Conditions Treated with Botox® Cosmetic

A Premiere Medi Spa for Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® Injections and Jaw Line Reduction.

Applications of Botox Injections in Cosmetic Surgery

The popularity of Botox injections in Los Angeles, as in the rest of the country, is unmatched with any other cosmetic surgery procedure; a tiny amount of this botulinum toxin when injected into tense facial muscles is enough to inhibit contraction of the targeted muscles, causing them to relax and impressively correct a myriad of facial imperfections and signs of aging. Unlike microdermabrasion, cosmetic lasers, or chemical peels, which are good at fading minor fine lines, Botox Cosmetic (type of Botox intended for cosmetic surgery), and its recently FDA-approved competitors, Dysport and Xeomin are able to get to the root of the problem by relaxing muscles and releasing the overlying wrinkles for months to come. Also, unlike painful surgical procedures, these botulinum toxins are successful at narrowing a wide jawline, correcting gummy smiles, or preventing excessive sweating without much pain or downtime. Furthermore, Botox injections are found to help some patients break their habits of overusing certain muscles of expression, like frequent forceful elevation of the eyebrows; the main cause for the appearance of deep horizontal forehead lines.

Please go to Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin to read the answers to frequently asked questions about these popular injectable products.

The trick for successful Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin applications is to make sure your muscles don't get too relaxed and that you retain a natural ability to show emotions through facial movements. The injections are intended to weaken the targeted expression muscles to an extent that minimize the lines and wrinkles they produce, but retain the ability to show an acceptable level of expression; not an artificial and expressionless facial appearance. When an area has never been treated, it's always wiser to use more conservative doses, since doing a touch-up treatment is much easier than waiting for months for an excessive effect to wear off.

It should be pointed out that injection of Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin to the lower face involves higher risks and accordingly requires a more precise technique, since lower facial muscles are involved in important functions like speech, eating, drinking and smiling. As a consequence, doses in these areas tend to be conservative and the results more modest than the upper face. Injection of the mid and lower face and neck is best reserved for experienced injector doctors and patients who have had successful injections in the upper face. With Dr. Dishakjian's experience of tens of thousands of Botox injections over many years, you are reassured that you are in the best hands. The conditions commonly treated with Botox by Dr. R. Dishakjian, the cosmetic surgeon at Nu Vela Esthetica, include:

Frown Lines - Botox Eliminates Them the Best

These are the glabella lines for which Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin injections have received FDA approval for their use in cosmetic surgery. They develop over time between the two eyebrows as two vertical lines (known as the 11) as a consequence of repeated squinting and scowling. Botox when injected into the scowling (corrugator) muscles, causes them to relax and gives the individual a more relaxed and good-natured appearance. The number of units a person needs depends on the size and strength of the corrugator muscles. The average amount of Botox used for the "11" lines between the eyebrows is around 16-22 Botox units for a female, or equivalent units of Dysport or Xeomin. Males will usually require more units (about 20 to 30 units) as their facial muscles are often thicker and stronger. It should be noted that Botox injected between the eyebrows may often improve tension headaches and even migraines related to the repeated tightening of these muscles.

Forehead Lines - Botox Eliminates Them the Best

These are the horizontal lines on the forehead that appear when we raise our eyebrows in surprise. Botox Cosmetic can be injected into certain points in the forehead to relax these lines. Typically, 10-15 units are injected, depending on the size of the muscles in the forehead, patient's gender, and the severity of the lines. Many patients report significant improvement of tension and migraine headaches following injections in this area. Forehead injections should be used with caution in patients older than 65, to avoid droopiness of the eyebrows.

Crow's Feet - Botox Eliminates Them the Best

These lines radiating from the outer edge of the eyes resemble crow's feet, particularly during smiling and forceful eye closure. They are caused by the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, a thin and circular muscle that surrounds the eye. Botox Cosmetic, Dysport or Xeomin can be used to diminish these crow's feet-like lines by relaxing this muscle. Typically, 10-18 units of Botox are needed per side.

BOTOX FOR CROW'S FEET

Bunny Lines - Botox Eliminates Them the Best

These are fine lines that show up on either side of the nasal bridge. They are caused by repeated squinting, smiling and sniffing. Around 5 units of Botox Cosmetic or the equivalent units of Dysport or Xeomin on either side of the nasal bridge will allow these muscles to relax.

Corners of the Mouth

This treatment intends to straighten the downward turning corners of the mouth that are sometimes more accentuated with aging, giving the person a depressed appearance. Around 5 units of Botox injected into the muscles that pull the angle of the mouth excessively downwards (the Depressor Anguli Oris or DOA muscle) will allow the corners of the mouth to turn upwards.

Brow Lift or Brow Balance

Botox Cosmetic when injected at the lateral sides of the eyebrows has the ability to sculpt the brow and provide a beautiful lateral lift, a "chemical eyelift." Although not typically performed, strategically and carefully placed Botox injections will contour the position of the eyebrows, create a pleasing arch, and give a rested and more alert appearance to the eyes. The procedure can also be applied to even out asymmetric eyebrows; for example, if one eyebrow is higher than the other. 2-5 Botox units are usually used in this area.

Smokers' Lines

These refer to the vertical lines that appear on the skin part of the lip. They and are commonly but not necessarily associated with smoking. Ideal patients for Botox injections have a few large but not highly etched-in wrinkles. It should be noted that Botox should be only administered in conservative doses (0.5-1 U per wrinkle) to minimize weakness in this area, as lips have an essential role in critical facial functions. Combination treatment with fillers like Juvederm or Restylane may be required for optimal results in these patients. Even when used in appropriate doses, botox injections in this area may sometimes prevent patients from being able to drink through a straw or whistle. For very deep lines or numerous very fine lines, deep laser resurfacing will be the treatment of choice for effective, long term results.

Jawline Reduction and Facial Slimming - Excellent Outcome with Minimum Pain

This is a Botox injection technique to reduce the flare and width of a wide jawline without resorting to surgery. Reducing the appearance of a wide jawline or slimming of the lower face can help establish improved facial harmony and soften a more masculine and angular appearance of a square face into a more oval and feminine one. Some people, like Koreans, are genetically predisposed to have wide jawline; others develop it through habits like teeth grinding and frequent gum chewing. Weight lifters and body builders may also overdevelop their masseter muscle. The masseter muscle is the main muscle responsible for chewing, teeth grinding and clenching. The most important criterion to decide if you are a good candidate for jawline reduction is the thickness of your masseter muscle. Another important aspect to investigate relates to your habits that may predispose you to have a larger masseter muscle and flared jawline. You can easily determine if your chewing muscle is enlarged by biting down hard and feeling the outer jaw line near the ear. When Botox is injected into the masseter muscle it partially relaxes it. The underused muscle eventually loses its mass and shrinks. Botox injections of the masseter requires no anesthesia or downtime and takes about 6 weeks before you see the difference. Typically, about 25 units of Botox, or equivalent Dysport and Xeomin units, are required per side. Results will last between 6 months to a year and a half depending on several factors. Although rare, few patients may experience some tiring feeling after chewing for a while. This phenomenon is only temporary and will go away over time. It should be pointed out that Dr. R. Dishakjian, the cosmetic surgeon at Nu Vela Esthetica, has been sought after by many patients of different races seeking jawline reduction through the use of Botox Cosmetic.

BOTOX FOR JAW LINE REDUCTION

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a problem that afflicts a large percentage of Americans. Those that only grind at night won't even be aware of it, unless told by someone or their dentist notices that they are wearing down their teeth. Teeth grinding can result in headaches, earaches, facial pain, chipped-teeth and may enlarge the masseter muscle, giving rise to a square face and wide jawline. 20 units of Botox injections per masseter muscle, or equivalent units of Dysport or Xeomin, may help individuals with severe bruxism who haven't responded to traditional treatments, such as bite blocks that keep teeth from coming together at night. Results from Botox treatment of bruxism start a day or two after injection and improve as the masseter muscles shrink over the following few treatments. The treatment does not interfere with chewing, smiling or anything else, because the injected dose of Botox is relatively small, but big enough to stop the cycle of bruxism. It should be noted that patients treated for teeth grinding have also reported a marked reduction in their general stress level.

Gummy Smile

When some people smile, their upper lip elevates too far above their upper teeth, exposing gums and producing an unattractive "Gummy Smile." One reason for this phenomenon could be due the presence of a hyperactive muscle which pulls the lip too far up when smiling. Occasionally, the gummy smile is also aggravated by a thin upper lip that further contributes to the problem by exposing the upper gum even more. Individuals, whose gums stand out more than their smile does, often control their smiles and feel self-conscious. Botox, Dysport or Xeomin when injected at certain strategic points above the upper lips, lowers the upper lip by up to 5 mm to partially or totally hide the gums and give a more beautiful smile. The technique is very delicate and if not performed professionally, may result in what is known as "crooked smile." If a thin upper lip is a contributing factor, Dr. Dishakjian may suggest concomitant upper lip augmentation with a FDA approved filler, such as Restylane or Juvederm.

Wrinkled and Dimpled Chin

Also known as peau D'orange chin, this is a chin that gets wrinkled up during talking, smiling and eating. It can be easily corrected by injecting 5-10 units of Botox into several points at the base of the chin. Wrinkles smooth out as the underlying muscles relax.

Neck Bands

As some people age, the sheet like muscle underneath the neck skin, known as the plastysma, separates into bands creating vertical cords. These bands, and to a less extent the horizontal lines of the neck, can be temporarily improved with the muscle-relaxing effect of Botox injections. Typically 10 units of Botox, or the equivalent Dysport or Xeomin units is injected per band. This procedure is particularly suited to individuals who do not have a lot of excess neck skin. When excessive looseness of the neck skin is present, a surgical neck-lift is the most effective treatment.

BOTOX FOR NECK BANDS

Nasal Flare

Refers to aesthetically unappealing flaring up of nostrils in situations such as anger, emotional upset, and also as a habit. A unit of Botox administered to each side of the nostrils in the region of the levator alae nasi will usually stop these unattractive nasal flares.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is caused by stimulation of the sweat glands by nerve endings which descend from higher centers in the brain. Excessive sweating on the forehead, armpits, underarms, palms, scalp and soles is a common problem that can be very annoying and socially handicapping. Topical treatments can work by reducing sweating in these regions, but not in everyone. These products can be irritating with continued use and are largely ineffective in people with excessive sweating. Oral medications currently used for excessive sweating often provide relief but can cause dry mouth, blurry vision, and other side effects. Tap water iontophoresis is only mildly effective for severe cases, and surgical alternatives are associated with pain, scarring and may result in permanent skin numbness. Individuals who have failed topical treatments may be eligible for BOTOX therapy for their excessive sweating. Botox treatments can help excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) including underarm sweating and facial sweating, with results lasting between 4 to 8 months. During your free consultation session, Dr. Dishakjian will assess your candidacy for Botox therapy for excessive sweating and explain its limitations and benefits in your particular situation.

Chest Rejuvenation

Some women may exhibit wrinkling of the central mid chest (décolleté) with aging. Botox injections can successfully reduce and eliminate these wrinkles.

Click Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin - FAQs to find the answers to questions you may have on the use, effectiveness, and safety of these products.

Related Wrinkle and Facial Fold Treatments

• Restylane for lines, under-eye hollows, wrinkles and facial folds.
• Juvederm for wrinkles, lips, thinning lip border.
• Radiesse for long term nasolabial fold correction, and facial contouring.
• Sculptra for cheek augmentation and volume restoration.

Questions About Cost or a Treatment?

You may reach our Los Angeles medical spa and clinic by clicking the "Contact us" button at the top of the page, or by calling 818-832-4500. Our receptionist will be delighted to assist you with any enquiries regarding cost, additional information, or scheduling a free consultation session with Dr. Dishakjian, a cosmetic surgeon and phlebologist.