| COMMON
QUESTIONS ABOUT BOTOX
What
are my doctor’s qualifications for
injecting Botox?
Only physicians trained in its use and
experienced in its side effects and complications
should administer Botox. Dr. LoMonaco
is a board-certified plastic surgeon who
has approximately four years experience
injecting Botox for a variety of conditions,
including wrinkles around the eyes, forehead¸
and nose. He has also successfully used
Botox in the treatment of migraine headaches
and excessive sweating of the armpit.
Dr. LoMonaco performs all Botox injections
personally, and the procedure is performed
according to strict medical guidelines.
What are the side effects of the
Botox injection?
Bruising of the skin, swelling, and eyelid
drooping are rare complications when proper
injection technique is used. There is
a very rare chance of allergic reaction
to the Botox and also a very rare chance
of skin infection. With proper injection
technique by a trained physician, these
side effects are very unlikely.
How long do the effects of Botox
last?
The effects of Botox last between three
and six months. The average duration of
action is 16 weeks. Each patient will
have an individual response and some patients
may experience a longer or shorter duration
of the effect.How does Botox work?
Botox relaxes the muscles which cause
wrinkling around the eyes (“crows
feet”), above the forehead (“worry
lines”), and between the eyebrows
(“frown lines”). When the
muscle is relaxed, the wrinkles begin
to dissipate. When combined with a skin
care program, reversal of the effects
of aging can be expected.
What
about the so-called “Botox parties”?
Botox injections which are carried out
in a social setting are done without regard
for sound medical principles. It is considered
unethical and unprofessional for physicians
to engage in this practice. Patients in
a social setting cannot be expected to
truly give their informed consent or be
adequately explained the risks and benefits
of the procedure. Furthermore, the privacy
and confidentiality that is important
in any doctor-patient relationship is
compromised by this method of injection.
Very few adequately trained physicians
would agree to participate in this type
of procedure.
COMMON
QUESTIONS ABOUT COLLAGEN
What
areas can be treated with collagen injections?
One
of the most common sites for collagen
injection is the lips, to provide a fuller,
more sensuous look. The injections are
temporary, and may last up to several
weeks at best. Injections are a good first
step for patients who are considering
a more permanent change in the way their
lips look.
Other
areas that can be treated are fine lines
and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes,
forehead, and some acne scars.
What are the side effects?
Swelling
and possible bruising are some of the
more common side effects of collagen injections.
There is a rare chance of allergic reaction
to the collagen, which is lessened by
performing a small skin test before the
lips are actually injected.
Are the injections painful?
Collagen injections can be made more comfortable
by first treating the area with a cream
that numbs the skin. The collagen I prefer
to use has an anesthetic mixed in with
it, making the injections more comfortable.
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