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Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers & Other Injectables

Injectables such as botox and dermal fillers are an extremely popular cosmetic solution for unwanted facial wrinkles. 

Since 1999, Dr. Scot McKenna has been offering injectable solutions as part of his solo plastic surgery practice, including: 

 With his patient-first approach, Dr. McKenna will talk you through this simple procedure and target areas based on your needs and goals.

If you’re ready to look and feel amazing in your skin, schedule an appointment with Dr. McKenna today.

FAQs on Botox: 

What is Botulinum Toxin?

Adults are living longer than ever before. We feel vital, we're active and we want our bodies to mirror youthful minds and hearts. Enter botulinum toxin, one of the most important substances to hit the field of facial rejuvenation. Short of a surgical facelift, this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can be used as a wrinkle treatment to smooth:
• Frown lines
• Crows feet
• Forehead furrows
• Skin bands on the neck

Smiling, frowning, squinting and even chewing - basically any facial movement can eventually lead to one of the most common signs of aging: wrinkles. They can make you appear tired or even angry when you are not. One of the quickest and safest remedies to remove wrinkles is an injection of botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B are both purified substances, derived from a bacteria. Injections of this substance blocks muscular nerve signals, which then weakens the muscle so that it can't contract and diminishes your unwanted facial wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, dermal fillers or microdermabrasion to further improve your results. This combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.

What is Botox?

Botox is a brand name for substances known as botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B. Both are purified substances derived from a bacteria which block muscular nerve signals when injected into your skin. The substance weakens the muscle so that it can't contract, giving your face a smooth, youthful appearance.

While “Botox” is the colloquial name most people use for injectables, Dr. McKenna actually offers a variety of brands to serve your specific needs, including:

  • Botox
  • Rejuvaderm
  • Restyline
  • Voluma
  • Dysport
  • Xeomin

What results can I get from facial injections?

Injectables are an extremely popular way to reduce facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin can be used as a wrinkle treatment to smooth:

  • Frown lines
  • Crows feet
  • Forehead furrows
  • Skin bands on the neck

What is the standard procedure for Botulinum Toxin injections?

Injections of botulinum toxin may seem like a simple procedure to you, since it's just a few shots. But it's actually both an art and science that only an experienced healthcare professional should do.

There are 43 muscles in your face and it's vital that the person who performs botulinum toxin injections understands and pinpoints the correct spots to optimize your treatment.

A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, your healthcare provider weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions.

Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes. The number of injections you need will depend on multiple factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. Crow's feet, for example, usually demand two to three injections. Furrows above your brow could take five or more.
No anesthesia is required. There is no down time or recovery time.

You may notice results within a few days, but it can take up to a week to see the full effect. This improvement typically lasts about three to four months. When the effects of botulinum toxin begin to fade, your muscle reactions and the wrinkles will return

How does Botox work?

During your Botox treatment, Dr. McKenna will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles in your face. The treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes, and the number of injections you need will depend on multiple factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles. 

Because your face contains so many muscles, and specific muscles will need to be targeted to preserve your natural facial features, it is imperative to only receive injections from an experienced, licensed plastic surgeon such as Dr. McKenna.

Will I need time to recover from a Botox injection?

Some of the most attractive things about an injectable treatment to patients include the fact that there is generally zero downtime after the procedure, and that you should see the full effect on your skin within a week. These results should last between three and four months.

Are there any Botox side effects I should be aware of?

Although injectables are known to be completely safe when performed by a professional plastic surgeon, side effects and complications can include:

  • Bruising and pain at the injection site
  • Redness
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Temporary facial weakness or drooping

Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness and slurred speech. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your physician immediately.

FAQs on Dermal Fillers:

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers refer to any substance that can be injected into the soft tissues of your skin to smooth wrinkles, add volume, or create a more dramatic contour in certain areas of your face.

Are dermal fillers permanent?

Dermal fillers are not permanent, and even the most long-lasting types will require re-treatment at a certain point. Should you decide to discontinue treatment, your face will return to its natural shape and volume.

What types of dermal fillers can I choose from?

Dr. McKenna offers both temporary and semi-permanent fillers, which come in a variety of sub-types. Commonly-requested temporary fillers include:

  • Human fat, harvested from your own body. Using your own fat requires a more extensive procedure than other injectable fillers because you first must undergo liposuction to extract the fat prior to injection. The upside to this type of procedure is that it reduces the chance of your body rejecting the filler. Most natural fat can be stored for touch-ups as well.
  • Human cadaveric dermis, or skin that's cultivated from a cadaver, results in particularly impressive filling of facial hollows. 
  • Hyaluronic acid, another natural substance found in your body. High concentrations are found in soft connective tissue and in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It's also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue.
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite, the heaviest of facial fillers, is found naturally in human bones and reserved to fill the deepest creases such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and frown lines. It's also used to enhance fullness of the cheeks and other facial contours. 

What are some side-effects of dermal fillers?

Complications from fillers are very uncommon, especially when you put your trust in an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. McKenna. If you opt for human fat as a filler, you'll notice an "over-filled" appearance at first, though this should resolve within a few hours. Those who opt for synthetic fillers may also be at risk for allergic reactions.