BOTOX®

Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein that temporarily improves the appearance of dynamic facial wrinkles. During the treatment, very low doses of Botox cosmetic are administered through a few small injections directly into the muscles that cause facial wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic works by blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, making them relax and lessening the appearance of the wrinkles they create.  Botox can temporarily smooth moderate to severe glabellar lines between the eyebrows, worry lines located on the forehead, and periorbital lines around the eyes (also knows as crow's feet).

BOTOX®  Frequently Asked Questions

How does Botox work?

Moderate to severe glabellar lines, worry lines and periorbital lines form over time as the result of muscle activity. Botox is injected directly into the muscles causing these lines. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Botox Cosmetic treatment is quick and minimally invasive. A few small injections are made into the muscles that create your facial wrinkles. The amount of Botox Cosmetic injected is individually determined based on your needs. The treatment generally takes about ten minutes. Discomfort is minimal and many patients compare it to the sensation of a bug bite. Some redness may be present at the injection site after the treatment but that usually resolves within a few hours.

What kind of results can I expect?

You can expect to see results within a few days after your treatment; however, the appearance of the areas injected may continue to improve for up to a week. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women rated the improvement in their appearance as moderate to better 1 month after treatment. Results may vary, but generally last for between three and four months, after which Botox Cosmetic must be re-injected to maintain wrinkle-free appearance. If you discontinue treatment, the lines gradually will look like they did before treatment.

Is treatment with Botox painful?

Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, we may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following Botox treatment.

Who should not use Botox?

Botox should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

Will I experience any side effects?

Very rarely, one may have headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea after a Botox injection. Other adverse reactions include pain in the face, redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and if they do occur, they occur within the first week.

Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with Botox will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done". The muscle activity is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.  Our staff is highly experienced, and selects the appropriate dose of Botox for you such that the wrinkles are visibly less prominent, but you do not lose your facial expressions.

What are the contraindications for using Botox?

Do not use Botox if you have an infection where Botox will be injected, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox, or are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.