Botox
- What is Botox?
- Is Botox Safe?
- Where Can Botox™ Be Used?
- How Long Does Botox Last?
- Your Botox Treatment
- Post Treatment Instructions
- Questions You May Have
What is Botox?
Botox is a protein derived from botulism toxin that is injected underneath skin in order to minimize or smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face. When low doses of Botox are used, it actually paralyzes or relaxes facial muscles, giving the recipient a clean, smooth facial appearance.
Botox has gained in popularity over the years for several reasons. It's less invasive than a face lift and the results are immediate. When one receives a face lift, she can expect to have bandages on her face for several days along with bruising, swelling and stitches. It might be a couple of months before she's able to look in the mirror without seeing the effects of her plastic surgery. With Botox, the swelling goes down within a day or two, and while a prick from the needle is visible immediately after having the Botox administered, most of the evidence is gone within twenty four hours.
Botox is also much cheaper and quicker than a face lift. In fact, Botox is so easy and so affordable, many people hold Botox parties at which Botox is administered to several people in the course of a couple hours. Botox takes such little time to administer that a patient can receive a treatment on her lunch hour. Botox is also temporary, so if the recipient of a Botox treatment doesn't care for the way she looks, her face will resume its normal appearance within about three to six months.
Of course, there are risks. It's rare, but one can have an allergic reaction to Botox. Those taking antibiotics are at risk for an adverse reaction. Anyone who is taking an antibiotic is advised to make her doctor aware of this before being injected with Botox. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to postpone Botox injections until their little ones are no longer dependent upon them for nutrition.
Botox is clearly a more attractive option to plastic surgery. It's quick, it's less expensive, and except for the prick of a syringe, it's painless. If you're considering cosmetic surgery, why not consider Botox first?
The staff and doctors of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will advise you on whether Botox is the best treatment for your individual case.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox procedures are completely safe when performed under proper sterilization and sanitation guidelines. These guidelines include the following:
- All needles should be new and sterile for each client.
- All equipment and supplies should be pre-sterilized and disposed of in a sanitary manner.
- Gloves should be new for each client and changed periodically during the procedure.
- The room or treatment area should be in an area free from other contaminants.
The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery adheres to the most stringent sterilization and sanitary guidelines.
Where Can Botox Be Used?
Botox can be used on virtually any area of the body. Areas that are commonly treated include the eyebrows, the eyelids, the lips, and the breast areola after breast surgery.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox® treatment reduces the mild to moderate wrinkles that appear between your brow lines. This reduction of wrinkles generally lasts for about four months. Of course, individual results may vary and it is best to discuss your individual case with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery during your initial consultation.
Your Botox Treatment
Botox treatment includes an initial consultation, application of the pigment, and at least one or more follow up visits for adjusting the shape and color or density of the pigment. The initial procedure generally takes one to two hours to complete. There is a slight bit of discomfort as the pigment is applied; the discomfort level varies with each patient. Details about how your Botox treatment will be performed will be provided during your initial consultation.
Post Treatment Instructions
While there are limited side effects from the use of Botox®, there are a few post-treatment instructions you should be aware of. The doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will discuss these instructions and answer any questions you may have prior to your treatment.
- Immediately after your treatment, you may notice temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically disappear in less than seven days. Cold compresses may be used immediately after your treatment to reduce swelling. If the inconvenience continues beyond two to three days or if other reactions occur, call The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.
- Until any initial redness and swelling have disappeared, avoid exposure of the treated area to intense heat (sunlamp or sunbathing).
- Avoid touching the treated area within six hours of your treatment. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water.
- Avoid exercise and alcohol for six hours after your treatment.
Questions You May Have
Are there other procedures that could be done along with Botox injections to restore the full and youthful appearance of my face?
There are a variety of surgical procedures that can reduce facial wrinkles and enhance the overall appearance of your face: Facelift, Brow Lift, Eyelid Surgery, or Facial Implants. Complementary procedures will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.
Will my insurance coverage pay for my Botox injections?
Botox® injections are considered a cosmetic treatment and, therefore, are not covered by your insurance. You are responsible for the full payment for your procedure. Cost and payment information will be discussed in detail with you during your initial consultation.
