Botox therapy

Does botox therapy really work?

Yes, for the vast majority of people, botulinum toxin is effective in dynamic rhytids (wrinkles which move) in the upper face.

My doctor injected me with botox but said it doesn't work for me, is that true?

This is probably one of the more difficult questions to answer. It may in fact be true that botox does not work for you. If that is the case you may need to try the other versions of botox which work at a different receptor.

On the other hand, I have found variatiions in facial anatomy and expression which can change the effectiveness of botox. There are subsets of patients who will actually use different facial muscles then the other 98% to bring their brows together. I actually think it may be a higher percentage. In these individuals, I can map out your facial muscles and determine which muscles are responsible for your interbrow furrows. The variation in facial muscles and expression makes injecting botox highly user dependent. I recommend close follow up with a new patient, until both me and patient are satisfied with the result.

Does botox hurt?

Botox is not a painful procedure. There are some technique differences which can also impact pain. I use highly concentrated amounts and specially made tiny needles to decrease any pain with injection. I used to use a less concentrated amount with a conventional needle, however I found that patients had more pain with injection and many required ice.

Some surgeons will actually push the needle down to the patient's bone and then pull back. I have noticed that when I used that technique in the past, 1 out of 20 patients would have a headache for a day or two. I no longer use that approach in patients. I have found that my "regular" patients do not even use ice.

Will I bruise after botox therapy?

Most likely not. Altering my technique has led to superior results for my patients.

How much does botox cost?

It depends on how much botox a patient requires. Patients with thicker skin, heavier muscles may require more botox.

Will my face by frozen after botox?

I am not a big fan of the frozen face without any movement. I like patients to get the benefits of botox, but still be able to move their face. I customize the amount of movement for each patient depending on their individual goals.

What are the complications with botox?

A sleepy eye (ptosis) can occur with botox and is the most feared. It can be minimized with eye drops. Bruising is another possible problem after botox injection.

I am Asian, will botox work on me?

Yes, botox works on all races.

Is it better to do botox now or wait a few years till I have wrinkles and then start?

A recent twin study examined this question. A twin who had received botox looked yournger than her sibling.

Any other uses of botox?

I am one of the first US cosmetic surgeons to use botox to shrink pores. I use it in combination with other therapies.