Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Nuceiva are brand names of medications known as neuromodulators. Neuromodulators work by temporarily blocking the signal that tells the muscle to contract. When small amounts of these medications are injected, they relax the movement of targeted facial muscles. When you decrease the movement of these muscles you also decrease wrinkling and smooth out the appearance of the skin. The effects of these medications wear off after approximately 3 months. However, with regular treatments results may last longer and a smaller dose may be required. These medications can help to prevent the appearance of permanent wrinkles and soften existing fine lines. Botox is also a highly effective and safe treatment for excessive underarm sweating and for chronic migraine..

Botulinum Toxin Pre-Treatment Care To reduce bruising, avoid taking blood thinning supplements and non-essential medications for 7 days before your treatment. These include: fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green tea, and vitamin E, aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). Avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment can also reduce your chances of bruising. Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal creams in the area(s) to be treated. If you are having lip treatment done and have a history of cold sores (perioral herpes), you can discuss starting a prescriptive medication to prevent an outbreak prior to your procedure. Sunburned skin is difficult to treat so avoid exposure to the sun. Always inform your treating healthcare provider or all medications that could interact with treatment such as: antibiotics, blood thinners (ie) Coumadin/warfarin, Plavix). OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION Neurotoxins and fillers are not approved for use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use neurotoxins if you are allergic to eggs, milk proteins, or have any neurological disorders. Treatment cannot be performed on active skin infections. It is not recommended to have Neurotoxin treatment on the same area less than 90 days apart. The most common side effect is bruising and swelling. It is NOT advisable to have injections less than 2 weeks before a big event. Post-Treatment Care Exercise your treated muscles for the first hour after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work the treatment into your muscles. Do NOT have a facial, rub, or massage the treated area for 24 hours after your treatment. Do NOT lie down or do strenuous exercise for four hours after treatment. Avoid any exposure to a sauna, hot tub or tanning for four hours. This will prevent your blood pressure from rising and thus minimize the risk of bruising after treatment. Some patients experience a mild headache following their treatment. You may take Tylenol for pain relief. Tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours after your treatment. There is a small risk of bruising. If this occurs, it is temporary and can easily be covered up with makeup. Bruising may last up to one week. Effects begins gradually anywhere from 3-7 days and is not complete for two weeks. A follow up appointment is planned for 2 weeks after your treatment to assess the outcomes. Treatments will gradually wear off over the course of 3 months.

Botulinum Toxin Botulinum toxin has a long history of use for various medical conditions since the 1970s and a very good safety profile. It has been used for cosmetic applications since 2002. Botox is also a very effective treatment for conditions such as migraines and excessive underarm sweating. Most common side effects to these treatments are mild injection pain and slight bruising. Full details regarding risks and benefits will be discussed during your consultation with a healthcare provider.

Botulinum Treatments: Results reach full effect in 1 to 2 weeks and last approximately 3 months. Dermal Fillers: Results are immediate, although swelling and bruising are common in the first few days. Duration of results depends on the area treated but will typically last 6 to 12 months.

If you have never had a botulinum toxin, then ideally you should have your first treatment 4-6 months before your important event so that the dose and effect can be fine tuned before the big day. You would then have your next treatment 3-4 weeks before your event. If you have had a treatment in the past with no adverse effects then 3 to 4 weeks before the event would be the best timing.

The cost of treatment is based on the dosage used. This is measured in "units." The cost per unit is $10. Most treatments of the upper face (forehead, frown lines, and crows feet) will range between $300 to $500. Your provider will work on a treatment plan that meets your needs and is within your budget.