Botox Tips and Traps

Tips

• Botox weakens the muscles that form wrinkles in the skin with facial expressions. By targeting areas with telltale signs of aging, a more refreshed appearance is possible.
• Botox is most commonly used for frown lines, smile lines, and brow shaping, but can also improve wrinkles around the mouth, downturned corners of mouth and neck bands.
• Expect your Botox to begin working within 1 week after your treatment. Maximum effectiveness may not be evident for up to 3 weeks.
• The best results come from a combination of Botox and injectable fillers, like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse and Sculptra.
• Applying ice immediately before and after Botox treatments will minimize bruising. We provide our patients with a gel cool pack to use during treatments and to take home.
• Keep your head elevated for at least 4 hours after Botox and avoid exertion for 12 hours to minimize swelling and side effects.
• Botox treatments may need "touch ups" once the medicine begins working to maximize your result. This may be done around 2 weeks after your first treatment.

Traps

• Cost: Botox is either priced by the area being treated, or by the number of units of Botox injected. The best way to compare pricing is by the unit. Providers who give prices strictly by the unit may use less units of Botox to increase their profits at the expense of your result.
• Botox is fantastic for specific things, but is not a cure-all for aging. It is not meant to replace more invasive procedures. Instead, your best results will come from a combined approach utilizing appropriate invasive and non-invasive treatments.
• Injecting Botox seems simple. In fact, it is easy to inject; however, it takes knowledge and skill to get it into the right place to attain the desired effect safely, so be sure you are seeing a qualified plastic surgeon. Also, it is important to use a provider who can offer you a full spectrum of cosmetic treatments to maximize your results.
• Learn more at our Botox Info page.