Botox injections have been proven to be a safe, effective method for reducing wrinkles. Botox has also been used to treat migraine headaches successfully, and it can be used to decrease excess sweating of the palms and underarms. For cosmetic applications, the results of the Botox treatment create a more youthful appearance. The treatment can be applied to smooth wrinkles in areas such as the neck, face, around the mouth, even in the chin and jaw areas. This can be especially useful in the eye area. Removing wrinkles from between the eyes can dramatically change a person’s look from one of permanent anger or sadness to a contented and rested look. It is also frequently used on the thin wrinkles that surround the eyes, or “crow’s feet.”
The solution used in these treatments is made of botulinum A toxin, a purified protein made from botulism bacteria. When injected, this solution temporarily paralyzes nerves of the facial muscles so that they cannot contract and cause wrinkles in the area being treated. A typical Botox treatment takes less than an hour, and patients are back to their normal routine immediately. The patients see the results within two weeks. However, the procedure does need to be repeated every 3-4 months. This is necessary because the nerve endings usually grow new connections to the muscles at locations that have not been exposed to the toxin. If treatment is not continued, then the wrinkles will once again appear.
Fillers, as the name suggests, are designed to fill depressions, hollowness and superficial/deep wrinkles of the face. They are mostly used around the mouth (marionette lines), the deep folds extending from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds), hollow cheeks and deficiency in lip volume. They are used in conjunction with Botox to compliment the overall rested and youthful look of the face. Fillers are biocompatible and biodegradable compounds in gel form that can be injected with a fine needle to the required locations with minimal pain. The injection procedures are often called a liquid facelift. Sometimes a numbing cream is applied before the injections to minimize the pain of the injections. Dr. Vartivarian, with his keen eye for detail, is highly regarded in the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley regions for his highly specialized injection techniques. He utilizes Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse for smoothing superficial and profound lines mentioned above and for upper and lower lip augmentation. Depending on the substance used, results will last from six months to over two years. Volume is mostly used for cheek augmentation. Application of cold compresses before and after the injections is of paramount importance in reducing chances of post-injection bruising. Patients are advised to stop taking aspirin or blood thinners ten days before the injection session to prevent bruising.
