Physicians Institute for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
JONATHAN R. WEISER, MD
J. CRAIG UECKER, MD
Botox Cosmetic Injections in Hollywood, Florida
The following information is for your benefit. Here you will find answers to many of the questions that patients ask about Botox® injections:
WHY SHOULD I HAVE BOTOX INJECTIONS?
Botox is a new concept in treating facial wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes and in the “crows feet” areas (upper third of the face). If you feel that you have scowl or frown lines that exist permanently between your eyebrows you may find Botox injections particularly helpful in relieving this redundant muscular positioning.
Botox has also been used to reduce the symptoms and frequency of migraines in some patients.
HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Botulinum toxin or Botox works by weakening the muscles of facial expressions. Once the resting zone of the treated muscles is weakened, the pull of the muscles relaxes and overlying skin flattens. This approach is different than the other local treatments for the aging face. Silicone, collagen, autologous fat transfer, Alloderm, Softform etc., all work by filling in wrinkles or depressions. These fillers are frequently not as effective as Botox in removing wrinkles in the upper third of the face. By physiologically weakening the muscles, wrinkles are removed naturally.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Injection of this material into the small muscles between the brow, in the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes causes those specific muscles to halt their function (be paralyzed), thereby improving the appearance of the wrinkles. This paralysis is temporary, and re-injection is necessary within three to ten months. Options for alternative treatment include injection of either collagen or free fat, or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually through a brow-lift incision.
HOW IS BOTOX USED?
Botox is prepared fresh on the day of injection. Once prepared, the medication needs to be used within 12 hours as the potency diminishes with time. Because of the short shelf life and the cost, Botox is not available every day in our office. In order for the treatment to be cost effective, more than one patient must be treated on the same day. Very small amounts of Botox are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed using a very tiny needle. Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds.
IS BOTOX SOMETHING NEW?
Botox has been used safely in the treatment of muscular facial spasms for approximately 15 years.
CAN I HAVE BOTOX INJECTIONS AT THE SAME TIME AS MY OTHER COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY?
Botox injected in conjunction with nearby facial surgery has caused spread of the toxin and unwanted facial weakness in at least one patient. For this reason, we will inject Botox only as an isolated facial procedure or treatment.
