Botox
BOTOX is the most explosive and dynamic treatment option to hit the country in years. Though used by physicians and Hollywood movie and television stars for years, the general public is just now realizing the extraordinary benefits of BOTOX.  From approximately 200,000 treatments given in 2003, to an astounding 2 MILLION treatments performed in 2004, these numbers are expected to continue to climb as more and more people are discovering the miraculous results from BOTOX. BOTOX is easily becoming the most sought after treatment option to help reduce wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and frown lines.   

WHAT IS BOTOX?
BOTOX is a highly refined and purified protein, produced and manufactured by Allergan. FDA approved, the protein is subsequently injected into targeted muscles, which relaxes the muscles that causes wrinkles and lines to form.  The actual toxin or live bacteria is never injected, so the risk of a botulism infection will not occur.   Treatments are quick and simple, involve no down time, have minimal discomfort, and are non-surgical.

What is the treatment like?
Each treatment session will usually last 15 minutes.  The process consists of a few injections into the targeted muscle(s).  There is no recovery time. You can even do it during your lunch break.  Although no anesthesia is required, we can reduce any discomfort by using a topical numbing cream prior to the injections. You may resume normal activity immediately after the procedure.  Results are visible within a few days and last between 3-6 months.

How does BOTOX work?
The BOTOX protein injected into the targeted muscle will block the nerve from signaling the specific muscle to contract.  Preventing contractions of the muscles means no movement of the over lying skin, resulting in fewer wrinkles.  Results are generally visible within 2-3 days with best results by day 9.   Your healthcare provider will know how much BOTOX is needed to treat you effectively.  Also, if you are concerned with side effects or complications associated with long term use, don’t be.   Muscles that are injected still remain in fine working order, even after years and years of treatment.  In other words, if you have been treated with Botox for years and one day you decide not to continue with treatments, your muscles will resume normal
functioning.

Are there any advantages to starting younger?
Usually it is to the patient’s advantage to start younger.  That way you can prevent permanent deep lines from forming.  It is better to prevent wrinkles than to treat them. Also, with ontinued use, the effects of BOTOX will last longer and longer with each subsequent treatment.

What will I look like after my injection?
The majority of patients will have a few red dots in the areas that have been injected. These marks typically take 15 minutes to go away. After that, there is no sign that you have had an injection. If you develop a small bruise, it can be concealed with make-up and will usually resolve in 24-48 hours.

What are my restrictions after the injection?
Due to the mechanism of action of BOTOX, it is recommended that certain activities are restricted for 2 hours following injection, such as getting a facial or massage, drinking alcoholic beverages, flying, exercising and straining.

What areas can BOTOX treat?
Botox is most often used to treat wrinkles on the forehead, wrinkles around the eyes, and wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Is it true that BOTOX last longer and longer the more you do it?
Yes, for most people.  What is important is the interval between injections. The effects of BOTOX will last longer and longer with each subsequent treatment.  It is recommended that you do not allow your wrinkles to return to 100% before getting another injection, as the BOTOX will have to start over from scratch in reducing wrinkles.  If administered before the effects wear off, thus maintaining a wrinkle free area, this will extend the time BOTOX will be effective.

BOTOX

Before   After