on August 6, 2007

What is Radiesse®?
Radiesse® is a safe, FDA-approved dermal filler that restores a natural, youthful look and lasts longer than the former leading filler.  This convenient treatment fills and corrects smile lines, Nasolabial Folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.  RADIESSE® is made up of unique calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure.

How does Radiesse® Work?
RADIESSE® works with your body, below the skin’s surface.  Tiny calcium-based microspheres form a “scaffold” to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen.  Over time, the calcium-based microspheres gradually break down and are safely and naturally absorbed by your body.  RADIESSE® does more than just temporarily fill-in facial folds and wrinkles – it rebuilds your skin’s foundation and restores your youthful look, without the risks associated with a permanent implant.

How Soon Can I Expect Results?
How long will the Results Last?
The results are immediate.  Radiesse typically lasts a year or more, longer than the former leading filler, saving you time and money.  Since results may very, be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Is Radiesse® Safe?
Yes.  Hundreds of thousands of patients have experienced Radiesse® and more than 4,000 physicians worldwide have been trained to provide Radiesse treatments. Through years of clinical studies and independent research, Radiesse has proven to be safe and effective.  With Radiesse®, you get FDA-approved, safe, clinically tested reliability.

How is a Radiesse® Treatment Performed?
Radiesse® is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, convenient procedure.  Typically administered in a doctor’s office, with the use of a local anesthetic, Radiesse® treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment.

How many Treatments will I need?
Many patients will achieve their desired result after just one visit. Because Radiesse® is a longer-term cosmetic enhancement, and to ensure your satisfaction, your physician might schedule a follow-up visit, where a touch up treatment may be recommended.

Are there Side Effects?
Normal, injection-related reactions, such as mild irritation, swelling, itching, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site may occur.  These conditions typically resolve on their own.

Is Radiesse® Permanent?
No.  Treatment results are long-lasting, but not permanent.  The calcium-based microspheres gradually break down and are safely and naturally absorbed by your body so you will have none of the risks associated with a permanent implant.

How much does it Cost?
Radiesse® treatments are customized for each patient so price varies. In general, the cost of Radiesse is comparable to similar procedures.  And because Radiesse is long-lasting, you’ll also save money and time.  Please consult your physician to discuss your Radiesse treatment plan.

Reprinted from Radiesse.

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JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on August 6, 2007

What causes wrinkles?
With time, exposure to the sun and other elements, skin components break down. The skin loses structure and volume. Unwelcome lines and wrinkles appear. Healthcare professionals now can correct wrinkles and facial folds, reversing the signs of aging.

How are wrinkles corrected?
The appearance of wrinkles and facial folds can be smoothes by adding structure and volume underneath and bringing sunken skin back up to the surface. Generally, this is done by injecting materials into the skin, to achieve a temporary effect. When administered by a trained healthcare professional, you can be sure that the materials have been proven safe to use. One example is hyaluronic acid.

What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural complex sugar found in all living cells, and one of the major components of the dermis connective tissue matrix, along with collagen and elastin. HA retains water like a sponge, absorbing more than 1, times its weight. This helps to attract and maintain water, hydrating your skin and increasing its volume and density.

Allergan, inc. has found ways to produce, purify, and package HA to make it available for wrinkle correction.

What is JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel?
Javier injectable gel is a smooth gel filler your doctor eases under your skin to instantly smooth out those wrinkles or folds that look like parentheses along the side of your nose and mouth. Results aren’t just instant, they’re so smooth and natural, everyone will notice but no one will know.

Your doctor or healthcare professional can tell you which JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel formulation is right for you: JUVÈDERM™ Ultra injectable gel, optimally formulated for versatility in contouring and volatizing wrinkles and folds, or JUVÈDERM™ Ultra Plus, a robust formulation for volatizing and correcting deeper wrinkles and folds. Look smooth and natural with JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel.

What makes JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel different?
JJUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel is produced through HYLACROS technology creating a high degree of cross-inking and promoting duration for up to 6 months or longer.

HYLACROSS technology results in a smooth consistency gel, which is a primary factor in the long-lasting, smooth, natural look and feel that is a hallmark of JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel wrinkle correction.

Re-printed from Allergan, Inc.

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Breast Lift (mastopexy) with Implants

by admin on August 30, 2007

This is a 39 year old woman who has had three children and desired improved shape to her breasts. Dr. Farahmand performed a breast lift (Mastopexy) with implants. The post-operative photos are taken 4 weeks after surgery.

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Mastopexy with Implants

by admin on August 30, 2007

This is a 44 year old woman who lost 40 pounds and desired a better shape to her breasts. Dr. Farahmand performed a breast lift (mastopexy) with implants. The post-operative photos are taken 6 weeks after surgery.

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Facelift Before & After Photos

by admin on August 30, 2007

This is a 44 year old woman who desired rejuvination of her face. She is most bothered by her jowls and neck. Dr. Farahmand performed a facelift and necklift and lower eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty). The post-operative photo is taken one month after surgery.

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Brochures for BOTOX® and JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel

by admin on August 27, 2007

Considering BOTOX® or JUVÈDERM™ Injectable Gel?  Here are some links to .PDF brochures on each.  Call Dr. Audrey Farahmand, board-certified plastic surgeon, at 239-332-2388 for your consultation.

http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/botox_physician_info/materials_network/AGN-01-239_Rev1.pdf
http://www.botoxcosmetic.com/botox_physician_info/materials_network/AGN-01-240_rev1.pdf

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Breast Lift Photos

by admin on August 27, 2007

This patient is a 40 year old mother of two who desired improvement in the shape and overall appearance of her breasts.  Dr. Farahmand performed a breast lift (mastopexy).  The post-operative photos were taken one year after surgery.

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Breast Reduction – Before and After

by admin on August 27, 2007

This patient is a 71 year old female with chronic back pain and size 38DD size breasts. Dr. Farahmand reduced each breast by 800 grams each. The post operative photos are taken 3 weeks after surgery. Her incisions will fade in color over the next year.

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BOTOX® Cosmetic Video

by admin on August 6, 2007

An informational video about BOTOX® Cosmetic.

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Radiesse® Animation

by admin on August 6, 2007

Here is some animation from Radiesse® demonstrating the procedure.

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Restylane® vs. Perlane®

by admin on August 6, 2007

What are Restylane® and Perlane®?
The Restylane® family of products includes Restylane and Perlane. Both are cosmetic dermal fillers that replace lost volume and restore youthful contours to the skin to smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the clines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds).

How do I choose between Restylane and Perlane?
You don’t have to. In clinical trials, Restylane® and Perlane® were used in the same patients. The hyaluronic acid in both products is made by the same biotechnical process. The difference is in the gel particle size. Perlane® gel particles are larger and designed for deeper injection than Restylane®. Your doctor will decide which product is right for you.

How does my doctor know when to use Restylane® and Perlane®?
Your doctor will decide which product is right for you based on an evaluation of facial wrinkles and folds.

How long to Restylane® products last?
Restylane® products are proven to deliver long-lasting results. Restylane® lasts about six months. Perlane® lasts at least six months, in a majority of patients. The products’ patented stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect for those time periods.

Are Restylane® and Perlane® FDA approved?
Yes. They are approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, like the ones from your nose to the corners of your mouth. Ask your physician whether treatment is right for you.

What is the history of Restylane®?
Restylane® has been used in over 1.4 million treatments in the USA and is available in more than 70 countries. It is the most-studied cosmetic dermal filler in the world with dozens of publications in medical literature. Clinical studies showed no significant differences in the safety of Restylane® and Perlane®.

What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane® and Perlane® require no pre-testing, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, no-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because this may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with your doctor, who may prescribe a medication to minimize recurrence.

Do Restylane® and Perlane® require an allergy test?
No. Restylane and Perlane do not require an allergy test and can be administered immediately — no waiting is required.

How are Restylane® products administered?
Restylane® and Perlane® are administered by injection to the treatment site. Before treatment, talk to your doctor about pain management.

Is any of the material left in the skin after it has dissolved?
No. Over time Restylane® and Perlane® products are broken down and eliminated by the body – unlike permanent fillers.

Do the injections hurt?
Restylane® products are injected directly into the skin in small amounts by an ultra fine needle. As with all injections, some patients may experience discomfort. To increase your comfort, your doctor will assess your need for pain management and determine what technique is right for you.

How much to treatments cost?
A Restylane® or Perlane® procedure is customized to your specific needs, so the cost will vary. In general, the cost is comparable to the cost of similar procedures. Ask your doctor to give a cost estimate based on your particular needs.

How often should I schedule and appointment?
How long the aesthetic correction lasts is very individual. Talk to you doctor about the benefits of scheduling a follow-up appointment in about six months.

What are Restylane® and Perlane® products made of?
Restylane® was the first cosmetic dermal filler made from hyaluronic acid that has been modified slightly to last longer than the body’s hyaluronic acid. In the human body natural hyaluronic acid provides volume to the skin.

How are Restylane® products different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Restylane® and Perlane® contain no animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. You should not use Restylane® or Perlane® if you have allergies to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria.

Which dermal filler is the market leader?
Restylane® is the number on selling dermal filler in the US and worldwide.

How do Restylane® and Perlane® products differ from BOTOX® cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Restylane® are used to correct wrinkles in different ways. Restylane products are natural, cosmetic fillers injected into the skin, adding volume to smooth wrinkles such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). In contrast, BOTOX® relaxes the muscles that cause frown lines between your eye brows.

Reprinted from Restylane USA.

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