BOTOX®
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
Over time, repeated contractions of facial muscles can contribute to the formation of wrinkles and folds in the forehead, around the eyes, on the nose and neck, and near the mouth and chin. These dynamic wrinkles become deeper and more pronounced as our skin loses elasticity during the natural aging process. BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments work to soften and improve the appearance of facial lines by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkling.
Contents
Procedure
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a natural, purified protein that is injected into muscles that cause facial wrinkling. The medication relaxes muscles by temporarily blocking nerve impulses. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance.
Treatment Areas
BOTOX® Cosmetic is FDA-approved to relax vertical frown lines between the eyebrows, known as glabellar lines. BOTOX® treatment has also been successful in off-label use for smoothing wrinkles and creases in the forehead, as well as improving the appearance of “crow’s feet” around the eyes and lines around the mouth. Other specialty areas€” including the nose, jaw, chin, and neck€” can be treated with botulinum products. BOTOX® may also be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms, hands, and feet. Drs. Levine are experts in treating a wide variety of indications with BOTOX®, Dysport®, and other similar products.
There are several FDA-approved botulinum products that work in a similar way. We offer BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Xeomin®.
BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Dysport®,
BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA), and other botulinum products are all very similar, each using a form of botulinum toxin type A. Though they all work to relax muscles that cause facial wrinkling, there are subtle differences in compound composition, injection techniques, dosage strengths, and storage requirements. Dr. Levine will recommend the best treatment for your specific needs.
Safety
BOTOX® Cosmetic was the first botulinum toxin product to be FDA-approved to treat glabellar lines. Since its introduction in 2002, nearly 12 million BOTOX® Cosmetic procedures have been performed in the United States. BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are generally safe when administered by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Side effects from BOTOX® are typically mild and rare. Temporary redness and swelling at the injection site is possible. These effects usually resolve within a few days and can be covered with makeup if desired.* In rare cases, the medication may spread from the treatment area and cause temporary drooping elsewhere. Drs. Levine are careful to place the medication into the appropriate muscle and to educate patients on proper aftercare in order to reduce the likelihood of this occurring. Before your treatment, Dr. Levine will discuss with you any possible side effects and answer any questions that you may have about safety.
BOTOX® injections are best administered by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with an understanding of proper technique and safety. Both Dr. Jody Levine and Dr. Elie Levine have years of experience in administering BOTOX® and would be happy to answer your questions about whether BOTOX® is right for you.
Results
BOTOX® generally begins to take action 3 days after injection and reaches its full effect at 2 weeks post injection. Dysport® will start to work sooner, at around 2 days, and will reach its full affect at around 5 days. The visible improvement in facial wrinkling can be seen within days of treatment and the treated areas may continue to improve for up to a month. Results typically last up to 4 months. For some very deep wrinkles, visible improvement is even greater after subsequent BOTOX® treatments.*
Results from BOTOX® treatments typically last 3 to 4 months, and the procedure can be repeated in this time frame to best maintain results.* There certainly are people who prefer to wait 6 months after BOTOX® for subsequent injections since the effects on their wrinkles are still evident this far out.
What happens if I discontinue treatment?
There is no harm in stopping BOTOX® treatments. If you elect to discontinue BOTOX®, facial wrinkling will gradually return to the state it was before your procedure.
Will I still be able to make facial expressions?
Yes. BOTOX® simply reduces muscle activity, so you can still make facial expressions naturally, but without the prominent wrinkles and creases. Dr. Levine will tailor your treatment, leaving you more or less mobility, depending on your specific goals.
Other Procedures
Yes. Using BOTOX® concurrently with other dermal fillers allows us to treat a variety of facial areas in order to maximize results. In addition, BOTOX® may be used in combination with laser treatments or other procedures for even better results. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedure or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
Preparation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your treatment. As much as possible, patients should avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofen-containing products (such as Advil and Motrin), St. John’s Wort, high doses of vitamin E supplements, and other blood thinners (unless medically necessary) for 1 week prior to treatment in order to minimize the risk of bruising. Patients should also avoid red wine and multivitamins for 2 days prior to treatment.
Expectations
BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices. The procedure is quick and simple, with minimal discomfort. During the procedure, BOTOX® will be injected into the treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. No anesthesia is required, although topical numbing cream is offered when needed.
Pain
BOTOX® treatment is completed in a matter of minutes, and any discomfort is usually minimal. Some patients describe a slight stinging sensation like a bug bite. No anesthesia is necessary, although topical numbing cream can be offered for more sensitive patients.
Post Procedure
Post-care instructions are given to all patients. Patients are asked not to touch the treated area, bend forward, or lie down for four hours after treatment. A small, occasional bruise is possible, but rare. Discomfort after BOTOX® is rarely an issue. You may take Tylenol for discomfort if there is any, but don’t take aspirin or ibuprofen, which may increase bruising. Anti-bruising products containing Arnica Montana and Bromelain are offered and topical care will be discussed. Dr. Levine will determine which aftercare product is right for you.
Contact
Dr. Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. Please call our office at (212) 988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.