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Botox & Fillers

Dr. Meathrel has over 19 years experience injecting toxins & dermal fillers.

Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a type of poison that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis. The toxin works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction. This results in temporary muscle paralysis, which can be used for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. Botulinum toxin is commonly known by its trade name, Botox, and is used for the treatment of various medical conditions, such as muscle spasms, chronic migraines, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), as well as for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the face.

Types of Botulinum Toxin

  1. Botox: This is a brand of botulinum toxin type A that is widely known and used for various medical and cosmetic purposes.

  2. Dysport: This is another brand of botulinum toxin type A that is used for the treatment of wrinkles and frown lines between the eyebrows, as well as other medical and cosmetic conditions.

  3. Xeomin: This is a brand of botulinum toxin type A that is used for the treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows, as well as other medical conditions such as muscle spasms and migraines.

  4. Newtox (Jeuveau): This is a relatively new brand of botulinum toxin type A that is used for the treatment of wrinkles and frown lines between the eyebrows, as well as other cosmetic and medical conditions.

Who is this for?

Botox Treatment

Botox, Dysport, Newtox, and Xeomin are all neuromodulators that are used for cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. They all work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles to form, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

 

These treatments are generally recommended for people who are bothered by the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their face, particularly in areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. They are also often used to treat other cosmetic concerns, such as a gummy smile or a dimpled chin.

 

However, not everyone is a good candidate for these treatments. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of neuromuscular disorders, or are allergic to any of the ingredients in these treatments should not undergo these procedures.

Botox for Medical Purposes

Botox can be used for medical purposes to treat a variety of conditions. It is most commonly used to treat muscle spasms and movement disorders, such as:

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  1. Cervical dystonia: This is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn in an awkward position.

  2. Blepharospasm: This is a condition where the muscles around the eye twitch or spasm involuntarily, causing excessive blinking or even eyelid closure.

  3. Chronic migraines: Botox injections can help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic migraines in some patients.

  4. Excessive sweating: Botox injections can be used to treat excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis.

  5. Overactive bladder: Botox can be used to treat overactive bladder, which causes frequent and urgent urination.

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In some cases, Botox may also be used off-label to treat other conditions, such as TMJ disorders, muscle stiffness, and chronic pain. It's important to note that Botox is a prescription medication, and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Downtime

For Botox, Dysport, Newtox, and Xeomin, there is usually little to no downtime. Patients may experience some redness or swelling at the injection site, but this typically resolves within a few hours to a day.

Alternative Treatments

There are a variety of cosmetic treatments available as alternatives to Botox, Dysport, Neucevia, and Xeomin. These treatments are designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and can include:

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  1. Dermal fillers: These are injectable treatments that are used to add volume and fullness to areas of the face, such as the cheeks and lips, and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

  2. Chemical peels: These treatments involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layers of skin to peel away, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.

  3. Microdermabrasion (Silk Peel): This is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special device to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

  4. Fotona Laser skin resurfacing: This treatment uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate the growth of new skin cells, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.

  5. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This treatment involves using the patient's own blood to create a concentrated plasma solution that is injected into the skin to promote collagen production and improve skin texture and tone.

Preparation & Aftercare

Pre-care for Botulinum toxin injections

  1. Avoid taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E supplements for a few days before the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.

  2. Inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any allergies you may have.

  3. Avoid alcohol the day before the procedure, as it can increase the risk of bruising.

  4. Do not apply any makeup or skincare products to the treatment area on the day of the procedure.

Post-care instructions for Botox

Avoid touching or rubbing the injection site for at least four hours after the procedure to prevent the Botox from spreading to other areas of the face.

  1. Avoid lying down or bending over for at least four hours after the procedure to prevent the Botox from spreading to other areas of the face.

  2. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that cause sweating for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

  3. Do not massage or manipulate the injection site for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

  4. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 24 hours after the procedure to minimize the risk of bruising.

  5. It may take up to two weeks to see the full effects of the Botox treatment.

HA Fillers

HA filler stands for hyaluronic acid filler, which is a type of dermal filler commonly used in cosmetic procedures. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and add volume to the skin.

 

HA fillers are made of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid, which is injected beneath the skin to fill in wrinkles and add volume to areas of the face that have lost their youthful fullness. They can be used to enhance the lips, cheeks, and other areas of the face.

One of the benefits of HA fillers is that they are biocompatible and generally well-tolerated by the body. They can also be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if the results are not satisfactory or if there are any complications.

 

The effects of HA fillers can last anywhere from several months to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used and the individual patient. Regular maintenance treatments may be needed to maintain the desired results.

What We Use

Teoxane is a Swiss-based medical aesthetics company that produces a range of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers under the Teosyal brand. Here are some of the Teosyal HA fillers that are currently available:

 

  1. Teosyal RHA: This line of fillers is designed specifically to mimic the natural movement and flexibility of the skin. It's ideal for filling in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as adding volume to areas such as the cheeks and lips.

  2. Teosyal Redensity II: This filler is specifically designed for use in the delicate under-eye area to reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve skin texture.

  3. Teosyal Kiss: This filler is designed specifically for use in the lips to add volume and definition.

Who is this for?

HA fillers may be a good option for individuals who are looking to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, or enhance certain facial features. They can be used to treat a variety of concerns, including:

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  1. Nasolabial folds (smile lines)

  2. Marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin)

  3. Thin lips or lack of definition in the lips

  4. Sunken cheeks or temples

  5. Hollow under-eye areas

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However, it's important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for HA fillers. Individuals who have a history of severe allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for this treatment.

Downtime

The downtime after an HA filler treatment can vary depending on the individual, the area being treated, and the amount of filler used. However, most people experience little to no downtime after the procedure.

 

Some common side effects after an HA filler treatment include swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects are typically mild and should subside within a few days to a week.

 

To minimize the risk of bruising and swelling, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications, and strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours before and after the treatment. Applying ice packs to the treated area can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

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In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as infection, allergic reactions, or the development of lumps or bumps at the injection site. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms after an HA filler treatment.

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Overall, the downtime after an HA filler treatment is usually minimal, and most people are able to resume their normal activities right away. However, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

Alternative Treatment

  1. PDO Thread lift: Thread lifts involve the use of dissolvable threads that are inserted under the skin to lift and tighten sagging skin.

  2. Botox: Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles of the face to temporarily paralyze them, which can help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

  3. Fotona 4D: Fotona 4D is a versatile treatment that can be customized to address a range of concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, uneven skin tone, and texture. It's a non-invasive treatment, so there is little to no downtime, and most people can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

  4. Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the top layers and reveal smoother, brighter skin. They can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

  5. Silk Peel: Silk Peel (Microdermabrasion) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a special device to exfoliate the top layers of the skin and improve skin texture and tone.

  6. Fotona laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing involves the use of our Fotona laser to remove the top layers of skin, which can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin imperfections.

Preparation & Aftercare

Pre-care instructions:

  1. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for 24-48 hours before the procedure.

  2. Do not schedule the treatment right before a special event or important meeting, as there may be some swelling or bruising that could take a few days to subside.

  3. If you have a history of cold sores, let your healthcare provider know, as you may need to take antiviral medication before and after the treatment to prevent an outbreak.

Post-care instructions:

  1. Apply ice packs to the treated area to reduce swelling and discomfort.

  2. Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

  3. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications for 24-48 hours after the treatment.

  4. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold for a few days after the procedure, as this can increase swelling and bruising.

  5. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling, or redness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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