Botox® and Other Injectables

We all lead busy lifestyles today, and who has time for recovery from a major surgical procedure? Revive your look with these simple, non-invasive, injectable treatments.  Our products include Botox®, Juvederm, Restylane and Sculptra – all of which help our patients achieve a healthy, more youthful appearance without surgery. Additionally, all of our injectables are performed or supervised by a nationally recognized plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience who trains and teaches injectors from all over the country in the newest techniques.

The list of some of our injectables include the following:

Botox®:  Used for frown lines, crow’s feet, lines around the mouth, wrinkles between the eyebrows, neck “bands”, excessive sweating & forehead wrinkles

Dermal Fillers: Used for fine skin lines, scars, depressions from acne & lip enhancement – Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse &  Sculptra

Thermage: Used for measurable tightening of the skin that gradually appears two to six months following treatment

Botox®

When considering using  Botox® it is important to know that it does indeed come from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is a type of toxin more known as botulism. By injecting diluted and tiny amounts directly into certain muscles, scientists have learned that it can cause controlled weakening of the muscle and thus reduces the visible signs of aging and wrinkles.

Uses

The Food and Drug Administration approved this type of use of botulinum in the late 1980’s. Scientists soon learned that with this controlled injection they could: reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, reduce wrinkles around the eyes known as crow’s feet, restore facial contouring, reduce bands of wrinkles on the neck, uncontrollable blinking, lazy eyes, chronic back spasms, migraine headaches and excessive sweating in the underarm area.

Procedure

By blocking the nerve signals from reaching the muscles, when injected the muscles can no longer contract with Botox®, causing wrinkles to soften and relax.  Botox® procedures only take a few brief minutes, using no needed anesthesia and are performed right in the doctor’s office.  You will begin to see some results upon leaving the office, almost immediately, with full results usually visible within three to seven days.

It is often recommended by plastic surgeons that patients refrain from consuming alcohol one week prior to treatment and avoid anti-inflammatories, including aspirin, a couple of weeks prior to Botox®, due to the fact that some bruising may be more likely following treatment.  Typically the results from Botox® treatments last from anywhere to four to six months.

Side Effects

The most common side effect from Botox® treatments is temporary bruising at the injection site. Rarely a headache might occur but usually goes away within 24-48 hours of treatment.  Some patients might notice a mild case of drooping at the eyelids, but this is rare and resolves itself within about two weeks. It is recommended by our doctors not to rub the area after treatment for about 12 hours. Sometimes it helps patients to lie down for a few hours afterwards as well.  Botox® treatments can offer you a way to reduce the lines and wrinkles in your face with minimal discomfort and time spent in the doctor’s office.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Other Injectables for Men

Often times, men seek the same subtle facial enhancements just like women. BOTOX® cosmetic and other similar injectables are great options to help refresh a man’s face without the obvious signs of treatment. Dr. Hankins consults with male patients on the best way to decrease facial lines and restore that youthful appearance aiding in selecting an appropriate injectable.

Juvederm and Restylane

Wrinkles will form when the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in your skin diminish during the natural course of aging. There is a direct relationship between the way your skin is supported and how your skin looks on the outside. There are, of course, other factors that contribute to wrinkles including exposure to the sun, disease, injury, heredity and lifestyle. Collagen provides structure, while hyaluronic acid provides skin volume.

Dermal fillers are a great way to smooth out those fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin. At Dr. Hankins’ office in Lake Havasu City, AZ  we offer hyaluronic acids, Radiesse and Sculptra. These are effective and widely used, but results tend to fade in time, and the skin returns to your previous look and shape. Touch-up treatments are necessary to retain the youthful appearance.  Longevity varies from each type of injectable, everywhere from  six months to one year with Restylane and Juvederm, to 18 months with Radiesse and 24 months with Sculptra.  Dr. Hankins is a trainer and speaker for each of the companies making these injectable products, based on his vast experience and outstanding results.

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill lines, wrinkles and scars from the inside out and can also be used to help define borders around the lips. Collagen dermal fillers have been proven safe and effective for over 20 years. Collagen is the most abundant natural protein found in the body and provides structural support to skin, muscle, tendons and our bones, additionally, it provides texture, resiliency and shape. Fibers of collagen are similar to threads in fabric – woven together – to form the framework where new cells blossom. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar, found in your skin, cartilage, joins and eyes of the human body filling the space between collagen and elastin fibers. The role of hyaluronic acid is to deliver nutrients, hydrate the skin and also to act as a cushioning agent.

Sculptra

Sculptra Aesthetic is a facial injectable, consisting of poly L lactic acid that provides delicate results gradually over time.  Little by little it replaces lost collagen, providing for a more natural looking appearance.  Sculptra Aesthetic typically requires a series of treatments, several weeks apart, to provide additional volume for up to two years.  The product is biocompatible and biodegradable, and the main ingredient has been used by physicians for many years. The number of injections varies from person to person, but on average, three treatments are needed over a few months. Sculptra can be used in the deep folds between the nose and mouth chin, cheeks and temples, and is typically not recommended for the lips.

One of only 30 physicians in the U.S., Dr. Hankins is proud to be a national trainer for Sculptra. He has gained the expertise necessary to train other physicians on correct technique.