1. What is a Botox Injection or botox shot?

Botox is the brand name of onabotulinumtoxinA. It is a protein produced by a specific bacteria that blocks the action of motor nerves on their specific muscles (it has no effect on sensation). A botox injection is simply the administering of a small amount of that protein to a specific muscle. Botox has been used for 20 years in a broad number of different medical conditions (it is FDA approved for 20 different conditions) and when the injection is performed by someone knowledgeable about the correct use and delivery of the product it has an outstanding safety profile. When people have it administered for cosmetic reasons an experienced injector can tailor it very specifically to the desires of the patient, relaxing different muscles to different degrees.


2. Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX?

Botox is FDA approved for treatment of moderate to severe lines in between the eyebrows although it is used on multiple other areas of the face for lines caused by the contraction of muscles. The ideal candidate is someone that is bothered by the lines that Botox can treat.


3. How does BOTOX work?

Botox works, as stated above, by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes persistent lines to form between the brows. It again cannot effect sensation in any way in the areas that it is used.


4. What is the recovery period for BOTOX?

Other than getting a small bruise, a few minutes after the procedure you can' t tell that you have had it done. It does take three to seven days to kick in.


5. How long do the results of BOTOX last?

The results will last between three and six months with subsequent treatments generally lasting longer than the first treatment.


6. How much does BOTOX cost?

Providers charge for Botox differently but it generally costs $300 and up depending on what area you are living in (NYC and Boston are more expensive than Worcester) and how many areas on the face are treated/how much Botox is used.


7. Who should perform a BOTOX procedure?

My bias is that core specialties are better equipped to administer Botox knowledgeably (Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Oculoplastics) but there are other providers that are well trained in the correct administration of the product and can perform the procedure competently. Who ever performs the procedure should be pleasant and very willing to answer any questions that you might have. They should take the time to educate you about the procedure and give realistic expectations about what to expect. It is not a very uncomfortable procedure and generally no anesthetic is necessary (although some patients will ice the area before the injection). The actual procedure takes only a few minutes.