A lot of people are aware that Botox is used for medical purposes and to eliminate wrinkles. What many people don’t know is that there are also off-label uses for Botox, including using it as a treatment for migraines and chronic pain. While these treatments may seem like a good option at first glance, they have been found to be unsafe in the past. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the risks associated with using off-label Botox treatments and why you should be careful about them before choosing to do so.
Off-label Botox treatments are not FDA approved. This is one of the biggest risks associated with off-label treatment because it means there has been insufficient testing on human beings to determine how safe they may or may not be, and that no information about their efficacy can be found. The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials for Botox are rashes, allergic reactions, and temporary muscle weakness.
A Shady Area In Terms Of Research
In the past, off-label Botox treatments have been found to be unsafe because of adverse reactions that come from them: for example, in 2009 a study was done with women who were given an injection of botulinum toxin type A (off label) on their glabellar frown muscles. These led to some very adverse side effects, such as blurred vision, difficulty opening the mouth because of drooping eyelids, and muscle weakness.
The main thing you should take out of this is that because off-label Botox treatments have not undergone scientific testing, the safety cannot be determined.
You Must Stay Vigilant
Also, it’s important to note that even when these treatments are applied by a qualified physician who has given informed consent (such as with cosmetic surgery) and they state on their website or in conversation that all procedures will be performed by an experienced professional, you should still do your research before being injected with anything.
A common misconception about Botox is its use as a treatment for migraines; however, there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence found yet connecting the two. There also isn’t enough information available at this time to say whether or not it would help relieve chronic headaches caused by other reasons such as sinus.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that when you’re considering off-label botox treatments or any other medical treatment for a different use than what it was tested for in clinical trials, you should be very careful about making sure that the procedure you’re going to have done has undergone rigorous testing and studies proving safety and will be performed by an experienced professional, you should still do your research before being injected with anything.
If you really want to get a botox procedure done, contact our team of highly skilled plastic surgeons at Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon with 34 years of experience, Dr. Brantner understands the importance of personalizing your care and setting realistic expectations for the procedure.
You can contact our Johnson City, TN office by calling 423-328-9000 or filling out the form on our website to learn more about procedures from Botox® treatments (off label) to life-changing breast augmentations or facelifts.
Age brings many things: wisdom, back pain, memories, wrinkles.
Whether you have laugh lines that run a little too deep or you’re self-conscious about your sagging “turkey neck,” a facelift might help you feel more like yourself and restore your youthful appearance and vibrancy.
If you have doubts, you may be wrestling with wondering what a facelift involves, or whether you’ll be truly happy with the results. How do you know a facelift is right for you?
Here are a few questions we tell our tri-cities patients to ask themselves before deciding whether or not to get a facelift:
Are your wrinkles affecting your self-confidence?
There’s no ideal age to get a facelift. Whether or not you need a facelift depends, not on your age or wrinkles, but on your self-confidence.
● Do you look in the mirror and feel like you’re just not yourself?
● Are you frustrated that makeup, haircuts, hair coloring, and dressing differently haven’t been able to change how you look and feel?
● Do you think about your wrinkles at social events, instead of thinking about making memories?
We believe age should never stop you from enjoying time with friends and family, posing for pictures, or feeling beautiful. If wrinkles are beginning to affect your quality of life, it’s time to get a facelift.
Will you be able to schedule time for recovery?
What a facelift involves
A facelift is a simple surgical procedure: you will be given general anesthesia for 2-5 hours while your surgeon rejuvenates your facial tissues, and return home the same day (due to the effects of anesthesia, we ask our patients to find a ride home with a friend or family member rather than driving themselves).
We ask that all our Johnson City and Kingsport patients be in good health for the surgery; talk with your practitioner if you have any concerns. Certain (but not all) prescriptions may need to be stopped for two weeks leading up to the surgery; individuals prone to blood clots should not undergo a facelift.
If you are in generally good health, a facelift procedure is a simple way to return some of your natural, young look to your face.
What to expect for recovery
Because a facelift involves surgical procedures, your body will need time to recover. We recommend all tri-cities patients spend at least two weeks at home, resting, rather than returning to work or regular activities right away.
Some clients will benefit from pain medicines to reduce inflammation and related pain.
It may take up to eight weeks for clients to fully recover and return to regular activities, so we recommend scheduling this procedure during a season that will not involve large family get-togethers or major work events for several weeks.
If you are able to schedule a few weeks off for recovery, a facelift is a straightforward, quick procedure that can boost your self-confidence and rejuvenate your face.
How will you feel about the results?
What can a facelift accomplish?
A facelift can return your natural glow and erase some of time’s effects. Some results our Johnson City and Kingsport clients see with a facelift include:
● Tightening of slack and loose jowl lines
● Shrinking of deep creases and wrinkles
● Contouring of chin and neck
● Return of skin elasticity
● Toning of the neck and face
If these results are in line with the changes you’d like to make in your face, we’ll be happy to schedule you for a facelift appointment with our tri-cities professionals.
Do results vary from surgeon to surgeon?
Who your plastic surgeon is matters – if your plastic surgeon is a beginner, or does not have an eye for aesthetics, your face could come out of surgery looking unnatural, stretched, or strained. You won’t be happy with the results, and you might regret the procedure.
Dr. Brantner has been practicing for over 30 years, specializing in plastic cosmetic surgery. He takes time to talk with each patient about what they would like from their procedure, and artfully create a face you recognize when you’re done.
When you trust Dr. Brantner with your facelift, you are trusting a professional who has spent his life providing countless facelifts to a variety of individuals just like you.
Considering a facelift? Call us!
If you have any questions about a facelift procedure, or you’re ready to start the process, give our friendly tri-cities office a call! Our professionals will talk with you about restoring some of your youthful glow and helping you feel like yourself again through our easy facelift procedure.
Do you want smoother, fresher features this summer? Dr. Brantner’s office has facial rejuvenation procedures to suit your needs, no matter what you’re looking for. Our surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation is subtle and effective, so your friends and family will say, “You look amazing, but I can’t put my finger on the difference.”
Everything You Need to Know about Facial Rejuvenation
At Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, we want you to find the best procedure for you. How do we do that? By giving you as much information as possible before you schedule a consultation. Check out our best blogs on facial rejuvenation.
Skin Rejuvenation without the Downtime: Learn about microdermabrasion, a 30 minute procedure that removes the damaged top layer of skin to restore a healthier, smoother look.
Facial Rejuvenation (Right Where You Want It): Which type of facelift is right for you? We discuss the differences between S-Lifts, Mini Facelifts, Mid-Facelifts, Upper Facelifts, and Full Facelifts.
A Fresh Start for Spring: Learn about the various types of chemical peels and the ways they can (or can’t) refresh your appearance.
This April, we’re offering 15% off facial rejuvenation procedures. Whether you want a mini facelift, a non-surgical procedure, or a full facelift, now is the perfect time to schedule your procedure. That youthful glow is within reach!
One facelift doesn’t fit all. Facelifts have been a popular cosmetic surgery for decades, giving women and men the opportunity to rejuvenate their face, remove excess skin, and restore a more youthful appearance. But many kinds of facelifts exist, giving surgeons the ability to target specific areas of the face that patients are unhappy with. Which type of facelift surgery is right for you?
The S-Lift
An S-Lift is essentially a “mini-facelift,” giving patients many of the benefits of a full facelift, but with reduced recovery time. Named for the s-shaped incision made by the ear, the S-Lift tightens skin on the lower part of the face, reducing the appearance of sagging jowls. Because loose skin around the jaw line is often an early sign of aging, it’s a popular choice for patients who are dissatisfied with their appearance, but aren’t ready for a full facelift.
Mid-Facelift
A mid-facelift improves the appearance of the cheek area. Dr. Brantner makes small incisions in the hairline and inside the mouth. This allows him to elevate the fat pad in the cheeks, tightening sagging skin of the mid-face. A mid-facelift restores fullness to the cheeks and lower eye area, giving the patient a fresher, rejuvenated appearance.
Upper Facelift
Dr. Brantner can target specific areas of the upper face with a brow lift or eye lift procedure. A brow lift can reduce frown lines by lifting the skin and tightening muscles in the forehead and brow area. An eye lift removes excess skin around the eyes, rejuvenating the appearance and improving vision that could be impaired from drooping skin above the eyes.
Full Facelift
A traditional facelift addresses many of the issues resolved by more specific facelift procedures. A full facelift lifts sagging skin of the mid-face, removes excess skin around the jaw, addresses creases below the eyes, and smooths lines around the nose and mouth. A facelift may also involve removing fatty deposits under the eyes, chin, and on other areas of the face.
If you’re not sure which type of facelift is right for you, we can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner to find which facelift suits your desired outcome.
