Botox is now the most popular facial rejuvenation procedure in the world. Some may ask why this is so, and the answer is simple - it really works! Botox is a purified protein that acts to inhibit the message a nerve ending sends to a muscle. When injected into a specific muscle the effect is to relax that muscle. Since muscle contractions in the face cause lines and wrinkles over time, relaxing the right muscles can dramatically reduce the appearance and even prevent many unwanted wrinkles that age the face. The key to getting good results is to have your treatment performed by an experienced physician who pays close attention to aesthetic detail. When done properly, there is no artificial or asymmetric look, just a natural, smooth refreshed appearance. The most effective areas for treatment are the frown lines between the eyes, the crows feet area and the forehead. The upper lip, corners of the mouth and neck lines can also be treated.
Botox is a toxin isn't it - is it safe?
When administered in the minute quantities that are needed to achieve aesthetic improvements Botox is very safe. It has been used for various medical conditions (such as muscle spasm disorders) for over 20 years with a remarkable safety record. Like any medication, Botox must only be administered by an experienced and qualified medical doctor. Allergic reactions are reported but are very rare. Botox works locally i.e. only where it is injected and in the doses used for cosmetic treatments, has no systemic effects.
How long does it last?
For most patients the initial treatment will last about 3 months. Some patients will get up to 6 months effect from their Botox treatment. With repeated treatments effects often last longer and of course, as the wrinkles and lines get softer often fewer treatment units are required thereby reducing the cost.
OK, so how much do Botox treatments cost?
Botox is usually priced by the unit. Prices range from $8 per unit up to $15 per unit depending on the locale and who the injector is. A single vial contains 100 units and most treatments require anywhere from 20-80 units depending on the area or areas being treated. For example, a standard treatment for the frown lines between the eyes is 30 units (range 20-50). Crow's feet treatments usually require 15 units per side. Forehead treatments usually require fewer units often 10-15. It therefore will run about $200-$300 to treat a given area on average. When one considers that many so-called "high end wrinkle-fighter creams" cost in the hundreds of dollars, the cost of a Botox treatment is very reasonable especially since creams can't possibly correct wrinkles and lines the way Botox can. With Botox you're getting a proven product that works!
I'm not big on needles - does it hurt?
When performed well, you should barely feel a Botox injection. The needles used are ultra fine. In our clinic we pretreat the skin with ice to further reduce the sensation and to minimize the chance of bruising (bruising is possible but usually is minimal when it does occur).
Can you have Botox treatments if you are having other cosmetic procedures?
Botox is often used with other cosmetic procedures and in fact often improves and enhances the results of other treatments. For example we often use Botox in conjuction with tissue fillers, Thermage skin tightening, Intense Pulsed Light and Microlaser Peel to achieve even better results for facial rejuvenation.
I'm concerned that I will have a frozen look or that my face will look uneven.
The important point here is to have your treatments performed by an experienced physician who takes his or her time, pays attention to detail, listens to your concerns and performs follow up visits to ensure a good result. When performed well, Botox treatments will result in a natural reduction in unwanted facial lines and allow for normal facial expression. | 
