Nonsurgical
Neurotoxins Injections
Botulinum type A injections (neurotoxins) are the number 1 non-invasive cosmetic treatment. Millions of these treatments are administered in the US every year. When injected within muscles in targeted areas, these compounds block certain chemical signals from nerves. This in turn prevents contractions and thus helps to temporarily relax facial muscles that are responsible for wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead.
Dr. Sanchez’s team offers a number of Botulinum type A neurotoxin-based injections to suit the needs of various patients:
- Botox Cosmetic® – BOTOX is the most popular neurotoxin injectable, in part because it was the only product of its kind available in the United States for many years. It was the first FDA-approved botulinum toxin treatment for smooth frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and other facial aesthetic concerns.
- Dysport® – this product is very similar to BOTOX and works in the same way. However, it may spread out a bit more once it is injected and thus can cover more surfaces.
- Jeuveau® – Jeuveau is similar to BOTOX but uses a slightly different type of botulinum toxin. It is also produced by a manufacturer based in South Korea while BOTOX is a product by Allergan (manufactured in Ireland).
What Imperfections Do Neurotoxin Injections Address
Kristin Green, PA-C and McKenzie Rush, PA-C use BOTOX and other botulinum type A injections to help their patients alleviate an overly-concerned look to reveal a refreshed and more pleasant appearance. These injections typically target facial areas where muscle activity causes aesthetic issues such as:
- Forehead creases
- Glabellar lines (frown lines)
- Wrinkles on the corners of the mouth
- Wrinkles around the eyes (e.g., crow’s feet)
- A ‘cobblestoned’ chin appearance
- Vertical neck bands
In some cases, the provider may use neurotoxin injections to address functional issues such as excessive sweating. During your office visit to our practice in Baton Rouge, the injection specialist will listen to your concern and goals to determine whether you can benefit from this type of non-invasive cosmetic treatment. It is not uncommon – at least for some patients – for the surgeon to recommend an alternative treatment that is better suited to the patient’s needs and treatment goals.
Am I a Candidate for Botulinum Type A Injections?
BOTOX and similar injections carry a minimal risk of complications. However, the surgeon will assess your medical history and examine your treatment area(s) before moving forward with the treatment. Individuals with specific skin or neurological conditions, allergies, or taking certain medications may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.
Your Neurotoxin-Injection Treatment
During your BOTOX or Dysport injection in Baton Rouge, the surgeon or his injection specialist will apply a topical anesthetic in order to numb the target area. Some patients choose to move forward without this numbing agent because the needles used are tiny and injections are very shallow. Once you are ready for the injection, the selected botulinum toxin will be reconstituted into a solution and strategically injected into facial areas.
Recovery & Outcome
Patients are able to resume routine activities right after their BOTOX, Dysport, or Jeuveau treatment. However, you may be asked to avoid exercising or engaging in strenuous activities for 24 hours. You will also be required to keep your head upright for the rest of the day. Some mild swelling, redness and bruising may occur for a couple of days. Depending on the specific neurotoxin used, results finally manifest within 3 to 7 days. In some cases, a conservative touch up may be performed to make sure that you obtain the best possible outcome from this treatment. A single neurotoxin injectable will last for up to 6 months. After this duration, you will need a repeat injection to maintain optimal results.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are a highly effective non-surgical cosmetic treatment for addressing visible signs of aging or other facial imperfections resulting from loss of volume. Dr. Sanchez has performed numerous soft tissue filler injections to restore a youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance.
What Aesthetic Concerns Do Dermal Fillers Address?
Dermal fillers are a great alternative to cosmetic surgery for patients who are looking to address the following issues:
- Smooth lines around the mouth and/or nose (i.e., smile lines, parentheses, and marionette lines)
- Reduce the appearance of vertical lip lines
- Plump and restore volume to sunken cheek or temple areas
- Smooth out chin creases
- Plump up the lips
- Enhance symmetry of facial features
Which Dermal Fillers are Used?
There are numerous types of soft tissue fillers, ranging from hyaluronic-acid-based compounds to calcium hydroxylapatite, permanent fillers, and poly-L-lactic acids. Our providers specialize in Hyaluronic Acid (HA) based fillers that are approved by the FDA, including Juvéderm, Versa, and, Belotero, and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in the body (in the fluids of the eyes and joints). HA cosmetic fillers tend to be soft and gel-like. Once they are injected under the skin, they help keep the skin hydrated and plumped up. Over time, the particles are naturally absorbed by the body, which means that a repeat injection will be required every 6 – 18 months (depending on the specific filler) in order to maintain optimal results.
Who is a Candidate for Injectable Fillers?
During your dermal filler injection visit in Baton Rouge, the injection specialist will evaluate your concerns and examine your problem areas. The provider will also review your medical history to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment. Patients who have specific allergies, certain neurological and skin conditions, or are taking medications such as blood thinners or NSAIDs may not be qualified candidates for this treatment.
Our Injection Approach
Right before your injection treatment is administered, the Physician Assistant will clean the target areas and (optionally) administer a topical numbing agent to minimize discomfort. The selected injectable is then strategically injected underneath your skin to address your aesthetic concern. Depending on the treatment areas and the specific soft tissue filler being used, results should be immediately evident. Mild swelling and bruising are common post-injection but these typically subside within a couple of days. You will be able to resume routine activities right away but at least 24 hours off from exercise and strenuous activities.
Hyper-dilute Radiesse
Radiesse is an FDA-approved calcium hydroxyapatite-based dermal filler that is used to address facial imperfections. In recent years, a hyper diluted version of Radiesse has been developed that acts as a bio-stimulatory agent – not just a volumizing filler. When hyper-diluted Radiesse is injected into areas with collagen loss, it naturally helps improve skin texture, tone, quality, and firmness. One of the best things about this non-invasive treatment is that it can remodel skin over larger areas. Our providers use this treatment to volumize and rejuvenate different areas of the body.
Benefits of Hyper-diluted Radiesse
Originating in Europe, hyper-diluted Radiesse treatments have become increasingly popular in the US. This technique works by stimulating the body to produce collagen and elastin, resulting in visibly firmer, smoother, and youthful-looking skin. Depending on the needs of the patient, the PA may use this treatment to address the following areas:
- Mid and lower face
- Skin laxity in the neck and necklines
- Cellulite dimples in the buttocks
- Knee lines resulting from skin laxity with aging
- Decolletage