How
does the treatment work?
Botox®
temporarily reduces the contractions of the muscles that
cause wrinkles. By relaxing the muscles, the overlying
skin becomes smoother. Several tiny Botox® injections
are administered directly into the muscles that cause
lines and wrinkles. Your health care provider will
determine where those muscles are located.
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.
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
pain or discomfort is a slight pin-prick sensation from
the small needle injecting the Botox®. If necessary,
ice or a topical anesthetic may be applied prior to
treatment.
How
long do 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 age eighteen to sixty-five
and interested in improving the appearance of their
face. Many candidates are seeking relief from wrinkles
and brow furrows.
What
are the alternative treatments?
An
alternative treatment to Botox® is skin resurfacing,
which includes many types of laser therapies and
chemical peels. These procedures can be painful and may
have a much longer recovery time than Botox®. Other
alternatives include surgery such as a brow lift.
Is
additional treatment 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®?
The
limitation of Botox® is that it is not a permanent
answer to reducing wrinkles. Also, results vary and
occasional problems with asymmetry may occur.
Who
are treatments provided by?
Treatments
can be provided by any authorized healthcare
professional.
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.
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 four hours after injections and avoid aerobic
activity for a few hours.
What
is Botox®?