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December 12, 2011

Is there any difference between Microbotox and Microdroplet botulinum toxin treatment?

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 5:14 pm

There is an enormous difference between these two similar sounding treatments. Microbotox is a mesotherapy technique used to place very dilute BOTOX solution intradermally. The goal is to use BOTOX to relax the smooth muscles responsible for dilating pores. Proponents of the method feel the treatment helps create a smoother looking skin. This service does not address the muscles that create facial expression and are responsible for facial wrinkles.

In contrast, Dr. Steinsapir developed Microdroplet TM botulinum toxin as an alternative method for addressing brow ptosis and forehead lines without freezing facial expression or creating the risk of a droopy eyelid. Microdroplet TM botulinum toxin concentrates treatment in the muscles that account for eyebrow depression. These muscles live right along the eyebrow. The key to the treatment is using very small doses of botulinum toxin just below the level of the skin where the muscles of facial expression insert. This effective traps the botulinum toxin so the treatment can’t diffuse into the upper eyelid. Because only the muscles that pull the eyebrows down are relaxed, the frontalis muscle of the forehead does not have to work as hard to lift the eyebrows. This means fewer forehead lines without paralyzing the frontalis muscle. That frozen look is associated with heavy forehead treatment. Microdroplet botulinum toxin creates a forehead lift without freezing the forehead. This means you have natural forehead movement.

Microdroplet TM botulinum toxin treatment is so unique that the United States Trademark and Patent Office recognized Dr. Steinsapir as the inventor of this method and issued a rare medical method patent for this treatment.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon. He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery. He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions. He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago. He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage. He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally. He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities. Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care.
To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized Restylane treatments, please contact us today.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

October 23, 2011

I am having BOTOX treatment complications and my wedding is in two weeks. What do I do?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,dysport,Microdroplet BOTOX — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 8:06 pm

BOTOX® complications can range from minor problems like bruising, frozen forehead, or swelling, to more severe problems like eyelid ptosis, to the even more rare systemic effects including difficulty swallowing.  Typically, even these more severe problems will resolve themselves over a period of 4 to 6 weeks without intervention.  However, given a very short time frame, it is essential to see a treating physician immediately to determine the best course of action.

Fixing Minor Problems

BOTOX treatments are popular because they are noninvasive and effective in relaxing tense muscles and smoothing wrinkles.  BOTOX is a naturally-occurring purified protein that relaxes muscles but is eventually broken down and expelled from your body completely.  The effects usually last 4 to 6 months.

With botulinum toxin A products (BOTOX, Dysport, Xeomin), adverse issues are usually the result of an unbalanced treatment.  Forehead treatment can be associated with upper eyelid or eyebrow ptosis.  Unbalance forehead treatment can result in issues of asymmetry.  It is possible to improve your treatment results using the appropriate counter treatment along the eyebrow using Dr. Steinsapir’s Microdroplet method.

Eyelid Ptosis

If your BOTOX treatment has caused eyelid ptosis, Dr. Steinsapir recommends finding an oculoplastic surgeon to help you with this particular issue.  Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to assess and treat upper eyelid ptosis. A prescription for Iopidine (aproclonidine ophthalmic solution) can be helpful in this circumstance; this medication is a glaucoma drop that can elevate the eyelid a couple of millimeters. The drops can also be used to assess the severity of the ptosis and predict the likely time frame for the resolution.  Dr. Steinsapir recommends trying the drops twice a day for a week.  If successful in opening the eye, the ptosis will likely resolve in 4-6 weeks and the drops will help improve the eyelid ptosis until resolution takes place.

The likelihood of upper eyelid ptosis is extremely small in the hands of an experienced injector.  Less experienced injectors are more likely to perform a treatment that causes ptosis.  It’s important to carefully research a doctor or nurse’s credentials and their track record for successful injections.  The individual performing your treatment has a profound effect on the risk of side effects.  Upper eyelid ptosis has been reported in as many as 5% of cases. The incidence of upper eyelid ptosis in the hands of experienced injectors is much less.   Dr. Steinsapir has seen only three mild cases of ptosis in his last 3,500 treatments.

Other Options

What if your doctor tells you that there are no treatment options?  Rescheduling an event like a wedding can be impossible.  Consider having a heart to heart with your photographer.  Can they photograph you to minimize the appearance of a droppy eyelid or photoshop your images after the fact?  If so, consider going forward with your plans and let the photographers cure your eyelid position digitally.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for his expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized BOTOX treatments, please contact us today.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

 

September 9, 2011

I had facial fillers and BOTOX and now I look older

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,Cosmetic Facial Fillers,Cosmetic Surgery,dysport,facial fillers,hyaluronic acid fillers,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,Restylane Injections,restylane los angeles — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 8:20 am

If this happened to you, there is no doubt that you are dissatisfied with your treatment and that it makes you feel old – the exact opposite of the reason you chose to undergo the procedure!  There are many reasons your treatment may not have turned out the way you expected it to, but it is not the fault of the BOTOX or the filler, whether it’s Juvederm®, Perlane®, Restylane®, or any other hyluronic acid filler.  Complications from non-surgical treatments like fillers and BOTOX are almost always the result of your surgeon’s talent.  Choosing a skilled surgeon to perform your injections is important, but once the damage is done, choosing a skilled surgeon to fix the problem is imperative.

The Truth About Treatments

As the effects of your BOTOX treatment begin to wear off after several months―Restylane wears off more slowly―your face will slowly regain the looks it had immediately before your treatment.  Restylane and BOTOX treatments will not make you look worse than your original pre-treatment appearance as they wear off, nor are they supposed to make you look worse when treatment is new.  Provided you did not let someone put silicone oil

in your face and treatment is provided by an experienced injector fillers and botulinum toxin A have few side effects.  But if you aren’t happy with your results, you do have options and it is not necessary to wait more than a year for the filler to wear off.

Options for Fixing BOTOX Treatments

Treatments like BOTOX and Restylane are popular because they are noninvasive treatments that together can smooth wrinkles, relax tense muscles, and fill in hollow areas.  BOTOX and Restylane will not permanently alter your looks.  BOTOX is a naturally-occurring purified protein that relaxes muscles, and Restylane is made from a biodegradable sugar-gel that occurs naturally in the body.  Both of these are eventually broken down and expelled from your body completely.

Generally with the botulinum toxin A products (BOTOX, Dysport, Xeomin), the issue is an unbalanced treatment.   These services typically freeze the forehead.  The treatment results can be improved by having the appropriate counter treatment along the eyebrow using Dr. Steinsapir’s Microdroplet method.  However, if your BOTOX treatment has caused eyelid ptosis, Dr. Steinsapir recommends finding an oculoplastic surgeon to help you with this particular issue.  Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to assess and follow upper eyelid ptosis.  They are familiar and have experience treating upper eyelid ptosis.  A prescription for Iopidine (aproclonidine ophthalmic solution) can be helpful in this circumstance.  This medication is a glaucoma medicine that can elevate the eyelid a couple of millimeters. The drops can also be used to assess the severity of the ptosis and predict the likely time frame for the resolution of ptosis.  Dr. Steinsapir recommends trying the drop twice a day for a week.  If the drop is working to open the eye, then it is likely that the ptosis will resolve in 4-6 weeks.

Options for Fixing Filler Treatments

Dr. Steinsapir often sees individuals frustrated with treatments they received elsewhere.  Surprisingly, many people are not aware that the hyaluronic acid fillers can be adjusted using the enzyme hyaluronidase.  This enzyme is delivered with a small injection during a very comfortable office visit.  Dr. Steinsapir has helped people who put up with unsatisfactory treatments for much longer than they need to. These issues are easily dealt with using the enzyme in one or two visits.  It is the ability to make these adjustments that makes it feasible to provide many of the advanced filler services.  Do you have a hyaluronic acid filler issue that is not responding to hyaluronidase?  Some patients have been told they were injected with hyaluronic acid filler but in fact were treated with silicone oil.  Correction of some of these issues can be challenging and need to be approached on a case by case basis.

Restylane is a long-lasting, but not permanent sugar-gel facial filler that is preferred for improving facial contours due to its natural results, even in sensitive areas like dark circles under the eyes and the lip edge.  Restylane and Perlane offer the ability to modify results when necessary.  This includes treatments that were performed in the past and need fine-tuning.  The ability to adjust a treatment with the enzyme can take a good treatment and make it great.  In some cases, as the body slowly breaks down the material over time, slight irregularities may develop despite the initial quality of the treatment.  Sometimes, the answer is adding filler rather than subtracting volume.  For this reason, it is best to start with a detailed assessment with an expert like Dr. Steinsapir.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for his expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized Restylane treatments, please contact us today.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

August 30, 2011

Feeling Pressure to Look Feminine

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,chemical peel,chemical peel los angeles,collagen,Cosmetic Facial Fillers,Dr. Steinsapir,facial fillers,lip fillers,lip injections,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,Restylane Injections,restylane los angeles — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:58 pm

With an abundance of fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and Elle there is a lot of pressure to look a certain way in order to be considered “feminine;” full pouty lips, large eyes, flawless skin, and high, full cheeks are the aesthetic standard these days.  The internet has only become a tool to fuel this obsession with female perfection, but the reality is, makeup and Photoshop go a long way in making starlets and models meet the modern standards of beauty.  Nevertheless, the desire by women to meet the ideal is strong, and it doesn’t always require major surgery to achieve.  More often than not, it’s the little touches that make the big difference and starting small can preserve a more natural look and prevent you from looking like you’ve had major surgery.

Lips

Your lips are one of the first parts of your face to appear aged.  With a loss of volume and an increase of lines around the the mouth makeup has a tendency to exacerbate the problem by feathering.  Full soft lips are not just a sign of beauty, but also a sign of youth.  Fortunately, your lips are one of the simplest fixes without the need for surgery.  Fillers can provide a very natural solution to lips that are thin or losing volume.

With so many fillers available on the market today – Restylane®, Radiesse, Perlane, Juvederm, Artefill, Sculptra, Matridex, and even silicone oil – it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the options.  However, not all of these fillers should be used as lip fillers under normal circumstances.  Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane are much more suitable for lip augmentation than permanent and semi-permanent fillers.  This is because they are much more forgiving, do not tend to lump, and can be simply and easily adjusted with the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Dr. Steinsapir prefers the use of Restylane as the best filler for lip volume deficiencies.  This is because the lips are very sensitive and irregularities can arise.  Fortunately, Restylane doesn’t tend to form bumps, and an experienced physician specialist can skillfully place Restylane for natural looks and long-term benefits.

Under Eye Fill

Dark circles under your eyes, or even a hollowness above your cheekbones is easily improved using a similar method as with the lips.  Dr. Steinsapir also prefers Restylane to reduce the appearance of dark circles because it can be easily adjusted.  Despite what the old wives tales say about dark circles and getting enough rest, persistent dark circles are actually the result of your lower eyelid muscle showing through the delicate and thin skin of your lower lid area.  When there is no subcutaneous fat between the skin and the muscle, the area appears dark and sunken.

The treatment requires a skillful hand but once placed and adjusted, the treatment is completely natural and can’t be detected by others. No wonder this has become the most popular eye dark circles treatment.

It is critical that the injecting physician assess how you do after the treatment because a certain percentage of treatments require an adjustment.  Dr. Steinsapir explains that everyone holds a slightly different amount of water in the tissues and small areas of fullness can spoil an otherwise great result.  For this reason, he encourages his patients to follow up about a week after treatment to assess how the service has settled.

Microdroplet BOTOX® and Dysport®

Of course, forehead wrinkles and brow lines are considered unfeminine, even among the older generations of stars like Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, and Jane Fonda.  Despite all of these women being over 60, all their photographs show them with smooth foreheads and full cheeks despite their features showing other signs of aging.  Maintaining a youthful appearance is a large part of looking feminine because it’s these features in women that are signs of femininity.

Unlike standard treatment methods, Microdroplet™ BOTOX® and Dysport create brow lift without forehead paralysis.  Microdroplet™ BOTOX® works with greater precision with your facial muscles.  The care and interest Dr. Steinsapir has shown in inventing this treatment demonstrates his dedication to achieving a beautiful, more youthful appearance without impeding the ability to express emotion.

Standard injection methods tend to freeze the forehead.  The forehead can’t move and the eyebrows drop like stones.  What looks good is a gently lifted eyebrow, no crows feet lines or brow pinch, and a forehead with reduced lines that is still able to move.  Imagine a BOTOX® or Dysport® treatment that allows you to have natural expressions!

Chemical Peel

Flawless skin has always been the ideal for beauty and as we all age, men and women alike, our skin develops flaws and spots that may not have been there when we were young.  But cosmetic products are not marketed to men so there is even more pressure on women to maintain clear, beautiful skin.

There are many types of chemical peels available and they treat many types of concerns, so it can be difficult to figure out which chemical peel is right for you.  But the chemical peel is truly an art form with versatile abilities depending on your needs, so it’s vital to understand that for a successful face peel with profound results, you’ll need an expert in performing facial peels who has extensive treatment experience and understands how to combine science and aesthetic planning for the best results possible.

Chemical peels can effectively treat facial concerns like aging skin, fine wrinkles, dark spots, acne, creases, loss of elasticity in the skin, and other concerns.  This frequently makes the chemical peel an excellent alternative to surgery that removes excess skin for the lower eyelid.  A chemical peel in the eyelid region is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves your natural features while rejuvenating your appearance.

Pigmentation is always an important consideration to any chemical peel.  The range in skin colors and complexions is complex, so this is something to consider with your doctor on an individual basis.  Fortunately there are many people who can and do benefit from chemical peels.  Your doctor can tell you more about skin-types as classified by the Fitzpatrick scale, and let you know what that means for you and your candidacy for a chemical peel.  A chemical peel can also help improve concerns with irregular pigmentation.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

August 17, 2011

How Can I Fix Droopy Eyelid After Botox?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,ptosis — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:58 am

Experiencing a droopy eyelid following a BOTOX® treatment is not normal!  If you experience serious ptosis after receiving BOTOX, meaning one eye is 2 mm to 3 mm lower than the other eye, it’s important for you to be assessed by an oculoplastic surgeon.  If your ptosis is severe, and you have confidence in your treating physician, there is no harm in letting that doctor assess you.  However, while things can happen, this degree of ptosis is very unusual.  If you have any concerns about your doctor, it is highly recommended that you consider getting a second opinion.

Iopidine Ophthalmic Drops May Help

Oculoplastic surgeons are trained to assess and follow upper eyelid ptosis.  They are familiar and have experience treating upper eyelid ptosis.   A prescription for Iopidine (aproclonidine ophthalmic solution) can be helpful in this circumstances.  This medication is a glaucoma medicine that can elevate the eyelid a couple of millimeters. The drops can also be used to assess the severity of the ptosis and predict the likely time frame for the resolution of ptosis.  Dr. Steinsapir recommends trying the drop twice a day for a week.  If the drop is working to open the eye, then it is likely that the ptosis will resolve in 4-6 weeks.

What if the Drops Don’t Work?

If the drops do not cause a change in the position of your upper eyelid, you have a more profound BOTOX-induced upper eyelid weakness.  In these cases, the ptosis can last up to three to four months―in very rare cases, this might last even longer.  If the drops are not working, don’t keep using them.  Instead, try the drops approximately every fifth day or so.  Use them twice a day when they work.  The drops in no way speed up the final resolution of the upper eyelid ptosis and only appear to be effective when the BOTOX effect is mild.

How Can I Avoid This Kind of Problem?

The incidence of upper eyelid ptosis in the hands of an experienced injector is very, very small.  Less experienced injector are more likely to perform a treatment that causes ptosis.  It’s important to carefully research a doctor or nurse’s credentials and their track record for successful injections.  Looking at one series of eight patients, for example, presented to Dr. Steinsapir in Los Angeles, only one of them had their actual dose of BOTOX recorded in his medical chart.  Years ago, when doctors were still trying to understand the best method of BOTOX treatments, upper eyelid ptosis was reported in as many as 5 percent of cases. The incidence of upper eyelid ptosis in the hands of experienced injectors is much less than 1percent. For example, Dr. Steinsapir has treated only three mild cases of ptosis in his last 3,500 treatments.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your minimally invasive treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

 

July 26, 2011

How does BOTOX and the new product Xeomin compare?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,dysport,myasthenia gravis — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:55 am

Xeomin® is a Botulinum Toxin A, made by Merz Pharmaceuticals that contains the same active ingredient found in BOTOX® and Dysport®.  Unlike BOTOX however, Xeomin does not need to be refrigerated before reconstitution.  Xeomin isn’t currently approved for cosmetic uses but it is comparable to to BOTOX and Dysport.

Uses for Xeomin

Xeomin is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia, severe neck spasms, or blepharospasm, advanced eyelid spasms.   It is not approved for the treatment of wrinkles and crows feet in the United States, but it is used throughout Europe and Canada for this purpose.

Merz, the company that developed Xeomin, reports that clinical studies for cosmetic applications are underway.  Doctors are able to use this product in what is referred to as “off-label” manner, meaning that your doctor can prescribe Xeomin at doses and for procedures other than those recommended by the FDA, however in these situations, you are using the product at your own risk.  It is possible to obtain treatment for cosmetic indications with Xeomin.  Just note that such uses have not been tested rigorously and may pose higher risk than being treated with drugs that are formally approved for treating cosmetic issues such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.  Based on studies so far and the use of Xeomin in Europe – where it is available for cosmetic purposes – doctors anticipate that Xeomin will work very much like BOTOX for cosmetic applications.

Botox versus Xeomin

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Xeomin will be better than BOTOX, or less effective.  If you are treated with Xeomin, the dose your doctors uses may be the same or slightly different than the dose used for BOTOX.   These products are not bioequivalent and for this reason, treatment may vary.

Like any product introduced into the market as a competitor to existing brands, the use of Xeomin, once it is approved by the US FDA for cosmetic use, will be based largely on personal preference.  But as with any Botulinum Toxin A injection, it’s important to remember that only an experienced cosmetic surgeon should perform the procedure.  Just as BOTOX and Dysport cannot be administered by an esthetician, an unsupervised nurse, or anyone other than a licensed professional, Xeomin is no different.  Do not assume that because it is new and has different dosing and storage requirements than BOTOX, that it can be administered by anyone.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

July 15, 2011

What should I expect with my BOTOX treatment?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift alternative,Microdroplet BOTOX — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 7:27 pm

There are a lot of different rumors out there about what you can expect from BOTOX®,  Dysport®, or other botulinum toxin A injections; rumors about harmful side effects, who is qualified to perform the injections, and long recovery periods.  The truth is, BOTOX injections have an amazing track record for safety and  require little to no down time.  The results last from 4 to 6 months before you may feel the need to freshen your appearance.  Receiving BOTOX relaxes your facial muscles to remove crows feet, lines in your forehead, and that angry pinch at the eyebrow that robs you of a more youthful, relaxed, and friendly appearance. There is no substitute for having a leading authority in cosmetic surgery personally perform your service.

Where is surgery commonly performed?

BOTOX injections are an office-based service. You may see estheticians and unqualified individuals like medical assistants offering injections illegally in spas and salons under the justification that they have a “medical director.”   There are no states that permit this arrangement.  Unless a doctor is present and performs the service, this type of situation is the illegal practice of medicine.  Don’t let an unqualified individual perform your BOTOX or Dysport service.

Only a licensed medical doctor or a nurse under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor can inject BOTOX.  The exact details of the required qualifications vary by State so it’s important to research the individual you wish to perform the injection to ensure he or she is qualified.  However, just because your doctor or nurse is minimally qualified to perform the injection does not necessarily indicate he or she is the ideal choice for the procedure. As with many other medical procedures, the best results require a certain level of qualification, skill and experience; these concerns are perhaps even more important when considering modifications to your physical appearance.

What is the typical recovery course and physical restrictions?

BOTOX injections may cause a little bruising from the treatment and you may notice redness in your skin for an hour or two. Many people find that they can return to work immediately after treatment.  Others find that they like to apply a little ice to the injection points before facing work again.

Although you can return to your usual routine following treatment and may feel physically ready to take on the world, Dr. Steinsapir strongly advises you refrain from exercising and engaging in strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours.

What are some common complications after a cosmetic botulinum toxin treatment and how are they addressed?

Many prospective patients worry about side effects or potential dangers of Botox® injections.  In the case of BOTOX® and Dysport®, the FDA issued a “Black Box Warning” in 2009 because there was concern regarding a rare but potentially fatal complication when they are used to treat very small children with cerebral palsy.  The dose used for these medical treatments can be 10 or more times higher that what is used for cosmetic purposes.  More information regarding these issues can be found here.

“Dose is very important in the safety of all drugs, not just BOTOX® and Dysport®” says Dr. Steinsapir a leading authority, teacher, and much sought after BOTOX® injector.  Even the safety of aspirin, which is present in almost every American household, is dependent on dose: two aspirins helps your headache feel better, but 20 aspirins are poisonous..

Many unwanted results like the BOTOX forehead freeze, droopy eyebrows, the appearance of the eyes being smaller, and the “bat-face” caused by muscle recruitment in areas of the face that have not been treated, are the result of physicians injecting BOTOX incorrectly.  Carefully researching your chosen physicians credentials and experience can greatly reduce the risk of one of these side effects.

An innovative alternative

Dr. Steinsapir has invented Microdroplet™ BOTOX® to address the need to retain authentic facial expression and natural eyebrow placement. Unlike standard BOTOX® procedures, Microdroplet™ BOTOX® creates brow lift without forehead paralysis. If you have had BOTOX® treatments in the past but were not satisfied, Microdroplet™ BOTOX® may give you the results you need by working with greater precision with your facial muscles. The care and interest Dr. Steinsapir has shown in inventing this treatment demonstrates his dedication to achieving a beautiful, more youthful appearance without impeding the ability to express emotion.

Using standard injection methods, there is no way to selectively treat the muscles that pull the eyebrows down.  Instead these methods tend to freeze the forehead.  Perhaps you have experienced these types of results yourself or have seen them in your favorite actresses: The forehead can’t move and the eyebrows drop like stones.  What looks good is a gently lifted eyebrow, no crows feet lines or brow pinch, and a forehead with reduced lines that is still able to move.  Imagine a BOTOX® treatment that allows you to have natural expressions!

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

July 7, 2011

What’s the Best Eye Wrinkle Treatment?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,dysport,hyaluronic acid fillers,Restylane,restylane in los angeles — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 2:28 pm

Eye wrinkles are treatable, but not unavoidable.  There is no cure for aging and therefore, no cure for wrinkles, especially around the eyes―our most expressive feature.    However, you can take preventative measures to delay and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  There’s no magic cure, but using sunscreen on a daily basis and wearing sunglasses are an excellent way to limit the effect of sun damage and squinting, which are thought to play important roles in the development of periocular wrinkles. It is generally thought that smoking also damages the delicate elastin in the skin speeding the development and severity of facial wrinkles.   Once these wrinkles do appear you will need more than a skin moisturizer to help improve these lines.

Fillers and Muscle-relaxers

Treatments like BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Restylane® are popular because they are noninvasive treatments that can smooth wrinkles, relax tense muscles, and fill in hollow areas.  These injections are not permanent and will wear off.  Touch-up or maintenance treatment is repeated as necessary.  This is typically twice a year for the botox service and commonly a year for the filler service.

BOTOX and Dysport are naturally-occurring protein that prevents treatment muscles of facial expression from contracting, and Restylane is made from a naturally occurring sugar-gel that is found in the body.  Both of these products are eventually organically broken down and expelled from your body completely primarily in the form of water and CO2.  You’ll notice as this happens that your wrinkles will slowly return.  They may stand out to you after many months of looking much better.  When should you be retreated?  Dr. Steinsapir does not believe that your next treatment needs to occur more frequently than once a year.

Can BOTOX and Restylane prevent problems?

We know that BOTOX and Dysport does not aggravate wrinkles or make them worse in the long run.  We also know that the face is subject to gravity and general usage as we age, and that wrinkles can be caused by tense muscles.  When these overactive muscles relax, as they do in response to BOTOX and Dysport, the skin is no longer constantly creased.  While there are no clinical studies suggesting that ongoing treatment with these agents prevent wrinkles from forming, it does make sense that less skin creasing should help preserve skin integrity and reduce the formation of lines and wrinkles.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

June 10, 2011

Should I use Zytaze before getting my next BOTOX treatment?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:48 am

According to the website, Zytaze® “provides nutritional support to enhance the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, or cosmetic procedures.”  The manufactures also claim that Zytaze will extend the effects of your botulinum toxin injections up to 25 percent longer.  Although the science on the website sounds convincing, it’s important to read the fine print on Zytaze.com, which states that the manuscript explaining the statistics is still under review.  So does Zytaze have any benefits? Does it have any negative effects?

The manufacturer’s claims

OCuSOFT, Inc., the manufacturers of Zytaze, state that their product works by improving your body’s ability to absorb zinc.  In order for botulinum toxin injections such as BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® to be effective, each molecule of the botulinum toxin must bond with a molecule of zinc.  Phytase, one of two active ingredient in Zytaze, is an enzyme that increases the body’s ability to absorb the zinc, the second active ingredient.  Each prescription comes with 10 pills for a five-day treatment regimen prior to receiving the injections.

Warnings and concerns

A five-day Zytaze prescription can cost around $80 and to save money you may be tempted to purchase generic, over-the-counter Zinc Citrate and Phytase.  However, too much zinc can cause gastrointestinal problems and consuming too much Phytase can cause you to suffer from zinc toxicity, even if you aren’t over-dosing on the zinc itself.  Talk to your doctor before you start taking any of these supplements to ensure you are taking just the right amount.  Before you undergo any procedure, medical or cosmetic, give your doctor a list of all the medications, supplements, and vitamins you’re taking.

The science

Taking Zytaze before undergoing a BOTOX injection may not be helpful if your zinc and Phytase levels are properly balanced.  The study has not been published.  However, clinical data cited in the patent application for the product suggests that investigator studied very few patients in the age range that gets BOTOX cosmetic.  Half of their study patients were over 70 years of age.  Until their study is published in the peer reviewed literature, the claims should be take with a grain of salt.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

May 22, 2011

How young is too young to receive BOTOX?

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,dysport,Microdroplet BOTOX — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 4:22 am

In March 2011, Good Morning America aired a story about a pageant mother who regularly injected her 8-year-old daughter with BOTOX®.  As shocking as it is to see a child worrying about wrinkles at such a young age, it’s equally shocking to learn that her mother, an esthetician, was performing the injections herself.  It is illegal for anyone other than a licensed medical doctor or nurse under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor to inject BOTOX.  In May 2011, Child Protective Services took the young girl from her mother and while no one likes to see a child removed from their parents’ custody, it’s a relief to hear that this behavior is not normal.  The story has a lot of people asking: How young is too young to use BOTOX?

Food and Drug Administration guidelines

The FDA has approved cosmetic BOTOX and Dysport® for anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 and medically-necessary BOTOXv for children as young as 12. However FDA approvals and recommendations operate as guidelines, not legal mandates.  This means that a physician may use his or her judgment when administering BOTOX, Dysport, or Xeomin®; a physician has the freedom to use it in ways that are not FDA-approved.  Using BOTOX, Dysport, or Xeomin in this manner is referred to as “off-label use” and many drugs are used in this fashion with great benefit to the individual receiving treatment.

BOTOX for medical applications

BOTOX and the other clinically available botulinum toxins are often used to treat muscle spasms, cerebral palsy, migraines, excessive sweating, and a number of other medical conditions.  In these situations, physicians will often use BOTOX in an off-label manner and administer it to children younger than 12.  If a physician recommends BOTOX for a young child with one of these medical conditions, the physician has reason to believe that the child’s quality of life will be improved by BOTOX treatments even though medical treatment with these agents for young children is associated with death and life-threatening side effects.

BOTOX for cosmetic applications

The benefits of BOTOX and Dysport on worry-lines in the forehead and around the eyes are undeniable.  However, children have very elastic skin and sub dermal fat to give their faces volume that adults lose as they age.  This elasticity and sub dermal fat is what makes children’s skin so smooth and wrinkle-free.  Receiving cosmetic BOTOX before you’re skin begins to lose these youthful features is not necessary.  So what’s the right age to begin receiving cosmetic BOTOX injections?  That’s a question only you can answer with help from your doctor.  However any reasonable person can understand that injecting an 8 year-old to make her more competitive for a beauty pageant is shockingly inappropriate and abusive.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has performed thousands of BOTOX treatments in Los Angeles since 1988 and recently patented his Microdroplet BOTOX technique. He is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment.  No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

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