Treatment of wrinkles can be done with neuromodulators-This is a long word for a product that is made with botulinum toxin-which in nature, produces botulism.

Wrinkles can be prevented if you begin before they develop on your face once a highly repeated pattern of a frown or scowl is identified.  Even deeply entrenched wrinkles can be visibly lightened and often times disappear with repeated treatments.

Botox or Dysport are prescription type medications that are injected into muscles to block the impulses from a nerve which leads to a wrinkle when the muscle contracts-the treatment is temporary and can last up to 4 months.

The FDA has approved Botox for glabellar muscle block.  These muscles produce the crease between the eyes.  It is also widely used for many other aesthetic purposes- Wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead, and vertical lines on the lip.  Approval has recently been granted to Botox for resistant migraine headaches.  Other off label uses include bruxism (teeth grinding); heavy axillary sweating (underarms) or extremely sweaty hands.

Neuromodulators will not radically alter your look like you’ve “had something done.”  The face will gradually soften within 48 hours until movement is stopped up to 14 days later.  It may take up to 3 different injection sessions to calculate the exact placement of injections which will work best for you.

When you see your doctor (injector) inform him/her about your medical conditions and medications.  Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, etc, can create an increased risk of bleeding.  “Natural” products such as Ginko Biloba can also increase bleeding.

The procedure is relatively painless.  If you have a low pain threshold, you can ask for cooling with ice or a topical anesthetic to lessen the discomfort prior to the administration of the neuromodulators.

Complications with Cosmetic Botox, Xeomin or Dysport are rare.  A serious complication from spread of toxin has not been reported; such is not the case for medical grade experimental use where thousands of units might be used in one treatment.   Whereas, a whole vial of Botox Cosmetic is 100 units or Dysport is 300 units.

Neuromodulators are a wonderful method to soften your look, to prevent wrinkles and to look more youthful.

Call 325-641-1927 for more information.

Your chin develops a clone or double chin. Breasts stretch to reach new lows. Buttocks fall to the knee level.

What can you do to reverse these trends? If the sag is large or extreme, more radical methods might be employed such as surgical resections of large areas of integument. Lesser grades can be improved with the Titan (by Cutera.) Research efforts were intensified by Kilmer and Russell in 2004 into non ablative skin tightening. Zelickson reported immediate collagen contraction with the Titan in 2005.

The treatment of skin laxity uses a wave length of 1100-1800nm. Long durations of the pulses of energy produce heating that is sustained and a safe method of collagen contraction. One of the problems encountered is that the heat produced cannot be easily contained or confined. How could the epidermis (deep skin layers) be conserved? Contact cooling of the surface was the answer.

Titan treatment of the skin uses wavelengths close to the infrared spectrum. Water absorbs the light to depths of 1-3mm. The results are immediate collagen contraction. Secondary results are long-term stimulation of collagen remolding (Denaturation) and the epidermis is protected from heat damage.

Titan-best results in 1 to 3 treatments at 1 to 3 month intervals-Observable improvement in 80% of treated patients immediately with only 2 adverse events out of 1000 patients treated reported by published sources from Cutera.

Consider skipping lunch and getting a Titan treatment. You’ll be back at work with very little redness. You can look better by the time you walk out of Creative Image Laser Solutions.

For more information contact us at creativeimagelasersolutions.com.

This procedure is a real “lift” in the cosmetic/medical spa area. The unique aspects of this technique offer the availability of harnessing Mother Nature’s own materials in order to obtain a thing of beauty-You.

The term-Vampire Facelift- has been copyrighted by Dr. Charles Runels of Alabama. Only practitioners who have been trained by Dr. Runels or by approved instructors are allowed to use the term-Vampire Facelift. There is also an approved list of physicians which can be found on vampirefacelift.com. Dr. Runels has vigorously maintained the quality and procedural details employed by the practioners.

First, the physician/mid-level places an amount of filler in strategic areas of the face to produce volume (Juvederm or Restylane are commonly employed).

Second, blood is drawn from a vein and centrifuged to separate various components. The plasma portion is extracted and treated with a platelet activator.

Platelets are components found in the blood, which are involved with the clotting and “plugging” of a bleeding site. They stop the bleeding. As they stay in the scab or clot, they begin to deteriorate and the platelets release growth factors which promote collagen production and tissue repair and healing.

Briefly, one of natures own healing systems is employed to produce rejuvenation of the skin and dermal tissues.

The early results are immediately visible, but they fade modestly. Growth factors soften and smooth the skin surface while they produce collagen stimulation in deeper layers subsequently reaching the maximum lasting effect at 6 months.

The result-Beautiful-Kirei

Sayonara
G. Butka, M.D.

The MedLite from Cynosure/HOYA Con Bio has special handpieces that destroy colored pigments. The treatments are relatively short. However, they are done in a series of several sessions. Minimial to no scarring is seen.

For more information see creativeimagelasersolutions.com.

If you are near San Saba, Texas, Salon 111 is the place.

Ladies-Thank You-Dankeshoen!
Dr. Butka, Amy, and Jaimie
Creative Image Laser Solutions
Brownwood, Texas

The usual preoperative management includes local tumescent anesthesia (see subsequent blog). The same benefits of short recovery, less pain, low rate of complications, very low infection rate as any of the other techniques when compared to the usual liposuction done in an operating room under general anesthesia.

The Body Jet technology developed by HumanMed AG in Germany has several original and unique approaches. First, it uses a pulsating jet of saline solution mixed with anesthetic. The fan-shaped spray is aimed at adipose tissue in order to loosen the adipocytes (fat) from the structures of the surrounding tissue. This fat does not suffer serious damage or injury when removed in this fashion. It can be harvested and transferred to other parts of the body such as the face, breasts, buttocks, etc-for augmentation purposes (see subsequent blog).

Body Jet’s flow of fluid is directed toward the fatty tissue, loosens the fat cells and then can be gently aspirated into a collection system. Obviously different amounts of force can be applied both on the jets of fluids and the suction portion depending on the area of the body to be worked.

The procedure can also include light to moderate sedation. Afterwards, pressure dressings, or clothing can be applied to remove much of the fluid that may remain in the area. Very noticeable results can be seen by the next day in contrast to the laser assisted lipo techniques. However, Aqua Lipo can be combined with laser asisted lipo (Smartlipo, Slimlipo, Lipo Therme, Pro-lipo, etc.) when a tightening effect is desired in the sub dermal tissues for treatment of skin laxity.

In short, we have another unique tool available for assisted liposuction with the Aqua Lipo by BodyJet.

Hasta La Proxima!

Cellulite-Why does it occur? No one can answer that question fully. There are genetic factors and hormonal influences could be contributing to the problem. Weight loss is thought to be a additive. However, there are thin individuals with cellulite. About 80% of females have some cellulite.

Many solutions have been offered to resolve this unsightly tissue issue. There are creams, messages, heat, and other means offered. Results have been sparse and generally unsatisfactory.

Velashape is a machine/technique that emits a radiofrequency, which heats and dissolves fat in underlying subcutaneous tissues. The ideal person has a BMI of less than 30 (BMI=Body Mass Index).

A Velashape treatment will reduce measurements after one session. A recommended treatment actually includes a series of 4 weekly treatments to the desired area with a touch up at 6 and 12 weeks. Maintainiing the results requires not gaining weight and 6 month “touch-up” sessions.

Velashape is a non-invasive method with no incisions or surgery. There is no anesthetic required. The patient will feel some warmth during the treatment. Visible smoothing and circumference reduction is available to all without surgery.

Vaya con Dios-Gary Butka

Chemical peels are not all the same. The old saying, ‘There’s more than one way to skin a cat’ certainly applies in this case (pun intended). Day spas and beauty parlors are allowed to use very light superficial peels and may not give you the result you want. Medical spas can use deeper peels.

If you only look at the price of a peel, you may not get what you really need necessarily. Questions to ask about peels include: they type of peel planned, how deep will the peel go, how long is the recovery time, and the approximate result expected. Realize most medical grade peels accomplish the best results in a series of 3-5.

There are deep, resurfacing peels available that can require 1-3 weeks to recover. Usually, sun exposure is to be avoided during the healing process and adjustments in one’s schedule might be required. Ask ahead and you’ll plan better resulting in an improved result.

(IPL)-is intermittent pulsed light. This is a machine which introduces an intense light into the superficial layers of the skin and helps stimulate collagen production. It also can help lighten or remove brownish spots-skin becomes less wrinkled and results in a more youthful look.

Brought to you from Creative Image Laser Solutions-a Med Spa.

Hasta La Proxima

-G. Butka, M.D.

I have switched the emphasis to another syllable! (sound it out) I now emphasize a change in eating choices, portion sizes, exercise-based activity. Behavioral studies have shown that 16 weeks of consistent effort does change eating habits.

I look for ways to maintain the desired weight rather than achieving a pre set goal. I have truly become a questing prig when it comes to eating habits.

I refer you to pictures of myself and the staff at Creative Image Laser Solutions office. By following our own “sage” advice to our patients, the results are easily visible.

If you want to maintain your weight loss, the longer road is the one to take. Honestly evaluating what and how much you eat is tantamount. The journey is beset with traps, ghosts and gobble ‘ums. Sincere, consistant effort with a little help from the medical director-i.e.-me can create a new image!

The treatment consists of an average of 1-3 sessions. By selecting the type of light, brown spots, red spots, telangectagias (very tiny reddish veins) can be removed. The pigmented area is heated by the Intense Pulsed Light which produces the therapeutic effect without anesthesia.

A gel is normally used to cool the skin prior to the IPL treatment. Most patients mention a sensation of stinging or pinching while the light is being administered. Typical pain medication or anesthesia is not required.

The treatments usually take less than an hour’s time however the main variable is the size of the area requiring treatment. Results can be seen within one to three weeks as the darkened areas flake off and fade. Redness or telangectasia will become less intense and the mottled complexion will improve.

Immediately following a treatment, the skin will acquire a reddish hue. Brown spots will gradually darken, turn black at times, prior to flaking off.

We highly recommend careful maintenance of the skin after an IPL treatment. With further exposure to light or tanning beds, new brown spots, telangectasias and diffuse reddish coloration can appear. Using an adequate sunscreen is a good plan to preserve the investment in a freshened, rejuvenized look.

If you are a baby from the boom (baby boomer) you can turn back the clock!