Botox
Botox is a type of neuromodulator designed to temporarily paralyze muscles to minimize or remove wrinkles. Botox is a common, safe, and non-invasive method of enhancing a youthful appearance.
Treatment Time
20-30 minutes; the initial consultation and treatment can be completed together where goals are established and a treatment plan tailored to specific facial concerns.
Treatment areas
Common treatment areas include frown lines (glabella), forehead lines, crows feet, gummy smile, lower lips, and the neck (platysma muscle banding). Treatment zones are tailored to areas of patient concern.
Benefits
Botox is a well tolerated, quick, and effective way to remove facial wrinkles or treat excess sweating. The effects are predictable and last for 3-4 months. Effects are maximal around a week following treatment.
Technique
Small dots are used to mark injection sites and a dose is prescribed to each specific area. Botox is injected using very small needle to minimize pain. Patients are then given strict instructions to minimize risks.
Recovery
Common side effects include bruising and swelling at the injection site, temporary pain, and rarely a mild headache. Patient are generally fully recovered in a few days. No heavy activity is permitted for 3 days.
Risks
The main risks are bleeding at the injection site and under or over treatment of a particular area. Rarely patients can get a droopy eyelid if the injection is completed too close to the upper eyelid.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are not currently pregnant, not currently breast feeding, otherwise healthy, have clear goals of treatment, and have realistic expectations.
Adjunct Procedures
As botox is minimally invasive it is easy to combine botox with other procedures either surgical or non-surgical. Botox can be combined with filler in a safe and effective manner.