How BOTOX Works

The way that BOTOX works is by incapacitating certain muscles targeted via injections. It is categorized as a neuromodulator, meaning that it inhibits the transmission of certain neurochemicals to achieve a specific outcome. In this instance, the desired outcome is to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are the lines that appear when we make facial expressions like smiling or squinting or frowning. When we are younger and have more elasticity and firmness to the skin, dynamic wrinkles disappear when the face is at rest. Repeated muscle movements cause them to etch themselves in the skin. So, by restricting the movement of offending muscles, BOTOX smooths the skin.

The Benefits of BOTOX

The biggest benefit of BOTOX is that this cosmetic injectable is convenient. It does not require downtime and is associated with very few side effects. Patients can immediately resume most normal activities after receiving BOTOX injections and can feel confident in the high safety rating this product has enjoyed for years. The side effects that are most likely to occur include minor swelling and redness at injection sites. Some patients may develop a slight headache or flu-like symptoms, but these usually subside within a day or two. The beautiful results that BOTOX provide build gradually over 5 to 7 days. From that point, they can last 3 to 6 months.

Is BOTOX Painful?

If you’ve been thinking about getting BOTOX but aren’t completely in the know about the pain you might experience, chances are you’re procrastinating. BOTOX injections are performed with such a tiny needle that pain is very subtle. While the product is injected into muscle tissue, the muscles that we target are superficial. The needle only enters the very top layers of tissue to reach their intended depth. So, do BOTOX injections hurt? No. Aside from the tiny pinch of the needle, you won’t feel anything. The product does not sting or burn as it gets absorbed. And the process is done in 15 minutes or less.

The Takeaway

BOTOX is a safe and effective way to reduce the wrinkles that make you look older than you feel. Injections can correct crow’s feet, frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, and can even lift a descending brow. If you’d like to see what BOTOX can do for you, contact our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 and schedule a visit!

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The most efficient way to eliminate jowls is via facelift surgery. The facelift doesn’t focus on the skin alone but also lifts the muscle and fat that have descended to the lower face and neck. A facelift may not be the involved procedure that you imagine. Surgical techniques have expanded over time to create the ideal results for every face at any age. While nonsurgical skin tightening treatments have been developed in recent years, these focus only on the superficial layer of tissue so are somewhat limited in the degree of improvement they can achieve, as well as how long their results can last.

Can I Get Botox for Jowls?

Botox is one of the most well-known injectables for various dynamic wrinkles. It can even be injected into the chin to refine its appearance. But for jowls, not so much. Botox works by relaxing muscles that are pulling the skin into tight creases. Since jowls are the result of loose, lax muscle tissue, fat, and skin, relaxing the muscles even further would have the opposite of the desired effect.

Can Dermal Fillers Correct Jowls?

Dermal fillers are injectable contouring treatments that can achieve a lot. We want to be clear in our wording here, though. Dermal fillers cannot correct jowls. They can disguise them. The provider can deposit dermal filler along the jawline, in front of or behind the jowl (or both), to create the illusion of angles. The treatment is immediately rewarding and can produce results that last up to two years.

Would you like to refresh your appearance? Contact our Austin office at (512) 450-1077 to schedule a consultation for surgical or nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

The post When Jowls Just Need to Go appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

BOTOX® and Blepharoplasty: Same Goal, Different Approach

Ultimately, BOTOX and blepharoplasty achieve very similar goals, although we must say that blepharoplasty is a bit more comprehensive. More on that in a minute. Each approach to eye rejuvenation is proven and harbors very few risks. Both have a high satisfaction rate. Aside from outcomes, they are completely different.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that works by repositioning and removing the delicate, superficial tissue around the eyes. To have blepharoplasty does not mean that the entire eye area is lifted. A surgeon may tighten up either the upper or the lower eyelids based on need. In both situations, incisions are placed in hidden places like the natural crease or the lash line, so scarring is not visible. While the effects of eyelid surgery are immediately noticeable, patients need about a week for the majority of their postoperative swelling and bruising to go away before they go back to work and other light activities. Blepharoplasty doesn’t stop the aging process, but it can make the eyes look younger for many years.

BOTOX

BOTOX injections are widely praised for their power against lines and wrinkles in the upper third of the face. This product can smooth away crow’s feet, frown lines, and more. It is not used directly on the eyes but can have a positive effect on the upper eyelids that have become hooded due to laxity and a descending brow. The way that BOTOX can do this is through injections in the muscles that are pulling the brow downward. The decrease in muscle tension can release the skin below the eyebrows to lie more smoothly and look tighter. BOTOX does not work in every situation of upper eyelid hooding, only the heaviness that is created by brow descent. To sustain the effects of treatment, injections need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months.

Our eyes indicate our liveliness and personality. To explore the benefits of BOTOX or blepharoplasty, schedule a visit with Dr. Trussler in our Austin office at (512) 450-1077.

The post Deciding Between Botox and Blepharoplasty appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

Botox has been one of the most popular injectable treatments to ever be developed. There is the fact that it was the first, but beyond that, there are advantages to Botox that you can’t get with dermal fillers. As we edge toward holiday parties and the inherent desire most of us have to go into the new year looking and feeling our best, we can’t think of a better way to support cosmetic wellness than with Botox. Here, we point out a few myth-busting facts to help you feel confident if you’re new to injectable treatments.

Botox is safe.

Botox Cosmetic is based on a derivative of botulinum toxin. As such, the drug is often misperceived as dangerous. This theory has been proven false time and time again. Numerous studies were conducted on Botox prior to FDA approval. Furthermore, Botox Cosmetic was first conceptualized as a result of positive cosmetic side effects patients experienced after therapeutic treatment using botulinum toxin. Basically, before Botox was Botox, the drug was used as a clinical treatment for muscular disorders. The reason why Botox does not cause an adverse reaction is that the botulinum toxin that is used has been highly diluted and purified to ensure safety and efficacy.

Botox is temporary.

Early on after the cosmetic drug emerged, it was said that Botox treatment would permanently freeze the face. This is also a misconception. First, Botox does not freeze the face in a state of non-expression. Second, the effects of Botox absorption into muscle tissue diminish over time. The softening of muscle contractions around the eyes lasts from 3 to 6 months. When conducted by an experienced injector, the results of treatment look and feel natural.

You don’t have to get Botox forever.

If you’ve been hesitant to get Botox because you believe that you will be forever committed to periodic injections, you can rest easy knowing this would not happen. Many people have undergone Botox once or even many times and then stopped receiving treatment without experiencing negative effects. Wrinkles do not worsen when treatment is stopped, they simply reappear as they normally would due to natural aging.

Patients in the Austin area have time to rejuvenate before their big holiday event. For Botox and other injectable treatment, call (512) 450-1077.

The post There’s Still Time for Botox Before that Holiday Party! appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

We live in the era of non-aging. Judging by any Real Housewife, we aren’t really all that concerned with aging gracefully; we simply don’t want to age. Period. What is so interesting is that, for the most part, we have that option. We can inject solutions to freeze muscles and plump the lips and define the jaw and erase wrinkles – and this is what we do. All the while, we may be forgetting what’s happening down below; below the chin, that is.

The Power Curve
In our youth, most of us don’t even realize how lucky we are to be graced with a right-angle between the neck and swan-like chin, a la Katherine Hepburn. It isn’t until we wake up one day, mid-forties, and notice there is a sloped curve, and some sagging and wrinkling. In some cases, the curve all but disappears thanks to a double-chin. There are reasons for this . . .
The skin on the neck is incredibly thin and delicate, much like the skin on the eyelids. Unlike the eyes, the neck may not get treated to the same moisturizing. All the years of neglect eventually show up with a vengeance. The platysma band becomes stressed and tense while, at the same time, its strands fray. This causes the horizontal muscle to drop into a V. As you can guess, the skin above the band will happily follow its downward slide. While all this is happening mid-neck, the fat pads beneath the chin are also reveling in their newfound freedom, pushing outward into an obvious appearance.

Avoiding the Drop
The goal is to postpone the signs of aging with preventive care. This includes taking great care of your skin on a daily basis. It may also involve obtaining anti-aging treatments like Botox, which can be used to keep the platysmal band in line. At some point, though, you may need more. This is where neck lift surgery comes in. As many non-surgical treatments as there are today, nothing gets the job done like a precision neck lift.

Is it time to put that waddle to bed? Let’s talk. Schedule a visit in our Austin practice at 512-450-1077.

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What causes wrinkles?

Wrinkles, for the most part, are a natural consequence of getting older—your skin gets thinner and more worn, and wrinkles become more prominent.

If you’ve noticed that most of your wrinkles are around your eyes, between your brows, on your forehead, and near your mouth, this is because wrinkles are also cause by repeated facial expressions.

The other common causes of wrinkles are sun damage and smoking, since both of these things speed up the aging process and harm your health and your skin.

What can prevent wrinkles?

Wrinkles are perfectly natural, and you can’t completely avoid them, but there are plenty of things you can do to keep your skin looking as young as possible for as long as possible.

• Start by avoiding sun damage since it is one of the worst things for your skin. Sun damage can cause cancer, discoloration, wrinkles, and toughness. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen when you go outside and wearing clothing that covers your skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day—especially if you’re playing in the water or in an area with a high elevation.
• Stress can also make it easier for wrinkles to develop. Keep your stress levels low by exercising regularly, spending time doing things you enjoy, and meeting your deadlines.
• Take care of your skin while you’re still young. Apply a daily moisturizer each morning and start using retinol cream at night in your mid twenties (if not sooner). Be sure to pay attention to your neck as well as your face.

Can you reduce the appearance of wrinkles?

While some wrinkles can’t be avoided, there are plenty of ways to reduce or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles.

Common treatments include Botox injections, and laser skin resurfacing.

Botox injections work by temporarily weakening muscles in the target area. This is a particularly useful treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. Botox is often used to treat wrinkles around the eyes and between the brows.

Laser skin resurfacing is a good option for those who want subtle results that will appear gradually. This procedure is minimally invasive and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the tone of your skin over time.

To learn more about these treatments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Trussler.

The post Wrinkles—The Basics appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

Dysport® and Botox® are both FDA approved neuromodulators for cosmetic and medical indications. Both products are derived from the same neurotoxin (Botulinum Toxin Type A). Botox® has become the brand name for cosmetic treatment of wrinkles by neurotoxin and has been available for over 12 years. Dysport®, previously referred to as Reloxin, has been available since 2009.

• Dysport® is AbobotulinumtoxinA
• Botox® is OnabotulinumtoxinA

Botulinum toxin, produces a temporary paralysis or chemodenervation of the muscle by preventing the release and binding of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular receptor. The paralytic effect of Dysport®, as with other derivatives of botulinum toxin like Botox®, produces a relaxation of the underlying muscle with the associated benefit of reducing animation lines and smoothing lines of the overlying skin.

Dysport® and Botox® are injected in similar areas and with similar techniques, though the units are not interchangeable. One unit of Botox® seems to be equivalent to 3 units of Dysport®. Injection techniques are similar though Dysport® does have a greater area of diffusion. This makes the product slightly different to inject with more precaution taken around the glabella and forehead region to stay over a centimeter away from the orbital rim.

• Dr. Trussler in Austin TX was an injector in the two year FDA study of Reloxin (Dysport®).

Dysport® amd Botox® have a similar onset of action, which is approximately 2 days, though Dysport® may have a shorter time to maximal effect. Dysport® does have a powerful effect and is beneficial in the deep and strong brow furrow.

• Dysport® has been shown to be very effective in the crow’s feet area of the cheek and lower eyelid when compared to Botox®.

Both products do last about 3 months and this does relate to the initial dose and location of injection. Dysport® has less bounded protein than Botox® which may make it less susceptible to breakdown which could explain its increase longevity in certain studies.

Complications include with both neuromodulators are similar. Bruising at the injection site can seen and with Dysport® have more diffusion typically there can be less injection points and therefore less chance of bruising.  Likewise with more chance of diffusion there is a slightly higher risk of upper eyelid ptosis (drooping) with Dysport®, and this can be limited with proper injection technique.

For more information about neuromodualtors like Dysport® and Botox®, and which neuromodulator is suitable for you, a consultation with Dr. Trussler in his Austin TX plastic surgery office is the next step. Dr. Trussler has significant experience with both Dysport® and Botox® and will review their differences between Botox® and Dysport® to help choose the right neuromodulator for you.

The post Dysport® vs. Botox®: Similarities and Differences appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

Botox® is an injectable neuromodulator which blocks the nerve receptors that connect to muscles. When injected in the location of muscles, it temporarily paralyzes them for about 3 months.

Botox® has been utilized for almost 20 years, but the neurotoxin has been studied for longer. It does have both cosmetic and medical indications, but usually in a plastic surgeon’s office it is for cosmetic indications to help with frown lines and crow’s feet.

Botox® can be injected in the brow for a chemical brow lift, and in the male forehead to smooth lines and creases. Other indications for Botox®, include migraine headaches and bothersome sweating (hyperhydrosis).

• Botox® should be injected by an experienced injector who will evaluate your individual goals and incorporate your facial muscle activity and skin lines.
• Botox®needs to be diluted with saline, and this can affect its activity. Be sure to ask what kind of dilution your injector is using.
• The Botox® should be loaded in a 1cc syringe with a 30 gauge needle for injecting. This needle is like that used for a TB test. Repetitive injections can dull the needle, so do not be surprised if an additional needle is used to limit bruising.
• The injection location and depth is very important to deliver the drug to the proper location. This is where an experienced injector with knowledge of the facial anatomy is needed. Botox® can diffuse into other areas, such as the upper eyelid, which can lead to a droopy eyelid. This can be related to injector technique and quantity of Botox® injected.
• Ice packs should be used to limit bruising at the injection site, as well the skin should be cleaned with alcohol swabs prior to any injection.
• The treatment time should be about 5 to 15 minutes and it usually takes 2 to 4 days to take effect.
• Results can be limited to Botox® amount or number of units, look for 30 to 40 units as being average for forehead and eyes.
• Men may need a higher number of units for the forehead, but in general the total number of units for the face is equivalent.

In the right hands and in the right patient, Botox® is safe and effective for early facial aging. 20 to 40 units every three months is a standard routine, and should probably be the equivalent cost of hair and nails for that time.

The most difficult part of the process is finding the right injector who has the experience, knowledge, and technique to deliver reliable and safe results.

• Coupons and deals are enticing, but getting comfortable with an experienced individual injector will pay dividends for your preventative facial aging routine.

See your Botox® doctor back after 2 weeks to check the results and then in 3 months after the injection for another round. This will get your Botox® routine going, and will make follow-ups easy and quick.

Dr. Trussler in Austin Texas has significant experience injecting neuromodulators like Botox®. Dr. Trussler does perform all of his own injections in his Austin Texas plastic surgery office.

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