BOTOX 101

What is Botox?

Botox is actually the trade name for a neurotoxin that is injected into the skin which is known to stop muscles from moving. Botox is the more known brand, likely due to the name, however Dysport and Xeomin are also great options. The great benefits of all of these treatments are temporarily making your skink look soft and smooth but also they can help prevent wrinkles from developing or worsening.

What is Botox used for how does it work?

Primarily it known to decrease and soften wrinkles in the face however it can be used for medical reasons as well such as TMJ pain, migraines, excessive sweating and overactive bladder treatment.

The facial muscles typically treated with Botox are frown lines between the brows, forehead lines and crows feet that fan out from the corners of your eyes.

Botox works by blocking the signal from nerves that allows muscles to contract. Because the muscle is relaxed the wrinkles can soften. Our goal at Mariposa is to simply soften your facial muscles while still allowing you to have expression.

What happens during a Botox treatment?

When you arrive at Mariposa you will be greeted by an expert injector who will review your past medical history, medications and allergies. Together you will then make a plan to address the areas that you feel are most bothersome to you. Your provider will always be able to educate you on the anatomy of your face and help you determine what results are possible.

You will then sit in a comfortable chair and the procedure will begin only after your face is properly cleansed. Several options are available to decrease discomfort like ice, topical numbing and vibration to your face or collarbone to help with distraction. We also only use the smallest, finest needles for injection. As a nurse midwife I know how important reducing discomfort is in any medical situation.

Risks for Botox?

Botox is generally very low risk, especially when done by an experienced provider. Risks can include discomfort, bleeding, swelling and bruising. Let’s face it, the procedure involves placing needles into your skin! All of these things are temporary and go away very fast if they happen at all. Less likely risks are infection (again the needle in the face) which is unlikely due to aseptic technique maintained in the clinic as well as during the procedure.

Lastly, asymmetrical results, muscle drooping and frozen expressions can also occur but again are limited when you visit an experienced provider.

How long does it last?

Botox typically last 3-4 months however certain patients may see results for as long as 6 months. Several different factors including how often you have the procedure and your metabolism can impact the length of your results.

How long before Botox begins to work?

Botox typically begins to work within 24 hours however most people start to notice a visible difference between 3-7 days and within 10-14 days the full effects are now being seen.

How many units will I need and how much does it cost?

This will vary according from person to person but in general the face can be split into three areas.

The area between your eyebrows (11’s): 20 units

Forehead/Frontal: 12-20 units

Crows Feet: 6-10 units per eye

Botox is $13/unit. We start slow to see how you like it and we can always add more.

Restrictions with Botox?

Try to avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to injection to decrease bruising.
Stop taking (if ok’d by your primary care provider) the following medication 3 days prior to your injection: Aspirin, Motrin/Ibuprofen, Aleve, St. Johns Wart, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Fish oil and Ginseng
Do not lay down for 4-6 hours after Botox is injected to reduce the risk of migration (allowing the medication to move to muscles that were not injected)
Do not exercise for 24 hours after Botox