Facial Aesthetics

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is one of the most popular temporary wrinkle removal techniques available. It works by relaxing the facial muscles that contract and cause wrinkles, such as frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet. Over time these wrinkles will become permanent even when you are not frowning. You will be delighted to see how these wrinkles will smooth out over a few days and restore your face to a more youthful and relaxed look. For more information please ask.

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a purified protein which is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows. These muscles have, over time caused the frown lines in your forehead and by relaxing the muscles the frown lines will smooth out after a few days, giving you a relaxed, youthful look.

The injections which last up to four months, are always given by the doctor and are very quick. A very fine needle along with Dr Carew's years of injection expertise, will cause minimum discomfort.

After the treatment you are ready to get on with your daily life. There is no recovery period, bruising or swelling from the treatment. BOTOX^® Cosmetic does not cause any loss of facial expression. Only the targeted muscles are affected and you will not look as if you have "had work done". The most common remarks you will hear are: "You look so relaxed" or "You look happy today". So keep in mind, the next time you make that remark to a co-worker or friend, it may very well be because she or he had a BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatment. After all, it is the most-used medical aesthetic treatment in the world.

Restylane^® and Sculptra^® are two examples of the newest technology in wrinkle treatment and facial enhancement without surgery. These so-called derma fillers, can be injected into the laugh lines (labial nasal fold) that stretch from your nose to the side of your mouth. Fillers are also used to increase the volume of your lips, giving a more healthy and vital appearance.
Unlike collagen injections, these second generation fillers are not based on animal extracts and have no risk of allergic reactions. 
 
Derma fillers are injectable substances used to restore or enhance fullness to the lips or to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
 
The latest generation of these products are:
Sculptra^®
Restylane^®
Perlane^®
Radiance™

 

Restylane^® - Frequently Asked Questions

 
Q  What is Restylane^®?
A   Restylane^® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
 
Q   What is Restylane^® made of?
A   Restylane^® was the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin.  The hyaluronic acid in Restylane^® is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA, or Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid.  NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
 
Q   How does Restylane^® work?
A   As you get older, your  face loses its shape.  Restylane^® simply restores that fullness and provides a smoother contour to the face.
 
Q   How long does Restylane^® last?
A   The average treatment results can last six months or even longer.
 
Q   What should patients do prior to treatment?
A   Patients should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements for one week prior to treatment.  This will help to minimise any bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
 
Q   How is Restylane^® different to other hyaluronic acid-based products?
A   Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only  Restylane^® is non-animal-based.  This quality virtually eliminates any risks of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction.
 
Q   Is any of the material left in the skin after Restylane^® is degraded?
A   No.  Restylane^® is completely degraded, leaving absolutely no traces of the injected material in the body.
 
Q   Is Restylane^® safe?
A   Yes.  Restylane^® has been used safely by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide.  Because Restylane^® is non-animal-based and fully biocompatible, allergy testing is not required.  This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. 
 
Q   Are there any side effects?
A   As with any injections, some common injection-related reactions might occur.  The most common side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These typically resolve within  two to three days.
 
Q   How is Restylane^® administered?
A   Restylane^® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts using an ultra-fine needle.  After the injection, your physician may gently massage your skin to optimise contouring.  Restylane^® is a simple and convenient procedure and results are practically instantaneous.
 
Q   How can I be sure the needle is clean?
A   Restylane^® is pre-packaged in a disposable glass syringe with a sterilised needle.
 
Q   How often should I have Restylane^® treatments done?
A   Restylane^® lasts twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year.  Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.
  
Q   Do Restylane^® injections hurt?
A   Restylane^® is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultrafine needle,  resulting in minimal discomfort.  To optimise your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anaesthetise the treatment area.
  
Q   How is Restylane^® different from BOTOX^®?
A   Restylane^® is a natural, cosmetic filler.  In contrast, BOTOX^® is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles.  Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.
 
Q   How is Restylane^® different from bovine collagen?
A   Restylane^® is proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with virtually no risk of animal-based transmission or allergic reaction.  In addition, bovine collagen is derived from animals (cow) and requires an allergy test.  Because Restylane^® is non-animal-based, it can be administered without pre-testing, so no waiting is required.
 
Q   How much does Restylane^® cost?
A   Restylane^® treatments are customised procedures based on specific individual needs, so the cost will vary from patient to patient.  In general, the cost of Restylane^® is comparable to the cost of similar procedures.  Because Restylane^® is longer-lasting, it proves to be very economical over the long term.