Botox
Botox is composed of botulinum toxin. When injected into a muscle, it functions to temporarily paralyze or weaken that particular muscle. For this reason, Botox is used for cosmetic purposes to improve “hyperdynamic wrinkles”. These are wrinkles on the face created when you frown, raise your eyebrows and smile. It is not effective for “static wrinkles”. These are wrinkles that remain on the face when the face is in resting position.
The effects of Botox usually begin 3 to 4 days after treatment, although some individuals report that it takes up to a week. Improvement typically lasts 4 months, however there is individual variation. Follow up treatments are required to maintain the desired results.
Applications
Botox is FDA approved to treat neck spasms, eyelid spasms, double vision, crossed eyes, severe hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the armpits and for the cosmetic treatment of moderate to severe frown lines. These are the vertical wrinkles that occur between the eyebrows when you frown. In addition, it is commonly used, although not FDA approved, to treat crow’s feet, forehead expression lines, wrinkles on the nose and around the mouth, and hyperhidrosis of the palms and soles.
The Treatment
During your treatment visit, we will take photographs of your face in several expression patterns to help evaluate pre-treatment symmetry. Botox will then be injected into the agreed upon areas, usually with minimal discomfort.
Post Treatment
You will likely experience mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of the injection sites. For four hours after injection, you should maintain an upright position and should not exercise, bend your head forward, rub or massage the injection sites or wear makeup. We suggest that you schedule a post-op appointment (POD appointment) with your doctor for 3-4 weeks after your initial treatment for evaluation of its results.
Risks
It is possible for Botox to travel beyond the treated area. To minimize this risk, you will be given a “Post Botox Instructions” sheet with information describing limitation of activity following treatment. Although uncommon, Botox has the potential to cause drooping eyelids, blurred vision, displaced eyebrows, facial asymmetry, numbness of the forehead and headaches. All of these are temporary and self resolving. Very rare side effects include neck weakness, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, trouble speaking, difficulty breathing, and severe allergic reactions.
Contraindications
Botox should not be used in individuals who are under the age of 18, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis arid amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or have an allergy to botulinum toxin.
Alternative Treatments
Options for alternative treatments include injection of “filler” substances, brow lift, excision of muscles, nerve ablation, laser resurfacing, chemical peel and dermabrasion.
Consultation and Costs
Insurance does not cover the injection of Botox as it is undertaken for cosmetic reasons. The patient is therefore responsible for the cost of the treatment. Your physician will discuss costs with you.
We require that you call to set up a Botox consultation prior to initiating treatment. This will afford you and your physician the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the procedure and to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for you.
The cost of the consultation is $125.00. Should you choose to initiate treatment, it will be deducted from the cost of your initial treatment session, which is usually scheduled at a later date. On occasion it may be possible to have the consultation and treatment sessions combined into a single visit.
Each treatment session requires a deposit of $125.00 before it can be scheduled. This fee is not refundable but will be deducted from the cost of the treatment. The balance must be paid in full at the time of the procedure.