Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox treatment is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe wrinkles. Botox treatment is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eyes) and frown lines. The average procedure for Botox may take from ten to twenty minutes. The Botox injections are administered with a very fine needle into specific muscle areas determined by the physician.

Botox was approved 1989 to treat several eye muscle disorders such as uncontrollable blinking and misaligned eyes. In the year 2000 Botox was approved to treat a neurological movement disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions, known as cervical dystonia.Through these treatments doctors started to recognize how the Botox was softening the lines between the brow and the forehead.  
    By 2002 the FDA was satisfied with the reviews that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines and wrinkles for several months, giving their approval to apply Botox for this kind of condition.

The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery recently held a conference and reported that 75% of patients in a case study experienced four to six months migraine relief following injections of Botox in their face and forehead. Richard Glogau, MD, USCF Professor of Dermatology reported in a small study of 24 patients that this report adds weight to previous reports that botulinum toxin A can relieve headaches.

Nonsurgical and No anesthesia. Botox is injected into specific muscles around the area in which wrinkles persist. Botox serum is contained in vials, and different areas of the face and severity of the wrinkles usually determine how many vials it may take for a full treatment. An experienced physician can usually estimate the amount of vials prior to usage.
    Once the botox injections are complete the effects usually last from four to six months. It generally takes three to seven days for the injections to take full effect and you must avoid drinking alcohol for one full week. Anti-inflammatory medicines and aspirin must be stopped at least two weeks prior to treatment (reduce bruising).   
    As muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and eventually need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

    How Is the Botox Treatment Performed?
Botox treatments are short and simple. On average 30 - 50 minutes sitting in a chair. Sometimes the skin is first treated with a topical numbing agent. Secondly, a small amount of Botox serum is strategically injected into parts of the face. Super fine needles are used.. see the illustration on the Mesoptherapy page.

    Am I a Candidate for Botox Treatment?
Generally the best candidates for Botox treatment are people who have wrinkles in their face and neck. An initial consultation with your physician should determine if your an ideal candidate i.e. knowledgeable about the procedure, in good physical and psychological health, realistic in your expectations, and obviously wanting to improve your appearance.

What are the Side Effects of Botox?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping, which usually resolves itself within a few weeks. This is usually caused by the migration of the Botox. There have been no reported allergies to Botox injections.

Is Botox Right For Me?
Botox treatment has been proven to smooth facial lines. Botox is approved for treating many types of skin problems as well as treating Migraine Headaches, Excessive Sweating, Crow's Feet, forehead lines, and much more. Its FDA approved and it works.  

The next step would be to find a physician ... Find a Botox Specialist by checking with safety guidelines. Referrals go a long way, however if you are unfortunate not to know someone who had Botox treatment, then you should have a checklist prior to searching for the qualified physician that's going to make you look younger and healthier for a very long time.

Credentials - Selected physicians should be certified members of the American Society for Anesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Hospital Privileges - Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed outside the hospital in an office-based surgical facility. Wherever the surgery is to be performed, selected surgeons should have hospital privileges to perform the specific procedure in an acute care hospital. Basically, do not have botox administered in someone's basement. Be smart, it's your health and you want this done right the first time.

Atmosphere - Faculties that provide Botox treatments should be visited in advance. Check out the atmosphere and ensure the operation is in a clean environment, perhaps a busy office with numerous patients can be a positive suggestion.

Ask questions - Make sure you're fully aware of the procedure, cost and side effects.

A Botox physician should be able to assess the amount of Botox serum according to your physical shape and extent of your quest. Costs of $300 to $600 per session are some of the numbers I had found during my quest. Second and third sessions are usually cheaper.

Forehead Lines - Depending on the severity of the lines, this treatment usually takes one treatment with a follow up in one year.

Frown Lines - These lines are between your eyes and this muscle gets a lot of work. Whether squinting, reacting, or even pondering, the frown lines are continually in motion. For this reason Botox treatment on the frown lines may take a second session within 6 months.

Neck and Chest - Wrinkles in the skin on the neck and upper chest may also qualify Botox treatments. Sessions will vary on the individual. However I found that Mesotherapy works better for me. Mesotherapy treatment, a Botox alternative, is like the fountain of youth for many people.

The overall effect of Botox is a relaxed smooth appearance resulting in a patient that looks and feels younger, healthier and Happy :)

Why Botox ?
It's a unique treatment because unlike other non-surgical wrinkle treatments Botox corrects the underlying muscle instead of the skin surface.

Botox - Fastest Growing Procedure in the Industry
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in 2001 more than 1.6 million people received injections. This was an increase of approximately 46% over the previous year.  More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster.

Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

Botox: Important Safety Information  
There has been rare reports of adverse events involving the cardiovascular process. Hypersensitivity reactions are also rarely reported but should be discussed during the initial consultation. If you have a history of hypersensitivity episodes you should let the physician be knowledgeable of these instances.

Common adverse effects of Botox injections may include local inflammation, bruising, swelling, erythema, tenderness and some bleeding.

I Love Botox ...

Mesotherapy is a safe natural alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery. Why risk a surgery when mesotherapy has been proven to work? The process delivers vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the skin to nourish and rejuvenate, promote production of collagen and elastin, and stimulate your metabolism.

     Mesotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure and requires no anesthesia. The injections cause slight discomfort similar to the same discomfort of botox injections or waxing. Obviously the cost of Mesotherapy varies depending on what type of procedure you have chosen.

Mesotherapy against Cellulite: There is only one medical treatment that is proven to reduce and eliminate cellulite.  Mesotherapy gets results by targeting the underlying causes of cellulite - not just the outward symptoms.

As an alternative to liposuction, many patients would prefer a nonsurgical procedure. A mesotherapy procedure is a nonsurgical technique for spot weight reduction, sagging chins and eyelids, and to eliminate cellulite from heavy thighs, abdomen, hips and legs.

Mesotherapy treatments for Cellulite  Approximately 20% of all patients claimed results immediately for losing inches and some weight. For others, Mesotherapy results are slower but still very noticeable. After one or two sessions you and your friends and family will be able to notice positive differences.

Mesotherapy is generally considered a safe procedure and requires no anesthesia. The injections cause slight discomfort similar to the same discomfort of botox injections or waxing. Obviously the cost of Mesotherapy varies depending on what type of procedure you have chosen.

Wrinkle removing, cellulite removal and elimination; frown lines and forehead wrinkle reduction each have different cost structures. Some treatments run from3 to 10 sessions depending on the problem. Once you start to see the mesotherapy difference you will feel and look healthier and younger.

Mesotherapy Treatment  for Cellulite is targeted to correct cellulite problems by improving blood flow to the area. Mesotherapy improves lymphatic drainage from cellulite areas. Mesotherapy aids in dissolving excess fatty deposits and mesotherapy removes fibrotic hardened connective tissue

Mesotherapy Procedure at a Glance  The medication is injected into the mesoderm using tiny fine needles. Multiple pricking can be done by hand or using a specific mechanical delivery system. Discomfort is minimal; sometimes a physician will apply a topical anesthesia numbing agent. That’s it! Cellulite is eliminated through sessions of Mesotherapy.

Mesotherapy Side Effects
The side effects of Mesotherapy is minimal and limited to minor bruising. Minor bruising can also be avoided by not drinking alcohol prior to procedure and waiting a week post-procedure. Anti-inflammatory medicines and aspirin should be avoided before treatment.
Less common side effects involve infections and allergic reactions to the chemicals injected. There are no long term case studies of Mesotherapy in the United States.

Mesotherapy was originally developed in France by physician Dr. Michael Pistor and has been performed there since 1952. Dr. Pistor had discovered that when small amounts of medications were injected into the mesoderm, blood flow would increase to the treated, dissolving excess body fats, improving lymphatic drainage and removing hardened connective tissue.
Since then over 20,000 doctors around the world have been using Mesotherapy treatment.

How long does Mesotherapy last?
Patients who make a commitment to a healthy diet and lifestyle following their Mesotherapy treatment should see their results last from six to twelve months. Some patients require maintenance differently than others.

Mesotherapy; your Skin Solution   
Sun damage, progressive loss of collagen, aging and lifelong activity can be cruel to your skin as it will lose its resiliency and plumpness.

Mesotherapy skin rejuvenation infuses the mesoderm with very potent anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also nourishes the depleted intracellular levels of the skin with amino acids. This infusion promotes nutrients, collagen and elastin production.

Mesotherapy replenishes cellular hydration and revitalizes the skin. The mesolift procedure makes you look younger, your skin will appear radiant and glowing and you will feel so much healthier both mentally and physically.
Changes For Women

What is Cellulite?
Cellulite affects of 95% of all women regardless of their weight. In the subcutaneous level of the skin tissue the Cellulite appears. Fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by the connective tissue called septae. As the water is retained the fat cells in the perimeter expand and stretch the connective tissue. Eventually the connective tissue contracts and hardens holding the skin at a non-flexible length while the surrounding tissues continue to expand with weight and/or water gain. This results in the areas of the skin being held down while other sections bulge out which result in lumpy or cottage cheese appearance.

Restylane is commonly injected under wrinkles and aging lines of the face. It may also be used as filling aging-related facial hollows around the eyes. Restylane is most commonly used for Lip augmentation.

Restylane is FDA approved and made of a biodegradable Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural occurring substance present in all living organisms.

Restylane is produced as a clear gel substance that is injected directly beneath the surface of the skin. It permeates the dermal tissue and  naturally binds to water molecules.

Restylane Lip Treatment is usually accompanied by a local anesthetic. The injections are applied over a course of ten minutes to one hour at a doctor's office. Once the gel has been administered the restylane treatment is over. It's that simple. "Restylane treatment is attractive in part because it is fast and easy." Like all other dermal fillers, the results are sometimes immediate.

The Restylane process for lip enhancement is very common and depending on the size of the area being treated it may take more than one session to fully see the restylane treatment process take place.

Is Restylane Treatment Painful
One of the advantages of restylane procedure is that it enhances ones appearance with a minimal amount of pain. Injections are administered with tiny fine needles that minimize any pain. An anesthetic can sometimes be requested.

Restylane Injections after-effects are usually red and slightly swollen. This only lasts for one or two days.

Results from the restylane treatment can last six months or even longer. Results may vary depending on the factors such as age and skin type.

More Information on Restylane A non-animal sourced Hyaluronic Acid has a specific name called Restylane. It is FDA approved for cosmetic injection into subdermal facial tissues. More commonly, it is injected under wrinkles and aging facial lines such as Nasolabial Folds. Restylane injections are also commonly used for “crow’s feet”, and forehead wrinkles. As mentioned earlier, Restylane is mostly used for Lip Augmentation.

 Restylane is produced by the Swedish company “Q-med” and has a history of popularity in Europe and Australia. Restylane has only recently been approved in the United States due to the influence of collagen (Zyplast and Zyderm).

Restylane Effects: The Restylane injections have a long-term effect of six months or more depending on the circumstances of each individual. There are variants of Restylane such as Perlane and Sub-Q with having a lasting duration of nine months or more. Injection recovery time may last from two to four days as bruising and swelling may occur.

I just got Restylane Treatment…Now What? After Restylane treatment, for 48 hours do not rub or massage the treated area. For Lip enhancement you should avoid puckering your lips for two days. No kissing allowed!! Until the redness and swelling has resolved, do not expose the treated areas to intense heat (stay out of the sun).

Can I remove Restylane?
No. The Restylane particles will dissolve naturally with time.


Restylane Facts: Smoothing out wrinkles and folds by adding volume can make an enormous difference in appearance and make your face look younger. Restylane lasts twice as long as collagen. Results are instantaneous

Restylane …The Bottom Line:     It is an effective short term treatment for facial wrinkles. It has been successfully used to reshape Lips. Restylane will require follow up visits. Once you look and feel great, you will follow up and filler up! Restylane is welcomed to the addition of facial treatments and is available from dermatologists and certified physicians. Restylane is a viable option to invasive cosmetic surgery.

Restylane is a safe natural alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery. Restylane is a Dermal Filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds.
Look and Feel Healthy and Young

Restylane Fact: In a recent study, Restylane injections seemed to regenerate Collagen in skin. (see page on Collagen and Dermal Fillers)

Restylane Cost and Financing ….
In recent surveys, the average cost of Restylane injections varied from 300 to 600 dollars. These numbers would depend on your individual needs and sometimes the costs may be somewhat higher due to additional sessions recommended by your physician. Different results for different folks…Your enhancements are reachable and affordable and much cheaper than invasive cosmetic surgery.

Restylane Treatments come in different Forms …each form treats a different problem. However all forms are gel based, on the same kind of Hyaluronic Acid but the size of the particles may differ. The deeper the creases or lines the thicker the gel particles are used. You should discuss the severity of the injections during your initial consultation with your physician.

Restylane Treatment and Precautions: There are certain precautions you should take prior to be treated with Restylane. One week before being treated you should avoid taking St. Johns Wort, Vitamin E supplements, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medications i.e. Ibuprofen.

Why? These agents may increase the bruising, bleeding and swelling of the injection site.

I Love Restylane ...

Collagen is primarily used to fill wrinkles, lines and scars on the face, and Lip augmentation. It is also used for filling wrinkles and lines on the neck and back areas. Dermal fillers such as Collagen have been used in medicine for decades and continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Collagen treatments have been proven to help people look younger and feel healthier about themselves.

Collagen injections received FDA approval in 1981. The thickness of the Collagen depends on the nature of treatment required by the patient.

Dermal Fillers are in the form of Hyaluronic Acid derivatives, allogenic products and harvested autologous dermal implants. Used in Mesotherapy treatments (See Mesotherapy and Restylane) for more info on dermal fillers and Hyaluronic Acid.

Collagen has recently waned the introduction of Restylane, which lasts longer, and is complementary to Botox treatments.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that provides support to various parts of the body. Bovine Collagen was the first legally approved product for soft tissue augmentation in the United States. It continues to remain the standard criteria against all other measurable dermal filler implants.

Collagen Injections are minimally invasive procedures which are aimed at skin rejuvenation without the risk, recovery time and cost of major surgery

Collagen Treatment Reactions are very uncommon. With over 500,000 people treated to date, only a very small number of patients (1 – 2 %) have developed an allergic reaction after one or more treatment injections. Reactions may consist of prolonged redness, itching and swelling and some firmness at some of the injection sites.

How Many Collagen Injections will I need?

This would depend on the type of product you choose. Just like natural Collagen, collagen replacements begin to lose form and will eventually wear down. Collagen treatment may require collagen injections 2 to 4 times a year to maintain that smooth healthy look and smooth effects. Restylane and Mesotherapy treatments are also reabsorbed by the body and may take a few sessions but this will vary from one patient to another.

               Basic Information on Dermal Fillers .. Knowledge is Power

Dermal Fillers are a very popular alternative to Collagen Injections. Frown lines, facial folds and wrinkles can easily be filled and the contours of the face easily altered. Want perfect lips? It’s not uncommon Lip Treatment is growing in leaps and bounds. Creating the perfect lips is what it’s all about these days. Lips can be plumped and their shapes enhanced, making an enormous difference in one’s appearance.

Choose the Right Type of Dermal Filler

One of the major differences in fillers is the gel-particle size. The size is usually proportional with the determination of the actual length of time they last. One should discuss the expectations of the cosmetic effect of this treatment to the physician. Consultations are routine, however it is in your best interest to specifically identify your “cosmetic” request to the doctor so he can use the correct product. Dermal Fillers composed of small gel- particles are used for superficial lines and the larger particles are primarily used for deeper wrinkles and folds and obviously Lips.

Dermal Filler Treatment

As you read throughout this website, you will comprehend the similarities with Botox, Restylane and Mesotherapy injections. Dermal fillers are injected into the fold with a very fine needle. A topical anesthetic is sometimes used to numb the targeted area, however the super fine needles are almost painless.

How long is the Effect of Dermal Fillers?

Once the dermal filler is injected, you may see the results immediately. At first you will see a noticeable difference in your skin tone, your lip shape, a brighter facial complexion. The skin rejuvenation process is at work. Within a few days you will see more noticeable improvement. Sometimes bruises may occur (see side effects) and some swelling effects also; but within a few days you love your new look. The lastingness depends on the individual. Factors such as age, lifestyle and more importantly the degree of perfection demanded influences the filler. Touch-up sessions can be performed at any time after the initial treatment.

Are Dermal Fillers Safe?

Free passage of vital nutrients and elements such as hormones and oxygen are now being integrated with the fillers with the adjacent tissue. Your normal biological processes break down the fillers over time and are completely removed from the body.

Dermal Filler side Effects

Dermal filler injections may cause bruises (some women bruise easier than others) swelling, some redness, and short term tenderness. There have been documented reports that some people have experienced hypersensitivity reaction.

Pregnant and nursing women – It is not advisable to use dermal fillers. If you have a history of cold sores, you should inform your physician during the consultation.

Lip Enhancement – What’s your distinct Purpose?

As we get older, our lips get thin, and may start to turn down or become lined. Lip restoration brings back the fullness and freshness. Increasing volume for women to achieve balance in either the top or bottom lip. Unevenness between sides of the mouth will call for an increase in volume of dermal filler also. Finally, the Lip enhancement is about getting larger, more pouting and sensual lips.

Over the last decade there has been a distinct change in the Lip business. Cosmetic fashion has grown significantly and more and more women, young and old are enhancing there hot lip look.