Sight of Beauty | Long Island, NY
What is Botox?
Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a drug that can be injected to improve the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily relaxing muscles of the face. The drug is made by Allergan and is given in doses that are called units. A specific number of units are injected into each facial muscle to give the best results.
How long does Botox last?
The results from Botox will last for up to three to four months. Once the effects of the medication wear off, the skin and muscles that were treated will return to their appearance and activity from before the treatment. With consistent injections every three to four months, many patients will see that their results will start to last longer and may need fewer injections in the future.
Are there alternatives to Botox to treat wrinkles of the face?
Xeomin (made by Merz Aesthetics) and Dysport (made by Galderma) are the most frequently seen products that are similar to Botox. Many injectors will use Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport interchangeably since their effects and results are basically identical.
Can Botox prevent wrinkles?
Many patients are having Botox done at a younger age to prevent wrinkles from forming on the face. In addition, patients should protect their skin from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid damage to the skin that causes aging. Sun protection also helps to prolong the results of cosmetic injections so that the improvements can be seen for longer periods of time. Proper hydration and appropriate moisturizers also help to promote the skin to prevent wrinkles.
Where is Botox usually injected?
The three most common injection sites for Botox are the glabella (between the eyebrows), crow’s feet (areas on the corners of the eyes), and forehead. Each patient needs to be evaluated individually to make sure that they are a good candidate for Botox injections to these areas and to ensure the proper amount is used. Sometimes, other areas can be injected with Botox (such as the lips, neck, and jawline), but these areas are considered “off-label” and should only be treated by an experienced cosmetic provider.
How much Botox do I need?
After a consultation with an experienced Botox injector, it can be decided how much needs to be used. It is often better to be under-treated and come back for more Botox than to be over-treated and need to deal with side effects. Although side effects from Botox are both temporary and rare, it is important to see an experienced injector for cosmetic treatments to avoid potential problems.
What are the side effects of Botox?
Side effects from Botox are extremely rare when the treatments are performed by an experienced injector. Swelling and bruising from the injections are common and can be minimized by applying ice to the treatment sites. A droopy eyelid can occur in a very small number of patients. Allergies to Botox are extremely rare.
How much does Botox cost?
The cost of Botox is usually determined by the areas that are treated, the amount that is injected, and the preferred cosmetic outcome during a consultation with an experienced injector.
