FAQs

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

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.

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?
JUVEDERM® 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?
JUVÈDERM® 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.

Breast Augmentation – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on June 15, 2007

1. What incisions are used for breast augmentation?
Currently there are 4 types of incisions. Transaxillary (under the arm), Periareolar (around the areola) , Inframammary (underneath the breast), and Transumbilical (through the belly button).

2. Should my implant be placed over or under the muscle?
There are many advantages to placing an implant underneath the muscle. The main reason is that it provides more tissue coverage to provide a more natural-looking breast . Another advantage is that sub-muscular placement is associated with less chance of capsular contracture (overabundant scar tissue surrounding the implant). Patients with saggier breasts may benefit more from placing the implant above the muscle to allow the implant to drop behind the nipple.

3. How do I know what size to pick?
When you see Dr. Farahmand for a consultation, you will be given a chance to try on different sizers to determine which implant would look best on your frame. Dr. Farahmand will guide you in this decision. Women with wider torsos require more volume to achieve their desired cup size. Generally 200cc equals one cup size.

4. What implant types are available to me?
Currently saline non-adjustable, saline adjustable, and silicone implants are available. Patients desiring to have silicone implants must meet certain criteria in order to receive silicone implants. Implants come in round, shaped, smooth, and textured varieties.

5. What is an adjustable implant?
An adjustable implant is a saline implant which can be filled with more saline after the operation. In other words, after the patient is healed, if she desires the implants to be larger, the implant can be filled in the office through a small butterfly needle. No anesthesia or cutting is needed for these fills. Saline can also be removed this way as well. This type of approach ensures that the patient achieves the size that she desires.

Liposuction – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on June 15, 2007

1. What type of results can I expect with liposuction?
Liposuction is used to improve contours or “sculpt” areas like the chin, neck, hips, and abdomen, and the inner and outer thighs. It will diminish bulges. Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite or obesity. Following liposuction, patients feel that they look better in clothes and in a bathing suit. Also, what some people do not know is that the fat that is removed can be injected into other places like lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds and buttocks to augment those areas.

2. What is the recovery like after liposuction?
Dr. Farahmand has her patients wear a compression garment for 3 weeks following liposuction. They often return to work after a few days. Exercise is allowed after 3 weeks.

3. What is tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a technique which involves first injecting a mixture of saline, epinephrine, and a local anesthetic agent into the area to be liposuctioned. After 10 minutes, the fat will be liposuctioned much easier and with less blood loss and bruising. The local anesthetic greatly decreases post-operative pain.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Frequently Asked Questions

by admin on June 15, 2007

1. How do I know if I need an abdominoplasty or just liposuction?
Liposuction typically works best for patients who do not have loose skin, stretch marks, or loose muscles. Patients who have loose skin, stretch marks, or loose muscles show more improvement with an abdominoplasty.

2. What is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
An abdominoplasty is a procedure which surgically removes the skin and fat of the lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall muscles.

3. Where is the scar for an abdominoplasty?
The scar for an abdominoplasty is placed just above the pubic region and extends horizontally from hip to hip. The scar appears pink for the first year but then lightens in color after 1 year.

4. What is the recovery like after an abdominoplasty?
Dr. Farahmand instructs her patients to walk bent at the hips for the first week. For this reason, most patients need to stay at home for that first week. At week two, patients are allowed to stand up straight and are encouraged to walk and resume household activities, some patients return to work during the second week. By the third week, most patients have returned to work. Vigorous exercise is allowed after 6 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lift Surgery

by admin on May 30, 2007

breast liftQ: How do I know if I need a breast lift or just an augmentation or both?
A: Generally, what determines if a patient needs a breast lift is the position of the nipple with respect to the breast crease (the crease underneath the breast). If the nipple hangs below the breast crease, the patient would look better with a breast lift.

Some patients are borderline for needing a lift, meaning that they can have just an implant but the implants will sit slightly lower on their chest.

Q: Where are the incisions for breast lifting?
A: Generally, the incisions for breast lifting are around the areola (the colored skin surrounding the nipple), vertical to the breast crease, and one horizontal within the breast crease.

Q: Will I still have nipple sensation after breast lifting?
A: Most patients still have nipple sensation after breast lift surgery although it will be somewhat diminished.

Q: Will my breasts sag again years after I have a breast lift?
A: Provided that the patient’s weight stays stable and a conservatively-sized implant or no implant is used, the breasts should not sag again over time unless large implants are used. Weight loss, poor skin elasticity, and again- large implants can cause the breasts to sag over time after a breast lift.