Botox Cosmetic In LOS GATOS, CA
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto and San Jose, CA
Botox is a simple cosmetic injection that reduces the sight of wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin by keeping the underlying muscle from contracting. When the facial muscles are unable to move, the overlying skin is unable to crease, stretch, or wrinkle, resulting in the vanishing of these common signs of aging. This simple yet effective anti-aging treatment has become a household name since its FDA approval to treat facial wrinkles in 2002.[1] Because of its consistent, reliably wonderful results, Botox in Los Gatos, CA, has remained one of the most popular and most utilized cosmetic treatments on the market. Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. is proud to offer his Los Gatos clientele this effective and versatile solution to combat signs of aging. Schedule a personal consultation to begin this process with Dr. Bitter and his advanced aesthetic dermatology team. If you need to reach us directly, please call (408) 358-5757.
The Science Behind Botox
As we get older, age-related collagen depletion in our skin causes wrinkles, fine lines, and folds to emerge in our complexion. Because the cells responsible for our collagen fibers’ maintenance slow down, our skin loses its inner structure, moisture, and overall youthful appearance. This can be troubling for many wishing they looked as young as they feel. Botox injections in Los Gatos, CA, have proven a simple solution. The chemical that makes up Botox is Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that has been used in medicine and dermatology since 1989. When injected intramuscularly, Botulinum toxin type A diffuses into the tissue until it binds into the neuromuscular junction. From here, the injection attaches to the specific protein-membrane responsible for acetylcholine production. Acetylcholine is a compound found in the nervous system that serves as a chemical message from nerve cells to other cells. From here, Botulinum toxin type A inhibits the release of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction, which causes the muscle to relax. This muscular relaxation, in turn, reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Benefits
Since its introduction into the cosmetic industry, Botox has been studied, and its applications have expanded from just anti-aging treatments. Dr. Bitter utilizes Botox to:
ERASE & PREVENT WRINKLES
Wrinkles are formed by diminished collagen levels and repeated contraction of the underlying facial musculature. When Botox is injected, the overlying wrinkles, fine lines, and folds smooth out from the patient’s complexion. But, this simple procedure can also protect your appearance from future wrinkles. By freezing the muscle in place, we can keep the overlying skin from being wrinkled, creased, and stretched, so no future wrinkles can furrow. Many younger patients who have mild to moderate signs of facial aging elect to go with Botox earlier in life for its wonderful preventative abilities.
DEFINE NEW CONTOURS
Botox can not only diminish wrinkles, but it can also tone other characteristics of your face. One such area is the chin. Studies have shown that Botox has effectively altered a wide, square jawline to a more v-shaped appearance when improving the chin’s aesthetics.[3] This is ideal for patients who wish to see a more narrow, tapered jawline.
DEFINE NEW CONTOURS
Botox can not only diminish wrinkles, but it can also tone other characteristics of your face. One such area is the chin. Studies have shown that Botox has effectively altered a wide, square jawline to a more v-shaped appearance when improving the chin’s aesthetics.[3] This is ideal for patients who wish to see a more narrow, tapered jawline.
Treatable Areas
Personal Consultation
As a board-certified dermatologist and a pioneer in the use of light technology for skin rejuvenation, Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. has long been a trailblazer in many facets of the cosmetic and dermatological industries. He is a renowned and revered lecturer and teacher, having taught over four thousand physicians worldwide in the use of pulsed light for cosmetic procedures. Because of all these accolades, Dr. Bitter is highly regarded and sought after for a variety of cosmetic procedures. He brings all of this knowledge, skill, and expertise to your consultation.
Your Consultation
We will begin with a physical examination and a new patient intake interview. Then, we will ask about your ideal cosmetic appearance. Whether it be a deep forehead wrinkle, frown or laugh lines, or chin augmentation, we will listen and take notes about how you wish to see yourself. Once we have an overarching view of you and your aesthetic goals, we will either recommend Botox or another cosmetic procedure to achieve those desired results. If Botox is elected, we will schedule a time and date for your Botox session. In the interim, please follow the list of preparatory steps we give you. These will ensure you have an optimal experience during our care.
Preparation
To prepare for your Botox session, it is important to:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen and aspirin as these can increase bleeding when the Botox is injected.
- Carefully cleanse your face beforehand, ridding your complexion of any dirt, moisturizers, or cosmetics.
Procedure
We will begin your Botox treatment by first going over your treatment plan and answering any questions you may have. Next, we will have you sit upright in one of our treatment chairs in your private room. Then, we will administer a topical anesthetic to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your session. After that, we will inject Botox into your target area(s). Once your personalized treatment plan is fulfilled, you are free to leave our care and resume your daily routine.
Recovery
After your Botox procedure, the treated area(s) may feel a little tingly and numb. This feeling will subside in the coming days. Do not aggravate the treated area(s). It is also important to gently apply an ice pack on the area(s) and take the recommended pain relievers to reduce any discomfort. You will only need to avoid strenuous activities like exercising or heavy lifting for the next 24 hours.
Results
Over the next couple of days and weeks, you will notice your signs of aging have started to vanish. Areas that were once deep wrinkles and fine lines are now smooth and youthful features. Now, signs of aging don’t have to be a staple to your appearance. Instead, you can look at how you feel on the inside: young, radiant, and lively.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
After experiencing the high level of care we are committed to, you might be interested in making Dr. Bitter and his expert team your go-to choice for all of your cosmetic and dermatological needs. Another simple injectable to reverse the signs of aging includes:
SCULPTRA
Sculptra is a dermal filler that not only boosts the skin’s natural collagen production but also fills in sunken features like the under eyes or hollow cheekbones. Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid to trigger neo-collagenases in the dermis, resulting in refortified current collagen fibers. This process, in turn, smooths out wrinkles and fine lines as well as tightens loose skin. It is the perfect addition to a Botox treatment because Sculptra can enhance the results created by Botox.
The cost of your Botox treatment will vary depending on how many units we utilize during your procedure. This price will be determined during your consultation. Be sure to visit our specials page to learn more about what offers we have currently run this month. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our front desk at (408) 358-5757.
FAQs
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX LAST?
Botox is made up of Botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin that inhibits muscle contraction in the treated area. This process paralyzes the muscle and causes the overlying wrinkles to smooth out. Since Botulinum toxin type A is a biodegradable substance, the body will naturally break down this organic compound over time. After injection, you can expect to see beautiful results for the next three to six months.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE FOR BOTOX?
Botox is generally perfect for people over the age of 18. Since no one person ages at the same rate, wrinkles and fine lines can appear at just about any age. While signs of aging have some intrinsic causes, fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin can be sped up by constant, unprotected exposure to natural and artificial UV rays, a poor diet, lack of adequate hydration, and high-stress levels. While Botox can combat signs of aging, it is essential to control these factors to ensure the best results possible.
References
- FDA approves cosmetic use of botulinum toxin. (2002, April 18). CIDRAP. Click Here
- Satriyasa B. K. (2019). Botulinum toxin (Botox) A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review of clinical use and pharmacological aspect. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 12, 223–228. Click Here
- Hsu, A. K., & Frankel, A. S. (2017). Modification of Chin Projection and Aesthetics With OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection. JAMA facial plastic surgery, 19(6), 522–527. Click Here
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out and ask us anything!