1. How safe is BOTOX®?

Botox has been shown to be "safe" when utilized by any experienced physician. Any patient must be careful to research their practitioner and question them honestly about their experience with Botox. As with any medicine or treatment, risks and complications can and do occur but they are a very small percentage of the people who are treated.


2. How many treatments will be needed for BOTOX®?

The effects of botulinum toxins last an average of 3 months. This time frame will vary from patient to patient and at times some patients get up to 6 months of effect and even longer. Since each patient is different and each treatment may have a different longevity as well 3 to 4 months is the usual duration.


3. What is a BOTOX® treatment or botox® procedure?

BOTOX® (botulinum toxin) is injected into the intended muscles just under the skin in the areas that you have unwanted lines of the forehead, glabella (area between the eyes) and at the crow' s feet (lines outside the eyes). Botox is used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows.


4. How are BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® used cosmetically?

Dysport is a botulinum toxin like BOTOX® but is made by a different company, Medicis. Dysport was recently approved by the FDA but has been used extensively in Europe for reducing wrinkles for years. Dysport has the same FDA indications for use that Botox does and lasts a similar length of time. Injections are also performed in the same way. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.


5. What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name BOTOX®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crow' s feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults younger than 65 years of age for a short period of time (temporary).


6. What is a BOTOX® party?

At our office, we occasionally will schedule a Patient Appreciation Day where the only appointments for that day are for patients who will be having BOTOX® injections.A recent trend, the BOTOX® party is a social gathering at which a doctor injects the participants with BOTOX® to reduce or remove facial wrinkles. These are frowned upon in professional circles as the environment is not completely controlled and can lack the sterile environment found in the doctor' s office. While a BOTOX® party can provide the social support of friends, it should not be looked upon as an alternative to scheduling an appointment with a highly trained and experienced physician.


7. Where can I find BOTOX® doctors in my area?

Please call the office to schedule a consultation to discuss BOTOX® injections. Unlike many offices who employ registered nurses or physician assistants, I perform this procedure myself and would be more than happy to have you come in to discuss the procedure, look at before and after photos and answer any questions you may have.