Botox Cosmetic Rejuvenation (continued)

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2003 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Alastair Carruthers, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, the inventor of Cosmetic Botox treatments, discussed study results and advancements in Botox rejuvenation:

"Public acceptance of botulinum ( Botox type A ) rejuvenation has grown significantly, particularly since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of forehead furrows in April 2002," stated Dr. Carruthers. "In fact, there has been a large increase in the number of male patients requesting this treatment. However, the latest studies have shown that while men and women have a lot of the same cosmetic concerns, they react differently to treatment."

A recently completed study analyzed the appropriate treatment doses of Botox to eliminate frown lines between the eyebrows (glabella) for men compared to the doses for women. The study results show that men require a Botox treatment dose higher then women do in order to achieve the same visible effect for the longest length of time.

"Men may require higher doses because their muscles are larger," speculated Dr. Carruthers. "But it is evident that if a man receives the same dosage level as a woman does, the results will not be as successful or last as long."

What men and women do seem to have in common is their desire to reverse the signs of aging. Despite earlier impressions, doctors are finding that most men are just as interested in keeping frown lines at bay as women. "We used to think that frown lines gave men a more distinguished, masculine look," stated Dr. Carruthers. "However, our studies have shown that men appear to prefer a more youthful look. Botulinum rejuvenation can successfully reduce the appearance of these frown lines and men are pleased with the results."

Brow lifts associated with Botox rejuvenation are another common request from men and women. A brow lift is a procedure that treats the muscles used to pull the eyebrows down, giving the patient a more "open-eyed" look. A recent study demonstrated that, unlike other procedures, women seem to have the best brow lift results when they receive a higher dosage of the treatment, as opposed to the lower dosage that is typically successful in other treatments. Additionally, the study showed that the best results for women are achieved at twelve weeks following the procedure. This is in contrast to other botulinum rejuvenation procedures where patients usually see their best results at two-to-four weeks.

In addition to forehead furrows and brow lifts, the cosmetic use of Botox rejuvenation has expanded to other areas of the face. Lines at the corner of the mouth, commonly known as "bitterness lines," can be a primary area of cosmetic concern. Standard treatment for these lines has been with soft tissue fillers and non-ablative resurfacing. Botox rejuvenation can successfully augment these other treatments and give an individual a more positive appearance.

Botox rejuvenation, in conjunction with soft tissue fillers, has also been found to be good for reducing lipstick bleeding lines around the lips. In this procedure, Botox is injected into the "purse-string" muscle around the mouth, causing it to become weaker. By relaxing this muscle and using fillers, the lines around the mouth can be drastically reduced.

While a Botox rejuvenation procedure can easily reduce the signs of aging, the success of the procedure depends on the skill of the physician. It is important for you to choose a physician who is properly trained in Botulinum rejuvenation in order to get the best possible results, and we are pleased to be able to offer it to you.

Botox Cosmetic injections take effect in three to five days, and the effects last between three and four months initially, though there is some current evidence that suggests that repeated injections may ultimately lead to results lasting as long as 6 months. These treatments tend to be administered to men and women between the ages of 30 and 65.

Contact the Concierge by email or call 1-401-521-0303 to make an appointment.