| Dr. Joseph Mlakar is a plastic surgeon and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. What is Botox?
A. Botox is a temporary neuromuscular paralyzing agent, which has been successfully used in small controlled doses to reduce fine facial wrinkling associated with wrinkling.
It's the most common cosmetic medical treatment in our society today. If your readers haven't heard of Botox, then they probably also need the airline stewardess to show them how to fasten their seatbelts.
Q. Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX?
A. Best candidates are women in their thirties, forties, and fifties who wish to reduce evidence of facial lines associated with aging, but who don't have deep established wrinkles.
Q. How does BOTOX work?
A. Botox works by blocking the action of the facial muscles at the junction between the nerve endings and the muscle. It is sort of like stopping your vacuum cleaner by temporarily pulling out the electric cord from your machine.
The cord still carries electricity, but it can't get to the vacuum cleaner, and the machinery won't run.
Q. What is the recovery period for BOTOX?
A. Botox is an instantaneous treatment, and many doctors like me believe that no recovery period is needed.
However, the maximum effects are often not seen for three days.
Q. How long do the results of BOTOX last?
A. Botox lasts three to six months, depending on the dosage, the area, and the concentration.
Q. How much does BOTOX cost?
A. Botox varies in cost from city to city. In my practice , 25 units cost $275 and 50 units $400, which is enough to treat most correctable patient concerns.
Q. Who should perform a BOTOX procedure?
A. Botox can be safely preformed by any licensed physician with knowledge and experience in Botox use, with any number of medical and cosmetic purposes. It can also injected by a licenced aesthetician, registered nurse, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner, with appropriate training and direct supervision by a licensed physician. For cosmetic purposes, Botox is injected most commonly by dermatologists, facial plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and aesthetic plastic surgeons like me. |
