By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology Though I feel most people have gotten to the point where they know Botox® isn’t going to injure or harm them, patients do still ask about the long-term risks of doing Botox on a regular basis. Is it going to be safe for me to start this? Am I going to be able to continue doing it? Are there any long-term risks of putting this into my body on a regular basis?  These are the types of questions I typically get from patients looking to start Botox and keep up with it. I understand their hesitation, and it’s definitely something to think about… read more

By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology Everybody loves a bargain, right? Getting an unbeatable deal on a great product or service – what’s not to love? But if you’re bargain shopping for your Botox or fillers, we need to have a talk.  Scanning coupon sites for injectables is a bad idea. Let’s face it, experienced and respected dermatologists who do a lot of injectables aren’t going to be offering bargain deals online.  Five major risks you take when bargain shopping for injectables We’ve already talked about signs that it’s time to run from a good deal on injectables, like when the facility doesn’t seem clean or sanitized. But when… read more

By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology You know Botox® is the gold standard for treating wrinkles and facial creases, but maybe due to financial reasons or the fact that you simply aren’t prepared for injectables, you’re just not ready to take the leap.  When Botox is the best solution to improve my patient’s concerns, but they aren’t quite ready, they often ask me about the best alternatives. But are there any true alternatives to Botox? Are there any good alternatives to Botox? I’ll say this in the beginning. There aren’t any real alternatives to Botox. There are things you can do that might help to prevent wrinkles, but as… read more

By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology These days, you can get your Botox® and fillers just about anywhere. The salon, the dentist, the spa. Just about everyone is offering injectables, and some even claim to have the ability to offer you a “discount” price.  Of course, cheap prices on injectables can be tempting, but just remember, when you pay for Botox or fillers, you’re not only paying for the actual product, but the experience of the injector. If the price is too low, then it’s possible neither may be any good.  Cheap injectables and why you should think twice Those tempted by the deals on Groupon and other places… read more

By: Dr. Corey Hartman, Skin Wellness Dermatology Many times, patients come into my office more than ready to do something about the signs of aging they’re starting to see in the mirror. They’ve seen the commercials and even had friends tell them about their latest Botox® treatment, or the fillers they just got from their favorite dermatologist.  While many patients know that Botox or fillers may likely be the effective treatment they’re looking for, they don’t always understand the real differences between the two.  That’s why I want to lay it out as plain and simple as I can. No jargon, just straight-forward facts that’ll help you truly understand the… read more

By now, you are most likely familiar with botulinum toxin, more commonly referred to by its brand name, Botox®. The FDA approved Botox® in 2002 for the temporary improvement of the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows. Since then, it has been approved for the treatment of lines in the forehead and around the eyes as well. Dermatologists often use it off label for the cosmetic enhancement of lines in many other areas, including the chin, neck, and lips. Its effects last about four months. What you may not know is that botulinum toxin is also used for many non-cosmetic uses as well. It is used in neurology for… read more

For several years now, men and women from across the globe have restored their youthful faces with Botox®. Birmingham and Chelsea, AL area residents can enjoy the great benefits of the Botox® cosmetic solution offered at the Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama. This derivative of botulinum toxin is proven to be a safe and highly effective way to handle some of the most common signs of aging that occurs on the upper third of the face. Botox® is designed to relax the muscles that tense up beneath the skin. Muscle contractions occur as the brain commands, typically in order to make facial expressions. Due to the frequency with which these… read more