How does Botox Cosmetic work?
Botox Cosmetic is a purified protein that relaxes the muscles under the skin by blocking the signals
from the nerves that would otherwise cause these muscles to contract. Wrinkles form due to a combination
of overactive muscle contraction and age and sun damage related loss of collagen under the
skin. By forcing the muscle to relax in a certain area, the wrinkling improves significantly or disappears
for a period of time. For more information on this topic, please watch our procedure video.
Who is a candidate for Botox Cosmetic?
Since it acts by relaxing muscles, it is more effective for the treatment of "dynamic" wrinkles (those that
appear while using facial muscles, such as smiling or frowning) than on "static" wrinkles, which are
there all the time. If you a desire a more youthful look by elevating your brow, Botox Cosmetic is also
an excellent choice.
Is Botox Cosmetic safe?
Botox has been used safely and extensively for more than 30 years to treat a variety of muscular
diseases as well as wrinkles. The injection causes temporary weakness of only those muscles
injected.
What should I expect?
Botox Cosmetic injection treatments are attractive because they are relatively inexpensive and require
no recovery time. Injections are done with a fine needle and require no anesthesia. By carefully
choosing the muscles to treat, we weaken only the wrinkle-producing muscles while preserving natural
facial expression. Treatment takes about 15 minutes. Most patients can return to work immediately.
Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after the injection. The effect is
not immediate. It usually takes three to five days to notice a reduction in muscle activity and full effects
are seen at 1 to 2 weeks. Potential risks are thoroughly discussed with you before your first treatment.
How long will it last?
An improvement can be seen within days and normally lasts 3 - 4 months, although results may
vary. After repeated treatment cycles, the effects may last longer.
Who should not receive Botox?
BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and
in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation.
Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
How much will it cost?
At Renew MediSpa, we charge by the unit used. This means that you will only pay for exactly the
amount used, not “by the region”. The cost is $10 per unit. The amount needed depends on the type
and size of the area being treated and the amount of muscle bulk there. Typical dose ranges are:
