Botox

Listening to Patients is the key to every successful plastic surgery practice.

BOTOX has become a more common and popular non-surgical rejuvenatory procedure. Our physicians do more than 200 treatments each year. Many of our patients prefer to use BOTOX instead of surgical correction for wrinkles and lines. Although BOTOX is not permanent (lasts on average 3-6 months) it affords patients the option of instant correction without any downtime. Some patients even consider this a way of “trying on a forehead lift.”

What is Botox?

BOTOX is the brand name for botulism toxin type A, natures most potent blocker of nerve impulses. A registered trademark of the Allergan Corporation, botox is costly because it is tedious to manufacture and because no generic substitute is available.

Why do we need Botox?

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by the contractions of underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh, or frown. The more emotion you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. While you may have earned your worry lines, you don’t have to show them anymore.

How does Botox work?

BOTOX partially blocks the nerve impulses to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. This causes the muscles that are related to expression to relax. After the solution takes effect, the overlying skin will be smooth and unwrinkled while your untreated facial muscles will still function and contract continuing to cause dynamic expressions.

What is a Botox treatment like?

This is a simple and safe procedure. Our physicians use a tiny needle to cause minimal sensation and discomfort and to also allow greater precision in delivery of Botox to the specified facial area. Most patients remark that there is minimal discomfort comparing the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Botox generally takes 2-4 days to take effect reflecting the time necessary to disrupt the synaptic process.

What areas can be treated?

Botox injections are primarily used in the upper third of the face. Forehead lines between the eyebrows, and lines around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) respond favorably to Botox. Frown lines (below the mouth) and chin creases may also be improved with a Botox injection, but response here varies among individuals.

Am I a candidate for Botox?

Most patients are candidates for this procedure if they have dynamic wrinkles and lines. Contraindications generally are minimal therefore making this a suitable treatment for most patients. Patients that are pregnant or have neurological problems are not candidates, but as with all cosmetic procedures check with your physician.

How long does Botox last?

Botox injections are temporary. On average the effect lasts 3-6 months. The length of time varies among each individual. The injection can be repeated and early clinical studies have indicated that the duration of treatment benefits are increased over time so that you could require injections less frequently in the future.

Are there any side effects to Botox?

Temporary bruising of the injection site is the most common side effect. This is indicative of each patient and their normal response to any tissue change. In some cases, Botox can migrate to the wrong muscle causing drooping of the eyelid or unevenness of the brows. With skilled technique and knowledge of the the face and underlying muscles the chances of this are reduced to about 1%. Because the effects of Botox are completely reversible, any side effects are temporary.

What results can I expect?

Most patients desire a more youthful appearance. Some prefer to look less “angry”, while others are concerned about preventative therapy. Whatever the reason, the outcomes are the same. Wrinkles that are controlled by muscle movement are decreased and smoothed. Wrinkles that are from sun exposure or not muscle related will not be affected by Botox. Botox will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift or browlift.