Injectables

     Botox Cosmetic

     Juvederm

     Sculptra Aesthetic

Botox Cosmetic^®

The number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States is Botox injections.  In our office, both Dr. Schneider and Cyndie Grimes provide Botox treatments for patients.   Botox was introduced over 20 years ago for ophthalmologists treating muscle disorders of the eye.  The FDA approved Botox for cosmetic uses in 2002, helping millions of patients with facial lines and wrinkles.

At the Schneider Centre for Plastic Surgery, we use Botox for a  variety uses including elevation of the eyebrows, wrinkles of the forehead, crows feet, “11’s” or the wrinkles between the eyebrows, wrinkles around the mouth, severe armpit perspiration, and severe vaginismus.  Botox is also being evaluated by its manufacturer, Allergan for knee and hip osteoarthritis and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) to migraine headache and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How Botox Works

When nerves fire to stimulate a muscle, they release a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical stimulates the muscle to contract. Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A), is an injectable formula that disrupts the release of acetylcholine at the muscle and paralyzes the muscle therefore stopping the contraction.   In the face, when Botox is targeted at the superficial muscles that tend to produce wrinkles, the muscle function is impeded and the wrinkles are improved.  Wrinkles that are long standing or deep will not completely disappear but patients are often pleased with the improvements. Results are fully evident within seven to ten days after treatment however, most patients see results in 24-48 hours.  The results typically last three to four months. Patients who consistently use the product may see less wrinkle development over time.  Once the medication wears off, the muscle returns to its normal function.

The Botox Procedure

Botox injections are performed in our office without the need for anesthesia. However, some patients may wish to have a numbing cream to the treatment area. Patients may experience some minimal discomfort from the needle injection. Depending on the extent of treatment, the procedure can take a few minutes up to 15 minutes. Patients are able to return home shortly after the treatment is complete.The selection of injection points is critical to the success of the procedure. We may select several injection points for each location to be treated. These points may not be located on the wrinkle itself, but at the area where the muscle contracts.

Botox for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating, or what medically is called hyperhidrosis, is sweating beyond the normal and necessary amount to maintain normal body temperature.  Hyperhidrosis can have a major impact on one's quality of life.  Excessive sweating in the  hands, feet, or armpits can be embarrassing and can lead to anxiety and stress both in social situations and at work. The condition is caused by the autonomic nervous system that causes excessive sweat gland stimulation during normal circumstances.

For many patients, prescription strength antiperspirants are sufficient for excessive sweating of the armpits. However, “I have literally seen patients forced to carry around wash cloths and towels for the excess sweating of their hands and armpits”, said Dr. Schneider.  For these patients, Botox may provide long lasting relief.  Botox is able to disrupt the normal nerve stimulation of the sweat glands for 4-6 months.

Botox for Vaginismus

Vaginismus is an uncontrolled, involuntary contraction of the muscles that surround the vagina.  These contractions can be caused by any stimulation to the vagina or even by the thought of vaginal penetration such as placement of a tampon, speculum, or intercourse.  There are a variety of degrees of vaginismus and certain cases may be treated successfully with Botox. The procedure is usually performed with an IV sedation to overcome the significant fear caused by the condition.   With the patient asleep, the muscles surrounding the vagina are injected with Botox.  Patients may be able to experience normal intercourse within 2-6 weeks following the procedure.  Most studies demonstrate that once the effect has taken place, additional treatments are not necessary.

Juvederm^®

Injectables are dermal fillers that help restore volume to aging skin.  They can be utilized within wrinkles to decrease their depth or within facial folds to decrease their prominence.  So for example, Juvederm^® is typically used for the crows feet, hollows below the eyes, smile lines, parentheses lines, and marionette folds. Many patients benefit by having an injectable placed within the lip to augment the lip line or the size of the lips.  A topical anesthetic is applied 45 minutes prior to the procedure.   Clinical results from Juvederm typically last from 10-12 months.

In many patients, both Botox^® and Juvederm^® are used simultaneously to produce a dramatic revitalization that patients enjoy as soon as they leave the office. Some have called this the "Liquid Facelift".