What do I need to know before I get Botox?
1) What will Botox address?
Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles to form. In general, Botox can address wrinkles and lines formed above the nose. These include the “11 lines” between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, and horizontal forehead lines.
2) How long will the results last?
The length of the results depends on the dosage of the treatment and the patient’s metabolism. Typically, one treatment can last anywhere from 3-5 months. However, it is possible that the results may last longer with repetition.
3) How can I prolong the results?
To lengthen the results, you can schedule regular Botox appointments as the muscles can get conditioned to the injections.
Another way to prolong the results is to use skincare products such as iS Clinical. For example, the Youth Serum from iS Clinical helps to tighten the skin, which can improve and extend the treatment results
4) How many treatments will I need?
At our office, Botox is a personalized journey that is different for everyone. At your consultation, we will come up with a personalized plan with you according to your desired result. Depending on the results you are wanting, the amount of treatments will differ from person to person.
5) Are there any side effects?
With any medical treatments or procedures, there are possible side effects. The immediate side effects of Botox injections include redness and swelling at the injection sites, which disappears within half an hour of the injection.
In some cases (very rare occurrences), drooping of the eyelid may occur which may dissipate as the effects of Botox wear off with time.
6) How do I avoid looking “frozen”?
The post-treatment look depends on the person injecting the Botox. Injections into an incorrect area or improper injection techniques may lead to a frozen look. Dr. Reynolds is an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon and believes that the natural look is best when it comes to Botox injections by starting with small dosages and only increasing the dosage as needed.
7) What is the difference between muscle relaxant and dermal fillers?
Muscle relaxants, as its name suggests, relaxes the muscle while dermal fillers are gel that are placed below the skin to fill lines and even increase volume. Botox decreases the appearances of wrinkles by relaxing the muscle. Dermal fillers such as Juverderm and Voluma, both offered at our clinic, aim to fill lines and increase volume by the injection of gels.
8) Botox vs Dysport
Botox and Dysport are two products that are very similar. They are both botulinum type A used to relax muscles. However, Dysport requires more product for the same result as Botox and also does not have as long lasting an effect as Botox. Therefore, Dr. Reynolds chooses to use Botox instead of Dysport.
9) What steps should I take before and after the treatment?
With the injection of Botox you may feel some minor pain and discomfort. If you are sensitive to pain, you can take an acetaminophen before the treatment. Any makeup in the area of the treatment will be removed in the clinic prior to the injection.
Immediately after the injection, you will notice little bumps at the injection sites which will disappear within 15-30 minutes. It is important that you do not massage the injection area in the 24 hours following the treatment. Massaging the area can cause the Botox to spread to undesirable areas and decrease the effect of the injection.