Dr. Mendoza in the Media

For Immediate Release

BOTOX® — The Lunchtime Facelift

The latest rage in the fight against aging is Botox®. Botox® was one of the top cosmetic procedure performed in 2001. More than 1.6 million Botox® or Myobloc® procedures were performed last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. It is an economical and effective alternative to battling wrinkles. Injections can cost anywhere from $300 - $700 per treatment (depending on the number of injection sites) and last upwards of 4 months.

Botox® is a mild strain of botulism toxin that is used to paralyze muscles which results in the diminishing or disappearing of wrinkles. It is a quick and minimally invasive with few side effects or risks. It is an ideal treatment for patients who have minimal signs of facial aging such as forehead furrows and crow's feet.

Botox® has been around for many years but it was not until several months ago that Botox® received FDA approval for cosmetic use. Currently, Botox® is only FDA approved for glabellar (the vertical creases between the eyebrow) wrinkles but is is routinely used for the forehead and the crow's feet areas. To a lesser extent, Botox® is being used in small quantities to diminish fine wrinkles around the mouth.

There has been much buzz in the media about Botox® Parties. Botox® parties offer several benefits with the key one being cost. By having a group of patients getting Botox® at the same time, the cost of a vial of Botox® can be split among several patients. Another benefit of Botox® parties is that it allows patients to interact with other patients on a more informal and relaxed bases but at the same time the patient's safety should never be compromised. The decision to have this medical procedure should not be made under the influence of alcohol or peer pressure.

As quick and easy of a fix as Botox® may appear to be, it is important to remember that you are undergoing a medical procedure. Here are some guidelines:

1) Check the Physician's Credentials — Because of the complicated musculature of the human face, Plastic Surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic surgery on the face.

2) Seek a Complete Patient Evaluation — Consult with a Plastic Surgeon for your evaluation, including a full medical history, to determine the most appropriate treatment for your concerns.

3) Be Informed — The Plastic Surgeon should take the time to fully explain the factual information about risks, benefits, alternatives and reasoning for the proposed treatment.

4) Choose an Appropriate Setting — Injections should be performed in a setting with appropriate medical personnel and necessary equipment to safely observe patients and deal with potential complications.

Dr. Mendoza is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with offices in Naperville, Chicago (Michigan Avenue) and Oak Lawn. Specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and of the body, he also offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery options. He can be reached at Chicagoland Plastic Surgery at 630.305.0331 or www.plastic-handsurgery.com

Chicago Botox
Breast Enhancement: Chicago Breast Augmentation & Breast Enlargement
Breast Implants Chicago – Breast Lift
Acne Treatments Chicago
Liposuction Chicago