BOTOX® and Severe Underarm Sweating

When prescription-strength deodorants aren’t helping to stop excessive underarm sweating, BOTOX® is a great treatment option. It can give patients six months of drier underarms. How does it work? BOTOX® targets the sweat glands. This doesn’t mean the sweat “backs up”; it simply means the glands don’t produce any sweat until the BOTOX® injections wear off.

The treatment process is straightforward. Patients get injections under their arms with a very fine needle. Results aren’t immediate, and patients typically notice a reduction in their sweating within four weeks. If there isn’t a reduction in sweating, patients need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor to decide if another treatment is necessary.

Side effects are minimal and temporary. Discomfort, redness, and itching at the injection sites are common in most patients.

BOTOX® for Migraines

Migraines are debilitating regardless of how often a patient has them, but if the headaches are occurring more than 15 days of the month, BOTOX® could be a great treatment option. BOTOX® injections typically reduce frequent migraines by nine days a month.

The injections are small and simple, and most patients report they just feel like small pinpricks. In order for the treatment to work, these injections may need to be repeated monthly. If a treatment is skipped, the migraines will pick up in frequency again.

Clinical trials have shown patients experience a decrease in migraines after the first treatment, but the frequency wasn’t significantly decreased until the second treatment. Because of this, practitioners may request their patients commit to at least two treatments before they decide whether the BOTOX® is helping their migraines or not.

The most common side effect reported during clinical trials was discomfort at the injection sites.

Schedule Your Appointment

BOTOX® isn’t just for creating a more youthful face. Its reputation for being strictly cosmetic is slowly deteriorating as more practitioners are using it as a viable treatment option for a variety of disorders. If you suffer from excessive sweating or migraines, contact Pender Medi Spa today to schedule an appointment.

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Around 4% of migraine victims suffer from what is referred to as chronic migraine, meaning they have migraines more than 14 days per month. Some chronic migraine sufferers have daily migraines.

Since around 90% of victims cannot function normally during a migraine, chronic migraine can be a very debilitating condition. BOTOX®, the well-known treatment for wrinkles, was approved by the FDA in 2010 to treat chronic migraines.

How Does BOTOX Work?

BOTOX® blocks transmission of nerve signals to muscles. It works to cure wrinkles by preventing muscles from contracting and pulling on the overlying skin.

Most wrinkles and creases are caused by repetitive pulling by the underlying muscles. When BOTOX® is used to block the muscles from contracting, the wrinkles and creases smooth out.

Mechanism of Action

The etiology of chronic migraine is unclear. BOTOX® Therapeutic used to treat chronic migraine is thought to inhibit the release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminovascular system.

The trigeminovascular system consists of nerves that originate from the trigeminal nerve that innervate blood vessels in the brain.

Abnormal contractions and dilation of these blood vessels are thought to be involved in the symptoms of migraines.

Also, BOTOX® has been shown to be able to block transmission of neurogenic pain and reduce neurogenic inflammation, and both of these mechanisms are also thought to be involved in the development of a migraine attack.

Evidence

Two large randomized placebo-controlled studies demonstrated the efficacy of BOTOX® in treating chronic migraine. The treated subjects experienced fewer headaches per month, had shorter headaches, and had less severe headaches.

A study examining long-term treatment with BOTOX® reported that after 2 years, patients had more than 50% fewer headache episodes and had significantly reduced their use of pain medications and other medications used to treat and prevent migraines.

What About Non-Chronic Migraines?

Most studies suggest that BOTOX® has only a modest effect on migraine frequency and severity in sufferers who do not have chronic migraines.

However, there is significant individual variation in response to the treatment, with a certain percentage of patients experiencing significant benefit from it.

The Treatment

When given to treat chronic migraine, the patient is administered BOTOX® injections into specific sites on the face and neck. The injections may need to be repeated every 12 weeks. Tiny needles are used to perform the injections to minimize discomfort.

If you’re suffering from migraines, make an appointment today with Pender Medi Spa.

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BOTOX® and dermal fillers are both used to reduce visible signs of aging. There is a lot of debate concerning what solution is better. Both can provide great results, but there are some differences and similarities.

A Look at BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a purified, natural protein, and it’s used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that are known to cause wrinkles and fine lines.

After it’s injected into muscles, BOTOX® reduces the appearance of moderate to severe lines caused by facial expressions.

A person will no longer look grumpy or tired, and the results can last for three to six months.

A Look at Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are able to smooth and lift targeted wrinkles and folds. They add small amounts of volume but can make a huge difference in the appearance of your face. Unlike BOTOX®, dermal fillers must be injected into target areas.

Discomfort is minimal because tiny needles are used. The procedure for dermal fillers doesn’t take long, and it can provide immediate results.

The procedure can take 30 to 45 minutes, and the beneficial results can last for up to 18 months. Some patients have experienced results that lasted for 24 months.

Dermal fillers work well for skin rejuvenation, and they’re suitable for a wide range of patients. If you want to add volume and structure to your face, you may be a candidate for fillers. In most cases, the results of fillers are subtle. They don’t cause any dramatic changes.

BOTOX® vs. Dermal Fillers

It’s not uncommon for both of these solutions to be used together since they can reduce the visible signs of aging. While BOTOX® is primarily used to relax and soften overactive muscles, dermal fillers are used to fill in lines, contouring the face.

At Pender Medi Spa, we offer a variety of services to help patients with their cosmetic goals. Together, we will work out a treatment plan right for your needs and goals. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a consultation.

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Preparing for BOTOX®

Before getting BOTOX®, the patient should stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin two weeks before the procedure to reduce bruising. The patient should also stop drinking alcohol a week before the procedure. The patient should stop taking any blood thinners before the procedure to reduce the chances of bruising or bleeding.

What to Expect during Treatments

BOTOX® comes in a powder. To keep the dosage at a sublethal level, the doctor will dilute it in a salty solution, then inject it directly into the targeted muscles and nerves. It usually takes 24 to 72 hours for BOTOX® to take effect, but it can sometimes take as long as five days for the patient to see the results. The results usually last for four to six months until the muscles regain their mobility. Since the affected muscles are being trained to relax, the wrinkles and fine lines will be less noticeable than before the treatment.

Pregnant or nursing women should not undergo BOTOX® treatments. People with a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® should also not get the injections. People with neurological disorders should not get BOTOX®.

Does BOTOX® cause any side effects?

The most common side effect associated with BOTOX® is temporary bruising. More rarely, people can develop headaches that fade 24 or 48 hours after the procedure. A few people develop droopy eyelids, and the effect can last for three weeks. The drooping is caused by the BOTOX® moving around under the skin, so the patient should not lie down for three or four hours after the treatment. They should also not rub the treatment for at least 12 hours after the injection.

If you have any questions or concerns about BOTOX® as a cosmetic procedure our doctors and highly trained staff at Pender Medi Spa will be able to assist you. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

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Nervousness, emotional stress, physical stress and exercise can all cause your body to sweat. According to recent statistics, 1 percent of Americans suffer from a condition that causes excessive sweating.

In many cases, this condition can cause an individual to sweat four times as much as a normal individual. It’s called primary hyperhidrosis, and it frequently affects the armpits, feet, hands and palms. The good news is that Botox can be effective for excessive sweating.

If you suffer from excessive sweating, Dr. Paul Denton at Pender Medispa can help. We offer Botox treatments to help reduce overactive sweat glands. Contact Pender Medispa today or stop by our Vancouver office to schedule your consultation. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.

How It Works

Many individuals are seeking Botox treatments for sweating because it is an extremely effective treatment. It’s quick, simple and non-surgical. The major reason why you might be considering Botox for excessive sweating is because results last up to 9 months.

The FDA has approved Botox to be used in the treatment of severe cases of excessive sweating, also called primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Many individuals who have this issue have tried a number of different antiperspirants, and they’ve been unable to successfully treat the condition.

When used to treat excessive underarm sweating, Botox injections are minimally invasive and can control the symptoms. The procedure has been shown to be safe and provides predictable improvement.

Why It Works

The way that Botox blocks excessive sweating is quite simple. After it’s injected into your body, Botox is able to temporarily block chemical signals that are sent between the nerves responsible for stimulating your sweat glands.

To activate, the sweat glands need to receive these chemicals signals. Since Botox blocks the signals, the sweat glands don’t receive them, so they don’t activate.

Most people can get relief from excessive underarm sweating for 9 months after treatment with Botox. Follow-up treatments can dramatically increase the length of time that the Botox is effective.

What to Expect

When used for excessive sweating of the underarms, hands or feet, treatment with Botox can take about 30 minutes or less. The recovery time is nonexistent.

The majority of patients are able to resume normal activities immediately after receiving the treatment. Swelling and redness around the treated areas isn’t uncommon, but should disappear within a few days.

Why Choose This Treatment?

Excessive sweating can cause a number of issues. If you have it, you can only wear certain fabrics, colors and styles that are able to hide your condition. Prescription medications for the condition can be very costly, and very effective. The lack of social embarrassment is one of the top reasons to get Botox injections for your condition.

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At Pender Medispa in Vancouver, we offer both Botox and dermal fillers as treatment options to help combat the signs of aging on your skin. Our staff can help determine the best treatment plan for you based on your individual needs. Contact Pender Medispa today to schedule your appointment.

Botox is a prescription medication injected into the muscles to temporarily paralyze them, improving the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the face. This includes crow’s feet, stress lines on the forehead, frown lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Using a small needle, Onabotulinum toxin A also referred to as Botulinum Toxin Type A, is injected to areas you wish to improve. Within a week, the injection takes effect, diminishing the look of wrinkles and lines because it paralyzes the muscles that contract to cause those wrinkles.

The procedure is virtually painless and can last for 3 to 6 months. Typically, the first year of treatments should be done in 3-month intervals, but over time, they can be done every 6 months. Because Botox paralyzes the muscles that contract to cause wrinkles and lines around the face, the long-term effects take years off of your face, even if you eventually stop the procedure.

Because the procedure takes only a few minutes and causes little to no bruising or bleeding, there’s no need to take a day off or interrupt your busy schedule. The subtle effects of Botox will make your friends, family and colleagues only think you look more radiant, vibrant and younger.

Dermal Fillers are used to plump up the skin. As our skin ages, the elasticity is lost, causing sagging, drooping and loss of the plumpness in our cheeks. It also treats nasolabial folds, more commonly referred to as smile lines, and to plump up the lips. Dermal Fillers are either collagen-based or hyaluronic acid-based. Collagen-based Dermal Fillers replace the natural collagen in your skin, while the hyaluronic acid-based Dermal Fillers trap water in areas to reduce the look on wrinkles, lines and drooping skin.

There are several Dermal Fillers available, and each works to correct specific skin concerns – like adding volume to the cheeks or filling wrinkles around the eyes. Because the procedures are quick and virtually painless using topical or injectable anesthetic, they can be done allowing you to get back to your normal routine the same day. Dermal Fillers generally last 3 to 6 months and some last longer.

It’s important to talk to your specialist to find out which treatment is right for you. Your specialist performing the procedure can analyze your skin and make suggestions based on their expertise. These cosmetic procedures are much less costly than cosmetic surgery, without the hassle of taking time away from other activities such as work and the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

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So when people ask me “What do you use on your skin?” I don’t even know where to begin to tell them what I use on my skin will most likely not be good for your skin. Unfortunately, there isn’t one product that can reverse your aging skin and any specific product that will make you look 10 years younger. It takes time for your skin to age so it will take some effort to get it looking healthy. Most of us don’t want to look 18 again; well maybe some do, but that is just not going to happen, but you CAN look good for your age. There are realistic goals that you can expect and you can get your skin not only looking “healthy” but physically healthy. You can cover up your skin with makeup and use Botox and fillers to diminish fine lines and add volume but your skin will not glow if you don’t take the effort to make it healthy.

Think of your skin as your body. If you want to lose weight or get into shape you need to eat right, work out, drink lots of water and take the right vitamins. The same is for your skin, you need to feed it right (skin care), work out (treatments) and again drinks lots of water and take your vitamins.

Let’s start with a beginners guide to getting your skin healthy.

Your skin needs the following:

Step 1: Cleanse

Start off with a cleanser that is suited for your skin type to take off make up, dirt and excess oils.

Oily/Acneic: PCA Facial Wash Oily/Problem ($39.00) cleanses away excess oil and make up, controls blemishes and reduces excess sebum production without stripping your skin and leaves you feeling squeaky clean.

Sensitive: Vivier Hexam Facial Wash ($37.50) removes skin impurities including acne and bacteria and helps prevent itchiness and relives minor skin irritations on sensitive skin.

Combination:  Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser ($30.80) is a gentle cleanser with glycolic acid which will rinse your skin completely without the need for a toner leaving your skin soft and hydrated.

Normal Skin: Neova Herbal Wash ($28.00) has a peppermint scent that removes impurities and make up leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Dry Skin: PCA Creamy Cleanser ($45.00) formulation won’t leave your skin feeling tight after your wash it. It is also a good eye makeup remover when used on its own with cotton pad.

Aging Skin: Jan Marini C-Esta Cleanser ($30.70) it great at removing make up and will give you that squeaky clean feeling and also help brighten your skin with the added vitamin C.

Step 2: Correct 

Your skin needs at least one product with an active ingredient that will help correct problems on your skin.

Oily/Acneic: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Lotion ($61.50) utilizes a combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid and alezaic acid to resurface and retexturize your skin and minimize enlarged follicles.

Sensitive: Vivier A/K Caps ($71.00) formulated for reactive skin prone to redness. These capsules are a unique combination of Vitamins A (retinol), K, C and E with soothing Green Tea to help combat redness and blotchiness while helping even skin tone and texture.

Combination:  PCA A&C Synergy Serum ($138.50) has 5% vitamin C and 2% vitamin A to brighten skin and minimize discoloration, improve skin tone and inhibit bacteria proliferation which causes sebum production. This is my personal favorite serum and almost every skin type can benefit from it.

Normal Skin: PCA C-Quench Serum ($113.00) is a 15% vitamin C and antioxidant serum, it will brighten skin and minimize discoloration, even your skin tone and texture.

Dry Skin: Vivier Kine C Serum ($131.00) along with the benefits of vitamin C it has hyaluronic acid which will bind water to the skin to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Aging Skin: Skin Medica Essential Serum ($260.00) is a dual chamber bottle and the only product with patented human growth hormones in one chamber and packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C and peptides in the other chamber. Essential Serum will minimize discoloration of skin, even skin tone, soften skin, tighten, add moisture and improve collagen and elastin production. It has a high price point considering everyday use, twice a day, will last you 45 days, but it is the ultimate in anti-aging.

Step 3: Protect

Using an SPF helps prevent premature skin aging. The sun’s harmful rays will break down your skin’s collagen and elastin which in turn will cause fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and will damage your skin making it look dull, aged and dehydrated. All skin types need to wear an SPF every day, even the UV in your office lights carry harmful rays.

Oily/Acneic: Elta Clear 46 ($32.00) very lightweight sun protection has niacinamide to control acne.

Sensitive: Obagi Rosa Clear ($64.20) a non-comedogenic, mauve-tinted sunscreen lotion for sensitive and rosacea skin.

Combination:  Tizo2 Light Skin Formulation SPF 40 ($43.90) a mineral sunscreen that leaves skin slightly matte.

Normal Skin: Elta UV Defense 45 ($36.00) oil-free, micronized zinc blends well into the skin to leave your skin feeling moisturized but not greasy.

Dry Skin: Elta UV Daily 40 ($40.00) sun protection with hyaluronic acid for added hydration.

Aging Skin: Jan Marini Antioxidant SPF 30 ($52.00) has the added benefit of antioxidants for anti-aging benefits and sun protection.

Elta, Tizo, Jan Marini, Vivier & Obagi Products are carried at Physician Skincare Centre and Pender Medi Spa. PCA, Neova & Skin Medica can be found online or other physician-directed spas.

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