Wrinkle Relaxers/Botox FAQ
WHAT IS A BOTOX INJECTION?
Botox inhibits muscle contractions by blocking nerve signals. Using a fine needle, Botox is injected into the selected muscle resulting in a relaxed and softened appearance on the surface
DOES IT HURT TO GET BOTOX?
BOTOX is injected with the smallest of needle types. It is typically a very quick (less than 5 mins) type of service. Most time for the appointment is dedicated to discussing which areas and how many units you may need today. The procedure is almost over right after it gets started! Many of our guests who decide to get BOTOX or Dysport go without any numbing or icing at all. However, if you want to have the areas numbed first we can do that for you.
WHAT AREAS ARE BOTOX INJECTIONS MOST COMMONLY USED?
Wrinkles surrounding the eyes, known as crow’s feet, and frown lines are typical areas where people choose to get Botox. Deep forehead lines, smile creases, and lip lines are also common spots where Botox is used.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A BOTOX INJECTION?
Before your Botox procedure, you will have a consultation outlining how you should prepare for Botox. One week before your procedure, avoid alcohol. Two weeks prior, be sure to stop using aspirin and medications that are anti-inflammatory. These specific measures will help with bruising post treatment.
AFTER I GET BOTOX, HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST?
Botox injections last 2.5-3 months. As you receive regular Botox injections, your muscles will be trained to relax more, and the treatment will last a little longer.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN I EXPECT FROM BOTOX?
Bruising is the most common side effect but will dissipate within a few weeks. Headaches are rare but may last one to two days. Some patients experience an eyelid droop which will stop within a few weeks. This occurs as the Botox moves around and gets settled. Be mindful of the treated area and refrain from rubbing or touching it for 12 hours. Also, be sure not to lie down within the first hour after the procedure.
IS BOTOX SAFE FOR ME?
Botox is FDA approved, but if you have certain conditions, you should not get the procedure. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease, your doctor will tell you to not receive Botox treatments.
The first thing to understand about wrinkles is that there are two types. The first is referred to as “static” wrinkles, which form as tissues age and grow lax. The other type of wrinkles are called “dynamic.” These are created by repetitive muscle movements like smiling or squinting.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a nonsurgical treatment designed to reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. With dynamic wrinkles, it works by blocking nerve stimulus to the muscles in the targeted area. This is why BOTOX® Cosmetic is capable of such dramatic improvements on dynamic wrinkles like:
Frown lines, which are lines that form between the eyebrows
Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes
Forehead furrows or lines
Laugh lines to the sides of the mouth
Lipstick lines, which are the tiny wrinkles that form around the lips
BOTOX® Cosmetic is also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A. Technically, it’s a muscle paralyzing neurotoxin that when injected into a targeted area, relaxes the muscles beneath the skin to smooth out facial lines.
Who are Ideal BOTOX® Cosmetic Candidates?
Men and women of any age can benefit from BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. If you would like to correct the signs of early aging brought about by fine lines and wrinkles, BOTOX® can give you excellent results. It’s safe for all ethnicities and skin types, too.
How is BOTOX® Used?
The procedure is very simple. Prior to receiving your treatment, Dr. Vitenas will ensure that you are a good candidate for BOTOX® wrinkle relaxers, and you’ll discuss which parts of the face to target along with how much will be needed.
No anesthesia is required, although it is recommended to use a local anesthetic in sensitive areas where lipstick lines are present—the procedure is virtually painless. You’ll feel a slight pinch with each injection. With a tiny needle, BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the target areas. This usually takes less than 30 minutes in the office.
What to Expect After BOTOX® Treatments
One of the great things about BOTOX® Cosmetic is that it doesn’t interrupt your life. There is no downtime after a treatment, which means that you will be able to return to your usual activities immediately following the treatment.
Minor bruising may occur at the injection site, but this doesn’t last for long. Within five to seven days, you’ll begin to see results from your BOTOX® treatment, and the full results typically appear within two weeks. Each treatment lasts between three and four months. After that, to maintain your results, you’ll need to repeat the treatment.
One of the great things about BOTOX® is that it can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic achievements to achieve optimal results. For instance, for a greater smoothing effect, dermal fillers like Juvederm or Radiesse can be added to remove both dynamic and static wrinkles, which will leave your skin looking youthful and healthy. If you’re interested in additional treatments, speak with your esthetician about the products and services available at our North Richland Hills location and the Fort Worth location in Tarrant County.
What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a mild neurotoxin that dramatically improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The technical term for it is “Botulinum Toxin Type A,” and it works by temporarily paralyzing targeted facial muscles. What this means is that the muscles relax, which leaves your skin with a smoother finish for up to four months.
Where can BOTOX® be used?
BOTOX® is primarily used on the face as a treatment that smooths wrinkles by relaxing dynamic facial muscles—or in other words, the muscles that perform repetitive movements like those around your mouth and eyes, which move whenever you smile or frown. This is why it works best to correct frown lines between the eyes, crow’s feet at the edges of the eyes, forehead lines, and the lipstick lines that form around the lips.
How do BOTOX® treatments work?
BOTOX® is administered to targeted facial muscles through small injections.
How long does it take to perform a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Typically, your procedure will take less than 30 minutes in our office.
Where can I get a BOTOX® treatment?
BOTOX® wrinkle relaxers are available at Beauty Boutique’s state of the art MediSpa, which is located in beautiful Houston, Texas.
Will I be a good candidate for BOTOX®?
Both men and women can receive BOTOX® treatments, and it is suitable for all skin types and ethnicities. Anyone seeking a more youthful look is a good candidate for BOTOX®!
How long before I see BOTOX® starting to work?
You’ll start seeing the effects of BOTOX® within five to seven days, with full results usually appearing within two weeks.
Is anesthesia required for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Anesthesia is not required to perform a BOTOX® treatment since this is a relatively painless procedure. However, because areas around the mouth can be more sensitive, local anesthetics are generally used prior to injections used to treat lipstick lines.
Are BOTOX® injections painful?
These treatments cause very little discomfort. Most patients report a quick prick or pinching sensation during the injections.
What can I expect while I recover after BOTOX® injections?
One of the great things about BOTOX® treatments is that there is no downtime after the treatment. You may experience minor bruising around injection sites, but this will resolve within the next few weeks. In the meantime, you’ll start seeing the full results of BOTOX® Cosmetic within two weeks of your treatment.
Will BOTOX® treatments require me to take time off work?
Since there is no downtime with this treatment, you’ll be able to go back to work, school and the rest of your activities immediately!
How long will the results of my BOTOX® treatment last?
For most people, results last between three and four months. After this time, if you want to maintain the results, you’ll need a repeat treatment.
Are there risks to BOTOX® treatments?
When applied by an experienced professional, BOTOX® is considered safe. Complications are rare but can include severe headaches or overcorrection. Overcorrection is when the muscle relaxant effect is too great, which may cause slight drooping of facial muscles.
How much does a BOTOX® Cosmetic session cost?
Exact costs vary depending on the area that you want to treat, and the amount of correction required to produce a smooth look. At your consultation appointment, a professional will determine how many units of BOTOX® will be required. Our rate is $14.00 per unit of BOTOX® Cosmetic, which means that on average, treatments cost between $150 and $600 depending on how many units are needed.
Can I finance my BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?
Yes! Patients can pay for BOTOX® injections in a variety of ways: Cash, all major credit cards, personal check, and healthcare financing through CareCredit. For more information about payment options, contact us.
Who should avoid BOTOX® injections?
Women who are pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers. If you have a neurological disorder BOTOX® should be avoided. We recommend patients come in for a free BOTOX® consultation before treatments begin, as some wrinkle types may not be treated by BOTOX®.
Will my insurance pay for BOTOX® injections?
This will depend on your insurance plan and if treatment is deemed a medical necessity. If BOTOX® injections are only for cosmetic reasons, it will more than likely not be covered by insurance. If you need assistance to determine costs and insurance coverage options, give us a call so we can better assist you with the options you have.
Do Side Effects Occur From BOTOX® injections?
BOTOX® patients may experience temporary bruising, although not everyone. Sometimes headaches can develop within the first two days, which is not common. A smaller percentage experience drooping eyelids, although it typically goes away within 14 days for these rare instances. Furthermore, these cases happen when BOTOX® on the face moves, which makes it more important for patients to not touch their face for 12 hours after their treatment.
How frequent will I need BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is taken on a schedule, which is similar to other preventive treatments. You’ll begin with two treatments that are 12 weeks apart. This allows us to see how successful it is for you. Those who aren’t treated each 12th week could see less benefits from BOTOX®.
Depending on your progress, we’ll discuss the 12-week schedule further. Before any patient leaves our BOTOX® medspa on treatment day, we’ll schedule the next visit. This will help you remain consistent and allow for the most optimal results.
Do You Provide A Free Consultation To See If Botox® Treatment Is Right For Me?
Of Course! Simply schedule a consultation appointment via our online booking system here During the no obligation visit, we’ll cover the areas that may be of concern. We’ll examine your face closely, while asking you to show us facial expressions. Our highly experienced BOTOX® professionals will then provide recommendations and treatment options. BOTOX® may or may not be the best for some patients based on the goals they want to achieve.. As an example, some people have extra skin on the upper eyelids which is not ideal for BOTOX® treatment.
Dermal Fillers FAQ
WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal fillers are substance/gels injected beneath the skin’s surface to smooth wrinkles and add volume and contour. It is by no means permanent and is totally biodegradable. Depending on what type of dermal filler used, results can last between one to two years. Dermal fillers are very safe.
WHAT AREAS CAN DERMAL FILLERS BE USED FOR?
The face loses volume and contour when we age, the bones and the soft tissue dissolve and contribute to 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 the 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 the shape and its contour.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE ENTAIL AND IS IT PAINFUL?
It can be painful if the procedure is carried out by injector who is not as skilled.
We use a topical numbing agent and ice, the procedure involves a few tiny injections directly into the skin, and takes between 15–30 minutes. Make-up can be applied immediately after the procedure and you can go straight back to work. Result can be seen immediately. Optimal results can be maintained over a long period of 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.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE ANY RESULT AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Results are seen instantly after the treatment, although this gradually improves over the course of the following 2–4 weeks. Results can last between 9–18 months although optimal results can be maintained over a long period of time through regular repeated treatments. The longevity 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.
ARE DERMAL FILLERS SAFE?
Yes. We use only FDA approved products. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance which occurs naturally in the cells of the skin, thus there is no risk of allergic reactions. Even people with food sensitivities can receive these fillers safely. The brands of dermal fillers we use are available in more than 90 countries and have been used as an injectable cosmetic treatment for more than two decades with an excellent safety record.
ARE THERE ANY SIDES EFFECTS?
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 the use of 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 if persistent the filler can be easily and rapidly dissolved.
Infection — as with all injections, this procedure carries a risk of 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 and it 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 in the world and is caused by injecting dermal filler into blood vessel which has a connection with the artery which supplies blood and oxygen to the eye. There is no treatment so far for this that has been successful.
ARE THERE ANY AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS?
For 48 hours post treatment, you are advised to avoid alcohol, aspirin, strenuous exercise, extreme heat (sun bed or sunbathing) or intense cold. You can drive yourself home or return to work immediately after the treatment. As with any type of injection there may be some slight redness immediately afterwards. Camouflage make up may be applied. The results directly after the treatment should therefore not be seen as the final results. This is because over the following 2 weeks the results will gradually improve.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Cost depends on the type of dermal filler, amount dermal filler is required and the areas of the face you wish to be treated (e.g. undereye hollow and cheeks). During the consultation, we will formulate a treatment plan for you and advise the exact cost of your treatments. Our prices are competitive and your treatments will be carried out by a national expert. We believe our patients deserve the utmost safety in our care and we are committed to offering reliable, safe and effective results. Prices start from around $500.
HOW DO I FIND A GOOD COSMETICS INJECTOR FOR MY DERMAL FILLER TREATMENTS?
The most important things to consider are:
Is the injector qualified and experienced?
Does the injector have the knowledge to identify signs of complications and act on them?
Does the doctor share your aesthetic vision?