Question: What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Answer: BOTOX® Cosmetic is a chemical made by a bacteria named clostridia.  It is produced for medical use by a medical manufacturer and arrives at the doctor's office in a small glass vial containing an exact amount of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Question: How does it work?
Answer: When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into a muscle, it weakens or paralyzes that muscle.  It has been used for many years now in the treatment of muscle spasm disorders.  Doctors and patients noticed early on in its use that it also caused lines and wrinkles to soften and even disappear for a period of time.  As a result, the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic for the treatment of lines and wrinkles is now very common.

Question: I have heard that BOTOX® Cosmetic is expensive. WHY?
Answer: It is made by a single manufacturer, and the charge for the chemical itself is expensive (about 450 dollars per vial). One vial is enough for about two patients, When the doctor reconstitutes the freeze-dried botox in saline (salt water) solution, it can be used for the next six hours only.  After that, it loses its effectiveness.

The procedure for BOTOX® Cosmetic is easy, so we only charge a nominal facility fee in recognition of the high cost of the material.  We do not seek financial profit from performing this procedure, but instead we choose to simply provide it as a service to our patients.

Question: Does BOTOX® Cosmetic make my face expressionless?
Answer: NO. It simply softens over-exaggerated furrows. The patient pictured above was bothered by the furrows between her eyes.  She said it made her look angry - she called it her "bulldog look." BOTOX® Cosmetic erased these lines, and the "bulldog look." Her eyes look more open and friendly. She returns every 6 months or so for another treatment.

Question: How long does it last?
Answer: Its effects typically last about 4 to 6 months, and after that you can be re-treated.

Question: Is there a more permanent solution?
Answer: If you like the effect of BOTOX® Cosmetic, you may wish to discuss with your facial plastic surgeon the surgical options that can provide a more lasting solution.

There may be some mild discomfort that can be treated with Tylenol. There will be some temporary swelling that usually requires no treatment. However, if you wish, you can apply ice in the first 24 hours. There is usually no bruising. If you should develop a small bruise, it is temporary and should dissipate over a period of a few days.