What is Botox®?
Many of the wrinkles we see on our face are due to dynamic facial expressions we perform every day, often without conscious awareness. Botulinum Toxin A (BOTOX®) is a purified protein that works by weakening or relaxing the muscles of facial expression which insert into the surface of the facial skin, Once the resting tone of these muscles are weakened, the muscle’s pulling action relaxes and the skin flattens out. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to soften and in many cases are eliminated.
The day of your appointment.
Allow time before your appointment for filling out forms and for consulting with the doctor or a member of his or her staff. If it's your initial visit, you will first meet with the doctor personally - a free initial consultation is provided. You may also be asked about your expectations for treatment and if you have any allergies or any condition that wouldn't make you a good candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic. Pre-treatment recommendations are discussed below. To download your patient forms prior to your visit, click HERE.
The procedure.
Your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. The entire BOTOX® Cosmetic injection procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The three main areas injected include the forehead, crow’s feet and in between the eyebrows. You can choose to have one or multiple areas injected based on your needs.
After the procedure.
There's no recovery time needed. After the procedure, you're ready to get on with your day! Post procedure recommendations are discussed below.
Seeing results.
Within days, you may notice an improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows that can last months. Results may vary.
Frequently asked questions:
Before you try and schedule your first BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment consultation, you probably have some questions, such as: How long will it take? How long will the results last? Will it hurt? What happens when it wears off? Are there pre-treatment recommendations? Are there post-injection recommendations? I have seen many BOTOX® specials on “deal sites”… why not choose for them? Who administers the injections? Where? What is the cost? How do I schedule my appointment?
1. How long does it take? How long will the results last?
The total procedure time last approximately 20-30 minutes. After the injections are completed, the toxin takes 2-10 days to take effect and last between 3-4 months in most individuals, but can last longer. The toxin is most effective for wrinkles in the upper third portion of the face such as the forehead lines, crow's feet and the frown lines between the eyebrows. It is not as helpful for the wrinkles in the middle or lower portion of the face, because while relaxing these muscles will eliminate the wrinkles, it can distort your smile and facial expressions.
2. Will it hurt?
You will feel a small amount of discomfort when the needle pierces the skin and when the toxin is injected. This will last a few seconds. There are no serious side effects associated with the use of the toxin since relatively small amounts of doses are used. A topical anasthesia is available for a small additonal fee.
3. What happens when it wears off?
When the toxin wears off, you will notice a gradual return of the wrinkles. Often, when the wrinkles return they are not as deep as they were before. Some studies show that with repeated injections you may maintain your fresh relaxed wrinkle free appearance for longer periods of time.
4. Are there pre-treatment recommendations?
Yes.
A) Avoid alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
B) Avoid anti-inflammatory / Blood thinning medication ideally for a period of 2 weeks prior to treatment. Check with your Primary Care Physician before making this decision.
C) Schedule BOTOX® Cosmetic appointments at least 2-4 weeks prior to special events.
5. Are there post-injection recommendations?
Yes.
A) Do not rub or message the area(s) of the injection(s) for at least 3-4 hours post injections.
B) No exercising, heavy lifting or straining for 3-4 hours post injections
C) Facial exercises in the injected areas are recommended for 1 hour following the procedure to stimulate the binding of the toxin.
D) It is recommended that touch ups, if needed, be done about 10 days post injections.
6. I have seen many BOTOX® specials on “deal sites”… why not choose them?
Yes, there are many “deal sites” offering Botox® at significantly lower prices. Please beware of such deals… if it sounds too good to be true… IT IS! It is likely that the Botox® they are injecting is considerably diluted (which will not have the same lasting results) and likely not injected by a Board Certified Physician. ALL Botox® that I inject is non-diluted and reconstituted by the manufacturer’s efficacy dose recommendations.
7. Who administers the injections? Where? What is the cost?
The most asked questions by far! ALL injections are administered personally by me, Dr. Sergio Garcia, a Botox® Certified / Board Certified Physician.
In-office appointments available, pricing will be discussed during visit.
The number of units needed will vary from person to person depending on the number and size of areas they would like injected and will be determined at the time of consultation.
8. Do you offer a free consultation? How do I schedule my appointment?
A) Yes, a free consultation is offered when scheduling your first appointment.
B) For an in-office appointment, please call the office at
305-274-6422
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