Meridian Surgical

Obesity has gradually emerged as a major issue of concern in the USA where a whopping section of 65% of the total adult population is overweight. There are multifarious means of losing weight and the most common means include the weight loss pills, quick weight loss methods, weight loss diets and programs. Another way of attaining weight loss is by weight loss surgery. In the recent times, further advanced researches have greatly popularized the use of surgical procedures for losing weight. The weight loss surgery is advisable mostly for those overweight individuals who also suffer from other medical problems which have resulted out of obesity only. It is necessary to point out here that with the advancement of technology, the medical practitioners or doctors can now study the health condition of an obese person through pathological and laboratory tests and thus ensure whether the individual’s health conditions would permit a surgery.

Before an individual decides to opt for weight loss surgery, it is necessary for him to find out whether the other weight loss options are feasible for him. Then he is also required to engage in a discussion with his general physician to learn about the pros and cons of going into a weight loss surgery. It is necessary to point out here that any person who is not significantly overweight need not go in for an elaborate procedure like weight loss surgery. And for those who wish to go for surgical procedures, it is to be borne in mind that even after surgical procedures, the individual will have to conform to a strict diet plan and exercise regimen in order to maintain the weight loss so attained. In case of weight loss surgeries, researches reveal that these weight loss procedures have been extremely successful ventures. It is estimated that the patients are capable of losing up to 50% of the extra weight as a result of weight loss surgeries in the first six months following the surgery and after a year, the proportion of lost extra weight can be about 77%. In fact unlike the fast weight loss methods and weight loss pills, the weight loss surgeries are more effective and have long term effects. This is evident by the fact that it is possible for the patients to sustain a weight loss of 50% to 60% even a decade after the surgery. This goes to show that weight loss surgeries can be successful ventures having positive effects on the mind and the body.

The choice for a surgical procedure hemorrhoids can depend on several factors. Internal hemorrhoids are treated differently from external ones.

Surgical treatment of internal hemorrhoids.

These procedures are done to hemorrhoids in stages 1 and 2. The methods are performed in the healthcare provider’s office.

The procedures can be as follows:

• Rubber band ligation – This is a simple and effective method for curing hemorrhoids . The blood supply to the hemorrhoid is cut off by placing a small rubber band at the base of the hemorrhoid unit. Eventually, the hemorrhoid dries up and drops off. Ligation id performed in a doctor’s office and demands no special pre-medication.This is an outpatient procedure for second -stage internal hemorrhoids.

• Sclerotherapy – this is a method of injecting a solidifying agent into the stems of the internal hemorrhoids, aiming to interrupt blood circulation.The hemorrhoid then shrivels up and disappears.

• Infrared coagulation – This method is used to treat small hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoid is treated with infrared light in order to be cut off the blood circulation and dry up in the aftermath.

• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy – the procedure removes a ring of tissue from the anal canal. The cutting of the tissue cuts the hemorrhoids off the blood circulation and as a result they shrink.Then, the tissue ring is secured with staples which hold the tissue in place.

• Hemorrhoidectomy – this is a surgery for removing large and very painful internal hemorrhoids. It is the last resort in treatment of internal hemorrhoids.

Surgical treatment of external hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids are usually removed with surgery. It can be applied to second-stage hemorrhoids which have failed ligation treatment. Laser coagulation is used to stop the blood circulation from the external hemorrhoid and eventually the hemorrhoid drues up and falls off.

Getting ready for surgery.

Surgery will be done in hospital. First of all, you should inform the doctor for your health status. Tell him what kind of medication you are taking – this includes herbal remedies and food supplements.

Stop eating and drinking before midnight, the night before your surgery takes place. Stop smoking. Arrange for a member of the family or a friend to drive you home after the procedure.

After surgery.

After the procedure you will be taken to a rest area to recover from the anesthesia.Perhaps you may need to remain in hospital for the night or just leave the hospital the same day. You may have a slight bleeding, nausea and rectal discharge for a week after the surgery. The doctor will prescribe you pain-alleviating medication for the surgery wound and laxatives to ease bowel movement.

The risks that accompany surgical treatment of hemorrhoids.

As with any surgery, there are a couple of risks which are related to hemorroidectomy. A patient must consider the following:

- If too much muscle tissue is drawn, this can result in damage to the rectal wall. This may lead to inflammation or infection.

- The internal sphincter muscles may be damaged. The result may be a long-term or a short-term dysfunction such as severe pain and incontinence.

- Narrowing of the anal canal.

- Infection.

- Bleeding.

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Body contouring is a series of plastic surgery operations, which can be divided into two groups: lower body lift and upper body lift. Body contouring is the reshaping of the body’s problem areas and is a modern approach to cosmetic enhancement. Body contouring is also a safe and effective way to combat the unsightly sagging skin that often accompanies massive weight loss.

The cost of body contouring is a major factor for patients to consider and is yet another reason not to take body contouring options lightly. The reason that body contouring is more often performed on adults is because the body of young individuals, like teens, is still in the development process.

The superficial fascial system (SFS), the connective tissue network that resides below the dermis, has been implicated as a pivotal structure in body contouring procedures. This has the potential of changing or enhancing postbariatric body contouring outcomes, as the surgeon is dealing with large surface areas of tissue that need to be approximated under significant tension.

According to the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), 200,000 patients will undergo massive weight loss surgery this year, and 75% of them will seek a plastic surgeon for body contouring after the weight loss surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, approximately 68,000 body contouring procedures were performed in 2005 on patients who had experienced massive weight loss.

Fat accumulation tends to occur circumferentially around the abdomen and flanks. Fat deposits in the thigh and lower body area can be particularly resistant to diet and exercise. Body fat distribution is determined by gender, age, degree of physical activity, nutritional habits, and in some circumstances, drugs. In men, percent body fat may increase from 20% in young men to 25% in older men. At all ages after puberty, women have a higher percentage of body fat than men.

Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery such as body contouring. Some health researchers are questioning whether body contouring is growing too fast, without a medical consensus on its risks and benefits. Doctors performed at least 112,000 stomach-reduction surgeries in 2003, a 740 percent increase over 1998, according to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a database of in-patient operations at hospitals compiled by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. You must be in good overall health and free of any active diseases or other pre-existing medical conditions that could complicate surgery and recovery.

Body contouring is not only suggested for those who have had a tummy tucks, but it is also recommended for those who have had children or those who’s bodies are changing with age. Body contouring is performed to enhance and improve your body’s appearance, and covers a variety of procedures. The best advice that I could give to a patient interested in body contouring is to research the doctor.

For residents of New Mexico, plastic surgery is becoming more prevalent. The five most popular plastic surgery treatments are laser skin resurfacing, breast implants or augmentation, abdominoplasty surgery, face lifts and Botox injection treatments.

For more information on these five New Mexico plastic surgery procedures, read on for a full overview of each procedure, along with a tip on how to find a certified surgeon in your area.

Treatments for Botox

In terms of popularity for New Mexico plastic surgery, Botox is hands down the most popular procedure in the state. Because it’s an inexpensive drug that’s simply injected and not a full surgical procedure, it’s very popular and the results are temporary.

Botox works essentially by paralyzing the face. It’s a toxic poison, though safe in small doses, and once injected, the poison attaches itself to the muscles and stops them from contracting. Those minute muscle contractions are what cause the appearance of facial wrinkles as well as their development.

A Rhytidectomy or Face Lift

A rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a face lift, is an extensive surgery that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours of surgery time and several weeks of recovery. Most New Mexico plastic surgery patients who opt for a rhytidectomy book their surgeries during a time when they can set aside 3 to 5 weeks for reclusive recovery.

Most rhytidectomy procedures cost between $7000 and $11,000 in New Mexico. However, New Mexico patients are advised to evaluate a potential surgeon based on their experience and skill, and not merely their discounted prices. Remember, a face lift is a highly visible procedure that can have long-lasting facial results, so choose your doctor cautiously.

Abdominoplasty Surgery

Abdominoplasty is also referred to as a “tummy tuck,” and its goal is to actually tighten the abdominal muscles, get rid of excess skin and even improve the shape of the area. Despite its ability to work miracles on patients who are at a relatively normal weight, the tummy tuck is not recommended for overweight patients, nor is it considered a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet.

Breast Implants

Clinically referred to as a breast augmentation, New Mexico plastic surgery patients have made breast implants a popular procedure in this southern state. In a typical breast augmentation, the plastic surgeon makes a small incision under the breast and inserts either a saline or silicone implant over or beneath the breast muscle.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Therapy

Laser skin resurfacing is a revolutionary non-surgical alternative for New Mexico plastic surgery patients. The deep laser light treatment is used to diminish the appearance of scars, age spots, fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Prices can range from $85 for a simple, one-time basic treatment to $3000 for an extensive, full laser skin resurfacing.

How to Find a New Mexico Plastic Surgeon

To find a board-certified New Mexico plastic surgery professional who performs some or all of the technique described above, search the online database available on the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s website.

It can be terrifying to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma. It can be more terrifying to understand that the physician is recommending a surgical procedure. Despite the fact that the physician took the time to explain the process, shock, discomfort, and fear typically prevents a patient from fully understanding what has been explained to them. Mesothelioma patients have a lot to worry about, just as all cancer victims do, and understanding upcoming or pending surgical procedures is an important step in claiming back health.

A thoracentesis is a procedure where the fluid between the lining of the lungs and the wall of the chest is removed. A thoracentesis is often recommended when the patient has excessive fluid in the pleura, and inflammation from that fluid known as pleural effusion, is causing aggrevation or serious discomfort.

While a thoracentesis is not considered by physicians to be a terribly difficult procedure, most patients feel any procedure at all is a big deal. It is not uncommon for patients to seek out a second opinion when a surgical procedure like a thoracentesis is recommended.

Of course, a thoracentesis isn’t the only possible recommended surgical procedure that someone with Mesothelioma may encounter. Procedures such as pleurodesis, pneumonectomy, and pleurectomy may be suggested as well.

A pleurodesis is a procedure which the space between the lining of the lungs and the lungs (also known as the pleural space) are fused together to prevent the build up of fluid which can cause pleural effusion.

Many patients opt for a pleurodesis over a thoracentesis if they have the choice. Sometimes, although rarely, a thoracentesis and a pleurodesis are done simultaneously.

A pleurectomy is the removal of the pleura altogether, which is typically a procedure saved for cases without other options. Prior to a pleurectomy, a thoracentesis or a pleurodesis is attempted first to alleviate the discomfort and the difficulties with breathing. A pleurectomy, as well as a pneumonectomy, are considered last resort procedures.

A pneumonectomy is the removal of at least part of the lung, if not all of the lung. Pneumonectomies are done only when there is no other alternative. It is always better to try to perform procedures that will save the lung and the lining, such as thoracentesis or pleurodesis, than it is to perform procedures that remove part or all of the body’s tissues, such as pleurectomy or pneumonectomy.

If a surgeon wishes to perform a pneumonectomy or a pleurectomy without first attempting a thoracentesis or a pleurodesis, a second opinion is highly recommended. Either the surgeon is jumping the gun and being a bit too aggressive, or perhaps the lungs are really that bad and a second surgeon concurs that the removal of the lungs or the lining is in the best interest of the patient. Only a second opinion will determine that. It is always best to go outside the practice to request a second opinion.

Despite the poor prognosis associated with Mesothelioma, patients who have undergone either thoracentesis, pleurodesis, pneumonectomy, or a pleurectomy have reported a much higher quality of life and an easier state of breathing after these procedures.

Having any procedure done can be scary and can present an entire set of questions that can only be answered through experience. However, the better the relationship with the physician, the better the patient feels about going through with any of the 4 basic procedures.

Even after a drastic procedure such as a pleurectomy or a pneumonectomy, patients still need all around high quality care, including the care of their emotional outlook on life. Any of these procedures may help, but there is a significant amount of after care that the patient will definitely need support through.

Any type of treatment that alters the body significantly is going to have a certain amount of pain, even if the results are better than they were before. Pain is part of undergoing surgery, and for many patients, pain is something they are already all too familiar with. Emotional support can make a difference in the life of a patient after a painful surgical procedure.

A pleurectomy and a pneumonectomy require life long aftercare in most cases. This does not necessarily mean that the patient will have no quality of life, but that aftercare of some sort will be required all the way throughout the remainder of their life. Patients requiring long term after care may need residential care in order to recover. Residential care does not need to be a permanent place of living.

Whether you have a breast implant or a tissue flap reconstruction, the following surgical procedures may be options for you in completing your breast reconstruction.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

The nipple is often removed with the breast tissue during mastectomy in case it contains cancer cells. Your nipple can be reconstructed using a small skin graft or by taking part of the nipple from the opposite breast. The dark circle around your nipple (the areola) may be reconstructed with a skin graft, or by tattooing the area to match the areola of the opposite breast. Nipple and areola reconstruction is usually done as a separate, outpatient procedure after the initial reconstruction surgery is complete.

Improving Symmetry: Mastopexy, Reduction Mammaplasty, or Augmentation Mammaplasty

In one-sided (unilateral) breast reconstruction, it may be difficult for the surgeon to exactly match the remaining breast, particularly if you have large breasts or if your breasts have sagged with age or from bearing children. In order to help improve symmetry between your natural and reconstructed breasts, your plastic surgeon may suggest a breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), or breast enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty) to the remaining breast.

If it is important to you not to alter the unaffected breast, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as it may affect the breast reconstruction methods considered for your case.

Mastopexy

The skin of the breast stretches over time and with pregnancy, causing the breast to droop or sag. Mastopexy, or breast lift, is done by surgically tightening the skin around the breast. The surgeon removes a strip of skin from under the breast or from around the nipple, lifting and tightening the remaining breast skin.

Reduction Mammaplasty

Your plastic surgeon may recommend that you consider reducing the size of your unaffected breast to improve the symmetry between your natural and reconstructed breasts. Reduction mammaplasty is similar to mastopexy, but the surgeon removes breast tissue as well as skin.

Augmentation Mammaplasty

You may choose to have the size of your natural breast augmented (increased) with a saline-filled breast implant to help achieve symmetry between your natural and reconstructed breast.

The type of breast reconstruction procedure available to you depends on your medical situation, your breast shape and size, your general health and lifestyle, and your goals. Every woman’s situation is unique. Breast reconstruction can be accomplished by the use of a prosthesis (a breast implant) or your own tissues (a tissue flap).

As technology continues to grow, more surgical procedures, specifically knee and hip replacements are increasing at a quick pace. Mostly due to the developments in surgery as well as prostheses.

Although the procedures are still mostly performed on people over 65, there is a growing population of individuals who range from 38 to 56 who are getting hip and knee implants or prostheses.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, individuals aged mid-thirties to late fifties had 35,000 hip replacements or 21 percent of the total procedures in 2003, the last year for which figures are available. That’s up from 26 percent of all procedures in 1997. Additionally individuals in this age group had 48,000 knee replacements or 15 percent of the total 2003, up from 22 percent in 1997.

It has been suggested by medical professionals that nearly 21 million individuals are affected by osteoarthritis, which makes up nearly 90 percent of replacements.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by the breakdown of a joint’s cartilage, and is caused by a variety of factors including injuries, obesity and genetics. The breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and loss of movement.

The incidence of arthritis increases as people age. The last year statistics that were available in 2002, the U.S. Nearly 43 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are nearly 23 million of those who have not been diagnosed with arthritis but complain of chronic joint symptoms, likely arthritis,. One in five, or 21 percent, of adults report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

In total 51 percent of adults 75 years and over reported an arthritis diagnosis. The CDC estimates that by 2030, approximately 64.Physicians will likely diagnose nearly 9 million U.S. citizens aged 18 and older.

Both patients and their physicians use to delay joint replacement surgeries because of the dangers and likelihood that an implant would only last 10 years. Now some prostheses are expected to last 25 years, but there are still risks associated with implants and with the surgery in general.

Artificial joints or prostheses are medical devices; they must be cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be marketed in the United States.

In addition, FDA permission is required before a company can test a new or redesigned prosthesis in human studies. The data gathered in these studies, which take place in specific hospitals, may then be used to support a company’s application for marketing its prosthesis to surgeons and hospitals. The product or device must be proven safe and effective.

The FDA assures safety and effectiveness through different means depending on the risks of a particular device and the technology that it presents. For devices with a history of safe and effective use, frequently those using established technology, the FDA relies on a set of general controls to determine which devices can be deployed.

The general controls are augmented with special controls such as standards or standard test methods. However, for devices that involve new uses or advanced technology the FDA often requires that a particular device be demonstrated to be safe and effective through clinical trials.

As has been proven with some devices in the past these clinical trials do not always identify all of the potential issues that may be associated with a new type of hip or knee prostheses.

In addition just like any surgery, hip and knee joint replacement carries certain life-threatening risks, such as infection, blood clots and complications from anesthesia. Other complications include nerve damage, dislocation or breakage after surgery, and wearing out or loosening of the joint over time.

It has been found that in some individuals one leg is shorter than the other after a hip replacement procedure. Infection is an ongoing risk for people with joint replacements. Not only can it occur in the hospital, but also it can happen years later if bacteria travel through the bloodstream to the replacement area. In the rare case that an infection spreads to the new joint and does not clear up with antibiotic treatment, the joint must be replaced. This usually requires two surgeries–one to remove the infected joint and another surgery later to insert the new joint.

An individual’s choice of device and surgeon to repair hip or knee injuries is critical to avoiding serious future complications. If problems relating to prosthesis exist the person should in many cases seek legal advice.

Lower airway surgery is normally done for two reasons – to increase the size of the airway to improve breathing and to prevent the airway from collapsing. It also helps to minimize or prevent snoring for sleep apnea sufferers.

There are several types of lower airway surgery:

Genioglossus Advancement

The muscle called the genioglossus connects the back of the tongue to a spot on the rear of the chin. Genioglossus advancement moves the tongue forward to leave more space for air to circulate. This surgery is done via an incision inside the patient’s lower lip.

Hyoid Advancement

Slightly above the Adam’s apple is a C-shaped bone called the hyoid bone. This bone connects the muscles at the edge of the lower throat to the back of the tongue.

Hyoid advancement surgery is done to increase the space behind the tongue, allowing air to flow more freely. In this procedure, an incision is made in the hyoid bone which is then brought forward and attached to either the jawbone or the Adam’s apple.

Lingualplasty

In some cases, the reason air is obstructed is because the tongue is too big. In a surgical procedure called a midline glossectomy, a small part of the center of the tongue is removed to make it smaller.

Lingualplasty is a similar procedure, with even more of the tongue being removed. In some cases, a temporary tracheostomy may be performed to ease breathing during recovery because of the swelling that takes place.

Bimaxillary Advancement

In some cases, the doctor will move both the upper and lower jawbones forward, including the patient’s teeth. This increases the space for the tongue to rest and improves airflow. This procedure is called bimaxillary advancement and is usually either performed when the patient has a small jaw or when they have not had any improvement from other soft tissue surgeries.

Realignment of the teeth is sometimes necessary after this surgery, which requires orthodontic work. It can also affect the facial appearance, but to what degree will depend on how severe the work was.

Many times acne becomes difficult to treat with topical and oral medication. It does not give response to the treatment and doctors’ resort to small surgical procedures to treat acne and reduce pain. Cystic and nodulastic acne become quite painful because of inflammation and infection. With surgery this pain is alleviated. Let us know more about the kind of surgical procedures commonly used to treat acne.

Acne Treatment-surgical drainage

This procedure is performed on large cystic acne that is full of sebum, pus, dead skin cells and body fluids. The doctor cuts and drains the cyst. This reduces the pain of the cyst and cures it faster. If the pus is left inside the cysts, it may hurt the deep skin and cause more scars. By draining the acne, all infection is removed and acne is treated with antibiotics to heal.

Acne Treatment-surgical extraction

Whiteheads and blackheads are extracted surgically. This extraction needs skill otherwise pores become larger. If sterile tools are not used, it can also cause infection. If done by unskilled hands with use of non-sterile equipment, it may lead to further infection and scarring. So take care. Whiteheads and blackheads should be always be extracted by experts.

Acne Treatment- other surgical procedures

Some other procedures are also used to treat acne. They are not strictly surgical but do not involve medications. Chemical Peeling, microdermabrasion and light/laser are some of these procedures.

In chemical peeling glycolic acid is commonly used to remove the upper layer of dead skin. The peel is done with a mild solution of glycolic acid. The Glycolic Acid breaks the bond between the dead skin cells and fresh skin. This treatment is used to treat acne in the beginning stages. In microdermabrasion, very tiny particles are thrown at the skin at high speed to remove the dead layer of skin cells and also loosen the whiteheads and blackheads. This Procedure cannot be used on inflamed acne. It can be used at the early stages only. Different types of lasers are now used to treat acne. Laser is not a common therapy for acne and is still under testing. Blue light is commonly used to treat acne. It kills the bacteria P.acnes and reduces inflammation. Green-yellow light and heat energy are used in combination to kill the bacteria and shrink the sebaceous glands.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

BOTOX is a wonderful product in skilled hands. BOTOX can easily be used to effect a reduction in frown lines, forehead wrinkles, bunny nose, jaw, and crow’s feet. This product can also elevate the eyebrow area effecting a non-surgical brow lift. In the neck, it is very effective in the reduction of horizontal neck lines and in the relaxation of vertical mid neck cords, i.e., thickened bands of the underlying platysma muscle. It can also reduce lip lines, enhance lip fullness and reduce marionette lines.

The frown lines between the eyebrows are caused by the action of muscles called “the corrugators”. These are located just under the inner aspect of the eyebrows and can be felt as a thickening in this area when you frown.

Injecting BOTOX directly into this muscle relaxes it, stopping your ability to bring your eyebrows together in a frown. Once the muscle is relaxed it cannot contract and the frown lines fade away.

Likewise, when injected into the platysma muscle and bands of the neck, it causes them to relax, thus improving horizontal lines, and vertical neck cords that develop over time. This effect can simulate a neck lift in those individuals who do not have a lot of excess neck skin.

This product can be injected into the frontalis muscle of the forehead to reduce and smooth out forehead lines.

Relaxation of the muscles around the eyebrows can effect a nonsurgical brow lift. It can be used around the mouth to lessen the depth of upper lip smile lines, and the lines and downward tilt of corners of the mouth. The chin can be injected to reduce dimpling.

Botulinum Toxin type A, is a purified toxin produced by the bacteria clostridium Botulinum. Large amounts of toxin blocks the nerve impulses to multiple muscles causing a form of paralysis called Botulism.

By using extremely small doses when injected directly into a specific muscle, only the action of that muscle will be relaxed and paralyzed.

When injected into the muscle with a very fine needle during a simple office visit. The actual treatment takes only a few minutes and takes effect in three to ten days. Gradually over four to six months the muscle relaxation will fade, and its action will return. When lines start to reappear, a simple treatment is all that is necessary to maintain a desired benefit.

These treatments should be performed only by a physician.

A small amount is injected via a fine needle into the desired area. The sensation is likened to an insect bite and no local anaesthetic is required. Several injections are needed for each treatment. Treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes depending on the area treated. You can resume normal activities immediately.

The effects last for 3-6 months. The results are usually evident about three days after treatment although can take up to 1-2 weeks. If you have a repeat treatment, the results generally last longer than the first time. The more treatments you have, the longer the effects of subsequent injections.

Wrinkling the injected muscle and using it, helps the compound to bind to the injected muscle and take effect faster. It is important not to rub the injection site for several hours after treatment as this may cause the compound to spread into adjacent muscles. You must not lie down for four hours after treatment.

There may be slight discomfort from the needle entering the skin and a small chance of a bruise at the site of the injection. To my knowledge, there have been no reports of damage to the eye, with injections to the eyelid. There have been no permanent side effects.

The risks associated are minimal, very unlikely to occur, and generally resolve over several weeks. Rarely an adjacent muscle can be weakened for several weeks after an injection. This can manifest as a temporary droop of an upper eyelid in 1-2% of patients whose frown lines were injected. Occasionally, upon injection of frown or forehead lines, numbness of the forehead or discomfort may occur and last a few weeks.

With crow’s feet injections, there may very rarely be a temporary lower eyelid droop or double vision. Neck injections may very rarely result in temporary neck muscle weakness manifesting as temporary difficulty in articulating and/or swallowing.

Injection around the mouth can cause an asymmetry of the smile lines, or corners of the mouth, and injections into the lips can cause weakness in pursing of the lips or sucking on a straw, as well as asymmetry.

This product is only effective for wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction, other treatments can be used concurrently, such as dermal fillers to achieve the results you desire.