Santa Rosa Surgeon Focuses on Cosmetic Uses of BOTOX

SANTA ROSA, CA, December 11, 2010 (Press-News.org) BOTOX Cosmetic became a household name due to its remarkable ability to reduce wrinkles. Over time, new and varied uses for this innovative product have been developed, including a recent FDA clearance for use as a migraine treatment. Dr. Victor Lacombe (www.drlacombe.com), a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Santa Rosa BOTOX Cosmetic specialist, emphasizes that wrinkle treatment is still by far the primary use for this product, and he continues to see strong demand for this indication.

"It has been a very interesting journey," says Dr. Lacombe. "In the beginning, patients and physicians were skeptical about BOTOX. The fact that it was made with botulinum toxin gave many people pause. But once the safety and success of treatment was unequivocally established, BOTOX really took off. Now, physicians are comfortable enough with it to try new applications, and they're opening even more doors."

Other uses of BOTOX include the treatment of migraines, reduction of excess sweating, reduction of pain associated with TMJ, and more. "I'm particularly encouraged by the recently approved indication for treating migraines," says Dr. Lacombe. "I'm a proponent of anything that can improve quality of life. But as a facial plastic surgeon, my focus is on wrinkles. I'm performing many standalone BOTOX treatments each week, and my Santa Rosa facelift patients appreciate that this treatment can help keep their surgical results looking fresh."

BOTOX Cosmetic is made with a purified form of botulinum toxin. When it is injected into the muscles that contract to cause wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow's feet (dynamic wrinkles), it relaxes the muscles and allows the skin to lie smooth. Treatment requires no anesthesia, no surgery and no downtime. Results appear in several days and last for several months.

"My patients are thrilled with their BOTOX treatments," says Dr. Lacombe. "They visit me regularly to keep their results fresh. The message I've heard over and over is that these men and women are relieved that they could avoid surgery. They wanted to look younger, but they just weren't ready for a face lift, brow lift, or other invasive procedure. BOTOX has made that possible."

As a trainer for Allergan, the maker of BOTOX, Dr. Lacombe has been recognized for his understanding of the product and his skilled technique. This skill has been developed over many years of practice specializing in cosmetic enhancement of the face. He is also a BOTOX Platinum Provider, meaning that he has performed a large number of injections for his many satisfied patients.

"Ultimately, the safety of any BOTOX treatment lies with the injector," Dr. Lacombe says. "Whether it's for wrinkles, sweating, or pain, BOTOX is only as effective as the person performing the injections. I recommend that anyone considering BOTOX treatment look carefully at their physician's credentials. Even though it's non-surgical, a skilled provider is just as important as it would be for a Santa Rosa nose surgery, face lift, or other surgical procedure."

Dr. Victor Lacombe (www.drlacombe.com) has more than a decade of experience as a facial plastic surgeon. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery). Education is important to Dr. Lacombe who, after completing his own education, went on to serve on the faculty at UCLA Head and Neck Surgery division. He is author of the textbook "Lasers in Aesthetic Surgery," continues research into facial plastic surgery techniques, and participates in FDA clinical research trials.