Cheap BOTOX®: Is It the Real Thing?

Posted on September 9, 2015December 21, 2016 by koehler

We’ve all heard of fake Rolexes and fake designer handbags. But did you know that some shady cosmetic practices are offering imitation BOTOX®? It’s true – fake BOTOX® products continue to find their way into practices around the country, and the FDA is cracking down with raids and fines.

This is some scary stuff. A knock-off BOTOX® injection has the potential to cause major problems. This isn’t just a matter of your fake handbag that falls apart in a few weeks. There could be a real safety concern and it’s critical that you ensure your provider is using only the real thing.

Paying Less Now Could Cost You Later

Almost every BOTOX® provider will run specials or discounts now and then, and you can expect to save a few dollars a unit when they do. But if you come across someone who’s offering what they claim is BOTOX® at a much lower price than you can get it anywhere else, it’s time to take a step back. There’s a pretty good chance that what would actually be injected into your face isn’t BOTOX® at all.

So what’s the harm? BOTOX® is a special formulation of the botulinum toxin. A home-brewed mix could cause all kinds of side effects, including long-term muscle paralysis. Simply put, there is just no way that the risk is worth saving a few hundred dollars.

The Good News

FDA-approved BOTOX® can work wonders. From eliminating crow’s feet to treating migraines, the real stuff has successfully treated wrinkles for millions of Americans over the past decade. The FDA is actively combatting the illegal rings and unethical providers profiting from counterfeit products. But you can’t count on them to be able to trace everyone who is offering illegal products, so it’s important to make sure your provider has an established and positive reputation in your community.

Getting a good deal is a nice way to stretch the dollars you spend looking your best. But remember, if an offer sounds way too good to be true, it probably is.

Should You Include Facial Rejuvenation in Your Mommy Makeover?

Posted on July 15, 2015December 21, 2016 by koehler

A mommy makeover is a custom set of procedures designed with your needs in mind after you’ve completed your family. Typically, mommy makeovers are associated with breast enhancement and abdominoplasty, with a focus on rejuvenating the body rather than the face. However, many women notice signs of stress and aging in their facial appearance after they become mothers, so the right facial rejuvenation treatment included in your mommy makeover can make all the difference in your end results.

BOTOX® for Dynamic Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle movements. As rewarding as having and raising children is, all those joys and sorrows over the years can contribute to the formation of dynamic wrinkles, particularly between the eyebrows or at the corners of the eyes. By using BOTOX® for crow’s feet and frown lines, you can maintain a youthful look well into motherhood.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths, and can be used to improve overall skin texture and appearance. A noninvasive approach to facial rejuvenation at any age, a series of chemical peels can even out your skin tone, reduce fine lines and minimize the appearance of scarring and sunspots.

Eyelid Surgery

Drooping upper eyelid skin or puffy under-eye bags can create an appearance of being aged beyond your years. Eyelid surgery can reduce excess skin and tissue around the eyes for a younger and well-rested appearance. You can complement your eyelid surgery results with BOTOX® or chemical peels for an even more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.

Eyelid Surgery vs. BOTOX® for Crow’s Feet: Which Is Right for You?

Posted on February 5, 2015October 22, 2018 by koehler

Updated October 2018
The development of crow’s feet commonly occurs with aging and is caused by the contraction of tiny muscles located near the eye. Habitual facial expressions over the years also can contribute to crow’s feet, including squinting, smiling and frowning. If you’re bothered by these tiny wrinkles at the outer corners of your eye, you may be considering either eyelid surgery or BOTOX®. Which is the best option for eliminating crow’s feet and reducing their recurrence?

How BOTOX® Works

A BOTOX® injection is a relatively quick procedure that essentially paralyzes the muscles that contract and cause crow’s feet (or other dynamic wrinkles) to form. At your appointment, your surgeon will inject the BOTOX® at specific points to prevent the muscle contractions responsible for deepening fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery can help reduce the signs of aging and restore a youthful, refreshed appearance.

How Eyelid Surgery Works

Eyelid surgery can be performed either on the upper or lower eyelids or both, and can reduce the amount of sagging skin in the eye area. During surgery, a small incision is made in the eyelid crease or along the lash line to remove excess skin, tighten the lids and restore a more youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can fix droopy eyelids, but won’t improve existing crow’s feet or prevent future lines from developing.

A Combination Approach

Both BOTOX® and eyelid surgery have their limitations. By combining eyelid surgery and subsequent BOTOX® treatments, your surgeon oftentimes can reduce or eliminate crow’s feet as well as restore a refreshed, alert appearance throughout the eye area and help to ensure much longer-lasting results than either procedure performed on its own.