WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX®)?
Botulinum toxin Type A (Botox) is an injectable protein that is utilized to minimize the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck. Botulinum toxin injections are frequently performed to correct a variety of aesthetic issues that contribute to the visible signs of aging, such as:
- Eyebrow furrows (glabellar lines)—Botox received FDA approval as an effective treatment for glabellar lines in 2002
- Frown lines or “11” lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet (lines and wrinkles surrounding the eye region)
- Bunny lines on the sides of the nose
- Gummy smiles
- Nasal flare
- Sagging or fine lines at the corners of the mouth
- Drooping eyebrows
- Horizontal or vertical neck bands
IS BOTOX FOR ME? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOTOX TREATMENT?
Botulinum toxin remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, because it is a generally safe, non-invasive treatment for patients with the goal of correcting deep, pervasive wrinkles, as well as for younger patients who are seeking out treatment as a more preventative anti-aging measure.
In addition to helping obscure the appearance of current wrinkles and lines, botulinum toxin injections also serve a pre-emptive function, in that they prevent the creation of new wrinkles by constraining the patient from making the facial expressions responsible for the formation of wrinkles.
Botulinum Toxin injections are relatively painless and can be performed within 5-20 minutes on average. They can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by more than 80% within five days, with the aim of leaving patients with a refreshed and youthful appearance without causing the potential surgical discomfort or requiring post-surgical downtime.
The rejuvenating effects of botulinum toxin injections can be amplified when they are performed in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments, such as: chemical peels, dermal fillers and microdermabrasion.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Botulinum toxin functions by actively blocking the nerve impulses around the injection site, thereby relaxing and preventing the future contraction of the muscles adjacent to the treatment site. The visible, wrinkle-reducing effects of Botulinum toxin treatment peak two to seven days following the initial injections, with the results lasting approximately three to five months.
As the popularity of botulinum toxin has surged over the past ten years, it has become more widely available. It is now offered in a variety of locations.
Dr. Sinno has helped many of his patients to safely minimize the appearance of their wrinkles and fine lines. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will discuss determining the ideal treatment sites and the optimal number of botulinum toxin units required to help achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results that you seek.
WHAT IS THE POST BOTOX INJECTION ADVICE?
– Day procedure
Botulinum toxin generally takes 10-20 minutes, after which, you may be released to return home or back to work etc.
– Are there any Bandages after BOTOX injections?
No bandages are generally necessary after botulinum toxin injections.
– Can I shower and wash after BOTOX injections?
Dr. Sinno recommends that his patients avoid hot baths or showers at least four hours after botulinum toxin injections to prevent the undesired dissipation of the product to adjacent muscles.
– When can exercise and normal activity resume after BOTOX injection?
You will be advised to refrain from all activities that may increase your heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. for at least four hours after injection.
Patients are generally able to go back to work and drive after botulinum toxin injections.
– General Healing
Although very rare, some patients may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak one to two days after injections and usually subsides within a few days.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BOTOX?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications that are associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to be able to provide informed consent based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is very rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
ADDITIONAL AUDIOVISUAL AND READING MATERIAL
Please click here for an instructional video.
HOW MUCH DOES COST A BOTOX PROCEDURE COST?
The cost of a botox procedure is 15$/unit with Dr. Sinno and 12$/unit with nurses plus applicable taxes.
