9 SURPRISING USES FOR BOTOX
9 SURPRISING USES FOR BOTOX
Most people know that Botox is the number one treatment for reversing or limiting the appearance of age-related skin issues like wrinkles. However, fewer people realize that Botox is often used to treat a variety of other medical and cosmetic conditions. Here are some of the other ways that Botox can help, along with the skills of an experienced injector.
OVERACTIVE BLADDER
Overactive bladder is categorized by physical symptoms such as a continual urge to urinate and frequent bathroom trips. In some cases, it might also include urinary incontinence. Botox has proven effective in the temporary paralyzing of bladder muscles, which might prevent the continual urge and incidents of incontinence. This treatment has been given FDA approval and can be comforting to patients who want to feel confident in their body.
HYPERHIDROSIS
Botox is an FDA-approved option for the treatment of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. This continual treatment is a great option for reducing sweating that affects your daily life and causes you to avoid social situations. It can be used in areas like the underarms, palms, and feet.
CROSSED EYES
This FDA-approved treatment was one of the first uses for Botox at its inception. It can relax muscles that contribute to eye misalignment, resulting in a crossed-eye look.
MIGRAINES
For chronic migraine sufferers, Botox can be a life-saver. Botox can reduce the amount of migraine episodes by nearly half with regular use for people who experience over fifteen episodes per month. With FDA approval, this is an excellent option for migraineurs who don’t find results with other treatment options.
IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
Though not FDA-approved, Botox has been considered a potential treatment option for people with irregular heartbeats, particularly after open-heart surgery.
NECK SPASMS
One of the first treatments Botox received FDA-approval to treat is cervical dystonia, which occurs when the head assumes an abnormal position, usually paired with extreme neck pain. Botox can relax the associated muscles and provide relief.
DEPRESSION
Botox’s effectiveness in addressing this common mental illness is still in the trial stages and has not been given FDA approval. That being said, trials that have been performed suggest that the drug might alleviate accompanying symptoms.
COLD HANDS
Chronically cold hands are often caused by blood circulation problems. Though not FDA-approved, a certain percentage of sufferers who have had Botox injected into their hands have witnessed improved circulation and an improvement in their condition.
CLEFT LIP SCARS
Botox has received some attention as a possible remedy for cleft lip scars by holding malformed muscles in place long enough to promote the healing process. This treatment has not been given FDA approval.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Botox can be an extremely effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. To meet with our team and discuss your options, we invite you to contact our Lone Tree office by calling or filling out our online form.
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10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR ALLERGY SEASON
10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR ALLERGY SEASON
Signs of spring are everywhere; and after a long, cold winter, these signals of the warmer season are welcome. However, not everyone is comfortable breathing in the fresh spring air. Those who suffer from allergies tend to dread this time of year. If the abundance of pollen doesn’t agree with you, here are 10 ways to prepare for allergy season.
1. BE PREPARED
Getting started early is the best thing you can do to prevent the worst of your symptoms. Even in the months before spring, you can start a regimen of allergy shots to help your body be prepared for exposure during the most difficult months. See your ENT specialist in the early spring to get ahead!
2. MINIMIZE EARLY EXPOSURE
The instinct to throw open your windows during the first bout of warm weather is strong. However, this can introduce pollen and other allergens into your home where they can remain and cause flare-ups. If you can avoid this during the highest pollen count days, you can help manage your symptoms.
3. PLAN YOUR DAY
There are daily peak hours for plants to release their pollen. Between 5 and 10 in the morning hold the highest levels of pollen, so you should plan your outdoor time accordingly. On rainy and cooler days, pollen is usually washed to the ground, so typically you will have a 24 to 48-hour reprieve. If you check pollen counts from your local weather service before leaving the house, you can make sure you’re prepared for symptoms.
4. USE YOUR GLASSES
Pollen is attracted to contact lenses, so try to only wear them on days of low pollen count. Itchy eyes is a symptom of allergies, and contact lenses can exacerbate this problem even more.
5. BUY LOCAL HONEY
It may seem counterintuitive, but eating the product created by your local bees can help decrease allergic reactions. Other allergy-fighting foods include apples, pineapples, and fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon.
6. KEEP CLEAN
Your clothing, skin, and hair can carry the outdoor pollen into your house. As soon as you get inside, remove all clothing and take a shower to prevent spread throughout your home. If you start doing this early and often, you can provide yourself some symptom relief in your home environment.
7. CHECK FILTERS
Clean your air filters often, or use an air purifier. Pollen and mold get trapped in filters, so it’s important to clean them before and during allergy season. Keeping your filters clean will help prevent pollen from spreading through your home.
8. START SPRING CLEANING EARLY
Dust, mold, and pollen can get trapped in ceiling fans, vents, and between piles of clutter. Before allergy season gets under full swing, clean up to prevent the circulation of extra dust that builds up throughout the winter.
9. MAKE ALTERNATE PLANS
Whatever your best strategy is for dealing with allergies, be prepared. Make sure you are stocked up with what you need, like antihistamines, or schedule an allergy shot appointment with your ENT specialist. When pollen count gets high, you can reduce your symptoms by having what you need on hand.
10. TRACK POLLEN LEVELS
Tree and grass contribute largely to the pollen count. Most weather apps record the current local levels, so knowing today’s pollen count will help you to know what to expect. You can adjust your strategy daily to fit your schedule.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Whatever your needs for spring allergies, our team is here to help. To meet with our ENT specialists and get some relief, we invite you to contact our Lone Tree office by calling or filling out our online form.
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BOTOX Cosmetic
When Botox Cosmetic is administered correctly, you’ll still look like you, but with fewer lines!
You should not lose the ability to show expression when you are treated by a medical expert. A quick, 10-minute treatment that’s easy to fit into your hectic schedule- you can get in, out, and on with your day! You may start to see results within 24 – 48 hours after treatment with Botox.
Call DENVER FACIAL SURGEONS today 303-607-6010 to schedule your next Botox appointment!
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Things To Know Before Getting Rhinoplasty
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING RHINOPLASTY
At Integrated ENT we take care of everything you need concerning your ear, nose, and throat. We even offer facial plastic surgery to help patients with concerns about their appearance. One of the most popular surgeries that we perform is rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, known as a nose job, helps to resize, reshape, and recontour the nose for an ideal look. This procedure can even restore the function of the nose for patients who have difficulty breathing. Our surgeons combine their knowledge of the human facial anatomy along with their artistic ability to give you effective, lasting results.
When deciding to undergo rhinoplasty, it is important to keep a few things in mind.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
To be a candidate for rhinoplasty, you should be done growing. Rhinoplasty can be done on women and girls as young as 15, and men and boys as young as 17. You should also be in good general health and be a nonsmoker. During a consultation with one of our physicians, they will examine your nose and facial profile to see how this surgery can improve your appearance.
THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE
You will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Most rhinoplasties take between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. You will be suited with a splint to help keep your nose in place during the recovery period.
RHINOPLASTY RECOVERY TIME
After your rhinoplasty surgery, you will need to take ample time to rest and recover. Swelling, bruising, and redness are very common. Due to the complexity of this surgery, you will need to take at least two weeks off of work to heal. It is also important to make sure to sleep on your back, keep your head elevated, and avoid any strenuous activities that could impair your results. Your surgeon will give you a list of instructions to follow and let you know when you can resume normal activities.
RHINOPLASTY RESULTS
The initial recovery from rhinoplasty takes about 8 weeks. At which point, you will notice a great improvement in your nose and overall appearance. The nose will continue to heal for up to a year and you will see continuous improvement throughout this period. Don’t be discouraged, it takes a year to see the final results. It is also important to not expect perfection or unrealistic results. This surgery improved the appearance of your existing nose, it cannot give you the nose of someone else. But do not be afraid to discuss your wishes with our team. We will strive to give you amazing results that you love.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are unhappy with the look of your nose, then consider cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery. This surgery is very popular and done on thousands of people every year. Our team is experts in facial anatomy and nose surgery, we can help to make you feel confident in your appearance. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.
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End Of The Year Hearing Aid Benefits Use It. Don't Lose It.
END OF THE YEAR HEARING AID BENEFITS USE IT. DON’T LOSE IT.
2020 is just around the corner! We want to remind you to take advantage of any unused insurance benefits you may have. Most plans do not let unused dollars rollover to the next benefit year. So… use it. Don’t lose it!
You may have met your annual deductible. If you have not yet sought help for your hearing and communication difficulties, come in to see us. We can see if you may have coverage for hearing aids. There is no cost or obligation.
You may also be eligible to use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Savings Account) benefits available for your hearing health care needs. The majority of the time funds expire at the end of the year.
If you are considering help for your hearing difficulties or have a loved one who is having problems, come in for a hearing evaluation and a FREE hearing aid consultation. Patients are amazed to learn how well they can hear with new hearing aid technology. Beat the end of the year rush; call to set up an appointment today.
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Everything You Need to Know About Getting A Facelift
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING A FACELIFT
Facelifts are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures done each year. For those looking to get this surgery, it is important to understand the procedure, alternative options, and recovery times. The team of specialists at Integrated ENT will work with you to help pick the best cosmetic options for you.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A FACELIFT
Aging causes wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. This can cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance. If you are experiencing these aging signs, it may be time to consider a facelift. Are you a good candidate? The average age for a facelift is roughly 60. Some people may opt for a mini-facelift in their 40’s to reduce aging signs.
Facelifts are excellent for reducing and ridding pronounced lines, deep wrinkles, and sagging jowls. If you find that the skin on your neck and jawline is drooping, this can be a wonderful solution. Facelifts offer a rejuvenated appearance that can have you looking up to a decade younger.
HOW THE PROCEDURE WORKS
Your specialist at Integrated ENT will make incisions to lift and smooth out the skin. They will remove any excess skin and tighten problem areas to create a youthful appearance. This surgery is done under general anesthesia and lasts three-to-four hours on average.
RESULTS AND RECOVERY
The recovery time for the process is ten days. Stitches are typically removed after the first week. Generally, you can return to work within two weeks. It is recommended to eat healthy foods and get plenty of rest to ensure your body can heal as it should.
The results of the facelift are long-lasting and will reduce future aging as well.
CONTACT US
Our professionals at Integrated ENT will work diligently with you to fulfill your expectations. You can discuss questions, concerns, and desired outcomes with our experienced team. They will work with you to formulate a medical plan, working best for your circumstances.
Know you are in good hands with our outstanding staff to guide you. You can reach us at 303-706-1616. You can find our facility at 9960 Sky Ridge Avenue, Lone Tree, Colorado.
Contact us for an appointment today!
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The Secret to Youthful looking Skin
THE SECRET TO YOUTHFUL-LOOKING SKIN
Sculptra Aesthetic – is an in office injection, 3-4 injection sessions that are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart for correction of shallow to deep nasolabial fold contour deficiencies and other facial wrinkles.
Sculptra helps stimulate your skin’s own natural collagen production to increase overall facial volume.
Sculptra works subtly and gradually over time for long lasting results.
80% of patients were still satisfied with their results 25 months after the last injection!
Call 303-607-6010 today to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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Is Surgery Right For My Sinusitis?
IS SURGERY RIGHT FOR MY SINUSITIS?
People with chronic sinus problems that do not respond to a combination of rinses and OTC medications such as antihistamines or who have structural issues with their nasal passages often benefit from sinus surgery. This article will help you determine if you should discuss surgical options with a specialist.
FREQUENT INFECTIONS
Everyone who has had a sinus infection knows it is unpleasant and requires a long treatment course. Over time, frequent infections cause swelling (inflammation) of sinus tissues which increases the risk for more infections. In severe cases, the bacterial or fungal microbes involved can damage the thin bones which form the walls of your sinuses, causing severe pain and damage to the delicate structure of your sinuses. This is not a problem you have to live with. At Integrated ENT, we have surgical techniques available to open air flow into your sinuses, the key to reducing or even eliminating frequent infections.
NASAL POLYPS
These growths from the lining of your nasal passages can block air flow into one or more of your sinuses, causing a “stuffy nose” sensation and even changes to your sense of smell or taste. Patients with large polyps suffer from frequent infections in the sinuses located behind the polyp. There are surgical techniques for removing polyps with minimal recovery times. If your doctor has said you have nasal polyps, Integrated ENT has a surgical solution for you.
DEVIATED SEPTUM
The nasal septum is the bony structure behind your nose which divides the air flow entering from your nostrils. A deviated septum is pushed to one side of your nasal cavity, reducing airflow to the sinuses on that side. This can lead to chronic infections in the sinuses on the right or left side of your face. Integrated ENT will order a CAT scan of your sinuses to determine the presence and severity of a deviated septum. There are surgical procedures that straighten the septum, reducing or eliminating unilateral (one-sided) infections. This is not the same surgery as a rhinoplasty, or “nose job,” which is a cosmetic change to the shape of the nose and is not covered by insurance.
NOSE BLEEDS (EPISTAXES)
If you suffer from frequent nose bleeds which do not resolve with humidifying the air you breathe or which occur in the back (posterior) of your nasal passages, there may be a specific area within your sinuses that is the source of the bleeding. An inspection of your sinuses with a fiberoptic endoscope (a long flexible tube with a camera on the end) can pinpoint a specific area where the bleeding comes from. There are surgical options that Integrated ENT may recommend which correct frequent nose bleeds.
CHOOSING SURGERY
If you suffer from one or more of the conditions listed here, a surgical consult with the team at Integrated ENT can help you decide if you should have sinus surgery. The surgeons will discuss your issues, perform diagnostic tests, and determine with your input if surgery is the right option for you.
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The Most Common Rhinoplasty Questions Answered
THE MOST COMMON RHINOPLASTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Besides the eyes, the nose is the first thing people notice when they see a face. Rhinoplasty can improve the shape, size, and function of the nose. Most people get this surgery to feel more confident in their looks. People who are unhappy with the shape or size of their nose, and decide to have rhinoplasty should feel free to ask our team at Integrated ENT as many questions as they can think of during their rhinoplasty consultation.
IS THE PATIENT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE SURGERY?
Candidates for rhinoplasty are in good overall physical and mental health. Most people get rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, but others may wish to improve breathing function through this surgery. Also, candidates for rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations as to what can be achieved from this surgery.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPEN AND CLOSED PROCEDURE?
There are two types of rhinoplasty techniques, open and closed. An open procedure is when the surgeon makes an incision through the bit of tissue between the patient’s nostrils, called the columella, then opens up the nose to operate. In a closed procedure, the doctor makes incisions inside the nose. Open procedures are often done when the nose has been injured or when the patient wants their nose dramatically reshaped. Closed procedures are for more minor and delicate corrections.
IS A RHINOPLASTY AN INPATIENT OR OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE?
Most rhinoplasties are outpatient procedures. This means that the patient is free to go home the same day of the surgery after a period of rest and monitoring in a recovery room. However, in some cases, the surgeon may ask the patient to stay overnight.
WHAT SORT OF ANESTHESIA IS GIVEN?
General anesthesia is usually given for a rhinoplasty. This means that the patient is completely asleep and feels no pain.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN A PATIENT HAVE A RHINOPLASTY?
Generally, patients only get one rhinoplasty. This is why it is important to be open and honest with your surgeon about your concerns and expectations. If needed, a revision rhinoplasty can be done. This surgery is for patients who have undergone a previous rhinoplasty and are unhappy with the results, or the nose has become damaged in some way. About 15% of all rhinoplasties are revision rhinoplasties.
WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?
For most patients, whatever discomfort that comes after the anesthesia wears off can be handled with pain medications. They should sleep with their head elevated as they heal, avoid hot areas, and avoid sneezing. Patients will notice some change immediately but with swelling, bruising, and inflammation, it will take some time to see the most dramatic results.
Contact Integrated Ear, Nose & Throat For a Consultation
If you live in the Denver area, are unhappy with your nose and are considering rhinoplasty, set up a consultation with one of our team members at Integrated ENT. We are a team of highly-trained, qualified specialists that work to give you amazing results. Call today at
(303) 706-1616.
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Sudden hearing Loss
SUDDEN HEARING LOSS
Each year, between 5 and 30 per 100,000 individuals unexpectantly lose their hearing in a matter of minutes, because of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Sadly, immediate medical help is often not sought out, because it is mistaken as temporary blockage, caused by wax or fluid. However, SSNHL is a medical emergency, and it is important to be treated immediately.
What is SSNHL?
SSNHL is a noticeable drop in hearing over a short period of time. It most commonly affects just one ear, although it can affect both ears. It seems to be most common in individuals who are between the ages of 30 and 60. To improve the chances of recovery, early treatment with steroids and/or antiviral medication may be advised where appropriate. If SSNHL occurs, you might notice a pop in the affected ear, after which either the hearing may immediately disappear, or it could slowly decline over a few hours. It may also be accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
What shall I do if I lose my hearing suddenly?
SSNHL is a medical emergency and can result in permanent hearing loss. For the best chances of improvement, it is recommended to seek medical advice immediately. An Audiologist can help guide you in the right direction, however an Ear Nose and Throat Physician is able to provide the necessary treatment. Patients should request an emergency audiogram because it can rule out ear wax or other possible causes of hearing loss and can help diagnose SSNHL.
How is SSNHL treated?
High- dose oral steroids are the most common treatment, although occasionally the patient may need steroid injections directly into the ear. Patients have the best possible outcome if treated within two to three days after the sudden hearing loss occurs. Waiting even just two weeks for medical attention may miss the opportunity for steroids to potentially improve your chance of recovery. You may need follow- up tests and repeated hearing assessments to monitor your progress or recovery.
Collet-Fenson, D. (2019). When Your Hearing Disappears Suddenly. The Hearing Journal, (Volume 72- Number 12), p.18.