Minimally invasive procedures are the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today. They typically require no specific patient preparation or down time. There is no restriction to normal activities and in most instances they do not even require sedation or anesthesia. Among the most common minimally invasive procedures that Dr. Rothfield performs are BOTOX Cosmetic injections and injections with fillers such as Restylane, Perlane , JUVEDERM , Prevelle and Evolence.
BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA approved drug that is used to temporarily treat dynamic wrinkles of the forehead and eyes to give a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This highly purified, naturally occurring protein called botulinum toxin, works by blocking the nerve impulses to the muscles of the face that produce wrinkling. Over the last ten years millions of BOTOX injections have been performed. It has become the world’s most popular cosmetic procedure because of its predictable effects and excellent safety profile.
Dr. Rothfield is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He specializes in cosmetic surgery and has performed 1000’s of BOTOX Cosmetic injections. These injections are not relegated to a nurse or assistant, but are all performed by Dr. Rothfield himself to assure the most consistent results. In addition, because fresh BOTOX Cosmetic is essential to achieve the longest lasting results, all patients receive BOTOX Cosmetic that has been freshly mixed.
Treatment involves several injections with a tiny needle. Patients describe the injection sensation as that of a bug bite or a burning or crunching feeling. No sedation or anesthesia is necessary and normal activities can be resumed immediately that same day. Occassionally, patients will experience bruising in the injected areas .The effects are typically seen one to five days later. All patients are given the option to return a week later for a complimentary touch up if it is necessary. The effects of the BOTOX Cosmetic injections last three to four months and in some cases even longer.
Fillers are crystal clear injectable gels that are used to fill nondynamic wrinkles of the face. These are the wrinkles that are present even when you are not smiling or animating. The most commonly used fillers are Restylane, Perlane, JUVEDERM and Prevelle. These are FDA approved purified, naturally occurring polysaccharides, called hyaluronic acids, that are found in all living cells. Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of the dermis connective tissue matrix. By injecting these gels into the dermis, wrinkles can actually be smoothed out. Areas that are particularly well suited to these treatments include the lines and folds along the face and mouth. Crow’s feet and frown lines that persist even after BOTOX Cosmetic treatment may also be good indications for these fillers.
Other fillers such as Evolence (a collagen-based product) or fat or other tissue that is harvested from your own body may also be used . The particular choice of filler will depend on your particular needs and Dr. Rothfield’s assessment of you.
Fillers can also be used for lip enhancement to add volume to thin lips, to create better definition to the borders of the lips, or to fill in some of the vertical lines along the lip that develop with age.
Treatment involves several injections with a tiny needle. These injections are not relegated to a nurse or assistant, but are all done by Dr. Rothfield himself to assure the most consistent results. Cool compresses are often applied to the areas being injected just prior to the injection to limit discomfort. When the lips are injected, a local anesthetic may be injected to minimize patient discomfort. After treatment there may be some itching, redness, swelling or tenderness that is normal and temporary. Swelling of the lips can last up to a week. The results of these injections are instantaneous and can last up to twelve months depending upon which fillers are being used.
Although most facial lines, depressions, folds or depressed scars are treated with some type of filler, there are some deep folds, lines, wrinkles or scars that are resistant to this type of treatment. In these patients, the attachment of the depression to the deeper tissues prevents the filler from working. The Surgiwire is an instrument that allows release of these attachments without using an incision. By placing a braided stainless steel wire under the skin through a skin puncture, Dr. Rothfield is able to release these tethering points and improve the deep line, wrinkle, fold or depressed scar. Occassionally, after the SurgiWire release is performed, the area will then be treated with a filler. The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia and takes about twenty minutes. There is typically no post procedure discomfort and minimal, if any bruising.
For more information on BOTOX Cosmetic, Restylane, or any other minimally invasive procedure, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rothfield, please contact us at Weston Plastic Surgery.