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Botox is Currently Approved to Treat Canthal Lines (Crow’s Feet)

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Treat Canthal Lines (Crow’s Feet) | Botox | Rancho Mirage |Medical Spa Botox is the most popular facial anti-aging injectable procedure in the United States. Celebrities and other public personalities have contributed to the popularity of Botox over the years, and now it is widely used by both women and men to reduce facial lines and wrinkles.

Botox was originally approved for frown lines treatment in 2002. In 2013, the FDA additionally approved Botox for the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet, clinically called canthal lines around the eyes. It is important to choose an expert provider for any treatment that involves an area around the eyes.

The FDA strongly recommends that Botox should only be provided by a trained professional for safe and desirable results. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a board certified plastic surgeon providing Botox treatment for canthal lines to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.

Advantages of Botox

Botox offers numerous advantages to different people with different needs.

Botox is a completely safe, proven and effective procedure when it administered by a qualified provider in recommended doses.
Canthal lines reduction with Botox is a simple, in-office procedure lasting for only about 20 minutes.
No anesthesia is required for Botox, and most patients will only go through minor discomfort during the injections.
Recovery is fast, and the patient can return to their normal routine immediately after the treatment.

Treating Canthal Lines

Crow’s feet or lateral canthal lines are the fine lines that radiate from the outer corner of the eyes. Repetitive motions such as frowning, smiling or squinting may cause the formation of these lines. When a person makes these facial expressions, it contracts the underlying facial muscles, while the external skin folds. Over a period of time, this can lead to permanent fine lines around the eyes.

The Botox provider can mitigate the appearance of canthal lines by injecting the medication directly into the wrinkle forming muscle. The communication from the nerve to the muscle will be blocked, resulting in instant relaxation of the muscle. As a result, when the person forms a facial expression, it will prevent the formation of the canthal lines.

Results with Botox for the reduction of canthal lines can sustain for about three to six months. Thereafter, the treatment may be repeated for extended benefits as per the surgeon’s advice. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for Botox.

Proven Results

The manufacturer of Botox Cosmetic, Allergan Inc., had conducted a major research study that was considered by the FDA in its approval process. The study involved 833 adult participants who were divided into two groups. One of the groups was randomly assigned for Botox treatment to minimize canthal lines appearance.

Significant reduction in the appearance of crow’s feet was reported by the group that had received the treatment, which was compared with the untreated group. Over the years, extensive positive patient feedback has also encouraged surgeons and physicians to offer Botox for the treatment of canthal lines.

For more information on Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgical Medical Spa Procedures and Treatments in the Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and surrounding areas please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) by clicking here or calling 760-324-2660.

Botox | Crow's Feet Treatment | Med Spa | Rancho Mirage | Palm Springs Botox ranks as the world’s number one procedure for non-surgical facial anti-aging. Ever since Botox injections were approved by the FDA in 2002 for the cosmetic reduction of frown lines, the popularity of the procedure has continued to rise. The procedure was additionally approved by the FDA in 2013 to treat canthal lines, commonly known as crow’s feet.

Patients need to choose their Botox provider carefully, particularly when it comes to treating sensitive areas such as fine lines around the eyes. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and the provider should be able to deliver Botox in a targeted manner and in controlled quantities. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) provides Botox injections to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding locations.

Key Benefits

Botox has a number of advantages for people who want to avoid more invasive facial anti-aging solutions as well as for working people and busy mothers who want a quick, in-office treatment.

Botox for canthal lines treatment is FDA approved, and entirely safe when performed by a qualified provider in recommended doses.
Botox procedure can be completed in about 20 minutes, and patients may receive it even during their lunch hour at work.
Botox does not require general anesthesia or sedation, and most patients will only experience minor pain or discomfort during the injections.
No downtime is involved in most cases, and the patient will be able to return to their normal routine almost immediately.

What are Canthal Lines?

Crow’s feet or lateral canthal lines refer to the fine lines that radiate from the far outer corner of the eye. Repetitive actions such as smiling, squinting, or frowning, or other facial expressions may cause the appearance of these lines. When a person makes these facial expressions, the underlying facial muscles contract, while the external skin folds. This can gradually lead to permanent fine lines around the eyes.

Treating Crow’s Feet

To mitigate the appearance of crow’s feet, the provider will inject botulinum toxin directly into the wrinkle forming overactive muscle beneath the skin. The neurotoxin will act immediately to block the nerve signals to the targeted muscle, causing it to become relaxed. As a result, a wrinkle will not be formed when the patient smiles or forms another facial expression.

Following FDA’s approvals, a growing number of people feel encouraged to seek Botox injections to reduce the appearance of canthal lines. Results can sustain for about three to six months, and the treatment may be repeated in the future under the guidance of the Botox provider. Dr. Q is a board certified plastic surgeon receiving patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for Botox treatment.

Proven Results

The safety and effectiveness of Botox for canthal lines treatment was demonstrated in a detailed study conducted by Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox. The results of the study contributed to the scientific evidence assessed by the FDA to grant approval to Botox for the cosmetic reduction of canthal lines.

Botox vs. Dysport | Plastic Surgery | Palm Desert | Rancho Mirage Facial signs of aging can be temporarily reduced with safe and proven neuromodulator injectables such as Botox and Dysport. Both of these treatments include botulinum toxin A as their main ingredient. This neurotoxin is injected directly into the wrinkle forming muscles on the face to put them in a relaxed state for a few months. Both Botox and Dysport may be received from a trained and certified provider as an in-office procedure.

The composition and treatment modality for Botox and Dysport is very similar, but these injectables are also distinct from each other in certain ways. An experienced med spa treatment provider will explain the pros and cons of various treatment options at the time of initial consultation to enable the patient to make an informed decision. Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox and Dysport to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Popularity and Acceptance

Botox injectable anti-aging facial treatment has been around for more than 15 years. It received the FDA’s approval in 2002 for the reduction of frown lines, and ever since then it has continued to be the most popular and widely accepted non-surgical anti-aging facial injectable in the US and internationally. Botox is manufactured by Allergan, Inc., which is a leading company producing high quality medical products and devices.

In 2013, the FDA further approved Botox for the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet around the eyes, which has boosted its credibility further. Over the years, a number of celebrities have acknowledged the benefits of Botox, which has contributed to its popularity. More than a million women and men in the US receive the benefits of Botox each year.

Dysport, on the other hand, was the leading anti-wrinkle injectable in Europe for many years before it was approved by the FDA in 2009 for the US market. Dysport is manufactured by Medicis, which is also a prominent company for aesthetic medical products, including Restylane group of dermal fillers. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas for Botox and Dysport injections.

Key Differences

One of the differences in the composition of Botox and Dysport injectables is that the size of molecules in case of Botox is slightly bigger than that of Dysport. Therefore, the unit measure of the two treatments is done differently. Due to its relatively lower popularity, Dysport may cost a little lower at some practices, but this will ultimately depend on the pricing policy of an individual practice.

Effectiveness as well as risk profile in both Botox and Dysport has shown to be quite similar in various research studies. But some physicians tend to believe that the results with Botox may be a little more sustainable and longer lasting as compared to Dysport.

On the upside for Dysport, some analysts suggest that the results with this injectable treatment can be established faster (within two to five days) as compared to Botox, which may take about four to seven days. Dysport may diffuse to a relatively wider area, which may be both an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on which area is being treated.

Botox | Laugh Line Reduction | Plastic Surgery | Palm Desert Med Spa Laughter is the true expression of a person’s inner joy. But with age, the repetitive motion of laughter and smiling may lead to the formation of deeper lines and creases around the mouth and eyes. Over time, this condition may become static, which means even when the face is motionless the lines may still be there.

This condition can be corrected in a non-surgical manner with Botox injections. The Botox treatment plan can vary between two patients, depending on their facial anatomy and the size of facial muscles involved in laughing and smiling. Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox for laugh lines to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Choosing the Right Botox Provider

Botox treatment for laugh lines is a sensitive procedure, even though it may appear to be a simple injectable treatment on the surface. Botox includes botulinum neurotoxin, which is a highly potent biological agent.

If this FDA approved injectable treatment is administered in wrong quantity or injected into the wrong muscle, or administered incorrectly, it can lead to significant side effects. Therefore, the patients should choose a medical spa that is qualified and equipped to provide Botox treatment.

Laugh line treatment also requires injecting Botox in the circular muscles around the eyes. Eyes are a highly delicate area of the face, which makes it even more important that Botox is injected precisely into the targeted muscle and in the correct volume. When the procedure is performed by an expert, it will take only a few minutes to administer tiny injections on each side of the face, without causing any significant pain or exposing the patient to any risk.

How does Botox Work?

Laughing and smiling will tend to cause the skin to crease repeatedly at the same location, and the underlying tissue in that area will wear down. Laugh lines will result from the overactive underlying muscles. Botox can be injected directly into these muscles to cause them to relax immediately. This will make the skin smoother, remove the lines and the skin will not crinkle up.

When the botulinum toxin enters the targeted muscle, it will block the nerve impulse from getting transmitted to it. As a result, the muscle will become relaxed almost instantly. The skin overlying the muscle will become smoother, and the deep lines and wrinkles being formed due to that muscle will soften and gradually disappear. Dr. Q Med Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby locations for Botox and other procedures.

Advantages of Botox

Unlike a facial cosmetic surgery procedure, Botox injectable treatment can be completed quickly in less than 30 minutes. It does not involve general anesthesia or IV sedation, and the patient will experience minimal pain or discomfort. Botox will not involve any downtime for most patients.

Working people and busy mothers usually prefer such procedures that allow them to return to their normal activities immediately. All risks and complications that are typically associated with a cosmetic surgery procedure will be avoided in case of a Botox laugh line treatment.

Plastic Surgeons vs. Cosmetic Surgeons

Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery could technically be the same thing, but must not be confused as done so often. Plastic surgery is considered to be the over-arching form of surgery. Plastic surgery can then further be divided into 2 parts, which are cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is surgery that is carried out in order to correct aesthetic and superficial features of the human body. Whereas, reconstructive surgery is carried out in order to correct congenital and/or accidental defects in the human body that may impede bodily functions, and may also result in death. On the other hand typical cosmetic surgeries deal with breast, butt and lip augmentation, tummy tucks and nose jobs. These procedures are carried out in order to change configurations of the body in pursuit of superior aesthetics.

Surgeons as a differentiating factor:

Even though the 2 forms and study of surgery are technically the same, a plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon are entirely different. In fact, one of the most definitive differentiating factors between cosmetic and plastic surgery, are the surgeons themselves.

One of the most important questions that patients commonly face before getting any form of plastic surgery done is the doctor or surgeon. This question has in recent times plagued the America public, upon which some types of unethical surgical practices are carried out. There are an abundance of cases wherein under qualified doctors have misused public trust in order to charge an exorbitant fee. It would behoove a patient about to undergo any type of surgery to carry out a thorough background check on their physicians’ credentials.

While plastic surgeons can successfully carry out reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, a cosmetic surgeon cannot. A cosmetic surgeon typically graduates from a medical school under a different specialty like dermatology, general surgery or gynecology. Surgeons that advertise as cosmetic surgeons have little training in cosmetic surgery. These surgeons must not be mistaken for plastic surgeons.

There are however a substantial number of plastic surgeons who are certified and qualified by the Board of plastic surgeons in the United States. Dr. Suzanne Quardt or ‘Dr. Q’ from Dr. Q plastic surgery in Palm Springs, Palm Desert , Rancho Mirage is one of the certified surgeons.

While all plastic surgeons may be cosmetic surgeons, not all cosmetic surgeons may be plastic surgeons. North American law, especially American law, allows surgeons from non-plastic surgery backgrounds to take a general residency of cosmetic surgery for upto a year. This qualifies a surgeon of any specialty to become a cosmetic surgeon.

Be aware before you choose a surgeon

A patient must generally be aware of their doctors’ qualification. A plastic surgeon is a recognized surgeon by the Board of Medical Specialties, while a cosmetic surgeon is not. It is relatively easy for any doctor to become a cosmetic surgeon, but a doctor that belongs to another specialty can never be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

A general consensus amongst the people is that a cosmetic surgeon is relatively cheaper, however this is not true. Cosmetic surgeons carry out procedures and practices just through repetition. If there may arise any unforeseen circumstance or complication, a cosmetic surgeon is not well equipped to deal with the situation. In the case of a plastic surgeon, they undergo rigorous training which enables them with a varied theoretical and practical skill set to deal with any situation.

Facial lines and wrinkles are among the most conspicuous signs of aging that can make a person look older than their actual age. Facelift cosmetic surgery procedure can correct this condition, but many patients may not be willing to undergo an elective surgery procedure. In such cases, the treatment provider may offer the option of Botox injectable.

Dr. Q Medical Spa is one of the leading providers of Botox injectable treatment. The med spa is led by Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) who is a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in various surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Q Medical Spa receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Botox Injections

Every since the FDA approved Botox injectable treatment for cosmetic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles between the brows and on the forehead, it has continued to remain the most popular non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the US and the rest of the world. In 2013, the FDA also approved Botox was the cosmetic reduction of crow’s feet or fine lines around the corners of the eyes.

Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox treatment for a wide range of cosmetic corrections, apart from wrinkle reduction. These include correcting of eyebrow symmetry, drooping around the corners of the mouth, marionette lines, gummy smile, lower and upper lip creases, excessive cleft chin, facial scars, vertical, and horizontal neck creases, and wrinkles or sagging skin on the décolleté.

In addition to aesthetic corrections, Botox may also sometimes be used for specific medical concerns in accordance with the FDA approval. One of the common conditions is excessive sweating or hyper-hydrosis, which can be corrected with Botox injections. Dr. Q Medical Spa provides Botox treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Professional Expertise for Botox

Dr. Q and her highly trained, committed and compassionate team of professionals recognize the sensitivity of a procedure such as Botox. On the surface, it may appear to be a simple injectable treatment, but the fact is that the main ingredient of Botox, botulinum toxin, is one of the most potent biological substances that can potentially cause severe side effects if administered wrongly or in wrong quantities.

While the FDA has approved Botox, but the Botox label comes with a clear warning about the potential harmful effects of this injectable treatment if it is not administered by a qualified expert. Face is the most important and prominent part of the body from an aesthetic perspective. Therefore, it is always a fantastic idea to receive the best possible treatment for the face and be safe.

Botox with Dr. Q

As a highly trained and experienced board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Q is in an ideal position to administer Botox treatment. She applies the same highest standards and practices in her non-surgical aesthetic procedures that she uses for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Q and her team have devised a unique treatment philosophy called Re-Q-Venation, which involves customization of a procedure to match with the specific aesthetic and health needs of a patient.

Medical Spa | Med Spa | Cosmetic Surgeon | Rancho Mirage | Palm Desert CA

More Men Seeking Non-Surgical Double Chin Reduction

One of the common aesthetic concerns among men is the appearance of double chin, which may occur due to genetic factors, overweight or obesity, or other reasons. While liposuction surgery is an established and proven solution to address this problem, but many men are keen to avoid surgical options, particularly when they have a busy corporate job or business. Men are more likely to choose a non-surgical treatment for double chin.

With the introduction of a new, cutting edge non-surgical procedure called Kybella, it is now possible to reduce excess submental fat or double chin appearance without surgery. Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q), provides Kybella treatment for both men and women. Kybella has earned the distinction of being the first and only injectable treatment that has been approved by the FDA for double chin reduction. Dr. Q receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Dr. Q’s Photo Gallery

Suitable Male Candidates

Contrary to popular perception, men are likely to feel almost equally unhappy as women with the poor facial aesthetics caused due to the appearance of a double chin. Prolonged downtime and potential risks involved in a surgical procedure may deter many busy men from seeking a solution. This is where Kybella med spa procedure can serve as an effective, non-surgical alternative to reduce unwanted submental fat tissue.

The treatment provider will try to ensure that the male candidate should have a stable body weight before recommending Kybella injectable solution. Accumulated, stubborn fat tissue in the area below the chin is hard to eliminate with diet or exercise. Therefore, Kybella injections can help achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals without surgery.

Dr. Q Medical Spa is a leading facility offering the latest range of non-invasive procedures, including Kybella injections. Patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby locations have an opportunity to receive Kybella and other treatments at the medical spa.

More About Injectables

Kybella Popularity among Men

In a normal situation, only about one in ten patients is keen to seek an aesthetic procedure at a cosmetic surgery office, and the remaining patients are women. However, this pattern seems to be changing dramatically at least with respect to Kybella procedure. As many as half of the patients seeking Kybella injectable solution at a cosmetic surgery practice may be males. On some days, the number of male visitors seeking Kybella may even surpass that of females.

More About Dr. Q

Challenges for Men in Suits

A majority of men working in various professions or businesses are expected to follow the norm of a formal wear at work. However, those men who have a double chin may find it uncomfortable to sustain with a formal suit and tie all day long.

It is easy to find corporate men trying to adjust their neck often while they are wearing a top-buttoned shirt and a necktie. As a result, a non-surgical treatment such as Kybella is proving to be a boon for such men, who are lining up to receive this solution in order to eliminate their double chin.

Botox | Injectables | Non Invasive | Rancho Mirage | Palm Springs CA

FDA Approves Kybella Treatment for Fat below the Chin

Excess fat deposits below the chin can give an unsightly appearance of double chin. Liposuction cosmetic surgery is usually recommended to treat this condition, but some patients may be reluctant to choose an elective surgery procedure. For all such patients, a new and revolutionary non-surgical treatment called Kybella is now available.

Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a leading plastic surgeon providing state of the art surgical and as well as non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Q offers cutting edge injectable solution called Kybella to address stubborn fat pockets below the chin. She receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

More About Injectables

FDA Approval

The US Food and Drug Administration has recently given its approval to Kybella for the treatment of moderate to severe fat tissue below the chin, which is called submental fat. This makes Kybella the first and only injectable treatment for submental fat to receive the FDA approval. Kybella is exclusively created to reduce fats in the submental area only.

Extensive tests and trials have been conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of Kybella for fat reduction under the chin. Excellent test results as well as positive patient feedback have encouraged leading cosmetic surgeons such as Dr. Q to offer Kybella non-surgical alternative.

How does it Work?

Kybella is based on deoxycholic acid that is naturally produced in the human body. This substance is designed to help the body absorb fats. When Kybella is injected into the submental fat tissue, it causes the physical destruction of the cell membrane. With this treatment, the unwanted fat cells are eliminated.

If injected wrongly, it may cause undesirable destruction of healthy skin cells. Therefore, it is important to choose a trained and experienced treatment provider for Kybella. Dr. Q Medical Spa and plastic surgery practice are equipped to provide this treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Dr. Q’s Photo Gallery

Choosing an Expert

For an advanced injectable procedure such as Kybella, it is very important to receive the injections only from a recognized and certified expert. According to Amy G. Egan, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Kybella treatment should only be provided by licensed healthcare professionals.

At the same time, the patients should be fully aware of the potential risks associated with the use of the drug. Egan says that it is important to remember that Kybella is only approved for the treatment of submental fat, and whether it is suitable for other areas of the body is not yet known.

Treatment Protocol

Kybella is administered in the injection form directly into the fat tissue below the chin. Patients can receive multiple injections in a single treatment session. Up to six treatments may be received by a patient, but treatment sessions should be spaced at least a month apart. Kybella drug is currently available in single patient use vials, and it must not be mixed or diluted with any other compounds that are on the market.

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Medical Spa | Med Spa | Cosmetic Surgeon | Rancho Mirage | Palm Desert CA

Liquid Facelift with Restylane, Voluma, & Juvederm

Liquid facelift is an increasingly popular non-surgical aesthetic treatment designed to reduce wrinkles and lines from the face, and add a subtle lift to the facial structure. Liquid facelifts have taken innovation in injection-based facial rejuvenation procedures to the next level in terms of effectiveness and sustainability of results.

The procedure combines the benefits of volumizing and collagen stimulating dermal fillers along with neuro modulators such as Botox or Dysport. Dr. Q Medical Spa is a premier provider of liquid facelift and other minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities.

Liquid Facelift Before and After Photo Gallery

Optimizing Facial Rejuvenation

The major soft tissue fillers that are typically included as a part of a liquid facelift treatment at a med spa are Juvederm, Voluma and Restylane. These are used in conjunction with Botox or Dysport to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation outcomes. The patient can expect the following aesthetic benefits with a liquid facelift treatment:

A gentle lift to the sagging brows and jowls.
Reduction of puffiness below the lower eyelids and darks circles around the eyes.
Lines and wrinkles around the corners of the mouth can be removed.
Bumps on the nose can be hidden.
Volume loss in the cheeks and forehead can be restored, leading to a fuller, rounder facial appearance.
Lip enhancement can be achieved.
Overall rested and youthful looking face can be restored.

People between the ages of 30 and 65 years, who have some amount of elasticity in the facial skin, seek a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure may consider a liquid facelift. Dr. Q Medical Spa, led by dedicated and experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Quardt, provides this procedure to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby locations.

More About Liquid Facelift

Procedure

During the initial consultation process, the treatment expert will prepare a detailed injection plan after evaluating the patient’s specific facial issues and their unique aesthetic goals. A customized combination of facial fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Voluma, along with muscle immobilizing agents such as Botox or Dysport will be included.

The expert will inject Botox with tiny needles directly into the overactive, wrinkle causing facial muscles between the brows, on the forehead and around the eyes. Restylane dermal filler may be used to address the under eye bags and hollows or dark circles around the eyes. Juvederm will be applied to address smile lines and nasolabial folds. Juvederm Voluma may be used to add volume to the cheeks and provide a subtle lift to the face.

On average, the liquid facelift procedure will take about one hour, but the treatment time may be extended if the number of facial areas to be treated is higher. Local anesthetic cream or fillers with pre-included lidocaine may be used to keep the patient comfortable during the entire procedure.

Recovery and Results

Restylane, Juvederm, and Voluma are all FDA approved, biocompatible fillers based on hyaluronic acid, which requires no prior allergy tests. Minimal or no downtime is usually involved with a liquid facelift. Results will usually last for about six months to a year, but skin volumizing may last longer.

Who is Administering Your Botox? Why Credentials Matter

For over a decade, Botox has continued to reign as the most sought-after non-invasive procedure to reduce the signs of aging from the face. In the US, Botox ranks as the number one cosmetic anti-aging treatment. Many patients choose to repeat the treatment year after year to maintain the results.

Following the FDA approval for Botox in 2002 for reduction of frown lines, and another FDA approval for reduction of crow’s feet in 2013, Botox treatment has gained more patients. However, one of the key requisites in this procedure is to choose the right physician or surgeon to perform Botox treatment. Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q) is a pre-eminent plastic surgeon providing Botox and other procedures to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding areas.

Potency of Botulinum Toxin

Botox is based on a biological substance called botulinum toxin, which is recognized as one of the most potent muscle immobilizing agents. This neurotoxin is injected directly into the overactive muscle on the face that is causing the wrinkle formation. It can immediately cause the muscle to relax and reduce the wrinkle, if administered in precise quantity at the right location.

The challenge is that even a slightest error in the treatment delivery may result in serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to choose only a recognized med spa that is qualified to provide Botox treatment in a safe and professional manner.

Caution Note from the FDA

The FDA has approved Botox as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to reduce aging signs from the face. However, the Botox label includes a warning from the FDA that states that the effects of botulinum toxin can potentially spread to parts of the face that are away from the injection site, resulting in botulism symptoms.

The FDA also provides an assurance that no occurrence of a confirmed serious case of this nature has been known when Botox injections are administered by a qualified injector in recommended doses. In other words, the FDA warning highlights the need to choose a trained and experienced Botox provider. Dr. Q’s medical spa is premier facility providing Botox treatment to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and nearby areas.

Choosing a Credentialed Botox Provider

The President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Dr. Michael Edwards, emphasizes on the need to evaluate the credentials of a Botox treatment provider before going ahead with the procedure. Dr. Edwards is of the opinion that when Botox injections are administered by an unqualified provider, it will present risks such as drooping eyebrows. If it happens, the patient’s appearance may worsen instead of improving.

If the Botox injector makes the mistake of administering the medication too close to the mid eyebrow, it can lead to ptosis, which is a condition of drooping or lazy eyelid. Such risks can be reduced to a very low level if Botox treatment is received from an experienced and trained injector. According to Dr. Edwards, a board certified plastic surgeon or another similarly qualified medical professional may be in the best position to perform Botox treatment safely and effectively.