Frown Linesare caused by the bunching of skin from facial muscle contraction. When we frown, the skin between our eyebrows is gathered into a fold which eventually causes a chronic furrow. This gives our face a frustrated, discouraged, angry look which is distracting to others and a bother to ourselves. Dr Bell performs Botox injections, which stop the action of frowning and helps diminish existing frown lines.

Botox is the trade name of Botulinum Toxin Type A, a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin blocks the nerve impulses to muscles, causing a form of paralysis called botulism.
“I used to uncontrollably frown, and people
always asked me why I seemed so angry…
Now they tell me I seem much more friendly!”

Botox injections are performed in the comfort and privacy of our medical facility by Dr Bell herself. The Botox is injected directly into the specific muscles that cause frown lines. These isolated muscles are temporarily inactivated by the Botox, and can no longer contract. The action of frowning is stopped, and frown lines diminish. The injections produce results which are apparent within a week of treatment.

There are several myths surrounding vitiligo. Patients who notice irregular white patches on their skin should speak with a skincare professional. These white patches get progressively larger and may be a source of embarrassment for many patients. Although there is no known cure for vitiligo, certain treatments are available to reduce the contrast between normal skin and the white patches on the skin. Sorting through the myths and facts about vitiligo is important for patients suffering from the condition.

Is it Contagious?

No. Vitiligo cannot be spread from one person to another. It is safe to touch, hug, kiss of have sexual intercourse with a person who has vitiligo. The cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the condition is not passed from one human to another via sneezing, coughing, sharing food, a bed or in any other way.

Does diet play a role?

No. Diet does not cause vitiligo and does not play a role in its development. This is actually a fairly common myth, and while doctors and scientists have theories as to the cause of vitiligo, diet does not play a role.

Is it related to albinism?

No. Albinos are born with melanin cells that do not produce pigment. Patients with vitiligo once had functioning melanin cells, but they have since stopped working. Also, patients with albinism have white skin all over their body, and have white hair, eyebrows and irises, while those suffering from vitiligo have white patches on their skin.

Is it related to skin cancer?

Some scientists believe that vitiligo does not lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, although others believe that the white patches are more prone to sunburn. To learn more about the possible link between skin cancer and vitiligo, consult a physician. There is no known cure for vitiligo and its cause is not fully understood. Therefore, there are no known ways of preventing vitiligo. There are, however, resources for patients suffering from vitiligo that offer information about treatment and how to reduce the contrast between the white patches and normal skin. The best resource is a skincare professional, while SkinCareGuide.com offers further information as well.

Find the treatments for lines and wrinkles

As we age, the skin droops and develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. Depending on your skin type, you may find your skin to be pre-disposed to wrinkling. But thanks to diligent research and new advances, there are a number of solutions to combat facial lines.

Causes of facial lines

In addition to aging, facial lines can form because of the following:

• Sun damage (Fine lines and wrinkles arise because of irregular thickening of the dermis and because of a decrease in the amount of water held by the epidermis. caused mainly by sun damage.) (Read more at Sun Damage)
• Smoking
• Muscle movement / Dynamic lines (People tend to smile or frown more on one side than the other, or consistently sleep on the right or the left cheek. Crow’s feet around the eyes are due to smiling and activity of the eyelid muscles. Worry lines on the forehead are due to contraction of the muscle when raising the eyebrows)
• Gravity is responsible for folds in the skin

What treatment is available?

See your dermatologist for information about what might work well for you, which could include (Also see treatments for sundamaged skin):

• Topical agents which produce collagen in the skin, Vitamin A acids (Tazarotene, Tretinoin, Adapelene) and Vitamin C or alpha Hydroxy acids
• Microdermabrasion has a very modest benefit for very fine lines
• Injectionable fillers such as Restylane (Hyaluronic acid)
• Botox for dynamic lines (Check-out www.BotoxFacts.ca)
• Lasers. Traditionally the CO2 and Erbium lasers (ablative) were used to essentially peel off a layer of skin and then allow a new skin to grow in. Results were impressive but the healing time of many weeks and sometimes months of redness has reduced the use of this approach. Patients with darker skin would often end up with darker skin and those with very fair skin sometimes white skin
• Plastic surgery is usually used to improve skin folds rather than fine lines and wrinkles
• The newer non-ablative laser treatments do not have the down time of the older methods nor do they have the degree of improvement. Repeat treatments with lasers that essentially produce a heating of the dermis, which in turn encourages collagen production, Lasers such as the Nd: Yag, V Beam and Smooth Beam may be used.
• The Fraxel laser is a modification of an Erbium laser that just treats multiple small pinpoint areas of skin allowing a quick recovery after a treatment. We will be hearing more of this in the future
• Cosmetic facial surgery

Prevent it before it happens

You can take steps to protect your skin. You’ve heard it before, and it’s worth repeating:

• Avoid excessive time in the sun, and always use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher
• Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke or other pollutants. Smoking increases facial lines and wrinkles and delays skin healing.
• Exercise. It’s good for the skin as well as for your general health.
• Aging skin feels and looks better when moisturizers are applied regularly. These improve the water-holding capacity of the skin. Choose one that feels nice to apply, doesn’t sting or burn or provoke acne
• Use tepid or warm water and a non-soap cleanser to wash your face twice daily
• Drink plenty of water to rehydrate internally. Because moisture content is related to water, not oil or grease, oily-skinned women need to rehydrate as conscientiously as their dry-skinned counterparts
• Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Generally what is healthy for your heart and brain is good for your skin

About the author:
Richard Thomas, MD, FRCPC is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

So much has been written about Botox – a purified protein, a toxin (but don’t worry – it’s dosage in cosmetics is so small) and a revolution in cosmetic, non surgical procedures.

The development advances and practice have allowed Botox to be utilized in all areas.

So where can I have Botox cosmetically?

Forehead

Frown Lines

Crows Feet

Around the lips – NOT in the lips

Neck (lines on the neck)

Jaw Line – to enhance and create definition

Arm Pits – excellent for decrease in perspiration or Hyperdrosis – lasts up to 9

months and is a complete life changing event.

Gummy Smile

What side effects can I get ?

Quite honestly, minimal – as long as each face is diagnosed, the practitioner experienced and the patient knows what they want:

So what can happen?

Bruising – always possible and always avoidable

Drooping – yes, eyebrows can drop if muscles are not assessed – but again minimal

Uneven eye brows – sometimes this happens and is easily corrected – as with all Botox treatments

I don’t want to look plastic with Botox

A comment that I hear every hour, rest assured Botox can produce any result that you want.  It’s dependant on your wishes, I like movement, I can move my eyebrows, smile and my forehead…………..

Why?  Cos I want to!  I’m 40 years old, happy and I love Botox.  And, for those that like no movement –  Yes!  we can do that too!!!

How long will it last and is it painful?

Well pain is perception, but I assume you will hardly feel a thing.

How long does it last?  Well three months plus and that’s it …movement begins to return about six weeks after injections, but very gradually.

I always recommend that you have it injected every three months as the whole aim is to let the muscles relax – and then back.

Remember, just like going to a gym, start to exercise and they’ll build up bulk – a little Botox and they produce a nice rejuvenation

Combination Treatments:

Yes, Botox is used with Restylane facial fillers, lip fillers and volumisers.

Synergistic results are fantastic, remember good facial rejuvenation is all about diagnosis.

And how is it done………..

The simplest thing I could do here is video it and show you exactly how I do it…………….

It’s open, honest and a real patient journey.  Enjoy it and please feel free to ask me any questions.

tracey@traceybell.co.uk

Top Tips on Botox

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions with your practitioner

2. Ensure that your practice can show you some before and after pictures and then you’re happy

3. Yes – believe in recommendation – ask friends

4. Be happy, have trust and only do it once you are happy to – It’s proven that it takes 15 months from the initial thought to the actual injections – hard fact!