BOTOX® Cosmetic

What Is the Difference Between BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic?

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While the layperson might use the terms BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic interchangeably, they are two different applications. Though both use botulinum toxin type A as the active ingredient, the two treatments are used in distinct ways. BOTOX® has been used for many years for various medical issues, as it can block nerve signals. In comparison, BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used to treat aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines. Before seeking treatment, here are some key differences to be aware of.

BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. BOTOX®

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a specially formulated form of botulinum toxin type A used only for aesthetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles, which is injected into the muscles of your face. This weakens the muscles, reducing movement and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. People often have frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

In addition to the differences in what each formula can treat, the dosages are usually different. When used for medical instead of aesthetic reasons, BOTOX® is often injected in higher doses. Additionally, the injection sites are usually different. When medical professionals use BOTOX® for treatments, they must have specialized training to ensure they are administering it safely and effectively for various medical conditions.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Aesthetic Medicine

When receiving BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, working with professionals like Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, who has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and cosmetic procedures, is important. This ensures the treatment is administered correctly and in the proper amounts to help you achieve your desired results.

How Long BOTOX® Cosmetic Lasts

Each treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It takes a few days to see your full results as the active ingredient in BOTOX® Cosmetic takes time to settle and relax the muscles.

Unlike other dermal fillers that fill wrinkles, the botulinum toxin type A causes your muscles to relax temporarily. The results last about four months; however, you can continue getting treatments to maintain your look.

Schedule a Consultation in Honolulu, HI

To learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic, speak with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser. Schedule a consultation today at 808-955-3937 or request one online here. Dr. Maehara serves Honolulu and the surrounding areas in Hawaii.

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What Botox can and can’t do

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Botox is a household name as the worldwide leader in non-surgical wrinkle treatment. You may have been thinking about getting Botox injections to treat your lines and wrinkles, but how much do you know about this popular treatment?

Read on for what Botox can and can’t do and why you should consider it.

  • Botox can treat dynamic lines and wrinkles, which are wrinkles that form over a contracting muscle in your face when you smile, frown or squint or make other expressions. It blocks messages sent by the nerves in the muscle to the brain to prevent the muscle from contracting.
  • Botox smooths out crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, lip lines and bunny lines. It can be used to diminish neck bands and even correct a gummy smile.
  • Botox can’t treat static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are always present and are caused by sun damage, genetics, smoking and other lifestyle choices. Prolonged dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles. Dermal fillers are a good choice to smooth out static wrinkles.
  • Unlike dermal fillers, which deliver instant results, the results from Botox will take 1-3 days to fully appear. That’s because it takes time for the injection to work on blocking the muscle contraction and erase the wrinkles.
  • Even though it’s made from botulinum toxin type A, which is a purified substance that’s derived from bacteria and may sound scary, it is the quickest and safest way to remove wrinkles.
  • If you are in good health and have a healthy frame of mind with realistic expectations for the outcome from Botox injections, then you would be a good candidate for this treatment.
  • Botox treatment only takes about 15 minutes, and most people return to their jobs or other activities after their appointment.
  • Botox is not a permanent solution to wrinkle reduction. Botox will keep your lines and wrinkles at bay for 3-4 months. The muscles will start contracting again. You will want to set up follow-up sessions to maintain results.

If you’re ready to learn more about whether Botox is right for you, call 808.955.3937 for an appointment with Dr. Maehara.

Botox vs. Xeomin: Which is best for me?

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It’s no doubt that Botox is a household name as it’s the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment around. Xeomin is a similar injectable made from the same botulinum toxin, but it’s important to know which one is best for your needs as they have some differences. Here we break down the differences between both. 

Botulinum toxin type A

Botox and Xeomin are made from the botulinum toxin type A, which is the same bacteria that cause botulism. While Botox and Xeomin both relax muscles in the treatment area, Xeomin is made only with the botulinum toxin and no other ingredients, thus getting the name “the naked injectable.” Botox contains additional proteins.

Blepharospasm

Some people have a condition called blepharospasm, in which they experience involuntary muscle spasms and contractions of the muscles around the eyes. Xeomin is an effective treatment for blepharospasm. It is injected into the muscle, blocking the signal from the nerve and effectively stopping the spasms. Treatment takes about 15-30 minutes and starts to work within a few days after injection. Effects or results last for up to three months, at which point you may need to return for treatment. 

Lines and wrinkles

Botox is the worldwide choice for the temporary reduction of lines and wrinkles on the upper third of the face, but Xeomin may be substituted for patients who have a reaction to the proteins in Botox. 

Botox works on dynamic wrinkles that form on the skin when the muscle beneath the skin contracts. These wrinkles are caused by repeated expressions such as laughing or frowning. Forehead lines, frown lines or 11 lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes can all be successfully treated with Botox. Similarly to Xeomin, treatment only takes 15-30 minutes, results appear in a few days and last for about 3-4 months. You may need additional treatment to maintain results. 

To learn more about cosmetic injectables and how they may help you with your cosmetic concerns or functional needs, call 808.955.3937 today to schedule an appointment.

BOTOX® Cosmetic Honolulu, HI

5 things you should know about BOTOX

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Frowning, smiling, laughing and other repeated expressions will cause expression lines, folds and wrinkles on our faces over time. Dr. Jeffrey Maehara is dedicated to the care of his patients’ eyes, and that includes helping them turn back time on their face with cosmetic injections. BOTOX is a popular treatment with patients. Here are five things you need to know about this effective wrinkle treatment.

  1. It was the first FDA-approved treatment to reduce muscle contractions that cause lines in the forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows, and wrinkles such as crow’s feet around the eyes. It remains the most popular aesthetic procedure to this day.
  1. BOTOX treats dynamic wrinkles but not static wrinkles. Botox works on dynamic wrinkles, which form on the skin when a muscle contracts. It blocks the messages sent by the nerves in the muscle to the brain. The brain doesn’t receive the message to contract the muscle, so the muscle won’t contract. Static wrinkles are wrinkles that are always present. They are caused by gravity, the loss of elasticity in the skin and underlying support proteins as we age. Dermal fillers can “plump” the skin and fill wrinkles.
  1. BOTOX is safe and effective. It’s a cosmetic injectable made from botulinum toxin type A. It’s understandable to think that since this is the same bacteria responsible for botulism that it could be harmful. It is far from that. Scientists discovered years ago that a tiny injection of botulinum toxin type A into a muscle can stop the muscle from contracting.
  1. It requires minimal downtime. The treatment itself only takes around 10 minutes, and you can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment. You should notice visible smoothness with moderate to severe lines in the first couple of days.
  1. The results are temporary. You will need to return for follow-up treatments every four months to maintain results.

BOTOX is a great way to restore a youthful look to your face without surgery. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Maehara at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser today by calling 808.955.3937.

3 Holiday Gifts to Give Your Spouse That Just Keep On Giving

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Botox Injections With the holidays in full swing, if you haven’t yet started your holiday shopping, you need to jump on it so that you can get everyone in your life something that they will love and remember. As one of the hardest people to shop for, make sure that you get your spouse something they will thank you for and not hold over your head during your next big argument. Luckily, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara’s office has several unique gifts that you can give to your spouse that they will praise you for.

1. Botox Injections
Whether you are gifting this to your husband or your wife, Botox is sure to be a gift that they will love, and that will keep on giving for a few months afterward. As an injectable that is injected into the muscles in your forehead and around your eyes, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles which cause them to relax and your wrinkles to soften.

2. Juvederm
Mostly popular among women, Juvederm is a filler that is used to fill in not only the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth but will fill in your lips as well. The great thing about Juvederm is that it will last your spouse up until next Christmas so you can ensure they enjoy your present all year long.

3. LASIK Eye Surgery
Is your spouse always complaining of their inability to see things correctly? Are they always misplacing their glasses and getting frustrated? Help better their life for good with the gift of LASIK. By reshaping the inner cornea of your eye, LASIK eye surgery will give your spouse the ability to see things without having to wear glasses or contacts again.

Give your spouse one of these three gifts this holiday season. To learn more about these services and other services that we offer, contact Jeffrey Maehara today!