The term “crow’s feet” describes the fine lines and wrinkles that form around the outside edges of your eyes. As one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the country, Dr. Min S. Ahn has helped many patients to improve their appearance by minimizing these undesirable lines. Here, he explains how crow’s feet develop and what you can do to prevent and treat them.

Have you ever noticed that many people develop two protruding vertical strips on their neck as they get older? These are muscles known as platysmal bands. Over time, they can create the appearance of a turkey neck. With more time, they may become permanently visible, even when the muscles are at rest. In this blog, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Min Ahn explains what causes platysmal bands to appear, as well as how to treat them.

The brow is one of the first places on the face to show signs of aging. Creases that form along the forehead become deeper as skin gets older and less elastic. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their foreheads sometimes have difficulty choosing between surgical and non-surgical options. Here, renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Min Ahn explains the particulars for patients who are considering either Botox or a brow lift.

At first glance, liquid cosmetic techniques always sound better than surgical solutions. The so-called “liquid facelift,/a>” is popular mostly because it promises dramatic facial transformation with a series of dermal filler injections, skipping the weeks of recovery required by traditional facelift.

Similarly, using injectables to treat weary eyes and worn-out expressions sounds more appealing than brow lift, or other surgical procedures. But is it really that simple? Below, experienced Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Min S. Ahn of The Aesthetic Wellness Center reviews the benefits of each approach.

Benefits of Botox

In a sense, the liquid solution is the more traditional one when it comes to rejuvenating the upper face. Botox (botulinum toxin type A) has been used for decades to relax facial muscles that cause the deep lines and wrinkles that add years to a complexion. Its popularity continues to increase, with a record number of 7.6 injections in the U.S. in 2019. That compares with 2.72 million dermal filler sessions during the same period.

Although Botox has long been used in the forehead area to treat the signs of aging, it was Dr. Ahn who played a central role in popularizing its use as a non-surgical option for patients who might otherwise choose brow lift. When he was a resident at the University of California in San Francisco, he and his mentor were the first to describe the Botox brow lift. Using Dr. Ahn’s technique, Botox is injected into precise areas of the upper face to relax muscles that are generating tension in subdermal layers of the brow, erasing wrinkles and furrows for up to six months.

The procedure also works with newer muscle relaxants such as Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin. These neuromodulators can be quickly administered during a lunchtime appointment, allowing patients to avoid the time and possible complications of a surgical procedure.

Timeless Solution

With Botox, convenience comes at the expense of permanence. Temporal brow lift, by contrast, is a permanent surgical solution that restores a youthful complexion by lifting the tail of the brow and softening creases and deep furrows. The procedure permanently raises the brow and smooths wrinkles by surgically tightening and lifting forehead tissues.

Temporal brow lift is performed through small incisions behind the hairline, leading to less scarring and bruising and faster recovery. The best candidates are healthy people between the ages of 30 and 70 who seek to reverse drooping eyebrows while revitalizing the overall appearance of the upper face. Temporal brow lifts are often done in conjunction with mini-lifts or facelifts.

To learn more about Botox or brow lift, or to schedule an in-office or online appointment, call or email Dr. Min S. Ahn of The Aesthetic Wellness Center today.

We are often asked by first time Botox users “how often should I get Botox?” Botox is in fact just one of three neurotoxin options for treating wrinkles between the eyebrows (frown lines), forehead lines and crow’s feet. In addition to Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau are popular options. All of these products work by relaxing the muscles of the upper third of the face that create wrinkles when they move.

How Long Do The Effects of Botox Last?

Interestingly, all three neurotoxins last for approximately 3 months. During the time it is effective, the toxin has essentially blocked the muscle from contracting and therefore the wrinkles smooth out. For some individuals, one product may last longer than the others and may have a slightly different cosmetic effect on the wrinkles. The relaxing effect declines gradually. It does not drop off exactly at 3 months, meaning some movement (and wrinkles) comes back sooner. The actual reason that the products wears off is because our bodies figure out a way to reconnect the muscle activity and that takes about 3 months.

How Often Should I Get Botox Treatments?

Since the relaxation and smoothing effect lasts about 3 months, most patients come back every 3-4 months if they want to maintain the smoothing effect of the wrinkles. If they don’t the lines will come back, no worse or better than before the first treatment.

Some people are disappointed that the product lasts just 3-4 months and are hesitant to commit to several treatments per year. We remind them that women often have their hair highlighted every 4-6 weeks, forever! With Botox, Dysport or Jeuveau, you can smooth out wrinkles and look fresher, younger and more vibrant through a simple treatment with no downtime. That seems worth a few trips per year to your favorite provider! Please be sure to have your Botox treatment performed by an expert aesthetic injector, who has extensive experience and works in a safe, medical office.

Everyone loves getting a good deal on a quality product. But when it comes to cosmetic treatments, including Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau injections, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The team at The Aesthetic Wellness Center strongly believes that it is worth it to undergo treatment at a practice you can trust.

Steer Clear of Botox Bargain Deals

The cost of Botox depends on the cost of the product itself and the qualifications of the injector (e.g., their training, skill and experience).

Bargain-basement pricing suggests one or both of the following:

1. The quality of the product has been compromised – i.e., it is diluted, counterfeit or contaminated.
2. The person performing treatment has limited credentials and experience.

Either way, you do not want to take a chance. At best, you will not see the wrinkle-reducing results that you expect and have paid for, and your money will go to waste. At worst, you will have put yourself at serious risk of some scary consequences.

Diluting Botox too much may make it spread to other areas of the face, causing you to wind up with a droopy eyelid or eyebrow. Having a counterfeit or contaminated product injected into your face can result in infection, permanent nerve damage or partial paralysis.

Keep in mind that Botox is not like hyaluronic acid fillers which can be dissolved with a simple injection of an enzyme. There is no way to quickly “undo” the effects of bad Botox. You simply have to wait for it to wear off.

Invest in Quality Injectable Care

So before you search for discounts or specials on Botox, remember that any injectable treatment is a medical procedure that requires a qualified provider and a safe product.

Dr. Min S. Ahn and the team at The Aesthetic Wellness Center have received Botox Diamond Level Provider status, indicating they are in the top 2 percent of Botox providers in the country. One such reason for this distinction is the team’s experience with the injectable. Dr. Ahn has performed Botox injections for over 15 years and is regarded as a Botox pioneer. He personally trained Rebecca Hoffey, R.N., B.S.N., C.N.O.R., R.N.F.A., and Rachel McCarthy, R.N., B.S.N., over 10 years ago.

To learn more about how Botox can turn back the clock and give you smoother, softer-looking skin, our team invites you to schedule a consultation at our practice. Send an email to info@awcenter.com today!