Botulinum toxin
THE OPERATION
Botox or Vistabel is the trade name for the injectable medication, Botulinum toxin. Used in minute quantities it has for many years successfully treated facial spasms. For now more than ten years it has been used in aesthetic surgery to diminish “dynamic” wrinkles in the face.
INDICATIONS
Dynamic, mimic dependent facial wrinkles.
COUNTER INDICATION
Neural diseases.
Skin infections.
Pregnancy.
TREATMENT
The agent is injected into the specific muscles that are to be weakened.
Treatment time: Several minutes.
Anesthesia: With anesthetic cream.
Scars: None.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Asymmetry of facial expression may occur as well as drooping of an eye lid, both are reversible.
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Temporary bruising and swelling may occur. It may take up to one week before Botox takes full effect. It usually lasts between 3 and 6 months. To maintain the effect requires repeated injections. It has been found that over time, the effects of Botox last longer.
THE OPERATION
A biocompatible, absorbable fi ller is used to replace vanished facial soft tissue or to fi ll facial creases. There is a vast array of fi llers. We currently use a cross linked hyaluronic acid product. (Hyaluronic acid is a natural building block in the skin and does not require allergy testing).
INDICATIONS
Facial skin wrinkles.
Thin lips.
COUNTER INDICATION
Infected skin.
Prior treatments with non absorbable fi llers.
Pregnancy.
TREATMENT
Local injection of the viscous product.
Treatment time: Several minutes.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia.
Scars: None.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Temporary superfi cial irregularities.
Bruises.
Infection.
POST-TREATMENT CARE
No intense sun exposure during the first 48 hours.
THE OPERATION
There are various peeling agents on the market, including phenol combinationsas well as glycolic and other fruit and trichloric acids.
INDICATIONS
Sun damaged skin with fi ne wrinkles, shallow acne scars and mild hyperpigmentation.
COUNTER INDICATION
Pigmented skin.
Herpes prone patients need prophylactic treatment.
TREATMENT
The agent is applied with a brush, swab or cotton tips.
Treatment time: Several minutes.
Anesthesia: Rarely necessary.
Scars: None.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
If deep action is required, depigmentation of the treated zones cannot be avoided. In many types of skin a reversible hyperpigmentation occurs.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
During the first week, the oozing wound needs frequent changing of the medication. Creams are applied. The initial redness turns into pink and disappears slowly after 3 months. During this recovery period, Total sun block is compulsory.
THE OPERATION
Smoothening of the skin through superfi cial sanding.
INDICATIONS
Sun damaged.
Wrinkly skin.
Acne and other scars.
COUNTER INDICATION
Certain skin types.
Known bad scarring.
Herpes prone patients need prophylactic treatment. TREATMENT
Motor driven diamond heads are used to mechanically remove the damaged skin layers
Treatment time: 30-60 minutes.
Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia.
Scars: Usually none.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Too deep sanding may cause hypertrophic scarring.
Deep dermabrasion leaves depigmented zone.
Temporary hyperpigmentation in certain skin types.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
During the fi rst week, the oozing wound needs frequent changing of the medication. Creams are applied.