Hi Cheerful398241, Thank you for reaching out, and I understand your concern about the scar. At 7 months post-op, some scars can still improve with time, but there are definitely treatments available to help reduce the indentation and improve the appearance. One effective option is carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing, which can help smooth out the texture of the scar and reduce its visibility. However, since your scar is close to your eyebrow, there’s a potential risk of hair thinning or even hair loss in the eyebrow area due to the heat and depth of the laser. This is something to carefully consider and discuss with your provider. Other options to improve the appearance of the scar could include microneedling or filler injections to lift the indentation, or even scar revision surgery if the indentation is deep. It’s important to consult with an experienced aesthetic physician to weigh the risks and benefits of each treatment before making a decision. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in finding the right solution for you!
Hi Star42, Yes, there is indeed a technique where Botox can be used to create the appearance of a slimmer nose. This technique typically involves injecting Botox into specific muscles around the nose to relax them, which can subtly narrow the nose and reduce nostril flaring at rest. It’s not a widely common procedure, but it can be effective for certain individuals. It’s important to note that while Botox can relax muscles and create a more refined look, it won’t change the underlying structure of your nose. If the appearance of your nose is more due to soft tissue or cartilage, other treatments like laser skin resurfacing or even rhinoplasty surgery might offer more noticeable results. I highly recommend seeing an experienced injector who is knowledgeable about the anatomy of the nose for this procedure. Precise placement of Botox is key to achieving the best results and avoiding any complications. Let me know if you have any more questions, and I wish you the best with your treatment!
Hi Marblepear, Thank you for your question. I understand how concerning this experience must be, and I’m here to help clarify things for you. Typically, when Botox is injected into the platysmal bands, the provider might ask you to smile or flex the muscles to see where the bands are most prominent. However, it’s more common to inject after the muscle is relaxed. Injecting while the muscles are contracted can sometimes lead to discomfort or more noticeable pain, as you experienced. The good news is that whether your muscles were relaxed or contracted during the injection, it usually doesn’t affect the effectiveness of the Botox in the long run. The pain you’re feeling now could be from a few things, such as hitting a sensitive area or a nearby nerve. While this pain can feel more intense, it is often temporary and should subside with time. If the pain continues or worsens, it’s a good idea to follow up with your provider. In rare cases, hitting a nerve during the injection could lead to prolonged discomfort, but this is uncommon. Botox effects are generally temporary, and most issues resolve on their own over time. For now, monitor the area, and if you’re not seeing improvement, reach out to your injector for a follow-up. I hope you feel better soon! Let me know if you have any other concerns.
Hi Gabriella, I’m sorry to hear about your experience. I understand how upsetting this can be, but I want to reassure you that what you’re describing is not common, and there are steps we can take to address it. Lip flip procedures typically involve small amounts of Botox injected into the muscles around the lips (specifically the orbicularis oris). When Botox is injected unevenly or in higher doses, it can sometimes result in temporary muscle weakness, leading to an asymmetrical smile. This could explain the “frozen” sensation and unevenness you’re experiencing. Botox typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, so most people regain normal muscle function within this time. Since it’s been 3.5 months, you should begin seeing improvement soon. However, if the asymmetry persists beyond 6 months, it might be worth exploring other causes, such as muscle weakness related to conditions like Bell’s palsy, though this is less common. In some cases, an electromyogram (EMG) study, which measures muscle function, might be recommended by a neurologist to rule out any underlying nerve or muscle issues. For now, I would suggest staying in touch with your provider and monitoring your progress. If things haven’t improved after 6 months, further evaluation could be beneficial. I hope this helps ease some of your concerns, and I’m wishing you a smooth recovery!
Hello, and thank you for reaching out. I understand your concerns, and I’m here to offer some guidance. It sounds like you’ve had a couple of procedures for your neck, and the lumpy appearance you’re describing could indeed be a combination of scar tissue and increased activity of the platysma muscle. Both of these are common issues following surgery, but fortunately, there are treatments that can help. Here’s what I recommend based on what your surgeon has suggested: Scar tissue: Steroid injections, such as Kenalog, are often used to reduce the size and appearance of scar tissue. These injections can help soften and flatten the lumps caused by the scar tissue. It’s important to monitor how your body reacts to these treatments, especially if you’re prone to keloid formation. Further surgeries should generally be avoided if you’re prone to excessive scarring, as this can make the problem worse.Hyperactivity of the platysma muscle: Botox can be very effective at relaxing the platysma muscle if it’s becoming too active and causing bands or tightness in the neck. By injecting Botox into specific points of the muscle, we can reduce this hyperactivity, which should improve the overall smoothness of the neck area.In addition to these treatments, if you’re still experiencing some loose skin, there are non-invasive skin tightening treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound-based therapies that can help improve the firmness of the skin without the need for more surgery. I hope this explanation helps clarify things! I would recommend following up with your surgeon to discuss the timing and plan for these treatments, and how they can be tailored to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with more questions or if you’d like more details on any of these options.
