Botox Cosmetics
Botox
An estimated 11 million people worldwide have used Botox, making it one of the most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Because of its popularity, Botox is often performed in nonmedical settings. However, it is very important that you receive Botox injections from a trained and experienced health care professional.
Our doctors and nurse practitioners are specially trained in administering Botox injections. We treat a high volume of patients with a wide range of needs who experience excellent results.
Botox is the name for a drug made from botulinum toxin type A. Botulinum toxin is the bacteria that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. However, when administered in very small doses, it is safe and effective for smoothing wrinkles in the face and neck, as well as treating a variety of medical conditions. The drug works by blocking the nerve impulses that tell your muscles to contract, temporarily paralyzing muscles that cause wrinkles. This results in skin that has a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Effects last about three to six months.
Botox works by inhibiting muscle movement that leads to lines and furrows. It is used to improve:
Vertical grooves or creases between your eyebrows
Creases or furrows on your forehead
Crow's feet, which are lines around the sides of your eyes
Frown lines
Thick bands in your neck
Botulinum toxin may also be used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating, most commonly in the underarms and palms. This is a debilitating problem that often interferes with work, social interactions and daily activities. Botulinum toxin is typically used for patients with hyperhidrosis who have not responded to other medical therapies.
Procedure
Botox injections will be performed in your doctor’s office. Depending on the number of injections, the procedure lasts between 10 to 30 minutes. It is a relatively painless procedure, although you may experience some slight discomfort, often described as a "prick."
During the procedure, you will be asked to contract the muscle area to be treated so your doctor can determine injection sites. These areas may then be numbed with a cold pack or topical cream. The doctor will then administer several tiny injections of Botox directly into the muscle.
Recovery
You will notice improvement in your treated wrinkles three days after injections; it typically takes two weeks for final results appear. You may experience some mild temporary bruising, numbness or redness around the injection sites.
When the effects of Botox start to wear off, your wrinkles will return, but they may not be as deep. You may then have additional injections. Two or three treatments per year are recommended to achieve maximum benefits.
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after injections, although strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours. It is also recommended that you remain in an upright position for four hours after your injections and do not rub or massage the treated area to prevent spreading Botox to other muscles.
Follow-up
After your treatment with Botox our Clinical experts will want to have a follow up appointment in 2-3 weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
We will then provide any follow up needs as well as a comparison of your before and after treatment images.
The results of your Botox injections will generally last around five months. If you wish to maintain your wrinkle-free look, another round of injections is necessary. We recommend follow up for continued treatment at four to five month intervals.
