| Dr. Tammy Wu is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the doctor has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. What is BOTOX®?
A. BOTOX® is a prescription medication that is used to relax muscles. The medication is botulinum toxin type A that was initially used to treat muscle spasms around the eyes (blepharospasms). Fortuitously, it was discovered that the medication can be used to relax other small muscles of the face to help diminish frown lines and other lines created by facial expressions. BOTOX® was then introduced in 2002 and approved by the FDA to be used to temporarily treat the frown lines in between the eyes. Since that time, there have been many off-label (not FDA-approved) usage of BOTOX® , including treatment of the laugh lines and relaxation of the forehead to minimize the visible forehead lines and crows feet.
Q. Who is the ideal candidate for BOTOX®?
A. Anyone who has visible lines at rest or on animation may benefit from BOTOX® treatment. Both men and women may benefit from BOTOX® treatment. I have hadclients in my office in their 20s and early 30s who, although they do not have visible lines at rest, they complain that they are starting to see lines in certain areas of the face when they animate (smile or frown). Therefore, they come in for "prophylactic" treatment to minimize and slow-down or delay the appearance of the lines.
Q. What is the recovery period for BOTOX®?
A. There is minimal "recovery" from BOTOX® treatment. BOTOX® treatments usually takeno more than 10 to 20 minutes, and the injections may be done over lunch time. There may be temporary swelling or bruising from the injection sites, but other than that, there is usually no visible "down-time" from the treatment.
Q. How long do the results of BOTOX® last?
A. Each treatment session of BOTOX® may last anywhere between 3 to 4 months on average. About 10% of the people will have results that last about 6 months, and about another 10% of the people in which the results last only 4 to 6 weeks. But the majority of the population will experience the effects of BOTOX® for an average of three to four months. Repeat treatments when the effects wear off are necessary in order to maintain the muscle relaxation and to minimize the visible lines.
Q. How much does BOTOX® cost?
A. BOTOX® costs vary depending on the region and location of where you are. Some practices charge BOTOX® treatments by the number of units, ie $15 per unit, and some practices charge by the location or area, ie $300 per area of treatment. The cost of unit charge and area charge will vary by the locality; therefore, call your doctor or practices that offer BOTOX® in your area to find out how much BOTOX® may cost.
Q. How safe is BOTOX®?
A. While there may be some serious side effects from BOTOX® treatment, they are quite rare. The more common and less serious side effects include droopy eyelids if the medication were to migrate or to be injected into undesired areas. When used appropriately and by well-trained medical professionals, (MD and RN), BOTOX® is generally safe to use with minimal untoward effects.
Q. How many treatments will be needed for BOTOX® ?
A. In general, one treatment of BOTOX® is necessary to achieve the desired outcome (relaxation of the muscles) provided the appropriate amount is used and the injections are performed in the appropriate areas. As mentioned earlier, the effects are temporary; therefore, repeat treatments spaced approximately 3 to 4 months apart would be necessary in order to maintain the results. Sometimes, however, the very deep facial lines may not go away with only one treatment, but often with regular repeated BOTOX® treatments, the lines will usually
eventually relax and soften and sometimes disappear altogether.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Wu if we have further questions?
A. If you have any further questions regarding BOTOX®, or any other issues regarding plastic surgery and /or skin care, acupuncture, veins, and filler treatments, Dr. Wu may be reached at (209) 551-1888, or via email at staff@surgerytoday.com. Dr. Wu’s practice, Surgical Artistry, is located in Modesto, and the office is at 2336 Sylvan Avenue, Suite C, Modesto, CA 95355. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5pm.Our website is www.surgerytoday.com.
|
