Most common areas are: lines and wrinkles on forehead, between brows, around eyes, around lips. It may also be injected to soften dimpling of the chin and reduce gummy smiles. Botox can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. Some of these treatment areas may be considered as off-label.

No. They're also used to treat neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye and other conditions. Botox shots also may help prevent migraine. Refer to my 'botox' blog to see other usage of botox that may surprise you.

Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try Botox. There is no right or wrong age to start using Botox. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consult by a medical professional prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to using Botox in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.

Botox treatments are quick with minimal discomfort. The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get Botox during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.

While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of Botox. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.

The results of Botox typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their Botox results for longer period by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months.

Yes, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatments.

Side effects of Botox treatment may include bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a few days to a week.

While Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin treat the same symptoms in a similar manner there are differences between these products. For more details, please refer to the upcoming blog posts: Botox vs Dysport Botox vs Xeomin

Dermal fillers are substances/gels injected beneath the skin’s surface to smooth wrinkles and add volume and contour. The products are composed of stabilised hyaluronic acid (HA), which occurs naturally in the skin cells. It works by drawing in water and augmenting the skin, thus reducing the wrinkle treated. It is by no means permanent and is totally biodegradable. Depending on the type of dermal fillers, results can last between one and two years.

The face loses volume and contour when we age; the bones and the soft tissue dissolve and contribute to the appearance of sagging. Dermal fillers may be used to replace this volume loss and restore the structural support, giving the patient a more youthful appearance. The aim is to make a face more harmonious and rejuvenated. For instance, the lips may be injected to improve their shape, size, symmetry and proportion. The cheeks may be injected to make a face more defined and attractive. An underdeveloped chin may be injected to make it appear more projected and proportionate. The nose may be injected to improve its shape and its contour.

Generally, basic dermal filler procedures require no anaesthetic as the dermal filler contains a local anaesthetic. It is straightforward, involving a few tiny injections directly into the skin, and takes between 15-30 minutes. The result can be seen immediately. Optimal results can be maintained over a long time through regular repeated treatments. The procedure varies from person to person depending on your requirements and the severity of the wrinkles that are being treated, in addition to the particular dermal filler being administered.

Results are seen instantly after the treatment, although this gradually improves over the following 2-4 weeks. Results can last between 9-18 months, although optimal results can be maintained over a long period through repeated treatments. The longevity varies from person to person depending on your requirements, the severity of the wrinkles being treated, and the particular dermal filler being administered.

Yes. I use only products with a proven safety record.

Today’s dermal fillers have come a long way since the first generation of collagen injections. Advanced injection techniques, coupled with the use of micro-cannula (blunt needle) and improved product safety, means that significant side effects are extremely uncommon but may include: Injection-related reactions. These reactions may include redness at the injection site immediately after the treatment. Bruising: occasionally, bruising can occur. However, using a micro-cannula (blunt needle) dramatically reduces the risk of bruising. Contour irregularities can and do occasionally occur. Massaging can usually smooth out any ‘lumpiness’; however, the filler can be easily and rapidly dissolved if persistent. Infection – as with all injections, this procedure risks infection. The syringe is sterile and standard precautions associated with injectable materials are taken. Necrosis – one of the worst possible complications of dermal filler. Fortunately, this is extremely rare. It happens when the dermal filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, which subsequently blocks the blood supply to the skin/tissue in that area. Blindness – This is a very rare complication. There have been approximately 100 cases worldwide caused by injecting dermal filler into a blood vessel that connects with the artery that supplies blood and oxygen to the eye. There is no treatment so far for this that has been successful.

After your treatment, we will again go through with you any aftercare advice to maximise your treatment benefits and avoid any undesirable side effects. You can resume normal activities, drive home, or return to work immediately after the treatment. As with any injection, there may be some slight redness immediately afterwards. Camouflage makeup may be applied. The results directly after the treatment should be seen as something other than the final results. This is because the results will gradually improve over the following 2 weeks. For 2 weeks after the treatment, you are advised to avoid extreme heat (sun bed or sunbathing) or intense cold.

Avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Fish oil, Ginko Biloba, St. John’s Wort and high doses of vitamin E for 7-10 days prior to procedure, as these may cause increase risk of bleeding and bruising at the treated site(s). Regular multi-vitamin and Tylenol® is permitted (If not contraindicated). Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to procedure as this can increase the risk for bleeding and bruising at the treated site(s). Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal creams in the area(s) to be treated. Take Tylenol® (if not contraindicated) 1 hour prior to your appointment to help with any discomfort you may have, if you have concerns about discomfort. If you have any history of Herpes Simplex (cold sores) on your face, make sure you inform the doctor that you have made your appointment with, one week prior to your appointment; this will allow us adequate time to prescribe a medication to prevent an outbreak. Sunburn skin is difficult to treat so avoid exposure to the sun. Eat a small meal or a snack before your appointment. Always inform your doctor of all medications, including supplements you may be taking as well as your medical history.

You would not be considered a candidate for Botox® if you have any of the following: Myasthenia Gravis Allergy to Botulinum Toxin Neuromuscular disorder Pregnant or breastfeeding Allergy to human albumin

You may apply makeup immediately following your treatment. The results of your treatment can take up to 14 days to take full effect. Usually patients notice a change in 3-5 days. It takes time for the muscles to lose strength and the lines to fade following Botox treatment. Please wait until 14 days have passed before assessing if you are pleased with the results. Do not massage or rub injected site for 24 hours following treatment. Avoid exercise and sweating for the remainder of the day and no lying down or leaning forward for 4 hours after treatment. There can be a slight chance of bruising at the treated site, this is temporary. Be assured that any tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours of treatment. Avoid any type of sauna, facial, microdermabrasion, laser or heat treatment for 14 days after treatment. Avoid Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin. Tylenol is acceptable to take if experiencing discomfort (if not contraindicated) Botox Cosmetic is a temporary procedure and at first, you may find that your treatment results will last approximately 3-4 months. If you maintain your treatment appointments with the frequency recommended by your clinician, the duration of each treatment results may last longer than 4 months. Remember your sunscreen every day