FAQ

Botox, derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is a popular non-surgical treatment that effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Understanding the science behind Botox can help demystify its mechanism of action and highlight the significance of achieving natural-looking results.

Botox works by targeting the underlying cause of dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that form due to repetitive muscle movements. When injected into specific muscles, Botox temporarily blocks the nerve signals that instruct those muscles to contract. By interrupting this communication, Botox relaxes the targeted muscles, reducing their activity and preventing them from contracting forcefully.

By relaxing the muscles, Botox softens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that are associated with muscle movement. Common treatment areas include the forehead, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet around the eyes. The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance.

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of achieving natural-looking results with Botox. The goal is not to completely immobilize the treated area but to maintain facial expressions and allow for subtle movement. Skilled practitioners take a conservative approach, ensuring that the muscles retain their ability to show emotions and convey natural expressions. This approach avoids the frozen or overly "plastic" look often associated with poorly executed Botox treatments.

The longevity of Botox results varies from person to person but typically lasts around three to four months. Over time, as the effects of Botox wear off, the treated muscles gradually regain their movement, and wrinkles may reappear. Regular maintenance treatments can help sustain the desired results.

It is essential to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in administering Botox. They will conduct a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes. Their skill and precision in injecting Botox will ensure the desired effects while prioritizing your safety and delivering natural-looking results.

Understanding the science behind Botox empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their aesthetic treatments. By working with a knowledgeable practitioner and embracing a conservative approach, you can enjoy the benefits of Botox while achieving a refreshed and natural appearance.

A lip flip is when small amounts of neurotoxin (4-8 units) are injected above the upper lip. The muscle that is injected is called the orbicularis oris - this is a circular muscle that is responsible for contracting the lip muscles inwards, like when sipping on a straw. When the orbicularis oris muscle is relaxed, the upper lip is not being pulled inwards and downwards as much, and the opposite effect happens where the upper lip can "flip" outwards and upwards. This increases the surface area of your upper lip and subtly improves lip volume. This is a great option for those who are hesitant to try lip filler or are looking for a more subtle and natural looking alternative to lip filler.

This is when neurotoxin is injected into the masseter (jaw) muscle to help with teeth grinding, jaw tension, TMJ, and facial slimming. It requires around 10-15 units on each side (20-30 units total). As a large muscle, and with more units injected, the results often last longer (6-9 months). This is a great option for those who grind their teeth at night, who also want subtle facial slimming effects.

Yes! This is a great clinical application of neurotoxin. Oftentimes, people hold a lot of tension in their face, especially while concentrating or staring at screens. This tension can cause frontal headaches and can trigger migraines. By injecting Botox, those facial muscles are relaxed and can help decrease facial tension, headaches, and migraines.

The treatment takes about 15 minutes to inject. The Botox will start to have an effect after 3-5 days, but will take about 2 weeks to fully set in. Botox peaks at 30 days, which is when it will be at its strongest effect. The treatment can last up to 3-6 months. However, the length depends on multiple factors, including things like how fast your body metabolizes the botox, how often you exercise, how many units you received, and how often you get botox.

Botox is a great treatment because the side effects are very minimal. One minor side effect can be a small amount of bruising, which usually resolves in 2-3 days. The biggest side effect that we worry about is the botox migrating from the area of injection to another area. Usually, botox only affects 1cm around the area it was injected. However, if there is pressure applied to the area or the patient completes extreme exercise in the hours immediately following injection, then the botox can migrate from the original injection site. Examples of pressure include laying down on the face, massaging the face, or wearing a tight hat or headband. Extreme exercise, or very high blood pressure/exertion, can also cause the botox to migrate. If these things are avoided, then the chances of migration are very low. However, if migration does occur, it can cause eyebrow or eyelid lowering for 2-3 weeks (although extra botox can often be added to counteract these affects). The risk for ptosis (or eyelid droop) is 1 in 50,000 (very low).

NO. After the botox wears off, the muscles and wrinkles will return to their previous state (NOTE: the wrinkles will be the same OR improved from before the botox injection, they will NOT be made worse by the botox wearing off). If you are able to keep up with your botox routine at regular intervals, it will continue to smooth and prevent wrinkles (NOTE: there are NO addictive properties to botox, and you may stop at any time). Botox only works in the muscles where it is injected, and cannot spread to distant parts of the body.

YES! This is your body and your treatment - we want you to be comfortable with whatever treatment you choose. "Baby Botox" is a common treatment where less botox is injected to allow for more movement while still decreasing and preventing wrinkles. It may not last as long, but it will allow for more natural movement.

The level of pain depends on the person. Botox uses a very small needle and goes into the skin superficially. It feels like a small pinprick, and some areas can be more sensitive than others. Small amounts of bleeding can occur, which are wiped away with gauze during the treatment. It can be described as being less painful than getting your eyebrows or lip waxed.

The amount of units depend on the person and the areas getting injected. However, on average, the amount of units typically ranges from 20-60. Here are some examples of facial areas and the correlating units:

- Glabella (frown lines): 10-15 units

- Frontalis (forhead lines): 10-20 units

- Crows feet: 4-12 units

- Bunny lines: 2-4 units

- Lip flip: 4-8 units

- Masseter (jaw): 20-30 units

Combining Botox and dermal fillers can create a powerful synergy in achieving natural facial rejuvenation. While Botox and dermal fillers are distinct treatments with different mechanisms of action, they complement each other to deliver comprehensive results.

Botox is primarily used to relax specific muscles that contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. By targeting dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements, Botox can effectively smooth out the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is commonly used on areas such as the forehead, crow's feet, and frown lines.

On the other hand, dermal fillers work by adding volume and structure to specific areas of the face that may have lost volume or experienced the effects of aging. Dermal fillers can restore youthful contours, plump up lips, soften lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial features such as the cheeks or chin.

When Botox and dermal fillers are used together, they offer a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Botox targets dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers address static wrinkles and volume loss. The combination allows for a more complete and harmonious enhancement of facial features, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

For example, Botox can be used to relax the muscles that cause frown lines between the eyebrows, while dermal fillers can be strategically injected to restore volume and smooth out deeper lines in the same area. This combination approach ensures that both the muscle-related and volume-related aspects of aging are addressed, creating a balanced and natural-looking result.

The key to achieving optimal outcomes with the combination of Botox and dermal fillers is to work with a skilled healthcare professional who has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the artistry of facial rejuvenation. They will assess your individual needs, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan to enhance your unique features while maintaining a natural look.

By harnessing the synergistic effects of Botox and dermal fillers, you can achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, restoring youthful contours, smoothing out wrinkles, and enhancing your natural beauty. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to explore how this combination approach can help you achieve your desired results.