Reporter Drops by for BOTOX® (and Not for Wrinkle Treatment)

The Institute at Marina Plastic Surgery attracted some unique media attention recently. Angela Matano, a reporter from Campus Circle (an alternative publication that caters to young adults and college students) dropped by our medical day spa in Marina del Rey, having heard we’re the place to go for BOTOX® in Los Angeles. But it wasn’t wrinkles she was looking to treat; she was searching for migraine relief.

After trying myriad treatments, ranging from pharmaceuticals and alternative medicine to LASIK, nothing worked to cure her migraines. She eventually learned that BOTOX was more than a fountain of youth in a syringe – that it is also used for reducing or eliminating the symptoms of severe headache and migraine. Although skeptical, she went ahead with treatment.

What was her conclusion after receiving BOTOX? Well, here’s what she said in her article:

I have to admit, I’m enjoying the sensation of a relaxed brow. It sort of feels like the relief you might have post-massage when your muscles have finally let go of their accumulated tension.

I haven’t had a major headache in two weeks and am sleeping much better. So far, the upsides are far outweighing the risk. So much so, I’m considering LATISSE® to thicken and lengthen my eyelashes . . . .

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care

XEOMIN®: The Naked BOTOX®

XEOMIN is a relatively new option similar to Dysport® and BOTOX for Los Angeles patients. But XEOMIN boasts one key difference, which gives it its provocative nickname: “naked BOTOX.”

BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport contain additives and proteins that can limit the effectiveness of treatments for some people. XEOMIN, meanwhile, is free of complex proteins. It delivers a simplified form of the active ingredient in BOTOX and Dysport.

Differences aside, XEOMIN treats wrinkles in the same way as BOTOX and Dysport, inhibiting muscle activity and relaxing the facial muscles to reduce deep wrinkles.

XEOMIN is ideal for treating creases or wrinkles in the forehead, brows and corners of the eyes that result from years of contracting facial muscles. A noticeable reduction in wrinkles is apparent after only 1 treatment. Because XEOMIN does not contain the added proteins, the results can potentially last longer than BOTOX or Dysport.

As with BOTOX and Dysport, no recuperation time is required following your treatment with XEOMIN.

How do you choose which one is best for you? Only a personal analysis of each individual’s cosmetic needs can determine which treatment will be most effective. By offering all 3 of these remarkable wrinkle treatments, we’ve got you covered.

Posted in Botox,Skin Care

BOTOX® or Fillers?

People frequently come to my practice with misconceptions about what facial rejuvenation procedures actually do and which is the most effective for their needs. While BOTOX helps Los Angeles residents achieve smoother, more youthful looking skin, it works differently from injectable fillers. Understanding what separates these procedures can help you choose which one can most effectively help you gain the refreshed appearance you desire.

BOTOX

• Targets facial muscles to temporarily block nerve impulses that lead to wrinkles
• It’s FDA-approved for treatment of glabellar lines between the brows.
• Results typically last 3 to 4 months.
• Patients have seen reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, brows and forehead.

Dermal Fillers

• Popular options include: Restylane®, Perlane®, RADIESSE® and JUVÉDERM®
• They replace lost volume and collagen by plumping up skin.
• Depending on the extent of treatment, results can last from 3 months to 2 years.
• Products such as Sculptra® Aesthetic stimulate collagen production.
• Typically, a topical cream or local anesthesia is used to increase comfort.

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care

BOTOX® ‘Relative’ Offers New Way to Battle Wrinkles

In Los Angeles, BOTOX® has reigned as the king of wrinkle treatments. It successfully smooths away those frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead creases. Now there’s an innovative new option: XEOMIN®.

Both BOTOX and XEOMIN are highly effective at reducing wrinkles such as worry lines, frown lines or crow’s feet, and they are similar in how they work: They target wrinkles that result from frequent muscle contractions, disabling those muscles to minimize their movements. XEOMIN, however, is formulated to extend the benefits of your treatment. In addition, XEOMIN is less expensive.

I recommend discussing your skin concerns and goals with a specialist, who can guide you to the best option for you. To stay up to date on the many services we offer at The Stevens Institute, I invite you to visit our new blog site. Subscribe to it to stay informed about our latest treatments and receive useful tips.

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care

BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Dermal Fillers

Nonsurgical treatments are becoming more and more popular across the nation. At times it seems as if everyone is talking about BOTOX® Cosmetic in Los Angeles. Even though it is a popular topic of discussion, I still encounter patients who are unaware of what separates this treatment from other injectable wrinkle treatments. Here’s a basic comparison of some of the most popular injectable treatments:

• BOTOX Cosmetic: This treatment uses tiny injections to deliver a purified form of the botulinum toxin directly to muscles. Instead of “filling in” wrinkles, BOTOX Cosmetic relaxes muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Muscle activity is reduced, so skin around the forehead and eyebrows takes on a smoother and more youthful appearance.
• Dermal Fillers: There are a number of nonsurgical dermal fillers to choose from, including JUVÉDERM® XC, RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler, Xeomin®, Dysport®, Sculptra® and Restylane®. Each treatment has a number of benefits and drawbacks, and each serves a specific purpose. While BOTOX Cosmetic works to relax muscles, dermal fillers smooth away fine lines and wrinkles by replacing lost volume and hydrating skin. Some fillers, such as Sculptra, work to revive collagen production for long-lasting results.

This is just a basic outline of the differences between some popular nonsurgical treatments. I often recommend combining BOTOX Cosmetic with dermal fillers to provide more comprehensive results. Nonsurgical treatments can also serve as the perfect complement to a recently completed surgical procedure. If you’re considering having any plastic surgery treatment, I recommend seeking the advice of an experienced surgeon to help develop an efficient and effective treatment plan.

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care

BOTOX® Cosmetic for Busy People

More women and men are discovering that BOTOX® Cosmetic in Los Angeles can smooth away the wrinkles, resulting in smooth, youthful skin in areas such as the forehead. This simple, quick treatment provides visible results, with no downtime, making it a great option for those with busy schedules.

Learn more about this popular treatment:

• BOTOX Cosmetic works by targeting the dynamic facial muscles that cause wrinkles, such as those across the forehead and around the eyes.
• It is the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin to treat these specific types of facial lines.
• BOTOX Cosmetic is an excellent option for busy people, with treatments lasting between 10 to 30 minutes. Many people even schedule injections for their lunches, or short work breaks.
• Results begin to appear within days of treatment, and continue to improve over the following weeks.
• Treatment benefits can last from 4 to 6 months.

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care

FDA Approves Migraine Treatment with BOTOX®

BOTOX® in Los Angeles is undeniably known for its effectiveness in treating wrinkles and fine lines, but BOTOX in fact has many medical uses and is now adding one more. The FDA has approved BOTOX to treat chronic migraines. It is reported that 36 million people in the country suffer from these migraines, and of this group, 20 percent suffer from chronic migraines. A chronic migraine is described as lasting 4 or more hours, for 15 or more days out of the month.

To treat the migraines, BOTOX is injected into the upper portion of the face. While BOTOX is injected into the same general region as its primary cosmetic use, specific points of injection will differ for migraine treatment. BOTOX is believed to provide migraine relief by relaxing muscles causing spasms in the forehead as well as potentially blocking the transmission of pain from nerve receptors. It needs to be injected every 3 to 4 months to treat migraines.

This treatment could help decrease the severity and amount of migraines people experience, and I’m excited to see that new uses for this very popular pharmaceutical continue to be found.

What do you think about using BOTOX to treat migraines? Will it replace medication or even migraine surgery in the years to come?

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Posted in Botox,Skin Care