:: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Botox®?
Botox is an approved, safe prescriptive medication, which is used to reduce or minimize wrinkles in the area it is applied. The most commonly treated areas are the deep lines between the eyebrows, the lines across the forehead and the lines around the eyes.

Is Botox safe?
Yes. Botox has been used for over 20 years, and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as two years old who have cerebral palsy. It has been proven safe through extensive research and testing.

How does it work?
Botox is a medication that is injected into a specific muscle to promote muscle relaxation. The relaxation is a result on the ability of Botox to neutralize an enzyme in your body that causes your muscles to contract. After three to four months the Botox effect lessens and your muscles return to the function they had prior to the treatment.

What are the post treatment expectations?
There is always a risk of bruising whenever a needle is being used. This may be minimized by stopping all medications that may be a blood thinner. We also use ice and a topical anaesthetic cream, which can make the blood vessels smaller. If you do have a bruise, you may use an arnica cream twice a day to speed its resolution. Makeup may be necessary for a few days. You will not see the effect of the Botox for 3 –4 days after the treatment and the results may take as long as two weeks to achieve its full effect. Botox treatments are tailored specifically to each individual. We like to see patients after the two-week interval so the effects of the Botox may be assessed and a follow-up treatment may be done if necessary.

There is a small percentage of the population who develop antibodies to the Botox and the treatment is ineffective.

What other areas besides the face may Botox be used?
The glabella and crowfeet are the only approved areas of the face that may be treated with Botox. There are many label uses for Botox that are becoming increasingly popular with great results. These areas include the horizontal and vertical neck bands, mouth corners, chin, jawline, lip lines, and underarms for excessive sweating.