What can I expect from BOTOX®injections of the face and are they safe?
While you probably have read numerous articles, blogs, or advertisements regarding botox injections or may know of someone who has received botox injections, you probably still have concerns about its cost, safety, and if it is right for you. At Takahashi Facial Aesthetics we understand you may have specific concerns about the use of botox for the treatment of facial wrinkles which is why we take the time to explain the procedure to you in detail and answer any questions you might have during our first meeting together. You will take comfort in knowing that we have the expertise and experience to safely and effectively perform these injections so that you can achieve a more refreshed, rejunivated look and not a “frozen” or unnatural look. Botox treatments take no more than a few minutes with no anesthetic required. The injection is performed using a very small needle (one hundreths of an inch) and at most you might feel is a little stinging sensation as the needle enters the skin. Within a 15-20 min following the procedure, no one will even notice that you had any work done on your face so you can return to work right away or attend a social event. The beneficial effects of the Botox on your appearance are seen in as little as a few days and usually lasts for 3-4 months, and sometimes longer.
How Does BOTOX® work?
Botox is a purified protein produced by a bacterium (Clostridium botulinum) that when properly injected in small quantities by a board certified physician into facial muscles, works by blocking the affected facial muscle’s ability to contract which thereby eliminates those wrinkles that occurs with facial expressions. As the muscle no longer contracts, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles gradually soften and often disappear. If injected properly, both in the amount and the location, Botox treatments do not affect normal facial expressions. Botox is currently FDA approved for the treatment of facial frown lines and lateral canthal lines (“crow’s feet”).
Why should I choose Takahashi Facial Aesthetics to perform my Botox Treatment?
Though injections of a small amount of Botox into facial muscles is generally a very safe procedure, it is important to choose a physician or other qualified provider that is not only board certified but also highly experienced with Botox injections. Equally important is to find a physician or other provider who is willing to take the necessary time to fully understanding what your particular concerns are. Dr. Takahashi is a board certified physician who is very experienced in Botox injections, having performed thousands of injections with an over than 98% patient satisfaction rate. He has considerable advanced training in the use of Botox and Dermal fillers in the treatment of facial wrinkles as well as proportionate facial sculpting and contouring. Dr. Takahashi strongly encourages you to ask questions during your initial consultation so that you are completely comfortable with the proposed treatment plan that is individualized to your concerns and expectations. At Takahashi Facial Aesthetics we only use only Botox® from Allergan, a world wide leader in the manufacturring of Botulinum compounds.
What are dermal fillers and what are they used for?
Signs of facial aging including lines, folds, wrinkles, and areas of volume deficit can be reduced or eliminated with the use of dermal filler injectable products such as Juvederm, Voluma, and Restalyne Silk. At Takahashi Facial Aesthetics we are adept at using various products and manufacturers which enables us to select the optimum dermal filler product for your needs and confidently use them. When injected by an experienced board certified physician such as Dr. Takahashi, dermal fillers can not only reduce wrinkles, skin lines and deepening folds but can be used to enhance and sculpt the contours of the face which can result in dramatically result in a more youthful look. Augmentation and enhanced definition of the lips is achievable through the use of dermal fillers. Most effects last between 9 months and 2 years.
How safe are dermal filler injections and how do they work?
At Takahashi Facial Aesthetics all of the dermal filler injectables are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) which is found naturally in the connective tissues of your body and a normal component of healthy skin. Once injected under the skin by a qualified and highly trained physician, hyaluronic acid fillers provide volume and support and promotes the natural uptake of water molecules. At Takahashi Facial Aesthetics we employ a blunt microcannula (see “Our Services”) to perform all our dermal filler injections which is the safest method of injection despite being not widely used at other aesthetic centers due to the level of expertise required. The beneficial effects of dermal filler injections typically last up to 9-12 months and up to 2 years depending on the type of dermal filler used.
What types of problem areas can be treated with dermal filler treatments?
Nasolabial folds (deep folds between the nose and cheeks)
Marionette lines (folds running down the corners of the mouth)
Smile lines (parentheses lines that form outside your mouth when you smile)
Lip lines (vertical lines above your upper lip
Frown lines (vertical lines between your eyebrows)
Lip enhancement (plump or better definition of your lips)
Cheek augmentation (add more volume to your cheeks)
Temporal hollowing (skin depression between your eyes and your hairline)
Ear lobe thinning (related to the aging and use of heavy ear rings)
Why should I choose Takahashi Facial Aesthetics for my dermal filler treatment?
Though hyaluronic acid, the main component in the dermal filler products that are used at Takahashi Facial Aesthetics, is a naturally occurring substance in your body, injections should only be performed by a properly trained and board certified physician with extensive experience and advanced training. Dr. Takahashi is a board certified physician who has extensive advanced training and is very experienced in dermal filler injections. Dr. Takahashi strongly encourages you to ask questions during your initial consultation so that you are completely comfortable with the proposed treatment plan that is individualized and tailored to your concerns and expectations.