Skin Procedures:

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic has been established as one of the safest and most effective ways in eliminating the fine lines in the upper face. It is one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments available; Dr. Chang is treating close to 3-4 patients a day. This fact is not only important in understanding his experience in the use of Botox and Facial Fillers such as Juvederm and Radiesse, but it also means that the Botox is always fresh; since it loses its potency after even a few hours on the shelf.

It is most often used for 3 areas: the horizontal "worry" lines of the forehead, the vertical "angry" lines between the eyebrows, and the fine "crows feet" lines around the eyes. The miracle of BOTOX® Cosmetic is that it provides a nonsurgical option to problems the plastic surgeon often used to operate on.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein extracted from the Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. When it is injected into the muscle, it weakens the muscle, preventing it from moving and "wrinkling" the overlying skin. The lines soften and often disappear completely. Since the approval of Botox Cosmetic by the FDA in 2002, it has become the number-one physician administered aesthetic procedure in the United States.

Patients who are scheduling the procedure for the holidays or for special events should note that it takes 3-5 days for it to be become effective; and it sometimes takes 1-2 weeks to be maximally effective. The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts an average of 3 months; although some patients have pointed out that the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic seem to last longer and longer after multiple treatments. The simple nonsurgical procedure is administered in a series of injections which takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Dr. Phillip Chang is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with offices in Loudoun ( Ashburn and Leesburg ) and Fairfax ( Reston ) Virginia. Dr. Chang specializes in nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic enhancements including the use of Botox, Juvederm, Dysport, and Laser Resurfacing, Sculptra, and Radiesse.

What Can Botox Do For You?
Botox reduces the appearance of the horizontal lines of the forehead

The horizontal lines of the forehead are caused by a combination of a hyperactive forehead muscles and increasing laxity and descent of the brows. Botox reduces the activity of treated muscles, which decreases the strength and activity of the forehead muscles. However, Botox may not take away the lines completely if the muscles are strong or the lines are deep.

Botox reduces the appearance of the vertical lines ( angry elevens) between the brows

The vertical angry lines between the eyebrows (otherwise called the angry elevens – 11s) are caused by a combination of hyperactive glabella muscles and increasing laxity and descent of the brows. Botox reduces the activity of the treated muscles and can decrease the strength and activity of these muscles.However, Botox may not take away the lines completely if the muscles are strong or the lines are deep.

Botox reduces the appearance of the crows feet lines (squint lines) around the eyes

The crow’s feet lines between by the eyes (otherwise called the squint lines) are caused by a combination of hyperactive muscles around the eyes and increasing laxity of the forehead. Botox reduces the activity of the treated muscles and can decrease the strength and activity of these muscles. However, Botox may not take away the lines completely if the muscles are strong or the lines are deep.

Botox reduces the wrinkles and lines around the lips

Raising the corners of the mouth: The corners of the mouth go down over time with age as the frown muscles take over with gravity. This appearance makes you look angry and sad. Botox reduces the activity of the treated muscles and can decrease the strength and activity of these muscles raising the corners of the mouth, making you look happy. Turn that frown upside down!

Reducing the Vertical Lines above the Upper Lip: The vertical lines of the upper lip are often mistakenly thought of as smokers lines. These lines are a hallmark sign of aging and loss of facial volume around the mouth as well as hyperactivity of the muscles above the lip. Botox can be injected into the lines above the lip to weaken the muscles that act on these lines.

Botox reduces sweating (palms and underarms)

Up to 8 million Americans are affected by Hyperhidrosis (abnormally excessive sweating), often up to four times the average, which can result in social embarrassment or interfere with daily activities. Botox temporarily blocks the sweat gland receptors, reducing their ability to sweat. Commonly treated areas include the underarms, the palms of the hands, and the feet, and treatment can be effective for up to 6 months.

Botox reduces migraine headaches

Patients who suffer from constant headaches understand that migraine and tension headaches can be debilitating. Using Botox in the forehead and head relaxes muscles and reduces muscular tension which might otherwise trigger a headache. Botox has been shown to be very effective in some patients in reducing/eliminating headaches in terms of both frequency and duration.

What Other Conditions are Treated by Botox

BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA), binds to nerve endings and inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach). This leads to a decrease in muscular contractions. It is therefore effective in the treatment of:

  • Cervical dystonia
  • Blepharospasm
  • Strabismus
  • Axillary hyperhydrosis
Why Choose Dr. Chang for your Botox Treatment?

Dr. Chang is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 10 years of experience. He is a Platinum Provider Account for Allergan (the makers of Botox), and has trained physicians, nurses, and physician assistants in Virginia and throughout the US in the administration of Botox. In addition, Dr. Chang treats by the area and offers a touch-up policy, meaning you will get the best treatment and not be cheated (unlike offices who treat by the unit, and only give you 5 units when you are paying for 10).

What Can You Expect

  • Patients should not expect Botox to take effect for up to 3 days
  • Maximum effect can be expected at 2 weeks
  • Although Botox is generally well tolerated, some patients may experience bruising
  • Each Botox treatment session can take between 10 to 20 minutes
  • Botox remains effective on average for 3 to 4 months
  • First time patients or those with hyperactive muscles may experience shorter durations
  • Botox effectively lasts longer the more regularly it is used as the muscles potentially weaken
  • Exercise is discouraged for 24 hours
  • Patients should remain for 2 hours after the treatment to prevent spread
How Does Botox Work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein extracted from the Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. When it is injected into the muscle, it weakens the muscle, preventing it from moving and "wrinkling" the overlying skin. The lines soften and often disappear completely. Since the approval of Botox Cosmetic by the FDA in 2002, it has become the number-one physician administered aesthetic procedure in the United States.

Click here to learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Dr. Phillip Chang is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in Loudoun (Leesburg) and Fairfax (Reston) Virginia. Complimentary consultations are offered at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center as well as Radiance Salon and Medispa. Dr. Chang sees patients from Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Areas including Winchester, Frederick, Leesburg, Ashburn, Chantilly, Sterlinig, Middleburg, Fairfax, Reston, and Vienna.

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Company Endorsements

Allergan.com, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Natrelle.com, Realself.com, Facebook.com, Radiesse.com, New Beauty Magazine, Mentor.com, Sciton

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