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How To Treat Marionette Lines

Cosmetic injectables are improving every year with more treatments that safely minimize wrinkles, restore volume, and turn back the hands of time. When treating marionette lines, your dermatologist may suggest dermal filler, Botox injections, or a combination of the two.

Treating Marionette Lines: Botox or Filler?

Marionette lines are the creases that run from the outer corners of the mouth downward to the chin. Caused by a variety of factors, including aging, genetic disposition, lifestyle habits, and sun exposure, these lines may develop in your 30s or 40s.
When evaluating your concerns and determining the best treatment option, our doctors will consider your aesthetic goals, skin type and elasticity, and whether you have superficial or deep marionette lines.

Choosing the Right Injectable for Marionette Lines

Botox for marionette lines — Botox temporarily paralyzes injected muscles, reducing contractions that cause unwanted creases and lines. When administered by an experienced Botox Dallas injector, this neuromodulator reduces the movement of the muscle that causes marionette lines to form and creates drooping corners of the mouth. In most cases, Botox as a stand-alone treatment is only suitable for extremely shallow marionette lines or proactive wrinkle prevention.

Dermal fillers for marionette lines — Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for marionette lines. Composed of a synthesized version of the natural substance our bodies produce to keep our skin supple and hydrated, HA-based fillers provide lasting volume and definition– visibly plumping out deep creases and folds. They come in a variety of densities and durations, allowing your dermatologist to select the right product for your specific needs.

Depending on the type of filler used and the amount injected, the results can last from 6 months to 2 years. During a dermal fillers Dallas consultation, we can outline the best treatment approach for your goals. Some of our preferred injectables for non-surgical volume restoration include Restylane, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Radiesse.

Every patient’s needs and objectives are unique. A personal consultation with Dallas Dermatology is the best way to determine the best solution for your concerns– Juvederm or a Botox-dermal filler combination.

Why Choose Dallas Dermatology Partners?

Our team of board-certified dermatologists has extensive experience in cosmetic treatments using FDA-approved injectables. Utilizing our in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and skillful injection techniques, we can provide subtle, natural-looking results when treating marionette lines.

We can help you achieve a more youthful, rested look without appearing “overdone.” Take the next step toward restoring your confidence, and call today for your Dallas dermatology appointment!

How To Treat Marionette Lines Read More »

Can Botox Help Bunny Lines?

Botox is very effective at eliminating bunny lines that are more prominent when smiling. For many people, these diagonal wrinkles on the bridge of the nose are a bothersome reminder of age and collagen loss.
In the hands of a board-certified dermatologist and skilled injector, bunny lines can be treated before they become deeply etched in the skin.

Botox for Bunny Lines

With sun exposure and the passing years, the skin becomes less elastic as elastin and collagen are gradually depleted. In addition, repetitive facial movements while laughing, smiling, or squinting cause dynamic wrinkles like bunny lines to develop.
These tiny wrinkles that appear when scrunching up the nose are subtle at first but can become etched into the skin over time. When this happens, bunny lines become static wrinkles, noticeable when the face is at rest.
Regardless if you’re looking to soften bunny lines or prevent them from forming, Botox is a safe and effective solution.

What is the Treatment Like?

The injectable works by temporarily blocking signals that tell muscles to contract. When the Nasalis muscle is relaxed, the scrunch lines, or bunny lines, begin to disappear.

Botox treatment for this is non-invasive and well-tolerated by all patients. Here’s what to expect:

  • The skin is cleaned with alcohol
  • The patient is asked to scrunch up their nose and then relax to identify injection sites
  • Small, superficial injections are administered at three points
  • Light pressure is applied to prevent bleeding and bruising

The procedure is over in 15 minutes, and patients can return to work and their everyday routines.

Botox Aftercare Tips

For cosmetic purposes, Botox has a robust safety profile. The most common side effects are redness at the injection site and mild bruising. The beauty of this injectable is that you can go about your normal life after the treatment. However, patients are asked to avoid massaging the injected area for 3-4 hours post-procedure.

How Long Do Results Last?

The skin-smoothing effects of Botox should kick in 4-7 days after the injections, and results generally last three to four months, depending on patient physiology and the dosage.
After several bunny line treatments with Botox, the results should last longer– anywhere from 6 -7 months.

Bunny Line Botox Treatment in Dallas

Seeking an experienced provider for Botox Dallas residents have come to trust? Our practice specializes in non-surgical skin rejuvenating treatments that deliver natural-looking results. Our goal is to help patients look and feel their best at every age without looking frozen or like they had “work” done.

Learn more about anti-wrinkle injections for bunny lines; book your Dallas dermatology appointment today or call our office.

 

Can Botox Help Bunny Lines? Read More »

What is Baby Botox?

Looking to get a jump start on anti-aging or dip your toes in some discreet wrinkle-smoothing? Welcome to the world of “Baby Botox,” frequented by A-listers and social media influencers across the globe.

Baby Botox Explained

While its name raises an eyebrow or two, this isn’t a facial rejuvenation treatment for infants. Baby Botox is the practice of injecting micro-droplets of the neuromodulator across larger areas of the face. The key to this technique is a more superficial yet targeted injection that produces a more natural look. First-time Botox patients are excellent candidates.

If you want to diminish the appearance of superficial frown lines, crow’s feet, and the beginnings of forehead wrinkles without losing all movement in your face, then Baby Botox may be a perfect solution.

Ideal for Younger Patients

The primary goal of micro-dose, precise Botox injections is personalization– not erasing every crease and line on the face. The muscles aren’t completely immobilized but just relaxed enough to soften fine to moderate lines. When you smile, frown or squint, the muscles cannot contract with the same force, resulting in smoother skin. Your skin looks rejuvenated but in a subtle way that implies routine facials and quality beauty products.

Because smaller amounts of Botox are administered, Baby Botox is ideal for younger patients or those with lines that are not prominent. If you already have deep creases in the skin when the face is at rest, traditional Botox may be a more effective option.

Easy Way to Maintain Results

Baby Botox Dallas treatments can also be used as a maintenance strategy when dealing with the usual suspects like bunny lines, 11’s between the brows, and crow’s feet. Instead of waiting 5 months between treatment intervals, when Botox fully wears off, keep your skin smooth with mini Botox touchups every 4-6 weeks. Using just 25 percent of the standard unit dose, your dermatologist can help you maintain the look you want with a less-is-more approach.

Slow Down the Effects of Aging

Baby Botox is perfect for those looking to slow down the effects of aging and subtly tweak their appearance for a fresher look. By getting microdoses of Botox in your 20’s, the muscles are trained to relax, so wrinkles and lines are less likely to form when making normal facial expressions.

Baby Botox Benefits

Consider some of the advantages of Baby Botox for men and women:

  • Smooths wrinkles without a heavy or frozen look
  • Reduces the onset of wrinkles
  • Prevents existing lines from getting deeper
  • Muscle movement is retained
  • Less costly than traditional dosages
  • Produces a more natural appearance

Dallas Botox Appointment

Not sure if Baby Botox is right for you? Find out by booking a Dallas Dermatology appointment. Our office is convenient to residents throughout Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, including Plano, Richardson, Addison, and Frisco.

What is Baby Botox? Read More »

What you need to know before your lip filler appointment

lip injections

Posted by Dr. Lauren Dickson

Cosmetic lip injections are a common noninvasive procedure in which one can achieve more defined or fuller lips in less than 20 minutes.  It is important you choose your lip injector with care. Board-certified dermatologists are expert lip injectors that are well versed in the anatomy and the types of fillers that can be used, and demonstrate superior technique to achieve natural, yet meaningful results.  

What are lip fillers? 

Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in your skin that binds water, that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lip lines or “wrinkled”, or enhance volume in the lips.  

What is the downtime after a filler procedure?

There is little to no downtime with fillers.  There is often some degree of swelling immediately post-procedure and for several days.  Icing the injected areas does decrease and shorten the duration of the swelling.

There is a risk for post-procedure bruising.  To minimize this risk, avoid any substances that can thin the blood, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, 2 weeks prior to your procedure. 

What should I avoid before having filler? 

Ingestion of the following substances should be avoided for 14 days before your procedure : Omega-3 fatty acids, Fish oil, Aspirin, NSAIDs (including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), Vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginger, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Green Tea, Alcohol, Salt.  Avoid dental work, including routine teeth cleaning, one month before and one month after treatment with fillers. 

How long do lip fillers last?

Typically 6-12 months. 

Are lip fillers safe?

Dermal fillers are FDA-approved and safe for injection. 

What do I need to let me doctor know prior to my procedure?

Please let your doctor know if you have a history of cold sores.  If so, your doctor will likely prescribe you an antiviral to prevent any cold sore breakouts.  

What should I expect during my filler procedure?

Numbing is applied 20-30 minutes prior to your procedure to minimize any discomfort.  The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes and is typically very well tolerated without pain.  There is lidocaine, a numbing agent, within the s

What should I expect after my filler procedure?

After injections with fillers, temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or soreness in the treatment area can be experienced.  In order to reduce or minimize these side effects, we recommend applying ice-packs or cold compresses to the injection sites for at least 15 minutes immediately after treatment (and continue to apply them every hour if you are prone to bruising).

Is there anything I should avoid after my filler procedure?

While regular activity can be resumed immediately after injections, heavy exercise should be avoided for the remainder of the day in order to reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.  

Are there any strategies to avoid or limit bruising?

Ingestion of the following substances should be avoided for 14 days before and 1-3 days: Omega-3 fatty acids, Fish oil, Aspirin, NSAIDs (including Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), Vitamin E, Ginseng, Ginger, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Green Tea, Alcohol, Salt.

What can I do if I am not happy with my results?

The beauty of using hyaluronic acid fillers is that if you change your mind and decide you don’t want fuller lips or are happy with them for any reason, your doctor can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which will quickly dissolve the filler.  

When should I contact the office?

Call the office immediately if you experience intense pain in the injected areas, severe bruising that is getting worse, or experience visual disturbances.

Do I need to follow up after my filler procedure?

It generally takes 1-2 weeks in order to determine your clinical response to treatment.  For lip fillers, we may recommend two sessions to achieve the desired outcome.

If it is your first treatment, it is advised that a follow-up appointment be scheduled at 2 weeks in order to assess your response to treatment

 

Book your appointment for lip filler with one of our board-certified dermatologists here!

What you need to know before your lip filler appointment Read More »

Should we avoid parabens in our skincare products?

Is paraben-free really safer?

⁣Not necessarily. Many cosmetic products are removing parabens from their products because it is desired by consumers. However, any product that contains water and is not refrigerated requires a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth in the product. Therefore, companies are just replacing parabens with another preservative, commonly Kathon-CG, also known as methochloroisothalizolinone. ⁣The Kathon preservatives have a inferior safety profile compared to parabens.  They also cause a higher incidence of allergic contact dermatitis. In fact, most of Europe has banned the use of Kathon preservatives in leave on products, only allowing them in rinse off products such as conditioner. ⁣

It is important to note that preservatives in cosmetics are generally very safe and should not cause alarm. ⁣The bottom line is you don’t have to ditch your favorite products that contain parabens, unless you have a true allergy. True allergies involve redness, itching, and a development of a rash in the areas exposed to the product containing parabens.  If you feel you might have a reaction to parabens, consult with your dermatologist.  Your dermatologist may recommend that you undergo patch testing to determine if you have a true allergy to parabens.

Should we avoid parabens in our skincare products? Read More »

Dealing with “maskne”?

Dealing with mask-associated acne or “maskne”?  Wearing a mask can be hard on your skin.  Here are some skin care tips to help prevent your mask from causing skin problems.

1. Cleanse and moisturize you face daily with a mild gentle cleanser.  We love Cerave foaming facial cleanser.  If you would like a mild exfoliating cleanser, we love our DDP Exfoliating Cleanser!

2. Avoid wearing makeup when wearing a mask.  It will lead to clogged pores and pesky breakouts.  Try a tinted mineral sunscreen like Elta Elements instead to protect your skin while giving you a little color.

3. Stick to a few essential skin care products and avoid putting too many products on your face.  Essentials include a vitamin C serum or lotion, a mineral sunscreen, and a retinoid or other collagen booster at night.  Avoid leave on products with active ingredients such as retinoids or salicylic acid under a mask.

4. Find the right mask for your face.  Select a mask with a soft lining that is comfortable and snug but not too tight.

5. When it is safe to do so, and after washing your hands, try to take 10-15 minute mask breaks every few hours.

6. Wash your cloth masks frequently with gentle soap or detergent.

7. If you have acne, rosacea, or another skin condition, continue to follow the treatment plan your dermatologist designed for you.

Make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to help clear up your mask-associated acne today!

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Dealing with “maskne”? Read More »

What is skin fasting and should you be doing it?

The concept of skin fasting came from a Japanese skin care company and involves eliminating the use of skin care products for a period of time. The idea is that your skin will recover from product overuse and will become more reliant on itself to repair skin issues rather than relying on cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and other products.

Is Skin Fasting For You?

While there is no peer-reviewed scientific data that I have been able to find to support the new trend of skin fasting, it can be beneficial to certain patients, particularly those with new onset irritation or redness.

How Does Skin Fasting Work?

Similar to the microbiome in our gut, we have a microbiome on our skin that consists of trillions of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that are essential to healthy skin. Using products or cleansers that are advertised as antibacterial or cleansing the skin too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils and nutrients, which can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation and breakouts. It is important to note that facial skin takes over 2 weeks to turn over, so results from fasting will not be apparent until after that period of time.

How To Skin Fast

For most patients, they need to slim down their skincare regimen rather than going on a complete fast. There are so many products on the market and many patients are layering multiple different products on their skin day and night in addition to frequently changing the products they are using. I constantly aim to simplify my patients’ skin regimens and prevent redundancy in the products they are using. Keep it simple with 3 or 4 products – a vitamin C, a mineral sunscreen, a collagen builder in the evening, usually a retinoid, and a moisturizer if needed. If there are additional products you would like to use, you can try adding them back in one at a time for two weeks at a time to see if it makes a difference in your skin.

Happy skin dieting everyone!

Check out Dr. Dickson sharing her expert advice on skin fasting on Spotlyte here!

Click here to find out what products Dr. Dickson recommends!

#skincareroutine #skintips @drlaurendickson

What is skin fasting and should you be doing it? Read More »

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