As we all know with any invasive procedure, there is a certain amount of discomfort that is to be expected.  For those that are concerned with the degree of discomfort, there are several options that will lessen any anxiety.

First, the syringes/needles used for these procedures are very small.  Patients receiving Botox injections do well with or without icepacks.  We offer icepacks for comfort as this helps to numb the area quickly and effectively.  Some prefer not to use ice because the coldness is more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Learn more about the Celibre los Angeles Restylane injection program at www.celibre.com/restylane.aspx. 

Schedule a FREE consultation for Los Angeles Restylane treatment at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Los Angeles Restylane injections for dark circles under the eyes. 

More Restylane Los Angeles patient before and after pictures at www.celibre.com/restylaneba.aspx.

Filler procedures (examples: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane) tend to be more uncomfortable because the product is more viscous (thicker) than the Botox Cosmetic.  Most patients report that it is the placement of the product (hyaluronic acid) that causes the discomfort more so than the actual injection.  The area being treated will make a big difference in the level of discomfort one may experience with the lips and mouth area being the most sensitive.  At Celibre Medical, it is our practice is to utilize a triple, compounded numbing cream in addition to icepacks to lessen the discomfort.

We believe in being advocates for our patients by being very mindful of the need for appropriate comfort measures when injecting Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane.  Above all else, technique is the most important factor in making certain that anxiety/discomfort is kept to a minimum.   Keep in mind that the discomfort is very short-lived, and patients continue to come in on a regular basis for their treatments.  We are convinced that patients will immediately see that the benefits will outweigh the memory of any temporary discomfort.  Never hesitate to share any concerns or questions that you have with your injection specialist.  Your Los Angeles Botox, Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane injector should be willing to take the time to discuss discomfort and take the measures necessary to make sure you can be comfortable when getting your injections done.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer 

Botox is extremely safe product with a long history of use and a proven safety record.  In fact, Botox Cosmetic has a higher safety rating than Aspirin.  Unfortunately, many consumers mistakenly believe that Botox Cosmetic is derived from the toxin botulism.  The product is derived from a purified protein produced in a laboratory setting and is, in fact, not the toxin botulism.  Botox Cosmetic is used in millions of cosmetic procedures across the nation and is a trusted, reliable product from the maufacturer, Allergan.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Celibre's Los Angeles Botox injections program, www.celibre.com/botox.aspx. 

Schedule a FREE Botox Los Angeles consultation, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Botox Los Angeles by Celibre Medical.  More Los Angeles Botox before and after photos at www.celibre.com/botoxba.aspx.

So why the horrible stories in the media?  Quite frankly, because this makes for better hype and news.  Suggesting that someone suffered a horrible reaction after receiving Botox injections is far more sensational than reporting on the millions of treatments that simply enhance one's appearance.  The few actual documented cases of a serious adverse event did not involve Botox Cosmetic produced by Allergan but were from another source wherein the botulism toxin was present.  This is why it is imperative to be an educated consumer that does not receive Botox treatments at so-called parties, or in the back room of a hair salon.  Other more recent cases involved extremely high doses of Botox Medical (not Botox Cosmetic) used in young patients that were severely immunocompromised already.  The most recent news story involved suggestions that Botox may migrate to the brain.  What was not mentioned was that this was botulism, not Botox Cosmetic, and with very high, undiluted doses used on the whisker pads of rats!  Hardly a comparison to how Botox Cosmetic is used in humans.

Be an educated consumer, ask questions, and make certain that your practitioner involves you in the education process.  To learn more about Los Angeles Botox injections at Celibre visit www.celibre.com/botox.aspx.  You can also view Botox Los Angeles before and after pictures (Celibre patients) at www.celibre.com/botoxba.aspx.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer 

The term "facial rejuvenation" is becoming more popular because there are so many treatments being offered that claim to offer this.  Rejuvenation of the face invovles texture improvement, resolution of facial discoloration (brown/red), pore size reduction, skin tightening, and improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.  The practice of aesthetics allows for all of these concerns to be addressed without undergoing a traditional surgical procedure.  There is the concept of the Three R's that capture the goals of rejuvenation:  Relaxing, Refilling, and Resurfacing. 

The Celibre Medical Orange County Laser Resurfacing Program, www.celibre.com/micropeel.aspx.

Relaxing hyperactive muscles with the use of Botox Cosmetic will soften fine lines/wrinkles if not resolving them completely.   It is the repetitive contraction of facial muscles that create wrinkles to the eye area, around the mouth, the forehead, and between the eyebrows (frown lines).  Botox Cosmetic is also used to soften a "pebble chin" or to correct a mouth frown wherein the corners of the mouth are turned down.  Undergoing rejuvenation with other modalities is a step forward but unless the underlying problem that is leading to wrinkles is corrected (ex: muscle activity) one may not see long-term results.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Contact celibre Medical in Los Angeles and Orange County for a free consultation regarding laser resurfacing procedures, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Facial rejuvenation using laser and injection treatments.  Los Angeles Laser Resurfacing for facial rejuvenation.

Refilling deep wrinkles and folds of the face using hyaluronic acid fillers (ex: Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane) is an excellent way to resolve the deeper lines that cannot be resolved with Botox.  The most common area wherein fillers are used is the nasolabial folds which are referred to as laugh or smile lines.  Fillers work by adding volume in a very natural, appealing way.  Fillers are used to augment and define the mouth area, add support and smoothing to the lower mouth and chin area (marionette lines), and to add volume to the hallow areas of the cheeks.  The concept with fillers is to focus on shaping the face rather than just filling lines and wrinkles.  Oftentimes as we age, we see the mid-face area change.  The common complaint is "my face is falling!"   By restoring volume to the upper cheeks and filling the tear trough area (area below lower lid and orbital rim), the shape of the mid-face is improved to a more youthful appearance.  The outcome is subtle yet appealing.

More before and after photos of Los Angeles laser Resurfacing Patients, www.celibre.com/micropeelba.aspx.

Laser Resurfacing and facial rejuvenation refers to improving the texture and pigmentation (color) of the skin by using lasers, chemical peels, appropriate skin care products, etc.  In our practice, we utilize the Erbium MicroLaserPeel which works by removing the outermost layer of the skin while stimulating collagen remodeling in the dermis below the surface of the skin.   Although there are many, many modalities that are being offered that claim to achieve these goals, we have found that the Erbium MicroLaserPeel is "tried and true" with consistent, predictable outcomes.  We also utilize non-ablative lasers (no downtime involved) that are efficient in addressing pigmentation concerns as well as stimulating collagen remodeling.

There is no one particular treatment plan that is appropriate for all.  We believe that the best treatment plan is one that sets realistic expectations, attempts to over-deliver on those expectations, is mindful of the patient's goals, concerns, and lifestyle.  Not all patients are candidates for a traditional face lift when the issue is restoring volume.  For the same reason, the above modalities may not be effective if the patient presents with much laxity (sagging) of the skin and would be best served with surgical intervention.  However, it is always in one's best interest to know what their options are while doing their research.  http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx or http://www.celibre.com/sunspots.aspx.

Eye rejuventation has become a growing concern as female patients are starting to learn about the many treatment modalities that are available that do not involve traditional plastic surgery.  We've often heard the saying that "the eyes are the windows to the soul."  More appropriately, the eyes are the frame of the face.  As we age, the frame changes and these changes may be addressed in  a variety of ways. 

The term "crow's feet" refers to the fine lines that are found lateral to the eyes and may extend even below the lower lid.  These wrinkles are caused by repeated contraction of the strong muscle that encircles the orbital rim.  Using Botox Cosmetic for crow's feet to relax this muscle is an excellent, simple way to soften if not resolve these lines.  We also utilize a popular but often under-used technique referred to as the lateral brow lift.  This technqiue involves a small dose of Botox Cosmetic usually to the ends of the eyebrows.  With good/exact placement, we are able to provide a very natural, subtle lifting of the upper lid.  Although this will never replace surgical blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), it is an excellent technique appreciated by most of our Botox patients. 

Read About All Celibre's Injection Techniques

To schedule a free consultation, call or e-mail us at www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

In addition to the above modalities, laser (thermal) energy can be used to improve the texture and address laxity (loosening) of skin including crow's feet.  Laser resurfacing using the Erbium MicroLaserPeel laser resurfacing for crow's feet works by removing the outer most layer of the epidermis while stimulating collagen (the building block of skin/tissue) in the dermis.  This is considered an ablative procedure which involves 4-5 days of downtime away from work or social activities.  

Find out more about the Celibre Medical Los Angeles Botox injections program at www.celibre.com/botox.aspx.

Apart from laser resurfacing, we also have found good outcomes with the Aramis Quantel and Q-Switched technology.  These lasers are considered non-ablative.  This means that there is no downtime involved, treatments are safe for all skin types, with treatments usually being 20 minutes long.  This technology works by stimulating collagen by sending thermal energy down into the dermis.  There is minimal to no discomfort for this type of treatment for this condition.  

Using specific skin care products will always enhance treatment results.  For example, Glycolic Acid has great benefits by exfoliating and thinning out the stratum corneum.  This in turn causes an increase in skin cell turnover process while stimulating the production of collagen.  This allows for a thickening of the dermis which provides improved texture.

Research and our experience reveals that a combination of modalities usually renders the best outcomes.  However, the practitioner must taken into consideration what your goals and concerns are.  Tailoring a treatment plan to the individual is a must.  Knowing that there are options and treatments available is the first step.     For more information on how to improve the fine lines and wrinkles around the crow's feet of the eyes, please visit http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx.

The difference between Botox Cosmetic and Restylane is a very common question in our practice.  Consumers hear these names often but aren't sure how the two products are used.  Botox Cosmetic and Restylane are brand names.  Besides Restylane, there are many other fillers such as Juvederm, Perlane, Sculptra etc.  Botox Cosmetic is a product designed to temporarily relax specific muscles in the face to prevent or help resolve existing lines and wrinkles.  This is a very safe product with an excellent safety record.  Although Botox addresses fine lines and wrinkles, it does not add volume such as fillers. 

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Botox Injections Orange County Before and After Photos, www.celibre.com/botoxba.aspx.   

Restylane Injections Orange County Before and After Photos, www.celibre.com/restylaneba.aspx.  

Click to call or e-mail for a free consultation, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, etc) are hyaluronic acid products that work by attracting water to the area to enhance volumization. Hyaluronic Acid is found in all of our bodies and is a very safe, natural product found in all living cells. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to absorb 1,000 times it's weight in water, which is why these products are so effective at providing volume to the face.  Fillers work well to add volume and definition to the mouth, cheeks, tear trough area (under the eyes), the laugh lines (nasolabial folds), and even to enhance shaping around the chin and corners of the mouth.  Often, Botox works well to relax the muscle that is causing deep furrows between the eyebrows (glabella area) but will not affect changes to very deep, older folds.  When this happens, these wrinkles are referred to as static creases.  This condition is then addressed by adding a small amount of a filler to fill in these folds.  The results are often dramatic and a pleasing cosmetic result.  By combining both modalities (Botox Cosmetic, Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane) patients are able to achieve a very natural, appealing outcome.  http://www.celibre.com/wrinkles.aspx.

Length of the Botox injections results will depend on the individual and the practitioner. Most of our patients see the benefits of Botox for approximately 3-4 months. If you are experiencing effects less than 3 months, you should discuss this with your Los Angeles Botox practitioner to determine if the proper dosing and appropriate technique were used.  The use of Botox Cosmetic is now being valued by younger men and women who see it as an excellent method to prevent future wrinkles by starting maintenance early. Regular Botox injections combined with appropriate dosing and injection techniques will ultimately lead to longer lasting results.

Read About All Celibre's Facial Shaping Techniques

Los Angeles Botox Injection facilities or review our website information at http://www.celibre.com/botox.aspx. 

Call to schedule a free consultation for Orange County Botox injections, www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx.

Los Angeles Botox Injections.  Orange County Botox. 

Botox Los Angeles Before and After Pictures by Celibre Medical, www.celibre.com/botoxba.aspx.    

Lori Haney, RN MEPC