Botox FAQ

HOW DOES BOTOX® WORK?

Botox® works by minimizing muscle contractions. Wrinkles are caused, in part, by frequent and repeated movement of the skin sitting over active facial muscles near the eyes, brow, and mouth. By relaxing these muscles and preventing frequent contractions, Botox® reduces the appearance of wrinkles and can actually help prevent the development of future wrinkles.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX®?

Botox® is an excellent option for individuals who are seeking a non-surgical option for wrinkle reduction and prevention. It is perfect for individuals with deep wrinkles on the forehead, crow’s feet around the eyes, frown lines, lip creases, drooping at the corners of the mouth, vertical and horizontal neck creases, and wrinkling on the décolletage.

Individuals should avoid Botox® if they are allergic to any of its ingredients, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection at or near the target area, or have a muscular or nerve disease. At your initial consultation, Dr. Q will review your medical history to determine whether Botox® is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

WHAT DOES A BOTOX® PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

A typical Botox® procedure involves a 15-20 minute office visit, during which Dr. Q will inject the Botox® solution into the target area using a very thin needle. Some patients may require multiple injections depending on the location and depth of the wrinkles being targeted. Botox® treatments do not require any downtime, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately.

IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

No. The procedure does not require anesthesia, and most patients do not find it uncomfortable. If you are concerned about discomfort or find needles uncomfortable, Dr. Q can apply a topical numbing agent to the target area in advance of the injections.

DO BOTOX® INJECTIONS HAVE SIGNIFICANT SIDE EFFECTS?

Not usually. Any side effects from Botox® injections are generally mild and temporary. Some patients may experience discomfort, swelling, tenderness, redness, or bruising near the injection site. In rare cases, patients may experience headaches, nausea, or temporary facial weakness.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS, AND ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

Most patients begin to see results from their Botox® injections within a week after the treatment, and many will continue to see improvement over the next month. Unfortunately, the results are not permanent. For most patients, the wrinkle-reducing benefits last approximately 3-4 months.

WILL MY FRIENDS KNOW I GOT BOTOX® INJECTIONS?

Not unless you tell them! Your friends will notice that your face appears smoother and younger, but will probably not be able to pinpoint exactly why. When performed by an experienced, Board Certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Q, Botox® injections will not impact your ability to make a full range of natural facial expressions.

CONTACT DR. Q™ MEDICAL SPA

If you are unhappy with the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles on your face, neck, and chest, but are not yet ready for invasive surgical procedures, contact Dr. Q™ Medical Spa to learn whether Botox® injections might be the right choice for you. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial appointment with Dr. Q today!