What Is A Botox Injection?
Patient before and after Botox treatment by Dr. Anil Shah. See more before and after photos
*Actual Patient
Botox injections are a non-invasive way to help soften lines, wrinkles and in some instances reshape the face. The merits of Botox therapy have been popularized within the lay press. Dr. Shah has pioneered several techniques with Botox. His unique approach to this procedure allows for lines to be softened while still allowing for a natural appearance. He works with each patient’s anatomy to customize an approach for their face. This allows for patients not only to look younger, but also have a better balance to their overall face, as well.
The key to proper Botox injections is the elimination of bruising and swelling, coupled with effacement of wrinkles. A common misconception about Botox is that the goal of the procedure is to eliminate facial movement and expression. Sophisticated injectors of Botox will preserve facial expression while softening the patient’s wrinkles. Another key component to Botox therapy is to carefully map the patient’s facial muscles and remove movement in select muscles while lessening movement in others; thereby, creating a natural appearance for the patient’s face.
HOW IS DR. SHAH DIFFERENT?
Dr. Shah is one of the only injectors in the world to use Botox for lines in the face, oil in the face, masseter hypertrophy and reducing pore size.
Many of the techniques he uses require advanced knowledge of the face and its anatomy. Dr. Shah has been featured in several lay press articles regarding his injection techniques for botulinum toxin, in particular for Botox pore reduction. Dr. Shah was one of the first injectors in the world to utilize botulinum toxin in an effort to reduce pore size and sebum production. He wrote the first paper in the Scientific Paper describing this technique and his results. He has written a seminal chapter on botoxin, a leading academic text.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX?
Botox is typically injected into the upper portion of the face to help improve the appearance of the number 11’s (glabella), crow’s feet (orbicularis oculi) and horizontal lines of the forehead (frontalis) muscle. Botox is ideally injected to smooth lines and in some cases lift brows.
BOTOX FOR JAW REDUCTION:
Botox jaw reduction is a specialized technique to reduce the width of the jawline changing an overly square jawline to a more attractive oval or heart shaped face.In some patients, the masseter muscle, a chewing muscle, is enlarged creating extra facial width. Botox selectively weakens this muscle over time leading to an overall reduction in the size of this muscle.
Read more here about Masseter Reduction Chicago.
BOTOX FOR PORE REDUCTION:
Botox represents the latest technique for pore reduction. In fact, intradermal Botox is the only treatment for which directly targets pores. When all of the pores reduce in size, the surface area of the skin is reduced and the skin is tightened, creating a lift effect.
Read more about Botox Pore Reduction Chicago.
BOTOX FOR HYPERHIDROSIS:
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a patient suffers from excessive sweating from their sweat glands. Botox can be used to treat this issue by temporarily blocking the chemical signals of the sweat glands’ nerves which stimulate the glands overproduction of sweat. To read more about Hyperhidrosis, click here.
OTHER TREATMENTS WITH BOTOX:
Dr. Shah is a leading innovator of Botox uses. Other treatments using Botox include: Hyperhidrosis, Botox for Oily Skin, TMJ Disorders, Headaches, Facial Nerves, and Underarms.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is my downtime with Botox with Dr. Shah?
Typically, most patients experience a few moments of redness from the injection site. Dr. Shah recommends patients avoid blood thinners if possible before Botox therapy to minimize downtime.
How long does a Botox treatment take?
A botox procedure typically takes several minutes.
How long does Botox last?
Botox lasts as long as the muscle takes to regenerate the nerve (presynaptic release of acetylcholine). Some muscles will regenerate the nerve faster than others. In the upper face, botulinum toxin typically lasts about 4 months. In the lower face (masseter muscle), botox typically lasts 6 months. Since every patient will regenerate the nerve at their own pace botox can last longer or shorter depending on each patient.
Is it painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. This is in part due to gentle injection technique administered personally by Dr. Shah.
Does Dr. Shah use an assistant injector?
Dr. Shah does not believe in the use of assistant injectors or physician extenders. His opinion is that even some established physicians struggle with creating a balanced and harmonious appearance after Botox injections. Facial anatomy is complex and must be tailored to the patient and is best done with a skilled and knowledgeable physician.
Can anyone inject Botox?
Anyone can inject Botox, just as anyone can potentially cut with a scalpel. The problem is knowing what to do with the Botox. If the injector does not place Botox in the right location or does not use the right dilution, serious consequences can take place which include a droopy eye, facial nerve paralysis, eyebrow droop or a poor aesthetic outcome. Botox is not like taking a vitamin, it needs to be injected in the proper location. There is not a map of where to inject it, since the facial anatomy varies significantly from person to person. It is highly recommended to go with someone who has experience with the facial anatomy and understanding of how the face should appear, both functionally and aesthetically, such as Dr. Shah.
Is Botox dangerous?
Botox is one of the safest procedures performed. There are several advantages to Botox therapy which include the fact that it stays where you inject it (meaning it does not course its way throughout the entire body) and it requires small amounts. The major disadvantage of Botox is that it requires a skilled injector to perform it.
How does Dr. Shah charge for Botox?
Dr. Shah’s office charges for Botox by the unit rather than by the area.
Can Botox be used for sweaty underarm areas?
Yes. Botox can be used here to control sweating. It works on the inhibition of acetylcholine from releasing sweat.
What are the risks of botulinum toxin?
There are several risks. Although bruising is rare, it is the most common side effect of botulinum toxin. Asymmetries can result from the use of botulinum toxin, as well. A lowered brow (brow ptosis) or lowered eyelid (eyelid ptosis) can occur but is rare with an experienced hands.