What is Botox Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Why and How Do We Develop Wrinkles?
There are multiple factors that cause the skin to wrinkle. The first is your genes, which determine the thickness and shape of your skin. Another factor is the stretching and contraction of hyperdynamic muscles under the skin, which causes folding of the skin. Botox is commonly used and most effective for creases between the eyebrows, crow’s feet and horizontal creases on the forehead. While less common, Botox can also be used for the lower part of the face such as upper lip wrinkles (smoker lines), neck, chin, and other areas.
Frown lines are created when the muscles of your forehead contract and cause your skin to fold or furrow. Over time, your skin becomes less elastic and these folds begin to form stubborn lines. These dynamic frown lines are caused by overactive muscles and can be treated with small injections of Botox.
Static lines, however, are lines that exist even when your muscles are at rest. These lines are commonly treated with fillers such as Juvederm.
What does Botox Cosmetic do?
Botox diminishes or even eliminates wrinkles between the brows, on the forehead, and around the eyes. In many people it elevates droopy eyelids and brows (“non-surgical brow lift”). Botox avoids or postpones unnecessary plastic surgeries.
What is the treatment like?
Botox Cosmetic is a minimally invasive and quick procedure that consists of a few tiny injections. Dr. Shafa will use her training, expertise, and experience to determine the exact points of injection necessary to achieve the best results for you. No anesthesia is required. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes and discomfort is minimal and brief, with no downtime.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox?
The best candidates for Botox are women and men older than 18 years of age who have noticed unwanted wrinkles on the face or those who simply want to improve themselves.
Dr. Shafa has extensive expertise in the area of customized injections, even with the advanced and deep wrinkles of people that want to avoid surgery.
If Dr. Shafa is not able to fulfill her patients’ expectations of Botox, she will let them know during their complimentary Botox consultations.
Who injects Botox Cosmetic at our office?
Dr. Shafa is the only person that injects Botox cosmetic at our office. She says “My patient’s satisfaction with my injectables is so high that I like to be a part of this pleasure.” The procedure that Dr. Shafa is most well known for as an expert is her use of injectable.
Do Botox injections hurt?
There is minimal discomfort with this procedure. The level of discomfort depends on the technique of injection and type of needle used. At our office, none of our patients ask for numbing cream, cooling devices, ice or premeditation for discomfort.
Are there side effects of Botox Cosmetic?
Possible side effects are discomfort at the site of the needle insertion and possibly light bruising, which usually lasts for no longer than a day. The most common unwanted effects are very mild headaches or temporary eyebrow drooping, which rarely happens in the hands of expert physicians such as Dr. Shafa.
Will I still be able to make facial expressions?
Although you will see a significant improvement, Botox Cosmetic will not make you look like you’ve “had work done”. Your muscle activity is simply reduced, so you can still make normal facial expressions without causing wrinkles or creases.
How soon will I see a difference?
Results are noticeable usually after 3 to 5 days.
How long does Botox last?
Per literature, results last 3 to 4 months. Based on my personal experience, I see the best effects the very first time a patient is exposed to Botox. Thereafter, the results usually last 3 to 4 months. I rarely hear that results last as short as 6 weeks or as long as a whole year. Those that do experience results lasting as long as a year are patients who have developed weakening and thinning of the muscles (muscles atrophy) due to lack of muscle movement.
Before Treatment Precautions?
Avoid taking blood thinners (i.e. anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Advil, Aleve etc.) one week prior to injection. Also stop vitamin E, as these medications increase the risk of bruising.
After Treatment Precautions?
No, there is no down time. You can go back to work immediately. It is recommended to avoid vigorous exercise and not to lay down for a few hours after the procedure.
How can I be sure I’m getting real Botox Cosmetic?
Allergan,Inc., is the maker and distributor of Botox and the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product. We purchase our Botox directly from Allergan, a reliable and trusted source.
There are also distributors from outside of the US that act as middlemen and provide Botox at a significantly less expensive cost than Allergan. My advice to you is when you are shopping around, do not choose the least expensive offers – I have seen several advertisements that charge under the physician’s cost. Choose licensed and trained physicians to protect yourself.
What do I need to know about reasonable charges for Botox?
Reliable and safe Botox from Allergan is not inexpensive. Generally, you pay between $10 to $16 per unit. Remember that the volume of Botox, i.e. how many syringes or cc used, doesn’t signify anything. What is important is how many units of Botox are used for you.
Remember that you never get the very best service with the lowest charge. Look for the very best service with reasonable charges, especially for cosmetic services.
How many units of Botox do I need?
It depends on the depth of the wrinkles, the size of the area that needs to be corrected, and gender. (Our male patients usually have longer foreheads, thicker muscles, and deeper creases).
What are my alternative treatments?
Botox is unique; there is no alternative for the same purpose. Nothing is like Botox (as oppose to fillers with many options.) During your complementary consultation Dr. Shafa will advise you about alternatives based on your need and desire. She can address your concerns with the best possible options such as laser for skin elasticity and tightening or surgical denervation for permanent paralysis of certain facial muscles, surgical facelift, etc.