Top Botox Questions Answered
Botox is among the most common procedures performed at Southeastern Dermatology. If you are considering Botox, here’s everything you ever wanted to know and how this popular treatment can work for you.
First, what is Botox?
Botox and similar products share a common ingredient, botulinum toxin. When injected, these toxins block muscles from contracting by stopping chemicals that signal movement. Doctors call these products neuromodulators. Sound scary? It isn’t. When used by expert injectors like Dr. Doppelt and Kathy Deatherage, BSN, RN, CPSN, CANS, Botox has many cosmetic and medical applications.
How does Botox work?
By blocking these nerve impulses, Botox is able to keep certain muscles from tightening. This activity is what causes certain lines and wrinkles on the face, such as the lines between the eyebrows (also known as glabellar lines or “11s”). With continued use, these lines can be reduced dramatically or even eliminated from the face.
What can Botox be used for medically?
Botox has 11 therapeutic indications. Botox isn’t new to the treatment scene: It was first approved in the 1980s, according to information from the Cleveland Clinic. The first FDA-approved use for Botox was to treat conditions like uncontrolled blinking and lazy eye. It was soon used for cosmetic treatments, too. Botox is a diverse treatment that has been used for a variety of medical and cosmetic applications for more than 30 years.
What can Botox be used for cosmetically?
Even with so many medical applications, Botox might be best known for its cosmetic indications. From smoothing out lines to fixing a gummy smile, Botox has many cosmetic uses:
- Crow’s feet: Wrinkles that form on the outside corners of your eyes.
- Forehead lines: Creases created by lifting eyebrows and expressive movement.
- Frown lines: Usually perpendicular lines between your eyebrows caused by the repeated action of underlying muscles. Often called the elevens, because they look like the number 11.
- Lip Flip: Injections into your upper lip to relax the muscles and “flip” your lip upward, giving your lip a fuller appearance.
How much does Botox cost?
The cost of Botox varies. This is because Botox pricing is based on how many units are used. A unit of Botox might only cost $10 or $15. However, your total cost for Botox depends on how many units are needed to treat your specific concern. For example, treating lines on the forehead between the eyes might take 20 or 30 units. Smaller areas, like crow’s feet, require fewer units of Botox and will likely cost less.
When you’re considering the cost of Botox, it’s important to be aware that you get what you pay for. It may be tempting to find the place with the lowest Botox cost, but extremely low prices actually aren’t a good sign. The Botox might be diluted if you are paying far below the average cost of treatments. Additionally, the person administering low-cost Botox might not have the skills and experience to give you the results you expect. This increases the risk of complication and serious damage to your skin and muscles.
Will I still look natural after Botox injections?
Botox looks very natural when administered by a skilled medical professional. When done correctly, you’ll look natural with fewer lines and wrinkles after treatment.
How long does Botox last?
For most patients, the results of Botox can last three to four months.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox is administered via an injection. The feeling might be similar to a small bee sting. However, your provider can reduce the discomfort of Botox injections by using a topical numbing cream.
Still have questions about Botox?
We have answers. Dr. Doppelt is prepared to offer the answers and solutions that only a board-certified dermatologist can provide. Give us a call at 865-474-8800 or schedule an appointment online at www.DrDoppelt.com.
Southeastern Dermatology
1930 Pinnacle Pointe Way
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.474.8800
www.DrDoppelt.com