The following is an example of cosmetic dermatological services and or products available at the Dermatology practice of Dr. Robert Miller in Long Beach, California. Please contact our offices to determine if any of these cosmetic dermatology procedures are right for you. Before deciding on any particular cosmetic dermatology procedure, it is recommended you seek a proper physician consultation.
Botox®
Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected by a skin care professional into the muscles for the treatment of various conditions. Different forms of Botox are used to increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, treat muscle pain and problems and help reduce excessive underarm sweating. All forms of Botox may only be administered by a licensed doctor.
Botox Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines between the brows to form over time. Cosmetic Botox is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With one 10-minute treatment and a few tiny injections, within days you may see a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines. Your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. The location, size, and use of the muscles that create a furrowed brow vary markedly among individuals. No anesthesia is required with Botox, although your doctor may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief, as you can expect to be in and out of the physician’s office without recovery time. You may see a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows within days. Individual results may vary, but typically Botox Cosmetic can last up to 4 months.
Botox is also used to treat other conditions like Cervical dystonia (CD or spasmodic torticollis) which is head tilting, neck pain, and neck muscle spasms. It is used to treat BotosBlepharospasm (eyelid spasms) and Strabismus (crossed eyes). The signals that cause pain and muscle spasms are sent to the muscles through the nerves. Botox neurotoxin blocks the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles, resulting in relief. Similarly, Botox is thought to block the signals that cause neck pain associated with cervical dystonia. The exact way Botox works to reduce neck pain is unknown. A study done in patients with CD showed that Botox treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of pain. Pain relief may happen first, before muscle spasms are significantly reduced. Severe underarm sweating may also be reduced by Botox when topical medicines do not work well enough. A small volume of Botox solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle.
Restylane®
Restylane is a non-surgical cosmetic derma filler that is used to aid in the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth. It is a treatment for those who wish to have a rejuvenated, soft and revitalizing appearance. Restylane is a procedure that should only be administered by a skin care professional, like Dr. Robert Miller.
In the skin, there is a naturally occurring substance known as hyaluronic acid. The function of hylauronic acid is to provide fullness and elasticity to the skin, which can diminish over time. Skin can then lose volume, increasing the chances for wrinkles and folds to appear. Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, and it is injected into the skin to help restore volume and correct moderate to severe wrinkles and folds in your skin. Treatment takes up to 30 minutes, and patients can return home shortly after the procedure is finished. Results vary, but effects generally last about 6 months.
Perlane®
Perlane, similar to Restylane, is a non-surgical cosmetic derma filler used to make your skin appear smoother and rejuvenated. It should only be administered by a licensed physician.
Perlane, like Restylane, is composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance in the body that provides fullness and elasticity to the skin. This hylauronic acid formula is then injected into the skin to help soften deep wrinkles, reduce facial lines, and add volume to your face. Perlane is different from Restylane in that it is designed for deeper skin wrinkles. Perlane has a larger gel particle size and concentration when compared to Restylane. Perlane and Restylane are not derived from animals; therefore they do not require testing for allergic reactions. The injection treatments are an in-office procedure preformed by a skin care professional. Treatments generally take approximately 30 minutes and can last up to 6-8 months.
Juvederm®
Juvederm is a non-surgical injectable gel applied to wrinkles and facial lines. It should only be injected by a licensed skin care professional.
Juvederm is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Juvederm injectable gel is eased under the skin to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds. A common area that Juvederm is applied includes the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth. Juvederm is indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. It is the only hyaluronic acid (HA) filler approved by the FDA to last up to 1 year. With Juvederm the injection process takes only about 15 minutes and results are immediate. There is minimal recovery or downtime.
Contact us for a consultation. Our dermatology office is located in Long Beach, California and we serve the entire Southern Californian community including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County and San Diego County.
