1. Botox

2. 1. What is Botox? Botox is a purified form of Botulinum Toxin Type A. This is a neurotoxin that causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles being treated.

3. 2. How does Botox work? Botox blocks acetylcholine from binding with its receptor. This prevents the nerve impulse from signaling a muscle to contract. When the muscle can’t contract, it prevents lines from forming on the skin.

4. 3. What is the difference between Botox and dermal fillers? Botox is a neurotoxin; its target is a muscle. The ending result is the relaxation of a muscle, preventing it from contracting. Dermal fillers are used to fill areas that lack volume. There are several FDA approved dermal fillers in the U.S. Depending on the area to be treated, dermal fillers can help fill fine lines, moderate to deep folds in the skin, and even mid face cheek volume.

5. 4. How long does Botox last? Botox typically last 3-4 months. Some clients report a 2 month duration where some feel the effects last closer to 6 months.

6. 5. Are Botox injections painful? Botox is injected with a very fine and very short needle. Most practices use an insulin needle. It is not painless, but many would report very little discomfort.

7. 6. What areas on my face can I get Botox injected? Botox is FDA approved for glabellar lines and crow’s feet lines. There are several off label uses for Botox in the face. You can treat horizontal forehead lines, vertical lip lines, gummy smile, overactive DAO and mentalis muscles.

8. 7. How long until I can see the final results after my first treatment? Most patients start to see results in 3-5 days after treatment. It takes a full 2 weeks for the Botox product to be fully effective. If the lines being treated are deep, it can take several weeks for the lines to smooth completely even if there isn’t a muscle contraction causing the lines to crease. 8. Will I still be able to make facial expressions? Absolutely! There is a natural way to treat with Botox. Some patients like the frozen look, but if you desire some movement of the muscles being treated it is possible.

9. 9. Can facial muscles become weaker after Botox? Overtime, the muscles being treated by Botox can atrophy. This means if you aren’t contracting or using the muscle, naturally it will weaken.

10. 10. Can I have an allergic reaction to Botox? There have been cases of allergic reaction to Botox. If you have several and/or severe allergies, it is important to compare your allergy list with the ingredients used to make Botox. Some reported cases have included symptoms such as itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you are wheezing or have asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint

11. 11. What are the risks and side effects? Botox may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all- over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. If you have nerve or muscle conditions, you may be at increased risk for these side effects

12. 12. How often will I need Botox treatment? Most patients repeat their treatment about every 3-4 months. As often as you need to keep up your desired result.

13. 13. How is the recovery time? You may have small raised red bumps on the skin immediately following injection. These bumps look like little mosquito bites. This typically goes away within 10-15 minutes post injection. Some patients experience a small bruise at the site of injection. This may take several days to heal.

14. 14. Can I have Botox along with other skin care cosmetic treatments? Yes. If you are getting a facial or other cosmetic treatment on the same day, you should have your facial/massage first and Botox last.

15. 15. How do I know whether Botox or a dermal filler is right for me? Gathering information online is a great start to your search, but you should meet with a medical professional that administers the treatments so they can assess your face and recommend appropriate treatments for you. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions or voice concerns that you may have.

16. Three Most Common Areas where Botox is used Forehead (Horizontal Lines across forehead) Crowsfeet (Smile Lines) Brow (Vertical Lines between Eyebrows)

17. Botox Forehead Before Botox After Botox

18. Botox for Crowsfeet

19. Before Botox After Botox Botox Brow