What is Botox?

• Botox is a muscle relaxing agent derived from Botulinum that reduces wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing the muscle. The most common area of treatment is frown lines of the forehead. It may also be used to treat forehead lines, crow's feet and smoker's lines around the mouth.

How does the treatment work?

• Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles. By relaxing these muscles, the overlying skin becomes smoother. Several tiny Botox injections are administered directly into the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles.

Is Botox safe?

• Botox is safe and has very few side effects. Rare side effects include headache, flu-like symptoms and temporary eyelid droop.

Will there be any downtime?

• You may resume normal activities immediately. Vigorous exercise or laying flat may be restricted for a few hours following treatment. Many clients undergo Botox during their lunch break and return to work after treatment. As with any injectable procedure, there is a possibility of localized bruising in areas where Botox injections are administered. Such bruises, if they should occur at all, are easily camouflaged by makeup and typically last only a few days.

What are the benefits of Botox?

• Botox has no downtime as opposed to other wrinkle reducing methods. Also, following treatment there is little to no pain or discomfort. Results can be seen after only one session.

How long does a Botox treatment last?

• A Botox treatment lasts only a short period of time and depends on how many areas are being injected and the size of the treated areas.

How does the treatment feel?

• The only discomfort is a slight pin-prick sensation from the small needle used to inject the Botox. Although rarely necessary, ice or a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to treatment.

How long do the results last?

• Results of Botox vary and can last up to four months. Generally, most people can expect three months of improvement. Treatments are offered every few months for maintenance.

Who are candidates for Botox?

• Candidates for Botox injections are individual’s ages eighteen to sixty-five who are interested in improving the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.

Who should avoid Botox?

• Do not use Botox if you have an infection where the Botox will be injected, are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or are pregnant. Some conditions may increase the chance of infection, so a doctor should be advised of your medical history before receiving Botox.

What are the alternative treatments?

• An alternative treatment to Botox is skin resurfacing, which includes many types of laser therapies and chemical peels. Often, these procedures are done in conjunction with Botox for optimal results. Other alternatives include surgery such as a brow lift.

Are additional treatments necessary?

• Generally, after three to four months, the Botox effects will begin to fade and facial features will gradually return to their former state. Maintenance treatments are necessary to keep the effect of Botox for long periods of time.

What are the limitations of Botox?

• One limitation of Botox is that it is not a permanent answer to reducing wrinkles. In addition, results vary and occasional problems with temporary asymmetry may occur.

Instructions before treatment:

• Avoid alcoholic beverages and anti-inflammatory medications before treatment. Schedule a Botox appointment at least two weeks prior to any special events to allow time to heal.

• Avoid Aspirin and blood thinners, 5 days prior to treatment.

Instructions after treatment:

• Treat any mild discomfort with Tylenol, and expect temporary swelling. If desired, an icepack can be applied after treatment. Do not massage the treated areas because it may move the Botox around and create a different effect. It is generally recommended to remain upright for five hours after injections and avoid aerobic activity for a few hours.