| Dr. Michael Escobedo is a plastic surgeon and has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. What is BOTOX®?
A. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in people 18 to 65 years of age for a short period of time (temporary).
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered by a healthcare professional as a simple, nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows. Individual results may vary.
BOTOX® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used:
•to treat increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist, and finger muscles in adults with upper limb spasticity.
•to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in adults.
•to treat certain types of eye muscle problems (strabismus) or abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm) in people 12 years and older.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered by a healthcare professional as a simple, nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows. Individual results may vary.
Q. Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX®?
A. BOTOX® Cosmetic has been proven safe for a wide range of candidates. While there are many medical uses for the protein that makes up BOTOX® Cosmetic, the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles is far and away the most common application. Anyone who would like to smooth wrinkles through BOTOX® Cosmetic is potentially a candidate for this effective treatment. The best way to find out if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you is to speak with a physician.
Q. What is the recovery period for BOTOX®?
A. Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate-to-severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to 30 days, and results can last for up to 4 months. Individual results may vary.
Q. How long do the results of BOTOX® last?
A. Results last between 3-4 months for most patients.
Q. How much does BOTOX® cost?
A. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of BOTOX®Cosmetic is approximately $400. Please ask your physician or health care provider for more information as pricing may vary.
Q. How safe is BOTOX®?
A. BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these problems after treatment with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic:
•Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These problems can happen hours to weeks after an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic usually because the muscles that you use to breathe and swallow can become weak after the injection. Death can happen as a complication if you have severe problems with swallowing or breathing after treatment with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
•People with certain breathing problems may need to use muscles in their neck to help them breathe. These patients may be at greater risk for serious breathing problems with BOTOX®or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
•Swallowing problems may last for several months. People who cannot swallow well may need a feeding tube to receive food and water. If swallowing problems are severe, food or liquids may go into your lungs. People who already have swallowing or breathing problems before receiving BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic have the highest risk of getting these problems.
•Spread of toxin effects. In some cases, the effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas of the body away from the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism.
The symptoms of botulism include:
•loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body
•double vision
•blurred vision and drooping eyelids
•hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia)
•trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria)
•loss of bladder control
•trouble breathing
•trouble swallowing
These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after you receive an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.
These problems could make it unsafe for you to drive a car or do other dangerous activities. There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when BOTOX® has been used at the recommended dose to treat severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm, or strabismus, or when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines.
Q. How many treatments will be needed?
A. Patients please with the result of Botox® Cosmetic may receive new treatment every 3-4 months as long as they don’t suffer any serious allergic reactions or side effects.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Escobedo if we have further questions?
A. Please feel free to contact me, Dr. Escobedo, at my office 512-347-9794, or email me with your questions at drmike@escobedoesthetics.com. My website is www.escobedoskincenter.com. |
