Non Surgical Procedure

Am I a good candidate for BOTOX®?

Botox ® Cosmetic has been used to treat adults of all ages. Though the results have been excellent in all age groups, they are most dramatic in those with minimal signs of aging. It is recommended for patients who:

• Have neck or facial wrinkles


• Are in good physical condition


• Are motivated to improve their appearance


• Have realistic expectations

How is surgery for BOTOX® done?

The doctor might apply ice to the area a few minutes before treatment- it causes the vessels in the skin to constrict which helps reduce bruising, and it helps decrease the small amount of pain associated with multiple injections.

Then a small diluted amount of the botulinum toxin is injected through an ultra fine needle into the specific muscles surrounding the area to be treated. There may be minor discomfort associated with needles; however, most patients report that other than slight pricking sensation, botox injections are painless.

The whole process takes about ten minutes to half an hour, depending on the number of areas being treated.

How does Botox work?

BOTOX® is the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

There are two types of wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles, or muscle wrinkles, form where muscles move the face the most (around and between the eyes and around the mouth), and Static wrinkles are lines and crinkles that appear at the corners of the eyes and in other areas on the face. Dynamic wrinkles go deep.

As they develop, they create grooves in the skin, which are apparent even when you are not moving your face. Static wrinkles are more superficial and are most noticeable when the face is moving, such as when you smile or frown. Because it affects the facial muscles, BOTOX® Cosmetic can help ease or prevent both types.

How long is the recovery period after BOTOX®?

The doctor will ask you to hold an Ice pack to the treated area for a few minutes after the treatment. This helps minimize bruising and discomfort resulting from the injections. It will also help keep the BOTOX® Cosmetic within in the injected areas.

As soon as the series of injections is completed, you can go back to your regular activities. The doctor will advise you to refrain from bending or laying down for approximately four hours after the injections until the toxin has had time to attach to the nerve-muscle connection. You will be asked not to rub the area in order to prevent the toxin from spreading to adjacent muscles.

How long does effect of BOTOX® cosmetic treatment last?

Depending on the the area being treated, one series of injections generally lasts three to six months, though in some cases the improved appearance can last up to a year. As the toxin wears off, your wrinkles will gradually return, but they won't be any worse than before the treatment.