Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX?

Patients who are not candidates for extensive facial cosmetic surgery procedures and those who show early signs of aging are good candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic injections.

What is a Botox Injection or botox shot?

Botox® is a protein derived from botulism toxin that is injected underneath skin in order to minimize or smoothen outlines and wrinkles on the face. Recently approved by FDA for treatment of facial wrinkles, BOTOX® has become the most common non-surgical remedy for unwanted frown lines and smile lines around the eyes. With a single-visit injection the lines can be eliminated or improved for several months.

How does BOTOX work?

BOTOX® Cosmetic injections block nerve impulses to the muscles, causing the muscles to relax. Facial wrinkles disappear almost instantly, creating a more youthful appearance. I can do the entire procedure right in my office, making a series of injections directly into the patient's facial muscles. This cosmetic procedure is fast and easy, usually painless, and you can walk out of the office and continue with your day.

What is the recovery period for BOTOX?

Most patients do not report any pain after their procedure. When asked, my patients usually compare the injection to a minor insect bite or say that they did not feel the injection at all. Some small red dots are sometimes visible on the skin after the treatment that fade within a few hours. Also, some patients find it helpful to apply a lightweight, cold compress to the treated area for a few minutes after the injection. However, in general, there is not much of a "recovery " time as there is after other cosmetic procedures.

How long do the results of BOTOX last?

If a proper number of units of Botox are injected, the results usually last for about 3 months. However, there is some variation among individual patients, so it is difficult to predict the exact time length the results will last. In general, patients usually come to my office for injections 2-3 times per year. The results vary based on the experience of the injector and the number of units of Botox that are injected.