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What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure able to reduce the appearance of forehead creases and frown lines, crow’s feet and eyelid wrinkles, and creases in the neck. This natural, purified protein is administered through injection, providing very dramatic results with very little side effects. With over one million BOTOX procedures performed annually in the U.S., it is the most popular non-surgical procedure.

Who is a good candidate for BOTOX?
Good candidates for BOTOX include men and women between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five who are looking for a more youthful, smoother complexion and improvement in the appearance of frown lines and deep wrinkles on the face and neck.  

How does BOTOX work?
By injecting small doses of BOTOX into different areas of the face, the muscles responsible for wrinkle formation become temporarily paralyzed. Overactive muscles relax as the protein blocks the transmission of nerve impulses. The procedure is quick, just ten minutes or so, and there is minimal pain or discomfort. Prior to injection, the treatment area may be numbed with an ice pack or anesthetic ointment.

What is the recovery like after BOTOX?
BOTOX injections are fast and effective with little to no recovery time. Patients can generally resume their normal activities and work immediately after treatment, and results will begin to appear within several days.

How long do the effects of BOTOX last?
BOTOX results can last for up to four months. To maintain the smooth, youthful appearance, repeat injections every three to four months are recommended.

Are there any risks or complications associated with BOTOX?
Side effects that may occur with BOTOX treatment can include headaches, flu-like symptoms, respiratory infection, nausea, and temporary eyelid droop. Patients with active infections in the treatment area should not receive BOTOX. Though rare, BOTOX may cause antibodies to form which can decrease the procedure’s effectiveness.

What is the cost of BOTOX?
Because BOTOX is considered cosmetic, meaning that it is primarily performed for aesthetic purposes, insurance generally does not cover the cost of treatment. There are some exceptions and insurance coverage may be available when used for medical purposes, such as in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Prices can vary dramatically based on several factors, including the patient’s goals and their geographic location as well as the particular practitioner. The average surgeon/physician fee for 2005, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), was listed as $464. Patients can expects BOTOX costs to run anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per session.

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