Botox® Cosmetic
Overview
Botox® Cosmetic is an exciting facial rejuvenation treatment that corrects or softens minor wrinkles. Given in an injection, it weakens and disables muscles of the face that create facial lines. Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure performed in the United States today. Other similar medications such as Dysport and Xeomin have also become available and are very similar in effect and in longevity.
At Summit Health, our plastic surgeons administer Botox injections. While other types of physicians offer Botox, only a plastic surgeon has intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the face, based on years of surgical treatment and close experience with surgery on this intricate anatomic area. As a result, we first determine which muscle is causing the wrinkle, by asking you to make certain facial expressions so that we can evaluate the shape and orientation of the muscle. This allows us to plan the best locations for the Botox Cosmetic injection sites. This attention to detail assures you an excellent and natural-looking result.
Because Botox is the most well-known anti-aging product, many patients believe that it can be used to treat all signs of aging, but this is not true. Botox is only effective on those wrinkles that are caused by muscle activity. It is primarily used on the frown lines (“11” lines between the eyebrows) and crow’s feet. We have found that in off-label use, Botox is also effective on forehead creases, lip “smoker’s” lines, slight eyebrow sagging, lines across the bridge of the nose (“bunny lines”), and to lift the corners of the mouth.
“Dr. Momeni is a fabulous doctor. I was a little nervous choosing to try Botox to smooth out some frown lines on my forehead. He is very patient explaining and listening…. At the end, it was a great job and would totally recommend Dr. Momeni.”
Ready to get started?
Botox is not effective for wrinkles that are caused by gravity or volume loss. Those types of lines, wrinkles, and skin folds are best treated with dermal fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, Juvederm, and Juvederm Voluma. Surgical procedures such as fat grafting, face lift, and neck lift can also address gravity-related aging lines.
Fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin from weathering and sun damage are best treated by skin resurfacing procedures, such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and dermabrasion.
The effects of Botox injections take a few days to set in, and they last around 4 months, so it is a maintenance treatment that is usually repeated 2-3 times per year. Patients who have had a face lift, brow lift, or eyelid lift can often protect their investment in plastic surgery by having Botox injections when the signs of aging begin to return. This practice delays the need for revision surgery and keeps the skin looking young for longer years after surgery.
Although Botox consists of the toxin protein related to the bacteria that causes botulism, it is safe when used in small doses. Botox is made in a laboratory and is not derived from animals or humans. In fact, it has been used for decades to treat many medical conditions such as muscle spasms, even in children. It is now also used to treat migraine headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). True complications from Botox are very uncommon. Typical side effects are possible, such as small bruising from the injection needle or drooping of the eyelid if the Botox is pushed into the eyelid muscles. By nature, however, Botox side effects are temporary.
We participate in the Botox Cosmetic Allē program and encourage our patients to take advantage of the program for discounts and points.
“I see Dr. Momeni regularly for Botox and fillers. I have also seen him for hand surgery and to have some moles/cysts removed. He is, without a doubt, the best plastic surgeon and one of the best doctors I have ever seen. He takes his time to answer all of my questions, he never makes me feel like I am rushed, and he never pressures me to receive treatment I am not interested in receiving. In the past, I had received Botox from other doctors, and they were not nearly as good as Dr. Momeni. I look rested and rejuvenated and like a fresher, younger version of myself, while still looking natural. Dr. Momeni’s staff are also wonderful - very nice, very caring, and never making me feel rushed. I highly recommend Dr. Momeni.”
Botox Cosmetic Treatment
When you meet with us for your Botox® consultation, we will have an honest discussion about your desires, expectations, and concerns, as well as the limits and risks of Botox. We will review your medical history and recommend options that can best help you achieve your goals. We will give you thorough written instructions to prepare for your surgery and will answer any questions you have.
At Summit Health, the patient experience is of primary importance to us. We customize every single procedure we do so that it is tailored to what is best for you and you alone. If Botox will not provide the result you want, we might recommend a dermal filler or skin resurfacing procedure. In the case of very deep frown lines, a dermal filler might be necessary to fully smooth the area.
When you make an appointment for a Botox consultation, we will discuss non-surgical solutions with you. If you think you might be interested in plastic surgery, please let us know when you call so that we can schedule a longer consultation with you to fill you in on all possible options to help you reach your goals for your appearance.
Our plastic surgeons provide Botox® injections in our office as an outpatient procedure. The needle used is very fine. For this reason, most patients suggest the treatment is almost painless. For those patients who require it, we can provide a numbing cream. However, few patients ask for this option. This requires a bit more time in the office, as you must wait 30-60 minutes for the numbing cream to take effect before we administer the injections.
Botox injections are only targeted to small areas. In some cases, several injections are needed to treat all of the lines. After the treatment, you will sit in our office for a few minutes with ice on the injection sites to limit swelling and bruising.
After your treatment, there are no restrictions whatsoever, except to avoid massaging the injected area (you do not want to push the Botox® around) and avoiding workouts overnight. You may go home or back to work immediately, and you can wear makeup right away.
Some people experience slight tenderness or mild bruising for a day or 2 after getting Botox. First-time patients often experience a feeling of a “heavy forehead” for a few days, but this is harmless.
The effects of Botox can take up to 10 days to become fully visible. For this reason, few people are likely to notice that you have had a cosmetic procedure.
Because results are not permanent, Botox injections are usually repeated every 4-6 months. Patients who have had repeated Botox injections in the same area might be able to wait even longer between treatments, since their muscles will soften and wrinkle less over time.
Our Plastic Surgery Specialists
Peter Hyans, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery
Jain Joseph, MD
Plastic Surgery
Reza Momeni, MD
Plastic Surgery
Daniel Pyo, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery