1. What is a Botox Injection or botox shot?

Botox is a cosmetic form of botulinum. A botox injection is an injection of Botox for the cosmetic purpose of reducing lines on the face.


2. Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX?

The ideal candidate for Botox is anyone who has started to form lines on the face. The usual areas treated are the forehead, around the eyes and the area between the eyebrows.


3. How does BOTOX work?

Lines on the face are formed over years of creating facial expressions such as frowning, smiling or squinting. These actions are caused by the contraction of muscles. When the botulinum molecule comes into contact with these muscles, it is absorbed by the muscle. The muscle then slowly becomes weaker and decreases its ability to contract. Thus, the unfavorable facial expressions that cause wrinkling such as frowning and squinting are reduced.The result is an improvement in the appearance of the lines and wrinkles on the face.


4. What is the recovery period for BOTOX?

The injections are done with the smallest needle available. The injections, therefore, are very tolerable. In general, there is very little pain associated with these injections.The areas may become slightly red and raised for about 30-60 minutes immediately following the injections. However, any redness or swelling should be completely resolved within an hour. Most patients go right back to work or their social activities right after treatment. Most doctors recommend that patients avoid laying flat or exercising for about 6-8 hours after any injections. This is to avoid the possibility of the Botox to spread to any unwanted areas. Once the injections are done, it takes anywhere between 24-48 hours before the Botox starts working and the results can be appreciated.


5. How long do the results of BOTOX last?

Botox should last 3-6 months. I have found that some of my patients who have had Botox before have longer lasting results. Some believe that the results begin to last longer after several treatments.


6. How much does BOTOX cost?

The price varies. Treating one area, such as the lines on the forehead, for example, can cost anywhere between $200 to $500.


7. Who should perform a BOTOX procedure?

Botox should only be performed by a licensed doctor. Most agree that Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists tend to be the most experienced at injecting Botox.