Let’s iron out a wrinkle
Type “A” Botulinum toxin has been in use since 2001 by millions, all over the world. Botulinum toxin injection is the non-surgical act most performed by plastic surgeons.
Botulinum toxin reduces muscle contraction of the muscle known responsible for wrinkle formation, and therefore halts evolution of permanent wrinkles. Judiciously injected, muscle dynamics will give the face a relaxed and rejuvenated look without changing facial appearance. Dr Mario F. Bernier is an experienced plastic surgeon whose patients need not worry about having a “frozen look”; smiling; eyebrow frowning will not be hampered. All this is possible without any facial expression change.
This treatment is used mainly to correct wrinkles located in the upper facial area and efficiently treats glabella or “lion” wrinkles (caused by frowning the eyebrows), forhead wrinkles (lifting eyebrows), crow’s feet and nose creasing.
Nonetheless, injection techniques have changed over time and it is now possible to correct other areas of the face with botulinum toxin. Such is the case for perioral lines, platysma bands (neck muscles) and dimples on the chin. We can also reduce the gum area appearance (gummy smile) by limiting upper lip activity. Combining botulinum toxin injection with filling agents such as hyaluronic acid is not unusual in order to fill in the deeper wrinkles.
Treating forehead wrinkles, injection is performed on the frontalis muscles.
To treat crow’s feet wrinkles, orbicularis muscles are targeted. (figure 1).
Treating wrinkles between eyebrows (glabella)… injections are made to corrugators and procerus muscles (figure 2).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Botulinum toxin is a synthesized substance originating from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, purified in strict controlled conditions.
Injecting the botulinum toxin blocks the neuromuscular conduction by penetrating the nerve ends, it inhibits the freeing of acetylcholine and, hence produces a light paralysis effect by adhering to nerve receptors and nerve ends.
Intramuscular injection of the toxin in therapeutic doses produces a partial muscle chemical denervation, which in turn results in a local muscular paralysis.
Figure 3
Intramuscular injection of the toxin in therapeutic doses produces a partial muscle chemical denervation, which in turn results in a local muscular paralysis.
The operation takes about 15 minutes. Effects of botulinum toxin injections are visible within 72 hours after injection. Maximal results generally appear between 7 and 14 days. Botulinum toxin injection efficiency is estimated between 4 and 6 months. We recommend that patients receive two annual treatments for optimal muscular relaxation efficiency.
No convalescence is required except we recommend patients refrain from physical exercise or placing the head below the waist line for approximately 48 hours after receiving the injection. Once again, to prevent bruise marks, patients should not consume alcohol, vitamins, natural supplements and aspirin or ibuprofen 3 days before and after treatment.
Beyond its aesthetic use, botulinum toxin is a versatile product also used for its therapeutic benefits. Such is the case in hyperhidrosis, a condition causing excessive under arm, hand or feet sweating. Botulinum toxin interrupts the signal between the sweat gland and nerves and therefore reduces sweat secretion.
Botulinum toxin is the only medication approved by Health Canada for treating under arm hyperhidrosis. The desired effect lasts about 7 months from injection. Dr. Mario F. Bernier uses extra fine needles making treatment quick and comfortable. Just like the botulinum toxin injecions for facial use, unwanted side effects are extremely rare. Your private insurance company may in some cases cover in part the cost of treatment.
Here is an overview of before and after photos of patients who have had botulinum toxin injections at Dr. Mario F Bernier’s clinic.
Botulinum toxin injection on the forehead, glabella and crow’s feet and Restylane on the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, pulsed light treatment, series of 5 fractional laser treatments
Photo for illustrative purposes only. No guarantee of results.
Botulinum toxin injections in crow’s feet,
forehead and glabella,
IPL treatment and a series of 5 fractional laser treatments
Photo for illustrative purposes only. No guarantee of results.
In the interest of transparency, we are sharing here the prices for botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections at our clinic in Laval.
Restylane 1cc
$680
Botox-Glabella
$400
Botox-Crowsfeet
$400
Botox-Forehead + Glabella
$850
Botox-Forehead + Glabella + Crowsfeet
$1200
Dysport-Forehead + Glabella + Crowsfeet
$980
Restylane Skinboosters Vital 1cc
$700
Restylane Skinboosters Vital Light 1cc
$700
Restylane LYFT 1cc
$680
We offer botulinum toxin injections at our Laval clinic at a competitive price, but more importantly, they are performed by Dr. Bernier, an experienced plastic surgeon. They can be used alone or offered as part of a package of treatments to rejuvenate your face. Contact us for more information.