The first step is deciding whether you might be a candidate for Botox is an examination in order to assess both your facial movements and your wrinkles. Botox has been used to treat thousands of patients over an 8-year period. The decision to start treatment with Botox is an important one. If after reading this, you don’t understand something or need more information, be sure and ask.

 

What benefits can I expect from Botox treatment? Botox can decrease the strength of the underlying upper facial muscles. By  relaxing these muscles your frown lines, squint lines, nasal crunch lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles become less deep. Your muscle strength and action will be minimized. We don’t use it around the mouth, as we don’t want to weaken your smile. Botox works on the muscles underneath the skin. If the creases are very deep in the skin, you may also need a treatment such as a temporary filler (Restylane).

 

What is Botox? Botox is a substance produced by bacteria called “clostridium botulinum”. It has been purified under very strict controlled conditions.

 

The active ingredient in Botox is the same one, which is much larger amounts, can cause botulism. Knowing what botulism is and how different it is from the way Botox works will remove any fear you may have. Botulism poisoning, although rare, can occur if a person eats food, which is contaminated with the “Clostridium Botulinum” bacteria. This bacterium makes large amounts of toxin, which circulates throughout the body. This can lead to respiratory paralysis and is sometimes fatal. In experimenting with tiny mice, the lethal dose is about 3,300 units. However, because only extremely small units of Botox are used, under 50 units, it can be injected into specific muscles of the upper face to relieve the increased muscle strength very safely. Other areas and functions are unaffected. All drugs in common use would be harmful if given in large enough doses to affect the entire body. The most notable is aspirin, which can lead to death if taken in large quantities. Given in the appropriate way and the right amounts, they are valuable allies in fighting diseases and suffering. Clinical studies of over 15 years have shown Botox to be effective and safe.

 

How do I know my doctor won’t give me too much Botox? The production of Botox is carefully controlled at every stage to ensure that it is safe for medical use. Your doctor has been trained to administer it safely and manage any problem that may occur.

 

Are there any patients who should not receive Botox? Botox should not be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers or people who have myasthenia gravis or muscle disease.

 

What does Botox look like? Botox comes in a glass vial containing small amounts of crystals. A special solution containing water and a small amount of salt (normal saline) is added when your doctor prepares the products for the injection. A solution is injected into specific muscles. Your doctor will discuss with you, prior to the injection, where the injections will be placed.

 

Does the injection hurt? When injected, Botox does not cause irritation or inflammation. Occasionally, patients have complained that the fluid felt like a very mild sting.

 

Does your face feel different afterwards? No. The skin and facial movement feel just the same as before – you won’t notice that it’s in your face except by looking in the mirror. 

 

Does Botox interact with other drugs? It is always important to let your doctor know if you are taking other drugs and specifically aminoglycoside antibiotics. These types of antibiotics may increase the effect of Botox.

 

How long does Botox take to work? The effects are usually first noticed in 72 hours and it may take up to 10 days to maximize the effect. You may be asked to return after the first injection so that we can assess your response.

 

How long do the effects of Botox last? A recent study in the United States showed that Botox lasted from 3 to 11 months for upper facial wrinkling. In most cases, it lasts 3 to 6 months. Frown muscles may seem to be totally blocked for 2 months then you will be able to move the muscles but the lines will stay diminished for months.

 

Does it mean that I will need more injections? Yes. Injections 2 to 3 times a year are often common to maintain a benefit over a long period of time. The treatment can be repeated for as long as is required.

 

New!!! Botox for hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating for underarms, hands and feet).

This treatment is extremely effective and lasts a duration of 6 months.