Botox is an FDA approved drug which has been purified from a bacterial product. It has been used safely for almost 20 years in the U.S. for a variety of medical problems and for the past 6 years to treat facial wrinkles. Botox is used to treat the vertical lines between the eyebrows that make us look worried or angry (glabella area). Other areas of the face are also treated with Botox including the forehead, crow's feet, upper lip wrinkles and sometimes the jawline and neck. Botox is also used to treat severe underarm sweating.
Is it painful and does it cause bruising?
Each injection (which can sting) takes a few seconds, and there may be 10-15 injection sites in a typical patient. Once the injection is over, there is usually no discomfort; however, bruising can occur since there are many blood vessels around the eyes and mouth. If you develop a bruised area, treatment with Homeopathic Arnica or Arnica cream can speed clearing, as can eating fresh, raw pineapple every day. If you tend to bruise, stop all aspirin products for at least two weeks before your session. Some laser treatments can speed healing of a bruise so ask your physician if such treatment is available.
Are there side effects?
Rarely, Botox can be distributed inadvertently into one of the eyelid muscles leading to a temporary slight droop of the lid. This may last 3-4 weeks but can be treated with prescription eye drops from your physician.
To avoid this, it's best to not rub the eyes for at least 12 hours after the injection.
Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Eaton-Lambert syndrome should avoid treatments with Botox. Botox should not be used if you are pregnant.
How soon will results be seen?
Within 5-14 days after Botox injection, the muscles in the injected areas weaken and the wrinkles disappear or improve. The first treatment lasts about 3 months and injections should be repeated when the muscles start to function again. Subsequent treatments with Botox last progressively longer and usually need to be done twice a year. Not all wrinkles will disappear with the first treatment. Some wrinkles will require Botox injections for a year (usually three sessions) before they soften or resolve.
How much Botox is needed?
Too much Botox injected too often can result in a "frozen" look. Most women require only about 24-30 units in the glabella and men need 30-40 units. Forehead wrinkles require about 12 units while crow's feet may need up to 14 units on each side. Injecting this amount of Botox will not produce a frozen appearance. You will have a relaxed, natural appearance and will still be able to smile, frown and look surprised; however, the wrinkles will be removed or softened. Make sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist who does the injections, rather than a nurse or assistant. Experience is key to a successful Botox outcome so be sure to ask if the physician injects Botox at least once a week. Call 928-778-0808 to schedule your Botox treatment which will be performed by a board certified dermatologist. Mention code BOTAD for 10% discount, first time clients only. Coupon cannot be combined with other coupons.
