Grant L. Carter, MD and Gayle M. Carter, MD are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and are proud to announce the opening of Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics. Both physicians are laser certified and have extensive backgrounds in gynecologic laser treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics allows our physicians to build on their backgrounds to provide professional laser aesthetic skin treatments for both women and men.

Grant L. Carter, MD attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was recognized by the AOA Medical Honor Society and Chief Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing in Southern Utah since 1982 when he founded Southern Utah Womens Health Center. He is currently director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Dixie Regional Medical Center. Dr. Carter is well known for his practice of comprehensive women’s health care, including laser surgery, which he pioneered in the Southern Utah area. He was laser certified using Laserscope laser in 1989 and since then has had experience treating multiple conditions. Dr. Carter is licensed in Utah and Nevada and has privileges at both Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah and Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah.

Gayle M. Carter, MD joined Grant Carter, MD at Southern Utah Womens Health Center in 1984. He attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Carter was the first recipient of the Michael Worley Award, presented to the outstanding resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1980. He has been board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1986. He was laser certified using the Laserscope laser in 1989, and has had extensive experience with laser surgery and treatment of various medical conditions, encompassing all facets of women’s health care. Dr. Gayle Carter is currently serving as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, as well as serving on the Medical Executive Committee, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He is licensed in both Utah and Nevada.

Botox® is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large amounts, this toxin can cause botulism, which you probably associate with food poisoning.  Scientists have discovered a way to use it to human advantage.  Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles.  Used in its purified form, in tiny amounts, injection of Botox® will relax muscles, lessening the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet.  Botox® has FDA approval for treatment of wrinkles and facial creases, and in 2002, was given approval for treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows.

Unlike surgery, Botox® is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with no downtime or recovery.  Most people can return directly to work or normal activity following treatment.  This treatment is quite popular, and when used in combination with other rejuvenation treatments, is very successful.

How does it work?

Botox® blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles.  This reversibly relaxes the muscles under the skin. Facial lines formed by the pull of underlying muscles will then diminish or disappear.  It is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines.  Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox®.  You will notice Botox® beginning to work within two to four days, and it will continue to improve over the following seven to ten days.

How is Botox® given?

Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox® is injected into locations on the face.  Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the discomfort associated with the injections is minimal.  Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite.  It will take three to seven days to take full effect.  No sedation or local anesthetic is needed and normal activities can be resumed immediately.

How long does a Botox® injection last?

The effects from Botox® will last four to six months.  As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and will need to be retreated.  Repeat treatments have been shown to last longer. Treatment with Botox® can be done indefinitely.

What are the side effects of Botox®?

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect.  Headaches, which resolve within 24-48 hours, can occur but this is rare.  A very small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping.  This usually resolves within a few weeks.  This development is usually caused by migration of the Botox® and for this reason you shouldn't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for three to four hours.  There have been no allergies associated with Botox® to date.

Who should not receive Botox® injection?

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease should not use Botox®.