Botox has been used around the world for almost 30 years, is approved in 72 countries for aesthetic use, has been used in 11 million procedures, and has a 95% overall satisfaction rate among those surveyed about their experiences. Botox is the 1st FDA approved botulinum toxin shown to temporarily improve moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults aged 18-65.
Botox is a purified protein that works beneath the surface of the skin and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines, wrinkles, and folds in the face. These are created from repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, and raising your eyebrows thus causing the skin to furrow and fold. Over time your skin becomes less elastic and these lines, wrinkles, and folds remain. You may notice that these areas are visible even when the muscles aren't contracting and may even start to become more prominent.
Before receiving Botox please make sure to tell the doctor of your current medical history, any medications, vitamins, or supplements being taken; as well as any medical procedures that your have had. Please notify the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. During your initial appointment the doctor will make sure to review with you whether Botox is right for you or whether a filler like Juvederm would be better suited. We advise that you make sure to go over with the doctor exactly how you want your face to look, your ideal final results and the doctor will advise you whether your expectations are realistic. Your doctor will advise you as to whether you will need to stop any of your medication that may thin blood including but not limited to aspirin, St. John's Wart, fish oil, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng, Vitamin E, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Advil, and Advil. And most importantly ask any and all questions that you may have.
Unlike other cosmetic procedures Botox can take as little as 10 minutes depending on the areas needing addressed, which is why it has often been called the "lunchtime procedure". Many say that the injections feel just like a pinch and then go away.
-For Frown Lines- the doctor will have you frown or concentrate which will cause the muscles between the brows to contract thus making the skin furrow and fold. The doctor will then inject these muscles making them temporarily appear better.
-For Crow's Feet- the doctor will ask that you squint and or smile which will cause the muscles around your eyes to contract. Once contracted the doctor will inject the muscles making them temporarily appear better.
-For Forehead Lines- the doctor will ask that you raise your eyebrows which will cause the muscles on the forehead to contract thus causing the skin to furrow and fold. Once contracted the doctor will inject these muscles to make the lines temporarily appear better.
The Botox will block signals from your nerves to their corresponding muscles. These injected muscles will no longer be able to contract to cause wrinkles which means they will relax and soften.
You will be asked to wear nothing your skin the day of your appointment including no make-up, lotions, or moisturizers. You will need to stay still during your appointment. You will be advised to use an ice pack before, during, and after your appointment to reduce any signs of facial bruising. It is also advised to avoid alcohol within 1 week of the procedure.
You will be advised to wait 4 hours before lying down after the procedure to avoid any risk of pressure on those areas which have been treated as well as to avoid the possibility of the Botox to migrate to other areas. You may notice smoothing of the lines within 24-48 hours, with full results becoming more visible within about 2 weeks after treatment. Botox typically lasts 3-6 months, although results may vary. The first time Botox is used the results may wear off in less than 3 months, with more treatments the facial muscles receive they become conditioned to the Botox and results will begin to lengthen. You may need to return for touch-ups if needed or if unsatisfied with your results.
THINGS TO TELL US ABOUT PRIOR TO STARTING BOTOX
-Tell the doctor about your medical history including any medications, vitamins, supplements, allergies, if you've had ANY medical procedures, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
-Tell the doctor if you have ANY upcoming surgery or have had ANY surgery on your face.
-Tell the doctor if you have used ANY Botulinum Toxin product with the past 4 months.
-Tell the doctor if you have ANY allergies to ingredients in Botox, have had a reaction to any other botulinum toxin product, or have currently or in the past a skin infection at or near the planned injection site.
-Tell the doctor if you have ANY muscle or nerve conditions i.e. ALS.
-Tell the doctor if you have recently received ANY antibiotics by injection.
-Tell the doctor if you have or had ANY breathing problems i.e. asthma.
-Tell the doctor if you have or had ANY issues with swallowing.
-Tell the doctor if you take muscle relaxers, allergy/cold medicines, aspirin, or any type of blood thinners.
-Tell the doctor if you currently have or have had trouble raising your eyebrows, drooping eyelids, or any other abnormal facial change.
AFTER BOTOX PLEASE AVOID
-Avoid touching your skin where Botox was injected.
-Avoid strenuous exercise/physical activity.
-Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol.
-Avoid getting any facials, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion for 24 hours.
-Avoid using blood thinners until instructed to do so.
-If you get any bruises, use topical Vitamin K & Arnica. Green or Yellow concealers may help.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS (to include, but may not be limited to)
-Loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems, dizziness.
-Dry mouth
-Discomfort, bruising, or pain at the injection site.
-Tiredness
-Headache
-Neck pain
-Eye problems
-Allergic reactions i.e. itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma like symptoms, feeling faint