Botox®, one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures today, is an injectable treatment that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe lines and wrinkles on the face. Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. These "expression lines," often called frown lines or crow's feet, are due to the contraction of a muscle under the skin in that area. Physician performed.

Before Botox® on Left — After Botox® on right

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox®?
Botox® is the brand name of botulinum toxin type A that has been in use since 1990. Although Botox® is a toxin, there have been no serious side effects. This is because it is used in extremely small amounts and does not spread throughout the body.

Where can Botox® be injected?
The most common areas to receive Botox® are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the horizontal frown lines, and the crow's feet.

What is Botox® Cosmetic?
Botox® Cosmetic is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:

• lines around the eyes known as crows feet caused by squinting or smiling
• horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
• lines and folding of skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning.

Is it Safe?
Yes! Botox® has been available for over 20 years and has been proven safe with very few side effects. Botox® Cosmetic is an approved prescription drug by the FDA.

Will it give me food poisoning? Is it boutulism? Isn’t it a toxin or poison?
No, it is not botulism and will not cause food poisoning and is neither toxic or poisonous to humans. Botulism is the name of an illness, not the name of the active drug. The product is a purified protein which is extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and then rigorously processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. It is very similar to how Penicillin comes from mold.

How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
For cosmetic treatment, a typical dose is under 100 units. You would have to receive over 35 times this dose at one time to make you even remotely sick. The cost for that large a dose would be over $42,000.

How does it work?
Simply by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.

How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do it on your lunchtime and no one would even know you have had it done.

How quickly does it work?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the full effect. Usually, we ask patients to wait for the 14 days to pass in order to fully see results.

How is it done and does it hurt?
The drug is injected with a very delicate, tiny insulin-type needle. Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear patients ask “Is that all?”.

How long does it last?
This is not a permanent procedure. It will last between 3 and 4 months on average. If you follow our dermatologist’s directions by having your first 4 treatments promptly every 3 months, your next few treatments will last longer than 3 months. Most patients who strictly adhere to this schedule find:

• their next treatment lasts 4 months
• the following treatment lasts 5 months
• treatments can be stabilized at approximately 2 times per year.

Is my face going to look worse when it wears off?
No. Botox® stops or slows the clock of aging, and when you stop treatments, the aging clock resumes like normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use Botox® for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and you often end up looking a little better than when you originally started treatments.

How much does it cost?
This varies by each patient and a personal consultation can give you the specific amount. The number of units you will need can be given to you during consultation.

I don’t want to look like a mask without any expression; will that happen?
No. We ensure you get the look you want, as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed and refreshed, without looking “done”. In the experienced hands of our Dermatologists, patients typically say that no one knows they had anything done. Friends simply say they look well-rested and great!

What side effects can I expect?
Any side effects are rare and not permanent. There can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered with make up) or a slight short-term headache.

Where does the Botox® distribute in my body?
The drug stays local to the muscle where it was injected. It is metabolized and broken down into natural by-products within a few hours.

Can I receive Botox® treatments if I am nursing or pregnant?
No, it is not recommended. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove any harm to the mother or baby, we prefer to be 100% safe.