Dr. Richard Warren
777 W Broadway #1000
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7
Phone: (604) 876-1774
Monday-Thursday: 9:15 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 9:15 a.m.–3 p.m.
*Closed for lunch 1–2 p.m.
Botulinum-Based Wrinkle Smoothing Injectable
Certain wrinkles and folds on the face are caused by small underlying muscles which repeatedly crease the overlying skin. Botulinum toxin is designed to relax the muscles which are causing an overlying crease. While some people may have reservations about botulinum treatments because they do not want to look “frozen”, this can be avoided by carefully targeting specific muscles. This technique can be very accurate and when the amount of botulinum toxin is kept to the minimum required, a very natural look will be achieved.By relaxing the facial muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin, this type of wrinkle treatment can give you a smoother, fresher facial appearance. The best candidates for this procedure are women and men who are not yet candidates for a surgical procedure such as a brow lift, but would like to diminish fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.There are many types of botulinum toxin, but the one most frequently used for facial rejuvenation is botulinum toxin type A – a purified form of protein made from the botulinum bacteria. Muscles most amenable to this form of treatment are the frontalis (which causes creases), the corrugator (which causes frown lines) and the orbicularis oculit (which causes crow’s feet around the eyes).
Dr. Richard WarrenVancouver Plastic Surgery Center
If you are considering this treatment, you can request a consultation with one of Dr. Richard J. Warren’s nurse injectors. A staff member will contact you to discuss the procedure and additional scheduling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can this wrinkle treatment correct?
Botulinum-based injectables can treat forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines between the eyebrows, as well as wrinkles on the upper lip. These are called “dynamic” wrinkles, meaning they are caused by repeated facial expressions. To treat these lines and wrinkles, a nurse injector will create a treatment plan by targeting specific areas of the skin for a customized treatment.
What else can botulinum toxin be used for?
Botulinum toxin can be used to change the underlying shape of certain facial features. The eyebrows can be raised slightly by weakening the muscles which pull them down. Also, neck bands can be softened by relaxing overactive platysma muscles. Another condition which responds very well to this treatment is to reduce underarm sweating (hyperhydrosis). Lastly, some patients experience a dramatic reduction in the incidence and severity of migraine headaches, providing the injections are done into the appropriate trigger points.
Who will be performing my treatment?
An experienced registered nurse will perform your treatment, which she will customize to address your specific concerns. Before your treatment, you will consult with her to create a treatment plan that will maximize your results.
How long does the procedure take?
A botulinum toxin injection generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes to perform. For your comfort, a topical anesthetic may be applied to the area before treatment. After your procedure, you may return to your normal, everyday activities, however, you may experience slight redness and swelling at the injection sites. Typically, results from a botulinum-based injectable wrinkle treatment last about 4 to 6 months.
Can botulinum-based injectables be combined with other procedures?
Depending on your specific needs, sometimes a wrinkle treatment can be combined with dermal fillers for more comprehensive results. During your consultation, a registered nurse will assess whether you are a candidate or not for combining procedures.
What are the risks associated with botulinum toxin?
Millions of people the world over have undergone treatment with botulinum toxin with no problems. The most common complication is the inadvertent paralysis of muscles adjacent to the muscles being targeted. This can lead to temporary changes which, fortunately, will resolve on their own.