A.  When you see or hear of such exaggerated results, this is usually the result of poorly placed Botox injections. Injecting Botox definitely requires some art behind the science. You need an artistic eye as well as a fairly hefty knowledge of the complex interactions of the many facial muscles if you want to preserve animation, character, and personality while diminishing age-creating wrinkles. For your own safety, these injections should be administered by a knowledgeable physician in a medical setting.

A.  Botox is a purified protein, which has the effect of relaxing muscles. Our facial muscles are the only muscles of the body that hypertrophy or get stronger as we age, due to their frequent use in making facial expressions. These repeated muscle contractions cause the skin to form lines known as dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles include the crow's feet, frown lines, forehead lines, nasal wrinkles, lip lines, sad face/jowl lines ("marionette lines" like Howdy Doody), and neck bands. When Botox is injected into muscles, it causes the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles to relax, smoothing the skin and giving the face a more relaxed appearance. Over time, these muscles will gradually weaken, so we tend to use them less often. Both these effects work to cause less future wrinkling. Eventually the effects of the Botox will last longer and a lower dosage may be sufficiently effective. Botox works by dealing with the underlying problem rather than the symptoms. When combined with MicroLaser Peel or used in conjunction with rejuvenation mesotherapy or Restylane^TM, you have a powerful wrinkle therapy.

A.  Some creams and lotions claim to get the same effect as Botox, but these only moisturize the skin and have no ability to relax muscles. Only Botox is able to relax the muscles that are causing the wrinkles to form because of movement.

A.  Botox is injected into the areas chosen using the finest gauge (smallest) needle made. Most patients report minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and quick so it can be done in a brief office visit, even during your lunch break. It is recommended that you receive injections every 3 months for the first year and then every 4-6 months after that. Immediately after injection you are asked to stay upright and avoid exercise for at least 4 hours.