Cosmetic FAQ

You can expect the effect of your BOTOX® treatment to last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. After the 3 to 4 months your muscles will once again begin to contract and the wrinkles will reappear. That's the bad news. The good news is that your wrinkles may be less prominent after BOTOX® treatment because your muscles may be somewhat "trained" to be in the more relaxed state.

Over time, aging thins the outer layer of skin called the epidermis, decreasing its ability to serve as a barrier to retain water. Additionally, the body's production of collagen slows and the existing collagen becomes less effective. Thinning epidermis and decreased collagen effectiveness lead to eye wrinkles and other signs of aging such as volume loss. Volume loss and thinning skin make the face droop and look tired. Dermal fillers give instant anti-aging gratification by replacing that lost volume in the face. "Your skin fits better on the face", says one of our patients at the USF Cosmetic and Laser Center.

Physician grade skin care means that the products are not only sold through physicians only, but also contain an efficacy level that will provide you with remarkable results you would not get through the use of over-the-counter products. Physician grade skincare also has science and studies that back up the product. Many times over-the-counter products make claims because they have added ingredients that have proven science behind them. Unfortunately, the amounts of these efficacious ingredients that have been added to over-the-counter products are not in concentrations that will actually provide the results that are achieved in the actual studies. For instance a product that states it contains retinol can have such a small amount in it that you will not see any changes in the skin. While a physician grade product that contains retinol will contain enough retinol to make an impact and provide you with results and not empty promises.

• Protect yourself from the sun
• Eat a healthy nutrient rich diet
• Don't smoke
• Cleanse twice a day
• Hydrate or moisturize twice a day
• Get plenty of rest