What is Botox?
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is a highly purified preparation of botulinum toxin A. It acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and so relaxing the muscles by paralyzing them. Injecting the Botulinum toxin into the muscles temporarily reduces its activity by blocking the transmitters between the motor nerves. Botox is injected, in very small amounts, into specific muscles, as a treatment for a variety of applications.
What should I expect during Botox treatment?
Most sessions take only 5 to 10 minutes, during which time a fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into key areas of the head and neck area.
What types of results can I expect after getting Botox?
Botox improves the appearance of frown lines, forehead creases, crow’s feet, gummy smiles, and smoker’s lines. Botox results will reach full efficacy in 2 weeks post injection. Everyone metabolizes Botox differently, so results will vary but typically last between 3-4 months. After each re-treatment, less units may be required to produce similar results, and lines will return as less severe since the muscles have already been relaxed.
Botox is also used in a wide variety of treatments, ranging from cosmetic procedures to pain management, particularly for pain caused by TMJ disorders, and bruxism, (teeth grinding and clenching). For masseter injections, you may notice slimming of the lower face if you have a wide lower face due to strong masseter muscles from clenching or grinding.
How much does Botox cost?
$10/unit
