Neuromodulators (Botox®)Year after year, neuromodulators (commonly referred to by the trade name Botox®) remain the #1 non-surgical cosmetic treatment. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 7.4 million Americans received neuromodulators injections in 2022. Botox® itself has been FDA approved for cosmetic use since 2002, however it has been used medically since 1989 for treatment of muscular eye disorders. It is one of the most highly researched medications in the world, making it extremely safe to use. Dr. Maria, is in a unique position to provide expert neuromodulator (Botox®) treatment for you. She is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and is Fellowship trained in Facial Cosmetic Surgery. There are five neurotoxins currently on the market: Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, Daxxify®, and Jeuveau®. Dr. Maria uses Jeuveau®, by Evolus™. Jeuveau® has been available in the U.S. since 2019 and is the most comparable neurotoxin to Botox® with regard to dosage and effect, yielding predictable and consistent results. Jeuveau® is a purified form of Botulinum Toxin Type A, which is derived from a specific bacteria. It works by temporarily weakening muscles. This results in smoothing out lines and wrinkles of the face and neck, making patients feel more relaxed and less stressed. The most common treatment areas include the horizontal forehead lines, the frown lines between the eyebrows (“11’s”), and “crow’s feet” of the outer eye. When injected appropriately, treating these facial subunits can create a “lifting” effect, making the eyebrows feel less heavy and the eyes more open. Another common treatment is a “lip flip”, which relaxes the upper lip and, in the right patient, can make it appear fuller. Other targeted treatments are gummy smiles, asymmetric or “crooked” smiles, “bunny lines'' of the nose, and the nasal tip. It can also be used to treat neck bands to tighten the neck, which can give the appearance of a neck lift. Another use for Jeuveau® , is for the treatment of jaw clenching and bruxism (grinding of the teeth). These habits, which often occur during sleep, can cause severe wear of the teeth, fractured or broken teeth, headaches, and neck pain. By effectively weakening certain muscle groups with Jeuveau® , it can be used to alleviate headaches and other TMD symptoms, and to protect the teeth. After treatment with Jeuveau® , you can expect a tightening feeling within 1-2 days. It can take two weeks for the medication’s full effect to be seen and felt. The most common side effect from Jeuveau® injections is bruising. After your first treatment, Dr. Maria will typically see you for follow-up to evaluate the full effect and provide any “touch-ups” that may be required. This will also give you the opportunity to discuss how you feel about the treatment results, as well as addressing any other areas of concern that you may have. Dr. Maria, a Fellowship trained Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, will listen carefully to understand the areas of concern for you and discuss appropriate treatment options to give you the desired natural, rejuvenated look. |