Book Now
Botox® or Botox® Cosmetic, is a very common and well studied medication proven to correct moderate to severe frown lines in problem areas of the face. Problem areas include frown lines or the glabellar area of your face (between your eyebrows), forehead creases and crow’s feet. These areas eventually begin to wrinkle from years of smiling, frowning, squinting and excessive muscle movement in the face. With Botox injections, we are able to relax the underlying muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
What Does Botox Cosmetic Actually Do?
Botox Cosmetic works by blocking nerve impulses in the injected area that are responsible for the contraction of muscles. When the muscles are not able to contract, the skin appears smoother and wrinkles are softer. The outcome is a more youthful appearance. The only muscles affected are the ones in the immediate treatment area where Botox Cosmetic is injected, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.
How is Botox Injected?
It takes just a few minutes to inject Botox Cosmetic directly into the area where results are desired. Our expert injectors will use a fine needle to inject the appropriate amount of Botox, which varies depending on each patient’s specific needs. Our providers’ goal is to produce natural looking results with each botox treatment, relaxing the muscles just enough to reduce wrinkles, without compromising normal facial expressions. Botox treatments are generally pain free, however some patients experience a slight tingling sensation or soreness in the injected area for a brief period of time. Patients can return to almost all normal daily activities immediately after the injections. We suggest that you not fly, or do exercise where you are inverted for 24 hours following Botox treatments.
How long does Botox last?
Patients experience results within 7 days and treatments usually last on average 3 months.
Is Botox Safe?
When the word “Botox” is spoken it’s important to understand that there are 2 different versions of botulinum toxin – one for therapeutic medical purposes and one for cosmetic purposes. The difference between the two is in the dose. Botulinum toxin can be used in higher doses to treat muscle spasms in large muscles, most commonly used as a treatment for cerebral palsy. It’s in this higher dose where most reports of complications have been reported. Botox Cosmetic however is the branded version of a very low dose of the substance used to treat fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox Cosmetic has an excellent safety record. It is a very well studied and safe product when used for cosmetic purposes.
Botox FAQs
How many treatments are recommended for optimal results?
Usually only one treatment is necessary. However, results are not permanent and we recommend repeating treatments every 3 months to maintain the results.
When will I start seeing results?
You will see the full results of your Botox treatment within a week.
Do Botox injections hurt?
In general, Botox injections are painless. However, if the patient wants, a topical anesthetic may be applied before the procedure to minimize discomfort.
How much recovery time is needed after Botox injections?
None, you can return to most of your daily activities and apply makeup immediately following the treatment. We recommend not flying or doing inverted exercises (handstands or yoga) for 24 hours.
How much does Botox cost?
Our office charges by the unit rather than by the area because every patient uses different muscles and with varying severity. The best option would be to schedule a consultation with one of our providers to get a better idea of how many units you would need.
What are the side effects of Botox?
Most patients do not experience any Botox side-effects. However, as with most injectables, common side effects from Botox can include localized pain, tenderness, inflammation, redness, itching, bruising and/or swelling. If you do suffer from these side-effects, inform our office but in general side effects disappear within a few days.