Menu

Atlanta Botox

Frequently Asked Questions About Botox® and Dysport®

, , , ,

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cosmetic botulinum toxin injections (such as Botox® and Dysport®) are the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons in the US year after year. As common and minimally invasive as they are, these injections are still medical procedures that have risks and side effects, so as a patient, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about your procedure. To help your research process, I’m answering some of the most common questions I’ve been asked throughout my more than 20 years as a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Botox® and Dysport®

What wrinkles can I treat with Botox® and Dysport®?

While some patients think all wrinkles can be treated with Botox® or Dysport®, this isn’t accurate. Because they work by relaxing (and therefore smoothing) facial muscles, these injections are most effective for wrinkles that are caused by tensed muscles due to repeated facial expressions. These include crow’s feet, frown lines between the eyebrows, and forehead creases.

How long will my Botox®/Dysport® treatment take and how much recovery time will I need?

One of my patients’ favorite aspects of Botox® and Dysport® injections is how convenient they are for facial rejuvenation. The treatment only takes 10-15 minutes to perform, and it doesn’t require any downtime. Many patients find it easy to have their procedure during one of their lunch breaks.

When and for how long will I see my Botox® or Dysport® results?

Because the injections are working with your body’s natural processes, it takes about 24-48 hours for the results to begin appearing, and they should reach their full effect within a week of your treatment. The results will generally last 3-4 months, though this will vary from patient to patient.

What’s the difference between Botox® and Dysport®?

Botox® and Dysport® are two companies’ versions of the same product. However, Dysport® is more highly purified, and in my own experience, it tends to have a longer-lasting effect and to be more effective in preventing the muscle contractions that cause future wrinkles to develop.

Are Botox® and Dysport® injections safe?

While there is a risk of potential side effects like temporary muscle weakness, bruising, or a headache from Botox® and Dysport®, the risk is very low. It’s important to note, though, that this risk increases dramatically when your injections are performed by someone who is less experienced and poorly trained. To ensure that your injections are as safe as possible, only get your treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and, ideally, with a specialty in facial rejuvenation.

I’ve heard Botox® and Dysport® are cheaper in other countries. Can I buy it elsewhere and then bring it to a plastic surgeon to inject?

This is very unsafe, and I do not administer injections with any product that has not come through the proper channels: to my office directly from the product’s manufacturer. Botox® and Dysport® are prescription-only products that are only sold to select medical professionals, so if you buy the products from any other source, there is a high likelihood that they are counterfeit and there is no way to know if it contains extremely dangerous ingredients.

There is a reason why Botox® and Dysport® are so enormously popular – because they treat such a common cosmetic issue and because they work very well. But as a patient, you still want to understand the procedure you’re receiving and ensure that it’s the best way to get the results you want.  To find out if you’re a candidate, schedule an appointment with me, Dr. John LeRoy.  For more helpful tips about cosmetic treatments, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

How a Facelift and Non-Surgical Treatments Work Together

, , , ,

There are several different levels of facial rejuvenation procedures. The mildest tend to be injectables (like Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, etc.), then other non-surgical treatments (such as Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing and Band Aid Skin Tightening), followed by minimally invasive surgery (including my Band Aid Mini Facelift and Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift, both of which are performed in-office with gentle numbing), and finally traditional cosmetic surgery like face lifts, eyelid surgery, and neck lifts. This allows every patient to choose a procedure or combination of procedures that best fits their unique needs.

But it’s important to recognize that this isn’t a step-by-step process. In other words, patients don’t generally start with fillers, then abandon fillers in favor of laser treatments, then stop laser treatments to get a Band Aid Mini Facelift, and so on. Instead, each cosmetic procedure has its own focus and purpose, so getting your ideal results at every stage of the aging process typically involves a combination of a few different options to treat your individual concerns. For instance, you may get consistent filler injections in your 30s and 40s, but when you begin to develop sagging skin, you might choose a Band Aid Facelift to restore a firmer, younger-looking facial structure, then simply use Botox® and/or facial fillers to treat the few remaining fine lines, wrinkles, and lost volume that will appear over the coming years.

To find out more about how multiple types of facial rejuvenation can work together, check out my video below:

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation, my ultimate goal is to help every patient be their most confident and beautiful self, whether that involves injections, non-surgical treatments, plastic surgery, or a combination of each. To discuss your cosmetic concerns and receive a treatment recommendation, schedule a consultation with me today. Or, for more plastic surgery tips, helpful videos, and more, follow me, Dr. John L. LeRoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Plastic Surgeries to Accomplish and Complement Your New Year’s Resolutions

, , , ,

There’s something so refreshing about the New Year, and resolutions can be the perfect way to motivate yourself to make the most of the next twelve months by setting clear goals. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses, so resolutions aimed at self-improvement can run the gamut from a healthier lifestyle to career advancement to better emotional health. Depending on what you’re hoping to accomplish this year, our plastic surgery office in Atlanta may be able to help.

Plastic Surgery to Complement Your New Year's ResolutionsIf you resolved to get into better shape:

Whipping your body into shape is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions around, because nearly all of us have at least one area we’re unhappy with, whether it’s the “love handles,” a “tummy pooch,” or a “double chin.” As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I recognize the importance of putting your health first, so I always encourage my patients to reach their goal weight through a healthy diet and exercise regimen. But once you’ve reached your goal, procedures like liposuction, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift, breast lift, or male breast reduction can be the perfect way to put the finishing touches on your physique and, if needed, tighten up any excess sagging skin.

If you resolved to recapture your youthful spirit:

It’s easy to let the vibrant energy of youth wane as you get older and as you become busier and busier with all of life’s responsibilities. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get it back, and many of my patients find that if they give their appearance a youthful boost, it’s easier for their emotions to follow. The rejuvenation procedure you choose will depend on your unique anatomy and how aging has affected you. The most common option is my Band Aid Mini Facelift, a minimally invasive surgery I developed and have perfected over the past twenty years, which removes excess skin and repositions the underlying facial muscles to achieve natural-looking results, all in-office with gentle numbing and specialized techniques so that it requires just half the recovery time and half the cost of a traditional face lift. Depending on your needs, you may also be a candidate for a Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift, eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a more comprehensive face lift.

If you resolved to try something new:

With our day-to-day routines keeping us busy, it’s common for us to fall into a bit of a rut and simply let the days go by, but for many people, getting out of their comfort zone and trying something new can add a little zest back into their lives. If this sounds like the problem you’re trying to fix, try treating yourself to a new cosmetic treatment you’ve never tried before. For those who are new to the anti-aging scene, injectables like Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, and Radiesse® can be a great way to start, because they offer quick treatment times and the results are temporary, so you can try a few options throughout the year to see what you like best. Or, you prefer something to enhance the quality of your skin itself, learn more about our Band Aid Non-Surgical Skin Tightening and Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Making a New Year’s resolution is all about self-reflection and figuring out what you need to do to make the upcoming year better than the one that just passed. Whether or not your goals involve plastic surgery, we wish you all success in your journey to become your most confident and beautiful self. If you would like to find out more about our surgical and non-surgical procedures, schedule a consultation with John L. LeRoy, MD, FACS, PC. Or, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to keep up with our monthly specials, hear about the latest in plastic surgery, get great health and beauty tips, and more.

Myths and Facts about Facial Rejuvenation

, , , ,

Facial aging is one of the most common aesthetic concerns around, so it’s no surprise that countless rumors and home remedies have arisen regarding how to get rid of them. But which of these theories can actually help you look your best and which will simply prove to be a waste of time and money? As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation, I’m happy to use my knowledge and expertise to answer your questions about a few of these anti-aging myths.

Myths and Facts about Facial RejuvenationMyth #1: Wrinkles are what give away your age, so to look younger, you just need to treat your wrinkles.

Actually, there are a number of factors which make a person look older. While wrinkles and sagging skin are the most obvious signs, there are a number of factors (some of which we only notice subconsciously unless it’s pointed out to us) that betray someone’s age, including age spots as well as the loss and shifting of facial tissue which ages the shape of the face itself. For this reason, the most comprehensive results can be achieved with a combination of plastic surgery (like my Band Aid Mini Facelift) to remove excess skin and reposition the underlying tissue, along with skin treatments like Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing to address age spots, fine lines, and other common problems.

Myth #2: The newer the treatment, the better it is.

It’s true that medical science is constantly advancing and producing better treatment options for cosmetic and medical needs alike, but just because a procedure is newer doesn’t mean it’s actually better. It may simply be another manufacturer trying to enter the market. Or, in some cases, a new treatment may actually offer improved benefits for certain types of patients, but it may not be the right option for your specific needs. Research your options and talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to figure out the best course of action for you.

Myth #3: Aging is hereditary, so if your parents always looked young for their age, you will, too.

Some degree of your natural aging process is hereditary, but aging can be strongly affected by environmental factors like sun exposure, smoking, diet and exercise, and more. In other words, don’t take your good genes for granted. In order to stay looking your best, you’ll still need to use some degree of facial rejuvenation treatments as the years go by.

Myth #4: There’s nothing you can do to keep wrinkles away.

Aging can’t be prevented entirely, but there are ways you can slow and delay its progress. The aging process is accelerated significantly by sun damage, smoking, excessive drinking, and other environmental factors, so protecting your skin and following a healthy lifestyle can have a strong impact on your appearance. Another increasingly popular choice is Dysport® or Botox® injections. Because these relax the targeted facial muscles, they can limit the development of certain expression lines like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

Myth #5: You can look 20 years younger without surgery.

Unfortunately, this is simply an unrealistic expectation. While they won’t have such a dramatic affect as to take decades off your appearance, non-surgical procedures like Band Aid Skin Tightening (which requires no downtime), Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing, and the like are highly effective for facial rejuvenation. The other good news is that modernized surgeries are not as invasive as you might expect. The Band Aid Mini Facelift offers highly successful and natural-looking results with just half the recovery time of a traditional facelift, and my new Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift is even milder.

Myth #6: You get what you pay for.

This isn’t to say that all facial rejuvenation treatments and skin care products are created equal; it simply means that the most expensive choice is not always the best one. In terms of procedures, talk to a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation about the ideal options for you, and as far as skin care products go, focus on the active ingredients, not the price or the flashy packaging.

It’s understandably tempting to give it a try when you hear something like “this face mask you can make with ingredients you already have will take ten years off your face.” But when it comes to something as important as your health and your appearance, only trust a board-certified and experienced professional. To discuss how you can be your most confident and beautiful self, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John L. LeRoy. Or, for more anti-aging tips as well as monthly special offers, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

What You Need to Know About Dysport® and Botox®

, , , , , , , ,

There’s nothing quite like looking in the mirror one day and seeing your first wrinkles, especially because it often happens earlier than you expect. In many cases, the first signs of aging appear around the eyes as crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead creases, and fortunately, there is a highly successful and convenient treatment available: Dysport® and Botox®, both of which have been FDA-approved as safe and effective. These wrinkle reduction injections are so popular among men and women in their 20s through 70s that Botox® has become a household name, and more and more people are finding out about Dysport®, which is a highly similar formula with a different brand name. We’ve compiled some helpful facts to give you a crash course in these terrific injections you may want to add to your cosmetic roster.

best botox dysport atlanta

As popular and minimally invasive as Botox® and Dysport® are, it’s important to remember that they require a true medical procedure which can have serious complications if done incorrectly, so you should only trust your health to a qualified medical professional—in this case, a board-certified plastic surgeon. To learn whether you’re a candidate for Dysport® or Botox® injections, schedule a consultation with me. Or, for more helpful plastic surgery tips, follow me, Dr. John L. LeRoy, on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Load More