Most Frequently Asked Botox Questions
To continue,The National Laser Institute’s mission of providing the most accurate expert information, we have answered all of the most frequently asked Botox questions.
What are the benefits of Botox?
Who is a good candidate for Botox?
How many Botox injections will be needed?
How long do Botox injections last?
What results should I expect after Botox?
What happens after the Botox injections?
How long will the Botox injections take?
Are there any risks of side effects from Botox injections?
How is Botox different from Dysport?
What is Botox?
[Top]
Botox is a cosmetic treatment that removes wrinkles. It is a purified protein prepared from the bacterial toxin botulin. Botox is of liquid consistency and is easily injected in to the facial muscles. It contains neuromuscular-blocking properties that remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles.
How does Botox work?
[Top]
Botox is able to remove wrinkles by preventing the muscle contractions that cause frown lines as one ages. The contractions and movements of the facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. Botox possesses neuromuscular-blocking properties that have the ability to temporarily paralyze the contractions and movements facial muscles.
Minute quantities of Botox are injected into the wrinkle causing muscles. The neuromuscular-blockers prevent the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form, while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
What does Botox treat?
[Top]
Botox is so wonderful because it treats dynamic wrinkles. There are 43 muscles found in the human face, allowing us to make endless amounts of facial expressions. This results in frown lines, worry lines, laugh lines and crow’s feet-wrinkles that can’t be removed by simply pulling the skin in one direction.
Botox smoothes, flattens and relaxes:
• Horizontal creases on the forehead
• Vertical creases between the eyes (the glabella area)
• Wrinkles on the temple side of the eyes, the “crow’s feet”
• Wrinkles on the sides of the nose, “bunny lines”
• Wrinkles on the upper lip, pursed lips
• Vertical cords on the neck
Botox is also used to treat variety of medical conditions, including treatment of migraine and tension headache, chronic muscular pain, abnormal facial movements, tremors, and excessive sweating of the palms, soles of the feet and underarms.
What are the benefits of Botox?
[Top]
Patients enjoy Botox’s wrinkle removing abilities and the many benefits that come along with Botox. The most obvious benefit, of course, is the smoothing and flattening of facial wrinkles. Here are some of the less obvious benefits that come with Botox:
Collagen Regrowth
Temporarily paralyzing muscle contractions with Botox allows collagen to regrow. The first wrinkles that appear on the face are caused by repeated muscle actions over time, or repeated facial expressions. When muscles continuously crease in the same areas it interrupts the growth cycles of collagen, resulting in wrinkles.
Improved Facial Shape
Repeated muscle contractions not only cause wrinkles-they also cause the facial muscles being used to overgrow. Abnormally overgrown facial muscles over time can distort the overall shape of the face. The brow is common area overgrowth is found. Temporarily relaxing theses muscles will allow them to return to normal and improve the shape of the face.
Prevent Wrinkles
Botox can prevent wrinkles from ever happening by disabling the muscle contractions that cause them. Doctors agree the anti-aging world is moving towards prevention and see Botox as one of the top contenders in making that a possibility.
Improved Mental Well Being
Patients who received Botox injections reported fewer migraines. Studies confirm that Botox injections reduces migraine pains and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of migraines. When Botox is injected into the forehead, neck and shoulder, it releases tension in the muscles, relieving strain on the nervous system – which lessens the pain of migraines.
Who is a good candidate for Botox?
[Top]
Surprisingly, 95 percent of potential patients will be good candidates for Botox.
To determine if you’re a good candidate for Botox your doctor will consider the following:
If you have moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
If the wrinkles are located in areas Botox can treat, such as around or between the eyes, on the forehead, or around the neck.
If you’re in general good health
If your expectations for improvement are realistic
How many Botox injections will be needed?
[Top]
Botox injections are measured in “units” based on the strength of the solution. This measurement is unique to Botox, making it impossible to compare units of Botox to other products. Typically the Botox solution, that is injected, will use a 1:1 ratio of saline to Botox. One syringe of Botox usually contains 10 to 40 units, depending on the strength you need.
Factors that affect how many units of Botox will be need include life style, how often and how intense you workout, if you have resting wrinkles, age, skin type, muscle strength, and most importantly your desired results.
* Botox Tip: A well qualified physician, the only kind of physician you want, will inquire and show genuine interest in your desired results. Botox injections can be tailored to a more natural or dramatic result.
As stated above, every person is different and will require different amounts of Botox injections. Here is a breakdown of how many units are typically needed for different facial wrinkles:
|
Facial Wrinkle |
Women |
Men |
| Glabella(Area between the eyes) |
16-28 Units |
18-30 Units |
| Crow’s Feet |
18-24 Units |
18-28 Units |
| Horizontal Forehead Lines |
8-16 Units |
8-20 Units |
| Bunny Lines (On the nose) |
4-6 Units |
4-7 Units |
| Vertical Lip Lines |
4-8 Units |
4-8 Units |
| Gummy Smile |
2-4 Units |
2-4 Units |
| Marionette Lines |
2-8 Units |
2-8 Units |
| Chin Dimpling |
4-8 Units |
4-8 Units |
How much does Botox Cost?
[Top]
The next logical question is how much will this cost?
The National Laser Institute Med Spa offers the most competitive prices on Botox injections. We offer two options you can receive Botox injections at $7.99 a unit, performed by doctors and nurses in training, or with our instructors at $10.99 a unit. The average cost of Botox is $14, so both of our prices are very competitive.
How long do Botox injections last?
[Top]
Again, the longevity of the Botox injections will vary person to person. After the initial treatment results will last 3 to 4 months before they begin to gradually fade.
What results should I expect after Botox?
[Top]
The effect of Botox will start to become visible within 3 days. Maximum benefits are reached within 14 days. As the muscles become dormant the skin becomes soft and you will have a relaxed youthful appearance.
Results vary from person to person, but the results can be expected to last three to six months. With subsequent treatments, the results tend to last longer. The treatment will need to be repeated to maintain the result.
What happens after the Botox injections?
[Top]
You can typically return to normal activities 24 to 48 hours after Botox injections.
For the first 24 to 48 hours refrain rubbing and massaging the treated area(s), strenuous physical activity, consuming large amounts of alcohol, facials, chemical peels, and blood thinning medications.
How long will the Botox injections take?
[Top]
Botox procedures take place in our 10,000 square foot luxury medical spa and will last 15 to 30 minutes. Immediately after the procedure you should stay upright for three to four hours and avoid rubbing the injection sites to prevent the Botox from moving to other muscles in the face. Your physician may recommend that you perform facial exercises that he or she will demonstrate for you. You can continue with all of your activities the day following the injection.
Are Botox injections painful?
[Top]
Prior to the Botox injections a topical anesthesia cream will be applied to the face, making the procedure virtually painless. Some people experience slight bruising after the injections, but discomfort is usually minimal to nonexistent.
Are Botox injections safe?
[Top]
It is impossible to get botulinum poisoning from Botox. This is by far the most asked Botox question and the biggest misconception about Botox. Botox is a purified protein manufactured under very strict conditions. Botox very safe and has been used to treat various medical conditions since the 1950s. See The 5 Biggest Botox Myths here.
Are there any risks of side effects from Botox injections?
[Top]
Side effects of Botox, if any, are usually mild and always temporary. Some people may experience mild, short-term bruising at the injection site which covers easily with make-up. Bruising appears to be more common in those people taking aspirin or blood thinners. In rare cases, the Botox injection can spread beyond the desired area. For example if the Botox is injected into the eyebrow then spreads to the eyelid, there can be a temporary drooping of the upper eyelid. This rarely happens and resolves its self within a few weeks.
How is Botox different from Dysport?
[Top]
Overall Botox and Dysport are very similar. Both are purified proteins prepared from the bacterial toxin botulin used to relax the muscles that cause frown lines. Dysport is Europe’s version of Botox and manufactured by Medicis. The FDA recently approved the use of Dysport which ignited the Botox vs Dysport debate.
The biggest difference between Botox and Dysport is the size of the molecule. Dysport has a slightly smaller molecular structure effecting it’s dosage and how it’s applied. With Dysport’s smaller molecular structure it has a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the face.
For more information about Botox Treatments…
We would be glad to answer your Botox questions personally. We offer free non-obligation consultations call 800.574.8377 of fill out the form on the right side of the page to schedule your consultation.
