The Truth About Botox

Botox is one of the most widely known cosmetic procedures. Celebrities talk freely about their Botox injections, making this non-surgical treatment feel accessible to everyone. During a Botox treatment, a doctor injects prescription medication into the muscles of the face, reducing the appearance of lines and creases. Educate yourself about Botox and the typical misconceptions associated with non-surgical wrinkle treatment.

Why Choose Botox?

botox injections cosmetic enhancementDo you have crow’s feet, laugh lines, or worry lines between your eyebrows? Wrinkles can negatively impact self-esteem, making you view yourself as tired, irritated, or aged. Botox injections allow patients to visibly smooth wrinkles without undergoing invasive surgery. A “lunchtime procedure,” Botox takes less than fifteen minutes and causes minimal discomfort. Patients usually see results within several days of the injection. The skin continues to smooth for up to 30 days, improving a patient’s appearance subtly over the course of several weeks. The effects of Botox last up to 4 months, giving patients smoother, more youthful looking skin without the commitment of a surgical facelift.

Botox: Fact vs Fiction

  • If I have a Botox treatment, I won’t be able to move my face.

Botox injections decrease the muscle activity that cause frown lines. They do not affect your ability to show emotion, but they do reduce visible creases when laughing or frowning.

  • Everyone will know I had Botox.

Dr. Brantner tailors his procedures to provide natural, beautiful looks for his patients. Botox injections smooth wrinkles over the course of several days, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Those closest to you may notice the change, but the subtlety of the procedure allows you to visibly enhance your appearance without calling attention to the improvements.

  • Botox has no lasting benefits.

The effects of Botox last between 3-4 months, but you can maintain your results with regular treatment. After several Botox injections, you will begin to notice that lines return more gradually.

  • Botox is made for women.

Both men and women can enjoy the benefits of Botox treatments.

To learn more about Botox, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

Clearing the Smoke

quit smokingWhen most smokers light up, they’re fully aware of the health risks involved. The Center for Disease Control, the American Heart Association, and parents across the country have made it their mission to educate smokers about the ramifications of the tobacco habit. Throat cancer and lung cancer are the most serious health risks involved, but recent studies by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have proven the aging affects of smoking as well.

Premature Aging

Smoking restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your skin, causing it to dry, swell, and sag. Although the most severe smoking lines appear around the mouth, smoking has been linked to wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, cheekbones. Other studies suggest that smoking may cause weight gain, skin discoloration, and even premature sagging of the breasts. Premature aging due to smoking is treatable through cosmetic surgery, but because of the dryness, thinning, and lack of elastin in smokers’ skin, the effects are difficult to eradicate entirely. The best way to retain a youthful appearance is to nix the smoking habit once and for all.

Surgical Risks

A certified plastic surgeon will always notify patients about the risks of smoking before and after surgery. Smoking decreases the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream, causing health risks like infection, poor wound healing, and scarring. Patients who smoke in the weeks before and after an invasive procedure have a much higher risk of surgical complications than non-smoking patients.

Make a commitment to your health and appearance. If you need help to kick the smoking habit, consult a medical professional.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

The Doctor Is Out

Dr. Brantner is out of the office this week, enjoying a vacation with his family. As you plan your own spring trips, consider which facial rejuvenation and body contouring procedures will help you look and feel your best for your vacation.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Facial Rejuvination

Our skin rejuvenation and hair removal procedures require limited commitment and next to no downtime. If you want a healthy glow for the beach, consider one of our minimally invasive treatments:

  • Injectable Fillers. Juvaderm fills creases, wrinkles, and fine lines around the mouth and neck. Unlike facelifts and other surgical wrinkle solutions, Juvaderm fillers are not permanent. The effects generally last about one year.
  • Chemical Peels. Chemical peels smooth the skin, reduce blemishes, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. TCA Peels and Glycolic Acid Peels rejuvenate the skin, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the face and neck, removing dead skin to produce a youthful, healthy glow.
  • Laser Treatments. Laser technology simplifies permanent hair removal, comfortably treating hair follicles quickly and safely. Dr. Brantner also offers laser vein treatments, which effectively reduce or eliminate spider veins. Laser treatments provide quick, lasting results with minimal discomfort.

Plan Your Cosmetic Procedure

Dr Brantner may be away this week, but his knowledgeable staff is available during normal business hours to share information and answer questions about cosmetic procedures. We want to help you look your best on your schedule. If you’re considering a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure, call Dr. Brantner’s office. We’ll schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.

An Introduction to Dr. Brantner’s Office

Plastic surgery isn’t about achieving an aesthetic standard, but about giving patients the tools to look and feel their best. Dr. Jim N. Brantner is committed to helping his patients achieve a natural, beautiful look that will boost confidence and uplift personal satisfaction. Our confidential consultations are designed to evaluate each patient’s goals and determine which procedure is right for them.

Protecting Patient Privacy

Dr. Brantner and his staff are trained and certified to provide the best patient care. We offer a number of surgical and non-invasive procedures to improve your appearance and increase your self-esteem. Our blog is designed to introduce patients to current procedures, explore cutting-edge medical research, and share success stories of willing patients. We will never undermine the privacy of our patients or share testimonials without the express permission of each individual.

Dr Brantner, Plastic SurgeonWhere to Find Us

Our office staff is available Monday-Thursday to answer healthcare questions and attend to your scheduling needs. Visit our Johnson City office from 8am-5pm. For office updates, staff photos, and daily doses of medical information, like, follow, and +1 us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.