Q – What is Botox®?
Botox® Cosmetic is a non-surgical injection able to temporarily smooth dynamic lines and wrinkles on the face and neck including crow’s feet, forehead creases, frown lines, and neck bands. The result is a more youthful and smoother appearance which typically lasts for four to six months.
Q – How does Botox® work?
Botox® is the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. When injected into certain muscles responsible for wrinkling, Botox® blocks the nerve impulses and temporarily relaxes the muscle. This allows current wrinkles to be smoothed and keeps new wrinkling from occurring.
Q – Who is a good candidate for Botox® treatment?
Healthy men and women who are looking to temporarily improve lines of the face and neck that are not yet deeply etched into the skin may be good candidates for treatment with Botox®. Botox® injections should not be performed on pregnant women or individuals with certain neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Q – Where does the Botox® procedure take place?
Dr. Schwartz performs the Botox® injection in his office.
Q – Is anesthesia used for the Botox® injection?
Dr. Schwartz uses a local anesthetic to maximize the patient’s comfort during the Botox® injection.
Q – How is the Botox® procedure performed?
During a simple office visit, the Botox® is directly injected into the specific muscles responsible for wrinkling using a tiny needle and several small injections.
Q – How long does the Botox® injection take to perform?
The Botox® injection is a simple and quick in-office treatment that takes just ten minutes to perform.
Q – Will I experience any pain during the Botox® injection?
Patients may experience a brief sensation like a pin prick during the injection. However, Dr. Schwartz uses a local anesthetic to maximize his patients’ comfort during the procedure.
Q – What should I expect the recovery to be like after my Botox® injection?
There is virtually no recovery or downtime after the Botox® injection and patients are able to immediately return to their normal activities. The results will begin to take effect after five to seven days with the maximum effect occurring in two weeks. The results last an average of four to six months. As with all injectable procedures, some temporary and minor bruising, swelling, or redness may occur.
Q – When will I be able to return to work after my Botox® injection?
Patients are able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after the Botox® injection.
Q – What are the risks of Botox® treatment?
As with most cosmetic surgery procedures, there are potential risks associated with Botox® and these may include bruising, numbness, droopy eyelids, allergic reaction, temporary eyelid droop, nausea, headache, respiratory infection, and flu syndrome.
Q – Is treatment with Botox® covered by insurance?
Botox® injections that are performed for cosmetic reasons are generally not covered by insurance, though patients should consult with their own insurance carrier.
Q – Can the Botox® procedure be financed?
There are financing options available for many plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures.
Q – How long can I expect the results of my Botox® injection to last?
The results of Botox® generally last four to six months. The injection will need to be repeated in order to maintain the results.
