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Botox Injections: Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Botox® Injections?

Botox® is a form of botulism toxin that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. This treatment reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases and crow's feet near the eyes. Botox® injections take only a few minutes to an hour to be performed, depending on the size of the treatment area. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Generally, the effects of Botox® injections should last three to six months and further treatment may be advised. ...
Botulinum Toxin Type A, the formal scientific name for Botox is a therapeutic neurotoxin used in wrinkle therapy. The injections are done using a tiny micro-needle and a very small amount of Botox toxin that is injected into the specific muscles that commonly cause frown lines and wrinkles.
Botox injections are injections of the cosmetic form of the botulinum toxin, which inhibits neuromuscular activity. Botox can be injected into areas of the face, typically around the eyes (crow’s feet); between the eyebrows, and the forehead to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. ...

Are Botox injections dangerous?

Botox has been used safely and successfully in neurology for the past 20 years and in ophthalmology for about 15 years to treat a variety of eye problems. It has been used in dermatology for about 12 years.
A lethal dose of Botox is 2730 IU (International Units). The average dose is 20-30 IU or 1/100 of a legal dose. To be dangerous, one would need to be injected with at least 100 full vials of Botox. Used in the tiny amounts for typical facial injection, Botox is not dangerous for your body. return to top How does Botox work? The benefits of Botox on wrinkles come from ability of the physician to selectively and precisely relax the muscles which are causing wrinkles to occur. ...

Are Botox® injections safe?

Botox® has successfully treated patients for a variety of conditions for over 15 years. Allergan has done extensive testing of Botox® and deems it safe to use for cosmetic purposes.

Are there risks with Botox® injections?

Yes there are risks and side effects, but due to the semi-permanent nature of Botox®, these risks are normally temporary. During the consultation phase of treatment all risks will be explained and you will be able to make an informed choice regarding treatment.

Are BOTOX® injections painful?

Discomfort associated with BOTOX® injections is insignificant, making it unnecessary to anesthetize the area to be treated. The discomfort can be compared to that of being pricked by a pin. Using a tiny micro-needle, a doctor will inject a minute amount of BOTOX® very precisely into several locations on the face. With a BOTOX® treatment, no sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume most non-strenuous activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. ...
Botox treatments cause little discomfort; most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. Overall, the sensation is minimal and temporary.
A very tiny needle is all that is needed for the procedure. Some patients report minor and temporary discomfort from the injection. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX treatment
No, most people only experience a mild temporary discomfort and there is no need for local anaesthesia
Not really, most people only experience a mild temporary discomfort.

Who is a candidate for Botox injections?

Anyone who would like to reduce the appearance of frown/worry lines or crow's feet with a minimally invasive procedure.

What are the limitations of Botox injections?

Unfortunately, Botox injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of the injections last from three to six months, You will need to have injections about two to three times a year. The early clinical studies indicate that the duration of the treatment benefits is increased over time so that you should require fewer injections in the future. Also, the duration of the effect varies from patient to patient and may be less effective for those over 65 years of age.
Unfortunately, BOTOX ® injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of the injections last from two to four months. You will need to have injections about three times a year. Early clinical studies indicate, however, that the duration of treatment benefits increases over time, so you may require injections less frequently in the future. Also, the duration of effect varies from patient to patient. ...

How safe are BOTOX® injections?

Since 1980, BOTOX® has been safely used to treat medical conditions, such as uncontrolled blinking and muscle spasms. In 2002, BOTOX® was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of stress and aging. Literally thousands of people receive these treatments each day. In our practice, this treatment is in high demand by our patients who wish to look and feel refreshed and more confident.

Do Botox injections work for TMJ?

The FDA has approved botulinum toxin only for blepharospasm, strabismus and December 2000 for cervical dystonia, a painful contraction of the neck muscles. But Allergan is seeking approval for other indications, and doctors have discretion to use it "off-label" for other purposes. There are no published evidence based studies that can give us information on the use of Botox for TMJ diseases/disorders.
Source: www.tmj.org

Do Botox injections hurt?

There is very minimal discomfort, however no local or topical anesthesia is necessary. Restylane ®
Typically no anesthetic is needed for Botox injections. A small amount of Botox is administered using a very small and fine needle. Most patients experience very minimal discomfort, similar to the sensation of having facial hairs plucked. Anesthetic creams and special cooling/numbing devices are available to increase your comfort.
Most patients report that while there is some discomfort with the injections, the discomfort is minimal and brief. If necessary, Dr. Skouras can apply a topical anesthetic to the injection sites before administering the BOTOX® to make it more comfortable for you.

How much do Botox injections cost?

In my experience, botox injections into the vocal folds usually cost around $600 per visit. Your insurance company may deny payment on this claim at first, since botox injections are generally for cosmetic purposes. In this event, your doctor can provide a letter saying it is medically necessary for your condition.
The cost of Botox depends on the amount used. The amount is measured in units and the larger and stronger the muscles being treated, the higher the number of units required to produce adequate relaxation. Wrinkle treatment costs for Botox range from as little as $140 to as much as $280 for each facial area treated. Treatment of excessive underarm sweating with Botox typically costs $600/side. Our repeat Botox clients qualify for a permanent discount on their Botox treatments.

Who is the best candidate for Botox injections?

The best candidates for treatment with Botox injections include physically healthy people who are realistic in their expectations and desire to improve the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Botox offers an exceptional opportunity to smooth lines and wrinkles affecting the brow, forehead and crow’s feet in a brief, safe procedure that takes just a few minutes and lasts for several months. Keep in mind, Botox is not a cure-all, and may not be the solution to deep lines and creases. ...

How do BOTOX® injections work?

The botulinum injections cause the injected muscles to “relax” so that they no longer contract and cause lines and wrinkles to form. Botox® also blocks nerve impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are directly related to expression lines. After treatment, the skin overlying the treated area becomes smooth and unwrinkled. The muscles that went untreated contract as usual and leave normal facial expressions unaffected.

Are Botox ® injections ever covered by insurance?

Botox ® procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available for procedures used for medical purposes. Return to Top

How long are BOTOX® injections effective?

After the initial treatment results will last from 3 to 4 months before they begin to gradually fade away.

What is the cost of Botox injections? Is it expensive?

Actually, Botox injections are quite affordable. Each treatment is tailored to your specific needs and the overall cost of Botox treatments is limited to the number of injections used. You are only charged for the amount that you required to get the desired effect.

What is the cost of BOTOX injections?

Your BOTOX treatment costs will depend on the areas treated via injections. Expect to pay from £199 (for the 1st area treated), and £50 for area 2, a further charge would be allocated for area 3, if all 3 areas are treated at one appointment there can be a reduction in the price, ask your botox doctor/nurse. The treatment will need to be repeated every three to six months to maintain the desired results. ...

What are the risks involved with BOTOX injections?

Droopy eyelids about 5 days after injection, which can occur in about 1% - very mild and may last up to two weeks Bruising (If you are taking aspirin or an anti-inflammatory advise the doctor) Headache
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