Botox

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® is an injectable medication approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce muscle activity causing facial expression lines between the eyebrows. It also reduces crow’s feet, forehead lines, some lines around the mouth and neck, and lifts the eyebrows in a “BOTOX® Brow Lift”. It's a quick, non-surgical office procedure.

What kind of results can I expect?

Forehead lines are softened, the angry look is gone, eyebrows are raised opening up the eyelid, and crows feet are smoothed. You look more rested and less stressed or angry.

When will see results?

In 3 - 10 days.

Does BOTOX® hurt?

We apply anesthetic cream before treatment and the vast majority of patients feel it is only very mildly uncomfortable.

How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?

An average 4 to 6 months then treatment is repeated.

What will I look like immediately after the procedure?

Patients return to regular activities immediately. A tiny bruise occasionally occurs.

What are the possible side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Uncommonly temporary eyelid or eyebrow droop occurs usually lasting less than 1 month. Prescription eye drops may be used to improve it. Headache may occur and very rarely temporary double vision. If the neck is treated, neck weakness may occur. If the area around the mouth is treated, occasionally a temporary lip droop or weakness is possible.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic safe?

There have been very rare reports of heart problems, breathing/swallowing problems and allergic reactions most of which occurred during medical rather than cosmetic treatment. Since many occurred months after injection and many patients had other risk factors the relationship, if any, to the injection is unclear. There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines.

Patients with ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not be treated. Some patients have suffered serious health problems after receiving substances which were fraudulently represented as BOTOX®. Neither BOTOX® nor BOTOX® Cosmetic were in any way involved with these unfortunate events.

Remember the majority of physicians who administer BOTOX® have treatments themselves. Believe me they wouldn’t do it if they weren’t comfortable with its safety record.

Can I have BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment with other cosmetic procedures? What about Juvederm® - BOTOX® combination or Restylane® - BOTOX® combination?

It is compatible with most cosmetic procedures. Especially effective is a BOTOX®-Juvederm® combination or BOTOX® - Restylane® combination. The BOTOX® weakens the muscle to reduce the muscle action, and the Juvederm® or Restylane® fills in any etched leftover lines.

What about BOTOX® migraine treatment?

Although not specifically approved by the FDA, BOTOX® migraine treatment is often effective.

Why is there a difference in price of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is diluted in the physician's office before treatment and the dilution amount is left to the discretion of the physician. Sometimes to encourage patients to try it or to win price shoppers, it is diluted more or a smaller dose is given. This decreases cost but often gives a less complete response and shorter duration of effect.

International Units are the standard dose measurement for BOTOX®. It is priced by the unit not by the site treated. The actual price by actual unit varies very little among physicians. There may be a slight differential for expertise, numbing and additional complimentary treatments. Although you will not be able to confirm the actual dilution, ask how many units are used and compare price by the unit and the degree and duration of improvement to the cost.

Dysport™ vs BOTOX® Cosmetic?

Dysport™ and BOTOX® Cosmetic both relax facial muscles and improve wrinkles. But they are NOT interchangeable. The usual dosage of Dysport™ is 3-5 times that of BOTOX® and it spreads over a larger area. It will cost less per unit but will require 3-5 times as many units as BOTOX® for similar results. Most physicians will use predominently one or the other based on personal preference.

Any other tips to get best results?

The experience of the physician and whether that physician is trained in one of the core aesthetic specialties (Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Opthamology and Oculo-Plastics) also plays a significant role in your results. In our office I do all BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. I feel that it is a procedure that should only be performed by physicians.