Botox

BOTOX is purified botulinum toxin. When injected into muscles, it temporarily paralyzes them for months. BOTOX has been used since the 1970s to treat many medical disorders caused or aggravated by excessive muscle contraction. In 2002, the FDA approved BOTOX® Cosmetic for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX® Cosmetic is also widely used by Dermatologists and Plastic surgeons to treat crows’ feet, forehead lines, and bunny lines.

BOTOX® COSMETIC is injected through a tiny needle. Following injection, mild swelling and bruising may occur. An ice pack can reduce swelling. A mild headache may occur though usually lasts only the evening of the procedure. Uncommon side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic include but are not limited to asymmetry, persistent headache, eyelid drooping, and unmasking of neurological disease. It takes 3–7 days for BOTOX® Cosmetic to take effect, and wears off gradually over 3-4 months. The longevity of BOTOX® Cosmetic varies among individuals.

Patients with the following conditions should not have BOTOX® Cosmetic: an infection where BOTOX® Cosmetic will be injected, allergy to any of the components of BOTOX® Cosmetic (which includes albumin found in egg protein), diseases that affect the nerves or muscles, heart disease, or a history of facial nerve palsy. Patients who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing should also not receive BOTOX® COSMETIC.

To minimize the risk of bruising, avoid the following medicines for 1 week prior to your appointment: aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin C, E, garlic, St John’s wort, ginseng, and gingko biloba for 1 week before treatment (unless you were placed on these medications by a physician). Tylenol is not a blood thinner and is OKAY to take this prior to the procedure. Following the procedure, there are no limitations on activity and all medications discussed above may be resumed.

The number of units needed to treat an area varies among patients. Your provider will evaluate the areas to be treated and discuss with you a suggested starting number of units. Once the number of units needed to treat you is determined, most patients can maintain their results by returning every 3-4 months for treatment with the same number of units. Below are the average numbers of units needed and the resulting costs. If more BOTOX® COSMETIC is needed (i.e. the desired effect is not achieved after 2 weeks), a touch up fee of 10.00 per unit is offered. Please contact our office within 3 weeks.