Botox

Botox is a popular and effective non-surgical treatment for smoothing and preventing wrinkles and fine lines. It is an FDA-approved injectable neuromodulator, a treatment that temporarily relaxes muscles and improves the overlying texture of the skin. It contains purified botulinum toxin, a protein that has been researched for its medical and cosmetic potential since the 1970s. In 2020 alone, over 4.4 million Botox procedures were performed in the United States, making it the most popular form of minimally invasive treatment for cosmetic enhancement. ⁽¹⁾

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As both a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Monika Kiripolsky performs Botox injections with advanced knowledge of facial anatomy– ensuring that each patient gets the rejuvenating, subtle results they desire. As a researcher in the field of cosmetic medicine, Dr. Kiripolsky stays up-to-date with the latest findings and implements them into her practices. To see what Botox can accomplish for you, please call her office in Beverly Hills at (424) 652-6563 or use her online contact form to get in touch with a member of her staff today. 

How Does Botox Work? 

Botox is not the only neuromodulator available. Other treatments like Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau provide the same results in a similar manner with different formulations. These treatments block the receptors of acetylcholine, effectively preventing the muscle from contracting and contributing to dynamic wrinkling. While these types of wrinkles are only apparent when you make a specific facial expression, over time they can become permanent static wrinkles that don’t go away. Dr. Kiripolsky aims to promote smoother, more youthful skin in order to prevent the development of these types of aesthetic issues: 

Dr. Kiripolsky can also perform the flattering Botox “lip flip” in which a small amount of the medication is applied to the upper lip, creating a more defined and attractive pout. She can also utilize the muscle-relaxing effects of Botox to treat masseter hypertrophy, a condition in which the masseter facial muscles are enlarged and can cause TMJ disorders in the jaw and facial asymmetry. With just simple injections, patients can attain both pain relief and face-slimming benefits. 

Non-Facial Uses for Botox

Botulinum toxin is a remarkable substance that has successfully treated multiple health conditions like muscular spasms, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraines, and even bladder dysfunction. ⁽²⁾ When Botox is applied to relieve neck pain and/or slim down the neck, it is referred to as “trap tox”- named after its targeted area in the trapezius muscle. 

The key to using Botox is to use the appropriate amount that will provide patients with long-term cosmetic enhancement/relief without impeding muscular functioning. 

A Minimally Invasive Solution 

Dr. Kiripolsky has a thorough understanding of the art of producing natural-looking results while avoiding the “frozen” look and impeding facial expressions. Not only can it erase wrinkles, but the lifting effects of administering Botox can reduce the appearance of mild sagging and lax skin in certain areas of the face, such as the appearance of “hooded” eyes. It can also be strategically placed to lift the lower face (by softening the downward pull of the platysma muscle in the neck, which pulls down the lower face when it contracts).

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Kiripolsky is the first step toward finding out if Botox is the right treatment for your cosmetic needs. During your appointment, she will listen to your specific concerns and your goals for skin rejuvenation. Depending on your expectations, she may suggest an alternative treatment, such as a dermal filler that can provide more volumizing effects. If you find that Botox is suitable for you, she will go over the preparation and aftercare instructions you will need to know to get optimal results. As a dermatologist, she will also be able to recommend a skincare regimen that will support the health of your skin as you enjoy the effects of the treatment. 

Her expertise in the field of dermatology and commitment to delivering exceptional results make her a trusted choice for individuals seeking facial rejuvenation in Beverly Hills. Call (424) 652-6563 or submit your request for your consultation online to get in contact with her practice. 

Preparation

In preparation for your Botox session, Dr. Kiripolsky will ask you to stop medications and supplements that have anticoagulant effects. She will be sure to comprehensively review your medical history and which, if any, of your medications can interfere with the effects of Botox or cause unwanted bleeding at the injection sites. Before your scheduled appointment time, you should cleanse your face and refrain from putting on any skincare products or makeup. Dr. Kiripolsky will further cleanse and sanitize your face to prevent any possibility of infection. 

Botox Procedure Steps 

Botox is a straightforward procedure, provided the injector has deep knowledge of facial muscle function. When administered by an unskilled injector, there is a higher risk of placing the wrong amount in the wrong locations. Dr. Kiripolsky routinely corrects cases of improperly placed Botox by other providers. After your skin is cleansed, Dr. Kiripolsky will ask you to show various facial expressions so that she can isolate and identify the locations of each muscle and the dynamic wrinkles of concern. Depressor muscles that normally contract downward – after treatment with Botox – will lift the overlying skin. Elevator muscles, on the other hand, should be treated with more caution since they can recede downward if injected improperly.

With these principles in mind, Dr. Kirpolsky will target the orbicularis oculi muscles to eliminate “crow’s feet” and the glabellar complex to reduce “11 lines”, or glabellar/frown lines that can develop in between the eyes. For the treatment of forehead lines, she will only administer Botox sparingly to prevent the frontalis muscle from slightly migrating downward and accentuating the brow ridge. Forehead injections are also administered superficially in order to prevent this unwanted result from occurring. On average, the entire procedure only takes approximately 20 minutes from the time Dr. Kiripolsky marks the injection locations to the very last injection. 

Recovery and Results 

After a Botox treatment, you will be able to go back to your normal activities with some exceptions. Firstly, you should keep your head up and avoid lying down for at least 4 hours post-procedure. Doing so will prevent the medication from migrating to other facial muscles and resulting in unwanted effects. In addition, you should postpone your workout routine during this period of time. Within a week or less, you will see your results gradually take hold and a noticeable reduction in your dynamic wrinkles. 

The goal of Botox is to create amazing skin without interfering with one’s expressiveness. Dr. Kiripolsky will take careful consideration of this factor when determining the correct units to administer, the depths, and the locations of the injections. After one session, you should expect this revitalization to last approximately 3 to 4 months, but it could last up to 5 months. Botox is not meant to alter your appearance in any way, but it can restore the skin to its former self, promoting a more youthful you! Though it can be a great confidence booster in itself, you should also take this time to invest in your skin’s overall health to make it more resilient against the effects of aging after Botox wears off. Dr. Kiripolsky offers personalized, medical-grade skin care catered to your individual needs. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Dermal Fillers 

A wide range of dermal fillers from the Juvederm and Restylane families, as well as biostimulatory molecules such as Radiesse and Sculptra, restore and support the skin’s structure by boosting the production of collagen and elastin fibers. These fillers not only contribute to the skin’s overall glow, but they can volumize areas of sagging and hollowness within the face. Depending on your treatment area and the severity of your wrinkles or folds, Dr. Kiripolsky chooses from 14 FDA-approved fillers and biostimulatory molecules to provide your skin with long-lasting volume restoration, hydration, and radiance.

Cost of Botox in Beverly Hills 

The cost of a Botox procedure is determined by several elements, including the units administered, the area of the body being treated, your personalized treatment plan, and your desired outcome. Whether you are targeting fine lines and wrinkles, correcting facial asymmetry, undergoing a “lip flip”, lessening pain from jaw clenching, or reducing your sweating underarms, Dr. Kiripolsky will tailor the procedure to your unique needs and provide you with expert anti-aging advice. During your consultation, she will be able to provide you with a total cost estimate. 

As a physician who wants to make her services and procedures more accessible to everyone, she also offers financing options that give patients the opportunity to make affordable payments. If you feel that Botox is a good fit for you, consider booking your consultation with Dr. Kirpolsky by calling (424) 652-6563 or letting us know more about you through her website’s contact page. To become more informed on the intricacies of her procedures and common skin conditions, please take a look through her blog. Dr. Kiripolsky’s dedication to her patients’ satisfaction is paramount, ensuring that you receive exceptional results and a positive experience throughout your Botox journey. 

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf 
2. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/#:~:text=Botulinum%20toxin%20is%20a%20medication