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BOTOX®
BOTOX® in NYC with Dr. Nina Naidu
BOTOX® Introduction
Botulinum toxin an injectable treatment which is used to temporarily reduce facial fine facial lines and wrinkles.
What is BOTOX®?
Botox® is the brand name of botulinum toxin marked by Allergan. This was the first brand of cosmetic toxin on the market, which is why it is often used to describe all other brands as well.
How Do BOTOX® and Facial Fillers Differ?
Botulinum toxin is used to relax fine lines and wrinkles, while facial filler is used to add volume to deeper folds.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
Injections of botulinum toxin block the nerve signals to the muscle in which it was injected. Without a signal, the muscle is not able to contract, which decreases the appearance of fine facial wrinkles.
Is BOTOX® the Only Type of Botulinum Toxin Available for Cosmetic and Medical Use?
The main forms of cosmetic botulinum toxin in the USA at present include Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin®. Myobloc is intended for medical use, as in treating spasticity.
What Cosmetic Issues Can BOTOX® be Used to Address?
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat glabellar lines, crows’ feet, fine lines around the lips, chin dimpling, hypertrophic jaw muscles, gummy smile, vertical banding on the neck, and transverse lines across the forehead.
Who is a Good Candidate for BOTOX® Injections?
Good candidates for botulinum toxin include patients who wish to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and who have realistic expectations.
Is There Anyone Who Should Avoid Getting BOTOX® Injections?
Patients who have a known allergy to botulinum toxin and those who have unrealistic expectations should not undergo botulinum toxin injections.
What to Expect During a Treatment with BOTOX®?
You will have a consultation at which time your goals and anatomy will be reviewed. The areas of injection are usually marked and the injections are performed. This takes 10-15 minutes in most cases. Anesthesia is not required for most patients, but topical anesthetic or ice can be provided if desired.
How Long Will It Take for Me to See Results?
In most cases, it takes 3-7 days for full effect to be seen following injection, but some brands note faster onset of action than others.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Results should last 3-4 months.
Can I Have More Than One Treatment with BOTOX®?
Patients can have multiple treatments but should not receive the equivalent of more than 100 units per treatment session to avoid toxicity.
How Often Can I Have BOTOX® Injections?
Injections are generally spaced at least 3-4 months apart.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with BOTOX® Injections?
Potential side effects following Botox® injection include bruising at the site of injection, mild pain and swelling at the injection sites, transient headaches, and temporary eyelid droop if the medication has traveled into the upper eyelid muscles.
What Are the Risks and Complications Associated with BOTOX Injections?
Potential risks of botulinum toxin include allergic reactions, migration of product to other parts of the face, limited response, or antibody formation, which would lead to future ineffective responses.
About BOTOX®
Over time wrinkles, lines and furrows in the skin are created by the action of the facial muscles. Weakening the contraction of these muscles can reduce or eliminate the lines and wrinkles in the overlying skin. Botox® is a purified form of botulinum toxin that temporarily blocks nerve impulses to muscles. Some studies have also suggested that Botox® can relieve migraine headaches and excessive sweating under the arms. The goal is not to create a frozen face, but rather one that appears smoother and more refreshed.
Botox® is injected into the muscles of the face using small needles. The most commonly treated areas of the face are the transverse wrinkles of the forehead, the vertical furrows between the eyebrows, and the crows’ feet around the eyes. The procedure takes 10-20 minutes to perform in the office, and patients can return to normal activity immediately.For patients who are concerned about discomfort associated with the injections, a small amount of topical anesthetic can be applied prior to the procedure. Results are apparent within 3-7 days. Botox® treatments last approximately three to four months, although some patients note longer durations of action with repeated treatments.
Botox® is frequently performed in conjunction with fillers for non-surgical rejuvenation of the face. Filler is generally used for deeper folds, such as those found between the nose and the lips, and from the lips to the chin. It can also be added to the cheekbones for subtle volume restoration of the mid-face, and into the lips to restore youthful fullness naturally.
Dr. Naidu recommends that patients avoid exercise, eyebrow waxing, threading, and facial massage the day of treatment in order to prevent unwanted diffusion of the toxin which can lead to heaviness of the upper eyelids. Dr. Naidu performs all injections herself; treatment is not delegated to an assistant.