For the last decade Botox® has been the sought after non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedure in North America. Patients who wish to vanquish their wrinkles can get injected with results typically lasting 3-4 months, but due to the effectiveness most return for continued treatment. Botox® works by temporarily blocking the signals to the muscles which smoothes out and flattens facial wrinkles in common areas such as the crow’s feet and tear troughs. Botox® has also been used since the early 90’s to treat patients with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and also as a muscle relaxant for patients with back pains.
Patients who are lacking volume in areas on their face such as the cheeks and lips can benefit from dermal fillers like Juvéderm™. Juvéderm™ is composed of hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in the body, which makes getting the injections completely safe by a trained injector. As with any injectable based treatment there is a risk of localized bruising and swelling that should subside within a few days with the aid of ice packs.
With a technique called the Soft Lift™ a trained injector can use a combination of Botox® and Juvéderm™ in strategic places to give patients a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. The Soft Lift™ procedure is excellent for patients who may not be ready or suitable for a standard facelift, or for those who may be afraid of undergoing invasive surgery. The procedure is preferred as there is limited downtime and can give patients a more natural refreshed appearance that could last up to a year or more.
