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FACE
- Eyelid Lift
- Facelift
- Chin Augmentation
- Cheek Implants
- Dermabrasion
- Forehead Lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Otoplasty
- BOTOX®
- Latisse™
- Injectable Fillers
- Chemical Peels
- Skin Care
- Laser Treatments
BREAST
BODY
BOTOX®
Dr. Hand's Marin County practice offers BOTOX® injections, one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available today. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a biological toxin (Botulinium Toxin Type A) transformed into a therapeutic agent. Work with BOTOX® began in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. Today, BOTOX® is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead furrows, "crow's feet", lines and wrinkles of the lower face, neck bands and even the nasal muscles to decrease nostril flaring and "snarl" lines. The treatment is minimally invasive and nonsurgical, requiring no recovery time.
During treatment, Dr. Hand will first apply a topical anesthetic cream followed by a few tiny injections directly into the muscles responsible for the areas of concern. BOTOX® works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduce the ability for the facial muscle to contract. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, and lines begin to fade. Untreated facial muscles can still continue to contract in a normal fashion, so that normal facial expressions are not affected.
Normal activities may be resumed immediately. The results of BOTOX® generally last from 3 to 4 months beginning 3 to 14 days after injection. Follow-up injection should be scheduled when muscle pleating begins to reoccur. Repetitive injections should assist in smoothing the area further.
ASAPS Position
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) maintains that BOTOX® injections for aesthetic purposes appear to be safe and effective. Patients, who show early signs of aging, as well as those who may not be suitable candidates for more extensive aesthetic facial surgery, may also be good candidates. Certain medications (anti-inflammatories and aspirin) and even some vitamins and herbs may increase bleeding and bruising at the time of injection. Pregnant or nursing women should postpone undergoing this procedure.
Latisse™
Latisse™ is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or insufficient lashes, proven to grow them thicker, longer and darker!
The active ingredient in Latisse™ is Bimatoprost. Originally, Bimatoprost was used in the treatment of glaucoma. After noticing an increase in eyelash growth and thickness in patients receiving treatment, researchers noticed amplified growth and volume of eyelashes occurs because of an increased percentage of the affected hairs during the growth phase and that the duration of the growth phase seems to be extended. Latisse™ contains a small percentage of Bimatoprost and is intended for application only to the top of the upper lash line.
Once treatment with Latisse™ is initiated, most patients begin to see increased length in 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks: 25% longer, 106% fuller and 18% darker! The product is to be used only once per day in the dosage prescribed. No increased affect occurs because of more frequent or greater usage of the product.
There have been few side effects. 4% of tested individuals had redness of the eye or an itching sensation. Most users found that these irritations went away once they became accustomed to the product or began applying it properly. There has also been reported an occasional darkening of the upper eyelid skin at the point of application because of increased melanin production in some users. The only patients that should avoid Latisse™ are those with allergies to the product and those with increased intraocular pressure may want to discuss Latisse™ with their eye doctor before initiating treatment. Latisse™ should not be used if you have an active eye infection or irritated skin on your eyelid. The FDA reviewed clinical study results to verify the identity, potency, purity, and stability of the ingredients, and demonstrated that the product is safe and effective for its intended use if used as prescribed.
Since Latisse™ is a prescription product, our office will need to see you for a short, no-charge initial consultation to discuss if Latisse is right for you and to photograph your eyelashes to track your progress. After you have begun treatment, we would like to see you bi-monthly for several cycles to document your eyelash changes and to answer any further questions. You can purchase the product at any time following your initial appointment if you have no further questions.