BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smooths the deep, persistent lines and wrinkles that develop over time. It’s the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines look better in adults.

By relaxing muscles and inhibiting muscle contractions, Botox® effectively prevents the appearance of wrinkles and gives the face and neck a smoother, younger appearance. In addition, Botox® also keeps new wrinkles from forming by greatly reducing muscle pull on the skin. When skin stays smoother and wrinkle-free over time with regular Botox® injections, patients find that the skin remains softer and more hydrated as well.

No. A topical numbing cream and very fine needle is used to administer Botox® so the pain associated with the injections is minimal to none. With topical anesthetic, a Botox® procedure can be virtually painless. Even without a numbing agent, pain is minimal, and you may only feel a little pinch. Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your provider may use ice to numb the treatment area.

In a one-on-one consultation with your physician, he or she can assess your unique needs and help you determine if BOTOX® is right for you. Typically, though, most adults in good health with mild to moderate facial wrinkles can be considered good candidates. BOTOX® Cosmetic could be right for you if you are seeking to reduce the appearance of certain facial lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet and frown lines along the forehead.

While Botox® treatment can be used almost everywhere on the face, some facial areas respond better than others:

• Forehead Wrinkles
• Crow’s Fee
• Forehead Frown Lines
  
• Marionette Lines and Corners of the Mouth
• Neck Bands
• Sagging Brows
  

Normally you will see improvement within a few days. Botox requires two to four days for it to attach to the nerve ending that would normally stimulate the muscle to contract. The maximum effect usually occurs at about 10-14 days. Therefore, patients will typically see the maximum effect at around 2 weeks post-treatment.

There is no downtime after BOTOX®. The treatment takes very little time, and after your appointment, you can return to your daily routine right away. Right after the treatment, you may have a small amount of redness and swelling – this will usually resolve within ten minutes. Most people experience no pain or side effects, a small number get a mild headache after the treatment which can be eased with mild pain relief.

The initial appointment is about 30 minutes, which is longer than follow up appointments which are only around 15 minutes. Each Botox® treatment takes about 15 minutes to complete, making Botox® a convenient treatment option for those with busy schedules who are looking to soften crow's feet, frown lines, and wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyes.

Botox® results are not permanent. The effects of Botox should last between three and six months on average. The exact duration of results depends on several factors, such as the dosage, the application, the anatomy of the patient, and the area that was treated with Botox®. The effects generally take effect 4-7 days after the first treatment. Repeat injections are administered at your discretion when muscle function returns. Over time, as these muscles begin to lose their strength, intervals between sessions may lengthen, so that injections can eventually be spaced 5-7 months apart.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Do NOT consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment (alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising)
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications, if possible for a period of 2 weeks before treatment. Medications and supplements such as aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and other NSAIDS have a blood thinning effect and can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Schedule your Dermal Filler and Botox appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event which you may be attending, such as a wedding or a vacation. Results from the Dermal Filler and Botox injections will take approximately 4 to 7 days to appear. Also bruising and swelling may be apparent in that time period.
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)
• You may take Arnica tablets 2-3 days prior to your injection to reduce the risk of bruising
• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore or blemish on the area.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Do NOT manipulate the treated area for 3-5 hours following treatment. Do not massage treated areas after treament
• It is best to try to exercise your treated muscles for 1-2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raise your eyebrows, and squint). This helps to work the product into your muscles.
• Do NOT receive facial/ laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10-14 days. Ask your provider if you are not sure about the time frame of certain services.
• Do NOT lie down for 4-6 hours after your Botox treatment. Stay in a vertical position for 4 hours following injection. Do not rest your head or lie down; sit upright.
• It can take approximately 4 to 7 days for results to be seen. If the desired result is not seen after 2 weeks of your treatment you may need additional Botox. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
• Do NOT perform activities involving straining, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise for 6 hours after treatment. This will keep the Botox in the injected area and not elsewhere.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You may resume other normal activities/routines immediately
• Ice (but avoid firm pressure) for 15 minutes 3 times the day of treatment. You may take Acetaminophen/Tylenol if you experience any mild tenderness/discomfort
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after treatment. Do not apply products that are potentially irritating for 2 -3 days before and after treatment (EX: Tretinoin/retin-a, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone)

Botox® is $15/unit and the average patient looking for full correction would receive around 65 units, which would be $975. Please see here for more pricing information.