A New Year – A New You

This article appeared in Prestige Magazine (04) – December 2008

A New Year – A New You

By Raye Toscano

Now that the Holiday rush is over and the New Year is upon up, it’s time for us ladies to think about giving ourselves a little present – a new face for the new year.  I’m not talking about a surgical facelift with all that trauma and downtime and expense.  I’m talking about the subtle and artistic use of Botox and Fillers known as “The Liquid Facelift.”

Botox is used to relax overactive facial muscles  and soften wrinkles.  The frown lines between the eyebrows and the smile lines around the eyes can be significantly diminished with careful use of Botox.  Physicians trained in advanced Botox techniques can also produce a gentle arch of the eyebrows and a pleasing up-turn to the corners of the mouth.  The result is a youthful, rested and pleasant appearance.

True pharmaceutical Botox Cosmetic® by Allergan has been studied for decades and is extremely safe.  There have been absolutely no reported allergic reactions to it.  The most common complications are minor and temporary.  Inadequately trained injectors can sometimes cause discomfort and slight bruising.  This absolutely should not occur with proper technique.  Slight facial asymmetry may occasionally occur and is usually easily corrected with a touchup.

Those deep lines on either side of the nose running down to the jaw line require a different approach.  Facial Fillers like Restylane and Juvaderm can be used to fill in these lines and reduce the shadows that add years to our looks.  Also, as we age, we lose tissue volume in our lips.  Careful and artistic use of Fillers can outline our lips and make them oh so kissable.  The effect should be subtle – not obvious.

The most important point is to insure that the person performing the injection is properly trained in facial anatomy and advanced injection techniques.  We at REDBAMBOO Medi•Spa in Northwood Plaza in Clearwater believe that these injections should not be performed by a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or aesthetician.  Our Physicians have been trained by Dr. Sharon McQuillan, considered to be one of the premiere aesthetic physicians in the country.  Call us at 727-726-6100 for an appointment for a complimentary consultation.