Botox injections typically require no more than 5 to 10 minutes depending on the area(s) injected. After a complete history is performed, your Ethos physician will determine if you are a candidate. You will sign a consent advising you of the potential side effect of Botox injection. Pictures will be taken without expression to document any pre–existing asymmetry and then with expression to assess the severity of the treatment lines. Remember, Botox therapeutic treatment is indicated for dynamic wrinkles. lines that form with facial expression. While they may soften static wrinkles – lines present without expression, and appearing etched in – Botox is more effective on the dynamic lines. The area is cleansed and prepped with alcohol before the procedure. In addition, your injector may apply ice packs before and after the procedure to limit bruising. A very fine needle on small syringe (a TB syringe or one used to inject insulin) will be used to inject minute amounts of Botox into the proposed site. There will be minimal discomfort or a pinprick sensation. Bleeding may occur in minute amounts at the injection site. After the injections, the site of Botox administration will be cleansed again with alcohol.
Everyone is different, but results may take 7 to 10 days to become apparent. Some clients reports a relaxation of muscles as early as 3 to 5 days. Your injector will ask to see you in approximately a week to determine if you need more injections to achieve the desired results. The trend is to have a partial relaxation of the muscles, where there is still some movement left. Clients may prefer this as it gives a more natural results. However, other people may prefer a complete relaxation and may need additional units to Botox.
Individual results may vary but Botox can last from 3 to 5 months. Some clients may experience a longer or shorter duration. Initial administration of Botox typically results in duration in the lower range. After 3 to 5 months, you will notice your lines gradually return over 1 to 2 weeks. Your wrinkles will be no worse than before the Botox cosmetic treatment. Also, clients are reporting increased duration of effects with continued injections. Therefore Botox can be used as a measure to keep the deeper lines from forming.
Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, erythema, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Side effects include temporary redness at the injection site, headache, and infection at the injection site. Patient may also experience nausea and flu like symptoms. The most common reported adverse effect is lid ptosis or droopy eyelid, which is temporary and resolved within 4 to 6 weeks. This occurs in about 5% of the injection and results from spread of Botox to adjacent muscles in the eyelid. The most common adverse events following injection include blepharoptosis and nausea. There have been rare reports of adverse events involving the cardiovascular system. Serious and/or immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been reported rarely. These reactions include anaphylaxis, urticaria, soft–tissue edema, and dyspnea. Other serious side effects have also been reported such as double vision, difficulty swallowing, and breathing. It is important to seek immediate medical attention should you develop the more serious side effects.
Botox is typically priced per unit or per area. If you are paying per area, it is important to ask how many units the injector is placing. Botox can cost anywhere from $10 to $25 per unit depending on the specialty of the injector, the experience, as well as location in the body. Be wary of pricing that seems too low as the preparation may be dilute. Also, the consumer needs to be wary of non health care professionals performing the injections. If there is any doubt ask to see the bottle as well as the box. It is important to be comfortable with the injector.
There are other types of Botulinum toxin besides Botox and the latest to receive FDA approval is Dysport (www.dysport.com). Other formulations have been used in Europe but have yet to receive FDA approval in the United States. There are creams on the market which are touted as producing the same results as Botox. Be wary of these as these claims have not been substantiated.
Ethos Spa offers a complete line of aesthetic services for customers in the communities of Morris County, Essex County, Union County, Passaic County and Sussex County, New Jersey (NJ). Ethos Skin and Laser Center of Northern New Jersey (NJ) is located near the municipalities of Millburn, Short Hills, West Orange, Chatham, Madison, Caldwell, Maplewood, Morristown, North Caldwell, West Caldwell, Florham Park, Summit, Randolph, Parsippany, Springfield, South Orange, Westfield, Verona, East Hanover, Roseland, Chester, Bernardsville, and Montclair New Jersey.
Visit Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center to schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our physicians to see if you can benefit from Botox.
