BOTOX® Cosmetic: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Botox® Cosmetic is a prescription medication that is injected into targeted facial muscles to reduce the severity of lines and winkles. Botox® works by allowing the skin above the injected areas to smooth out. Botox® is most commonly used to improve the look of crow’s feet around the eyes and frown lines between the eyebrows and in the forehead. Botox® Cosmetic is technique-sensitive, that is, it should be applied with caution by well-trained physicians or an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Vivian Hernandez.
2. How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Botox® Cosmetic causes treated muscles to relax thus reducing the muscle contraction under the skin’s surface, smoothing and lessening facial lines and wrinkles. The injection process takes about 10 minutes. Within days after the injections, the lines begin to disappear creating a refreshed and more youthful appearance.
3. On what areas of my face can I get BOTOX® Cosmetic injected?
The most common areas of the face to have Botox® injected are in the forehead and in the area around the eyes. More specifically these areas include the crow’s feet – the wrinkles around the eyes and the vertical frown lines between the eyes typically called “the elevens.” Botox® is also very effective for treating horizontal frown lines across the forehead and bunny lines around the nose.
4. When will I see results?
Results can begin to show within 24 hours, though most patients notice significant results within three to four days. Improvements will become more evident over the course of the first two weeks after treatment. Patients of Dr. Hernandez return to the office two weeks after treatment for touch ups in order to be assured that the targeted areas have been fully treated. Dr. Hernandez provides this extra level of service for her patients at no extra charge.
5. How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last, and how often will I need a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
A well-placed Botox® treatment, administered by an expert injector, can last from three to six months, depending on the patient. Even after this time period, the muscles may remain relaxed for an additional time period, leaving a residual improvement in the frowning and wrinkles of the forehead. Botox® injections can be safely repeated every three months but the frequency will depend on the needs of the patient. Still Dr. Hernandez does not recommend Botox® to be administered in the same area more than twice per year.
6. Are BOTOX® injections painful?
When Botox® is applied by an expert injector, like Dr. Hernandez, it is injected carefully and gently. The injection may feel like a slight pinch or a momentary sting. If you are concerned about discomfort, Dr. Hernandez can apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
7. How long is the recovery time after treatment?
After your treatment, you can resume your daily routine immediately. Patients should avoid lying down for four hours or rubbing the treated area for twelve hours, as this may cause the injected solution to migrate to other areas of the body. Having a facial immediately after a Botox® treatment is also not recommended.
8. What are the risks and side effects of BOTOX® injections, can I have an allergic reaction?
Before any consideration of Botox® injections, patients consult with Dr. Hernandez about their overall medical condition. The doctor will take every precaution to insure against any and all side effects. Allergic reactions are very rare. The doctor has not seen any cases of allergic reactions to Botox® after treating thousands of cases during her many years of practice. To minimize other potential risks it is important to have injections performed by a skilled plastic surgeon who is acutely familiar with facial anatomy.
9. Will it be obvious to others that I had BOTOX® Cosmetic?
A person with an untrained eye will not be able to tell if you have used Botox® Cosmetic. Patients are still able to show facial expressions, as Botox® only decreases muscle activity in selected target areas. You will simply look fresher, more relaxed, and younger but will still look like yourself.
10. Can I have BOTOX® along with other cosmetic treatments?
Definitely, in fact Botox® Cosmetic injections are often used in combination with dermal fillers, creams and other treatments. In a consultation, Dr. Hernandez will evaluate your needs and perform a facial analysis to determine if you are a candidate for other treatments.
11. What is the difference between BOTOX® and dermal fillers?
Botox® and dermal fillers are very different products that work in entirely distinctive ways, but may be used in combination to achieve optimal results. Botox® is used to treat facial lines and wrinkles and works by temporarily reducing muscle activity thus softening wrinkles. Dermal fillers treat lines and wrinkles as well, but they also provide additional volume to various parts of the face by filling in and plumping up the skin. Both Botox® and dermal fillers give more youthful vitality to the face, when used alone or in combination.
12. How do I know whether BOTOX® or a dermal filler is right for me?
The best way to know is to have a consultation with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Vivian Hernandez, an expert injector familiar with facial anatomy.