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Patient Education
Colorado Adult and Children's Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. has provided this section to assist you in finding answers to questions you may have about common Ear, Nose and Throat ailments. If you would like to speak to an experienced staff member, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Please read our disclaimer before reviewing this information. Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with Colorado Adult and Children's Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. If you have a medical problem, please contact us for diagnosis and treatment.
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Botulinum toxin (BOTOX® Cosmetic) is a sterile, purified protein derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade has been effectively used to remove facial wrinkles. No matter how well your face is protected from the sun, everyone will eventually develop facial wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines). Fortunately, there are a number of options available to soften or remove wrinkles and BOTOX® Cosmetic is the easiest of all these options.
How is BOTOX® Cosmetic Used? BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected through a very small needle to essentially impede the nerve impulse from reaching specific facial muscles that can cause facial creasing or wrinkles. As the injection begins to work, it weakens or paralyzes the muscle around the area injected for a typical period of several months. The resultant weakening or paralyzing effect on the facial muscle temporarily reduces or eliminates previous skin creasing and new skin creasing is avoided. BOTOX® Cosmetic may take several days to have its effect, and the effect typically lasts 3-6 months in most individuals before full muscle movement returns.
If you would like additional information, please ask during your next visit and read more on BOTOX®Cosmetic at a link provided for your convenience in our Medical Links web page.
What is Restylane®? Restylane® is a natural cosmetic dermal filler that has been used worldwide since 1996 to restore volume and fullness, and correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the ones from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Restylane® is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA™ or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA™ is biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane® is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. Bovine collagen is derived from cowhide and requires an allergy test. Restylane® can be administered without testing, so no waiting is required.
How is Restylane® used? Restylane® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts to "fill in" those areas where facial wrinkles and folds have appeared by using a very small needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient and results are practically instantaneous. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, the treatment area may be numbed. Restylane® maintains its shape where injected by using the body's own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is hydrophilic or "water loving." As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane® effects generally last for about six months. The unique NASHA™ technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone. Follow-up treatments are typically scheduled at six-month intervals, but individual results may vary. After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappears.
If you would like additional information, please ask during your next visit and read more on Restylane® at a link provided for your convenience in our Medical Links web page.
How is the Gemini™ Laser System used? The Gemini™ Laser System directs laser energy into and results in the "peel" or removal of the topmost layer of skin. As the skin is regenerated, discoloration, wrinkles or other marks will be diminished, or in many cases eliminated. The Gemini™ Laser is the newest addition to the Laserscope™ family of multi-application laser systems and offers two distinct wavelengths to provide versatility, speed and effectiveness while maintaining the safety and reliability record of a laser company that has been developing surgical-grade laser systems for over 20 years.
What skin concerns can the Gemini™ Laser address? Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling around the eyelids, forehead, nose and mouth can be smoothed with this simple process. Deep laugh and frown lines can be minimized. Even lingering effects of chicken pox, acne scars, superficial pigmented lesions and other surface abnormalities can be treated.
Does the treatment hurt? The use of topical anesthetics should eliminate most, if not all, discomfort during the procedure. Many people describe each laser pulse as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Your individual needs and concerns should be discussed with the physician prior to treatment.
What should I expect following treatment? Immediately after laser exposure the treated area may turn pink and swell slightly. In the following days the outer layer of skin will flake off as new skin is generated underneath. In some cases slight redness may persist. The use of sunscreen is imperative after treatment. It is important to limit sun exposure following treatment, and questions regarding the appropriate use of sunscreen or makeup should be discussed with the physician. Recovery times are directly related to the depth of the laser skin peel and your body's healing response. Please discuss your treatment with the physician in order to understand the recovery time and outcome you desire.
If you would like additional information, please ask during your next visit and read more on the Gemini™ Laser at the link provided for your convenience on our Medical Links web page.
Will BOTOX® Cosmetic, Restylane® or the Gemini™ Laser treatments be covered by my insurance? Insurance does not generally cover procedures that are purely for cosmetic reasons. However, since there are many forms of insurance, we ask the patient to be responsible for checking with their insurance carrier on the degree of coverage they may have.
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