Ophthalmology | Hawaii | Honolulu | Waipahu

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Cosmetic Procedures

Maehara Eyes offers the following cosmetic procedures:

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX Cosmetic is a highly purified protein injected into the skin to relax the muscles that cause some kinds of wrinkles. While BOTOX can treat certain medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, it is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, primarily to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck. BOTOX injections are relatively painless, as the needle used is significantly smaller than those used for other injectable fillers.

The best candidates for BOTOX are men and women seeking an enhanced appearance with fewer wrinkles. In addition, it is important that those seeking treatment are in good physical health, are not pregnant or nursing, and do not have a neuromuscular disorder. People seeking BOTOX injections should have realistic expectations regarding this procedure's abilities and should discuss their desired goals with their doctor beforehand.

BOTOX injections are administered by a qualified physician using a very fine needle. The procedure only takes a few minutes and requires no anesthetic. Day-to-day activities can be resumed immediately afterwards. Wrinkles begin to fade within 24 hours, with continued improvement over the next 5 days.

Side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic are rare and are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects are headaches and temporary redness or bruising of the skin at the site of injection. Any risk of complication can be reduced by choosing a qualified and experienced physician.

Dysport®

 Dysport is an FDA-approved injection used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles in the forehead. Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport is injected directly into the site of wrinkles to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting. Dysport injections are made from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the same protein used in Botox injections.

Dysport injections are ideal for nearly anyone wishing to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and restore a younger, more refreshed appearance. The injections are administered directly into the facial muscles that cause frown lines and other wrinkles; these injections are generally painless, with no need for anesthesia. Treatment sessions typically take less 15 minutes, and are administered at six-week intervals. Three to five injections are usually required to achieve desired results.

Dysport injections are generally safe, although there are certain risks associated with any procedure. These risks include soreness and bruising for several hours after treatment, an allergic reaction or ptosis (droopiness of the eyelid). The risk of complications can be reduced by choosing a qualified physician for your procedure.

Juvéderm® XC

Juvéderm XC is a new, FDA-approved formula of the effective Juvéderm dermal filler that contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to minimize the mild discomfort previously associated with this treatment. Injected directly into targeted areas of the skin, Juvéderm reduces the appearance of wrinkles and folds while also smoothing skin for an overall enhanced appearance.

The new Juvéderm XC eliminates the need for additional anesthetic, as well as the wait time of up to 30 minutes for the numbness to take effect. The lidocaine contained within this injection takes only seconds to spread across the treatment area. Results are reported to last up to a year, making Juvéderm one of the most commonly requested treatments.

Perlane®-L

 Perlane is an injectable filler used to soften wrinkles and reduce the appearance of lines and folds for patients unhappy with the effects of aging on their skin. Perlane can be used for lines around the lips, mouth, nose and forehead, and is especially effective for the nasolabial folds, which stretch from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Perlane is made of hyaluronic acid, as is Restylane®, but contains larger gel particles that can more effectively fill deep depressions on the skin.

Perlane injections typically take 30 to 45 minutes to perform, and are administered with a topical anesthetic. Patients can return to regular activities immediately after injections, with no downtime. Results are visible right away and can last for six to eight months, depending on the individual patient's age, skin condition, and various other factors. Touch-up injections once or twice a year are recommended to maintain results.

Perlane is a safe procedure, but there are risks associated with any procedure. Some patients may experience swelling, redness, bruising and discomfort after treatment, but these side effects usually subside within a few days. Although rare, Perlane carries a risk of infection, bleeding or allergic reaction. Choosing a qualified physician for your Perlane treatment can greatly minimize the occurrence of complications.

Restylane®-L

Recently approved by the FDA, Restylane-L takes the popular hyaluronic acid dermal filler to the next level by adding lidocaine, a local anesthetic used to reduce the pain of the injection for a more comfortable experience. The gel particle structure is the same as traditional Restylane injections, producing the same level of results in smoothing away moderate to severe wrinkles and lines.

Most patients now prefer treatment with Restylane-L for its added benefits. We are proud to offer this advanced new product at our practice to provide patients with the desired results of a Restylane injection, which can last up to 18 months, with less pain and no need for additional medication.

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