Utilizing the Science of Facial Improvements since 1999
Northstar and Dr. Daniel Berger has been involved utilizing the science of facial improvements since 1999. Historically, Dr. Berger’s initial interest in using this technology stemmed from his initial observations in the appearance of some patients with chronic diseases. Although patients were often healthy and functional, they sustained facial changes or disfigurement due to illness, aging or perhaps medication side effects. Coincidentally, the field of aesthetics has become more advanced and has opened many doors for healthy individuals. Healthy individuals wishing to improve their appearanceoftensee Dr. Berger at Northstar Healthcare for health maintenance taking advantage of the various aesthetic options.
At Northstar, products such as Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, Restylane and Perlane have been incorporated for rejuvenating the skin and adjacent regions, as well as maintaining a healthy appearance. This has been of great and particular interest to many of our patients. Pioneering medications and devices continue to evolve with the numerous major advances, and Dr. Berger has continued to remain prominent in making the new treatments available for his patients. Not all dermatologists and other types of physicians will perform all procedures or have the skill set, nor have more recent medications and devices always available to many physician practices. Northstar has continued to bring the latest treatments to his patients so that every individual has multiple options.
Regarding Botox, and Dysport, it was in 1970 that Dr. Alan Scott, an ophthalmologist in San Francisco, introduced botulinum neurotoxin as a therapy with a number of different uses. Botulinum neurotoxin (Botox and Dysport) blocks the release of a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) from motor nerve terminals thus reducing the muscles contractile strength. The methods of purification and modification have resulted in differing biological products. Thus the introduction of Botox and later Dysport have profoundly impacted the management of undesirable facial lines. Botox was the first treatment approved for facial aesthetic; Dysport is similar to Botox (AbobotulinumtoxinA), has a faster onset of action. Some people feel that Dysport has a greater diffusion area, but may be related to differing dosing ratios, or units used.
Both products are injected into discrete facial muscles where they act locally to reduce muscle contractions that produce skin creases, either with facial animation or at rest. The patterns of injections are tailored to fit each individual’s needs. The results in have been demonstrated to last an average of 4 months.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Berger asks his patients what they hope to achieve with the treatments. During the consultation he will ask patients to activate certain muscles so that he can feel the characteristics of the muscle action and it is important for the face to be treated as a whole to avoid drawing attention to regions that show untreated areas. Additionally accurate dosing should be applied for desired results without causing undesirable effects.
Some of the more common sites of use for Botox or Dysport include the full forehead and frontalis muscles, often up to the hair line in males, glabellar region that includes the area above the bridge of the nose, between the eyebrows. Additionally, Botox and Dysport is applied around the lateral aspect of the eyes to reduce "crows feet". Other areas can be treated, including injecting below the eye to create a more open eye appearance and along the lateral eyebrows to create an "eyebrow lift" for individuals desiring this effect. Other areas include around the upper and lower lip to improve the lip appearance and neck and chin areas can also be improved. Finally Dr. Berger also treats hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the underarms (axilla) with Botox.
In the most recent years, Botox and like treatments have become the number one most common non-surgical procedure performed in the USA. Treatment with botulinum neurotoxins are well tolerated and have proven efficacy for aesthetics. With accurate injections and treatment, the effects are predictable and result in subtle, softer and more youthful appearance without unwanted effects.
For further inquiries Dr. Berger can be reached at (773) 296-2400.
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