Everything Botox!
Cosmetic Dermatology | Botox injections
All ?’s about Botox Answered Here
Will Botox make me look frozen or unnatural?
Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States, but yet it continues to cause fear and confusion in many patients. The question is, “Is it right for you?” That depends on your taste, budget , and tolerance for pain and for needles. Let’s explain.
Botox is an injectable neuromodulator that works to relax nerve-muscle imbalance. Meaning: Wherever it’s injected, Botox causes muscles to temporarily stop moving. When muscles stop moving, wrinkles stop forming, softening and even erasing lines at rest.
Cosmetic botulinum toxin therapy works to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles of facial expression. Most commonly used to help treat frown lines, crow's feet, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), neurotoxin brand names include Dysport, Xeomin, newly FDA-approved Jeuveau, and of course, Botox. Is it as easy and as safe as everyone says?
Maybe you’ve heard of people using it before they even have any wrinkles, in order to prevent their development in the first place. Or, you might have seen images of unnaturally frozen-looking faces that have scared you from Botox altogether. Despite the growing popularity of Botox, injectables still present many unknowns and questions.
Let’s answer some of the basics.
Does Botox Prevent Wrinkles?
Absolutely. Botox (and other neurotoxins like Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau) are purified toxins that can temporarily erase or reduce horizontal forehead lines, vertical frown lines, and crow's-feet. Basically, wherever Botox is injected in the body, it paralyzes the muscles underneath the skin. When muscles are paralyzed, or move less, wrinkles are not formed. In addition to relaxing frown lines in between the eyebrows, Botox can also lift the corners of the mouth that sag with age, smooth out the chin, soften smoker's lines around the mouth, and soften vertical neck cords.
Does Botox Hurt?
Like most injections, Botox can be slightly painful, especially between the eyebrows. A topical anesthetic can be applied 10 minutes before the procedure or ice to numb the area before treatment.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
As with most cosmetic treatments, the prices for Botox vary a great deal, depending on where you live and where you decide to get treatment. Some offices will charge per unit of Botox used (which can range between $15 to $25 per unit, approximately), while others will charge per total area. In general, you can expect to spend about $350 to $450 per area.
Will Botox Make Me Look Frozen?
Botox is not designed to remove facial expressions. It's designed to soften lines from squinting, frowning, and smiling. It does paralyze your muscles and when it is used correctly, it can lift the brow to give an attractive and brighter look. But if too much is injected in the wrong areas you can look Spocked or develop a droopy eye. That's why it's important to be treated by an experienced doctor who can judge the strength of your muscles and how much Botox you will need.
Does Botox Have Side Effects?
Botox side effects are rare and temporary. Potential side effects (less than 1 to 5% of cases) include mild droopiness of the eyelid or eyebrow, which usually goes away within two weeks, slight bruising at the injection area, and headaches. Patients taking medications that contain aspirin or NSAIDs can develop pinpoint blue bruising. Patients can wear makeup immediately but should avoid heavy workouts for 24 hours.
At What Age Should I Start Getting Botox?
This also varies — and it's mostly up to you! You don't need it before you have wrinkles to hide, or you can use it preventatively. Some women in their late 30’s have very few or no wrinkles, and require very little Botox while other women in their 20s require more.
Basically, a patient can have Botox safely whenever they are bothered by their wrinkles or simply want to prevent them from forming in the first place. There is also no issue with long term use. You can start getting botox in your 20’s and continue into your 70’s.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Everyone is different, so the answer varies from patient to patient. In general, results can be seen within a week, and last for three to four months.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The consultation and procedure usually take about 30 minutes. During your consultation, your doctor usually takes photos, will assess your facial expressions, and gets to know you and your needs.
Will I Need A Touch-up A Few Weeks After Treatment?
Sometimes, Botox can spread unevenly, or we just use muscles more on one side than the other. In order to give you an even, natural look, your doctor might add 1-5 units to one area of your face to correct any Spock brow or unevenness.