Dr. John W. Bass is a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Botox.
Q. What is Botox®?
A. Botox® is produced by Allergan Pharmaceuticals. It is a protein often associated with food poisoning (botulism toxin) because it is indeed produced from Clostridium botulinum. When nerve cells in the skin’s muscles release acetylcholine, muscles contract and wrinkles often form. If you get Botox® injected into these muscles, it will stop the release of acetylcholine, paralyze the muscles, end the contractions and smooth the wrinkles. These results can be beneficial for both medical and cosmetic uses by smoothing out lines and wrinkles on the face.
Q. Who is the ideal candidate for Botox®?
A. Botox® is FDA-approved for patients ages 18 to 65. The ideal candidate for Botox® is someone who would like to improve the appearance of:
a. Crows’ feet
b. Moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows
c. Bands on the neck
d. Excessive sweating
e. Forehead creases
Q. What is the recovery period for Botox®?
A. Patients rarely report feeling pain following Botox® treatments. For a few hours following treatment, small red dots and minor bruising may be visible on the skin. To speed recovery, a lightweight cold compress can be applied to the treated area for a few minutes following the procedure.
Q. How long do the results of Botox® last?
A. The results of Botox® generally last about 4 months. Type of treatment and treatment location along with the patient’s overall health, body type, weight and age can all affect how long a Botox® treatment will last. Strong muscles and deep wrinkles may cause Botox® to wear off more quickly than weak muscles and shallow wrinkles.
Q. How much does Botox® cost?
A. Botox® costs about $10-13/unit. (Allergan, the maker of Botox®, has a loyalty program called Brilliant Distinctions program which gives rebates for Botox®, Juvederm, and Latisse.) The number of units depends on the site in which it is used.
a. Between the brows (glabellar area): approximately 20 units
b. Forehead: approximately 20-30 units
c. Crows feet: approximately 30 units total including both sides
d. Botox® brow lift: approximately 5 units
e. Upturned mouth: approximately 10 units
Q. How safe is Botox®?
A. Botox® is extremely safe, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Complications are very infrequent, but common side effects may include:
i. Flu-like symptoms
ii. Bruising and numbness at the injection site
iii. Nausea
iv. Headache
Q. How many treatments will be needed for Botox®?
A. Botox® treatments are generally repeated every 3 to 4 months. After receiving treatments over the period of a year, patients may only require treatments every 6 months.
Q. How to contact Dr. Bass if we have further questions?
A.
a. Phone: 602.485.1010
b. Website: http://www.jwbass.com
c. Facebook: http://facebook.com/artofchange
