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“How soon can I undergo a repeat Botox treatment?” is a question often asked by patients at our medical spa in San Diego. In general, the benefits of BOTOX Injections last up to 3 months, which after it is typically safe to undergo a repeat treatment. Some of our Botox patients even undergo repeat treatment sooner in order to maintain the initial benefits of the previous injections. It’s always important to evaluate a patient prior to undergoing Botox injections, whether it’s their first time or a repeat injection. The reason is because the doctor wants to make sure there weren’t any past complications with the prior treatment. The doctor will also test your skins reaction to Botox in order to determine an accurate dosage for a repeat procedure. The amount of your repeat injections can vary depending on your aesthetic needs. To ensure patients safety and satisfaction, it’s best to undergo a repeat procedure with the same doctor because they are already familiar with all your needs, medical background, skin characteristics and dosage of Botox. Your touch-up session is a good time to speak to your doctor about any other concerns or signs of aging. If you have experienced issues with previous injections, this can also be a good time address your concerns. In very rare situations, patients may not react normally to Botox in which case, the doctor will recommend an alternative method. If your first round of Botox was not satisfactory, then you may be a better candidate for a dermal filler. Dermal fillers including Radiesse and Juvederm can bring excellent results and is best for patients who have allergic reactions to Botox. Dermal fillers are made of natural substances in the body and extremely safe. Most of our Juvederm and Radiesse patients receive these injections for lip augmentation or combine them with Botox for a liquid facelift treatment. The combination of dermal fillers with Botox provides similar results to a surgical face lift without need for surgery. In general, Botox repeat treatment and repeat injections are safe within 3 months of their previous treatment. You should however get evaluated by an experienced doctor before undergoing any kind of cosmetic treatment.

There are many different options when it comes to cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Patients throughout the U.S. prefer immediate results from injectables such as Botox treatment and Radiesse. A commonly asked question that comes up is, what is the difference between Botox and Radiesse? Botox is is a protein and neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s injected sub-muscularly to relax the movement of muscles, which create skin wrinkling. Botox has been used safely for years providing patients with a more rejuvenated appearance without any downtime. Typical results can last anywhere between three to six months. As we age, we begin to slowly lose collagen. Collagen loss may cause a hollowing effect on the face, causing one to look older or not well rested. Radiesse can be injected to most areas of the face where hollowing is experienced. Radiessse is comprised of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. Radiesse treatment is an excellent choice for replenishing volume loss and delivers immediate results without any downtime. It is the only filler that stimulates your own collagen production and lasts up to a year or longer. Botox and Radiesse can be used together to reach optimal rejuvenation effects. The combination of filler, such as Radiesse, used in conjunction with Botox is commonly referred to as a liquid facelift. In order to determine which cosmtic treatments are ideal for you, it’s recommended to see a cosmetic dermatologist for a consultation. Avalon Laser medical spa in San Diego offers two convenient locations, with an additional location in Carlsbad. If you have additional questions or want to book a consultation, contact Avalon Laser at 619.990.1138.

One would be surprised to learn that aside from being used for crow’s feet and other facial procedures, Botox has several surprising uses. While at Avalon, we utilize Botox for temporary facial contouring and excessive underarm sweating; Botox is also used for the following purposes: o Crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking. Botox is FDA approved to temporarily tread crossed eyes as well as uncontrollable blinking in both children and adults. The results last around four months and are best administered by an experienced ophthalmologist. o Teeth grinding or bruxism. When injected inside the mouth, Botox has proven to help alleviate teeth grinding by relaxing the muscles and thereby eliminating involuntary muscle movement, without affecting the patient’s ability to eat, talk and smile. Apparently the results can last up to four months. o Urinary incontinence or leaky bladder. Botox is currently FDA approved for treatment of patients who suffer from urinary incontinence. Botox is injected into the bladder and during the following few months, patients are completely free of symptoms associated with a leaky bladder. This is great news, as urinary incontinence affects one in five people over the age of 40, according to the New England Journal of Medicine and the National Association for Continence. o Hand Tremors associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers in Australia have effectively treated patients with severe hand tremors due to MS using Botox. o Knee Arthritis. Researchers in the US have found that an injection of Botox Cosmetic to the knee can help patients suffering from arthritis. The effects of this treatment become beneficial after one month of injection and improve both pain and function of the affected knee. This is great news for patients looking to avoid knee surgery associated with arthritis. o Migraines. Botox has been used for some time to treat migraine headaches. The FDA has approved Botox as a cosmetic treatment for patients suffering from chronic migraine headaches with up to 15 days of migraines each month. Botox helps avert at least nine out of 15 occurrences of migraine headaches in these patients. • Although Botox has not yet been FDA approved to treat depression, two studies published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2014, suggest that an injection of Botox between the eyebrows can help relieve depression. What’s more, it’s anti-depression effects last more than the three months guaranteed for cosmetic treatment. At Avalon Laser we use Botox for cosmetic purposes as well as to prevent excessive underarm sweating. Contact us today for more information.

Botox Treatment at Avalon Laser

They say your face is your calling card. The expressions you make, your smile, laughter or frown, tell the world what you are feeling. As a human of habit, as you feel and express your emotions on your face, you tend to make same expressions over and over again. You have a certain way of smiling, a certain way of frowning, and a certain way of being angry and so on. Overt time, these repeat expressions leave lines and marks on your face. Coupled with natural signs of aging, the combination can make you look aged. This is where Botox comes in. It temporarily eliminates expression lines and signs of aging.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a protein substance that is injectable into the skin. The protein in Botox is known as Botulinum toxin, a substance that causes muscles to relax temporarily. It is produced by a type of bacteria, and was first used by the medical industry to help treat certain eye disorders. When doctors noticed it also reduced wrinkles, they sought FDA approval for its use on improving appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Botox has since gained approval for help with migraine headaches and excessive sweating.

How Is It Used?

Botox is simply injected into the skin where it connects with specific muscles, allowing them to relax. This relaxation loosens the layers under the skin so that your wrinkles soften and disappear. Dr. Tirgari can use Botox on your forehead wrinkles, lines between the brows and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox is often used in conjunction with dermal fillers or chemical peels to improve the overall appearance of your face.

Botox Benefits

Botox is non-invasive, meaning it requires no surgery. The procedure itself is quick, and results become evident within a week after treatment. Botox allows your face to appear more youthful without the recovery and cost of a facelift procedure. Your doctor can also isolate specific areas of your face to remove only the wrinkles you select. For instance you may like your laugh lines, but want the groove between your eyebrows to disappear.

Botox Side Effects

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, Botox carries certain risks. Side effects associated with Botox include: nausea, muscle weakness, facial pain, drooping eyelids, rash or hives, swelling, redness, hypertension and dry mouth.

The Avalon Laser Experience

At Avalon Laser, our doctor and nurses have extensive experience administering Botox and other injections. Their knowledge and expertise combined with dedication to their clients makes each visit a pleasant experience.