Private Aesthetic Consultant
Swansea 07779 455 071
Dan Ashworth FDS,FRCS(OMFS)
Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dan Ashworth FDS,FRCS(OMFS)
Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon
Frequently asked questions about Botulinum Toxin wrinkle reduction
Frequently asked questions about Botulinum Toxin wrinkle reduction
1) What is Botulinum Toxin therapy?
Botulinum Toxin is a liquid that can be injected under the skin and can temporarily relax wrinkles in the forehead and eyebrows as well as the corners of the eyes sometimes known as crows’ feet. It can do this by weakening the facial muscles, thereby reducing the ability of the muscles to contract and wrinkle the skin. This effect is temporary. It can be used to treat wrinkles that have already formed and also as a preventative treatment to stop wrinkles forming in the long term.
2) What are the benefits of Botulinum Toxin therapy?
The benefits include reduced frown lines, reduced forehead lines, reduced “crow’s feet” which all result in a younger looking, less stressed looking you. You will look like enhanced and rejuvenated!
3) What are the risks of Botulinum Toxin therapy?
Botulinum toxin has been used medically since 1980 for eye muscle disorders and is now used extensively in the medical profession as an injectable anti-cholinergic. Results prove it is effective and safe to use.
The potential risks of treatment could be pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, lack of response in the treated muscle and perhaps eyelid swelling. Less common effects could be drooping of the upper eyelid or eyebrow.
You should not use this treatment if you have a nerve or muscle disease, are pregnant or at risk of being pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
4) How is it done?
The areas to be treated are cleansed with alcohol wipes and then tiny amounts of botulinum are injected into specific areas. This could be in between the brows, above the brows and at the side of the head near the eyes.
5) How long until I see results?
You may notice the treated muscles weakening after 3 to 5 days but the full effect will take about 1-2 weeks to become fully effective.
6) How long does the treatment last?
The treatment usually lasts about 3 or 4 months in women.
7) What should I do before treatment?
You should remove makeup on the area(s) to be treated and avoid the following:-
Alcohol
Aspirin or other anti-coagulant
Ibuprofen (e.g. Brufen)
Mr Ashworth will take a full medical and drug history prior to treatment planning.
8) What shouldn't I do after treatment?
Do not massage the treated area
Do not lie down for at least 4 hours after treatment
Do not apply heat to the treated area on the day of treatment or for 8 hours after treatment
Avoid any activity that may cause facial flushing on the day of treatment including drinking alcohol, exercising and/or tanning
Frequently asked questions about dermal fillers
Frequently asked questions about dermal fillers
How long does the treatment take?
First, your practitioner will ask you questions about your medical history, current medications, and any other relevant medical information. During the treatment session, the product is injected into the specific area of the skin to be treated, using a very fine needle. The treatment is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes.
Does it hurt?
Some people may experience a mild discomfort during the treatment. Nearly the complete Belotero® range is available with lidocaine in order to maximise your comfort.
Will the treated area become hard or feel unusual?
The Belotero® products integrate so readily into your own tissue that, unlike with some other fillers maybe*, you are unlikely to feel the substance when you touch the treated area. This is especially important in areas like the lips, where you will want to see the results but not necessarily feel anything different.
* Tran C. et al. Dermatology. 2014; 228(1):47-54.
How soon can I return to my daily activities?
You may experience reactions such as redness, erythema, oedema or pain, sometimes accompanied by itching in the treated area. These reactions may last for a week. As the Belotero® fillers are applied by injection, hematomas and swelling, indurations or nodules as well as coloration or discoloration in the treated area may occur. However, many reactions usually subside soon after treatment. Therefore, some return to work immediately after the treatment.
How do I avoid an unnatural outcome such as “trout-pout” lips?
For a natural-looking result, treatments and especially lip enhancements require a less-is-more approach. Lips often swell immediately after treatment and it can take two to three days before you are able to see the true effects. It is better to go back to your aesthetic practitioner for a top-up treatment if needed than have too much product injected during the first treatment.
Will I notice the difference right away?
Yes, the aesthetic results are immediate. As the treatment is less invasive than surgery, you will be able to continue your daily activities straight after the treatment.
How long do the Belotero® products last?
One of the great advantages of our fillers is that the effects are long- lasting, between 9 and 18 months, but not permanent. Duration depends on many factors, such as the type of treatment, the treated area, the individual skin type, skin condition, lifestyle and age. After the initial treatment, follow-up sessions are normally recommended. At a follow-up visit, your practitioner may decide to inject more substance in order to improve the appearance of the initial treatment.
Are there any risks or side effects with Merz products?
Our products are based on hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin. They are therefore less likely to cause an allergic reaction and no prior allergy testing is necessary. However, there are some injection-related reactions which may occur, such as redness, erythema, oedema or pain, sometimes accompanied by itching in the treated area. These reactions may last for a week. Hematomas and swelling, indurations or nodules as well as coloration or discoloration in the treated area, may also appear. In some cases, you can develop an allergy to one of the product’s components, especially to sodium hyaluronate, and lidocaine hydrochloride. Cases of necrosis, abscesses and granulomas after sodium hyaluronate injections have also been reported. These potential risks occur rarely, but they must be considered nevertheless. Be sure to inform your practitioner of allergies you may have, especially to lidocaine, before treatment. In addition, you should always discuss any possible side effects and/or post-treatment reactions with your practitioner. Your practitioner is fully qualified, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you wish.
Frequently asked questions about RADIESSE®
Frequently asked questions about RADIESSE®
RADIESSE® is a dermal filler that temporarily adds volume to help smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth).
What is RADIESSE® made from?
RADIESSE is made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. The calcium microspheres are similar to minerals found naturally in the body so allergy testing is not required. Over time, the body absorbs the microspheres and gel, leaving behind only natural collagen.1
Please note that RADIESSE is contraindicated in patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, with a history or presence of multiple severe allergies (please see Important Safety Information below).
How does RADIESSE® work?
Once injected, RADIESSE plumps the skin to give the appearance of a smoother surface. Over time, RADIESSE works to stimulate the body to produce collagen naturally.1 Ultimately the body absorbs the product and leaves behind the natural collagen for long-lasting results.2,3
Where can RADIESSE® be injected?
RADIESSE can be injected in the following locations*:
Smile lines: also called the nasolabial folds, are the lines that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth
Marionette lines: the lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth
Corners of the mouth: also called the oral commissure, if these are turned downward it can make you look as though you’re frowning
Pre-jowl fold: the area on either side of the chin, where skin can sag due to loss of facial volume
Chin wrinkles: horizontal lines that can form on your chin and distract from your smile
*RADIESSE is FDA-approved for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
What makes RADIESSE® different from other leading dermal fillers?
RADIESSE is the only dermal filler available composed of calcium-based microspheres, and has been shown to stimulate the natural production of collagen, for results that may last up to a year or more in many patients.1-3 Additionally, in clinical studies with leading hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers, results showed that RADIESSE patients were more satisfied with their results than patients treated with other leading wrinkle fillers.2,4 In addition, 30% less RADIESSE may be needed for correction when compared to Perlane® injectable gel.4
How is treatment with RADIESSE® performed? Is it painful?
RADIESSE is injected under the skin in a quick procedure that can be done over the lunch hour. RADIESSE is also FDA-approved to mix with lidocaine (an anesthetic), which means the procedure will be much more comfortable. In fact, in a clinical study, 90% of patients treated reported significant pain reduction when injected with RADIESSE mixed with lidocaine.5
How soon will I see results with RADIESSE®, and how long will they last?
Immediately upon injection, RADIESSE restores volume to smooth out the signs of aging. The natural-looking results may last up to a year or more in many patients.2,3
Who can benefit from treatment with RADIESSE®?
RADIESSE is FDA-approved for correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds. Talk to your doctor about what your specific treatment needs may be and to see if RADIESSE is right for you.
Please see Important Safety Information below.
What are the side effects of treatment with RADIESSE®?
The most common adverse events include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness and itching. These side effects generally last for a short time and are mild in nature. These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Please see Important Safety Information below.
Is there anyone that should not use RADIESSE®?
RADIESSE should not be used in patients with severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, a history or presence of multiple severe allergies or patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components.
The safety of RADIESSE has not been established in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or under the age of 18.
Please see Important Safety Information below.
Where can I find out more about RADIESSE®?
To get more personalized information, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a health care provider. The first step is to find a provider in your area.
What is the most important information I should know about RADIESSE®?
As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection. Do not use RADIESSE if you have a skin infection until it has healed.
The microspheres in RADIESSE can be seen in X-rays and CT Scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE dermal filler injected into your face.
If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE.
For approximately 24 hours after treatment:
Avoid significant movement or massage of the treated area
Do not apply makeup
Avoid extensive sun or heat exposure
Who should not
use RADIESSE®?
You should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to any component of the product, if you have a history of severe allergies, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not use RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it.
Click here for additional important safety information.
What are RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are dermal fillers that are used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth). RADIESSE® is also used for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands.
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
You should not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to any component of the product, if you have a history of severe allergies, if you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not use RADIESSE® (+) if you have an allergy to lidocaine or medicines like it.
What is the most important information I should know about RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+)?
One of the risks with using these products is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin. If you have changes in your vision, signs of a stroke (including sudden difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, difficulty walking, face drooping, severe headache, dizziness, or confusion), white appearance of the skin, or unusual pain during or shortly after treatment, you should notify your health care practitioner immediately.
As with all procedures that involve an injection through the skin, there is a risk of infection.
Do not use RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) if you have a skin infection until it has healed.
It is not known if RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) is safe or effective in the lips, or in the area around the eyes.
The microspheres in RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) can be seen in X-rays and CT Scans. It is very important that you tell your health care provider that you have had RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) dermal filler.
If you have a history of herpes, you may experience a herpes breakout after receiving RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+).
Injection in the back of the hand may result in temporary difficulty performing activities. RADIESSE® may cause nodules, bumps or lumps in the back of the hand and can last up to 1 year.
You should minimize strenuous activity and avoid extensive sun or heat exposure for about 24 hours after treatment and until any swelling or redness has resolved.
What should I tell my doctor before using RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
Tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners or medicines that can interfere with the clotting of blood, such as aspirin or warfarin. These medicines might make it more likely that you will experience bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Tell your health care provider if you have any diseases, injuries or disabilities of the hand, if you have a history forming large, raised scars or if you have had any other skin treatments such as skin peels.
What are the most common adverse events with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+)?
The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® used in the hands include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching, nodules or bumps/lumps, difficulty performing activities, loss of sensation and other local side effects. The most common adverse events seen in clinical studies of RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+) used in the face include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, itching and other local side effects.
These are not all of the possible side effects with RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Merz collects information about adverse events seen with RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) outside of clinical studies. These events are included in the RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) Patient Information Guide based on an assessment of seriousness and potential causal relationship to RADIESSE® or RADIESSE® (+). Please see the Patient Information Guide available at www.radiesse.com for list of these events. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Important: For full safety information, please visit www.Radiesse.com or call MyMerz Solutions at 1-844-469-6379
RADIESSE® and RADIESSE® (+) are available by prescription only.
References:
1Berlin AL, Hussain M, Goldberg DJ. Calcium hydroxylapatite filler for facial rejuvenation: a histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(suppl 1):S64-S67.
2Moers-Carpi M, Vogt S, Santos BM, Planas J, Vallve SR, Howell DJ. A multicenter, randomized trial comparing calcium hydroxylapatite to two hyaluronic acids for treatment of nasolabial folds. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(suppl 2):S144-S151.
3Bass LS, Smith S, Busso M, McClaren M. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) for treatment of nasolabial folds: long-term safety and efficacy results. Aesthet Surg J. 2010;30(2):235-238.
4Moers-Carpi MM, Tufet JO. Calcium hydroxylapatite versus nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid for the correction of nasolabial folds: a 12-month, multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, split-face trial. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(2):210-215.
5Marmur E, Green L, Busso M. Controlled, randomized study of pain levels in subjects treated with calcium hydroxylapatite premixed with lidocaine for correction of nasolabial folds. Dermatol Surg. 2010;36(3):309-315