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Look Younger With Botox

What is Botox and How Does it Work?

Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is a purified protein most commonly used to reduce or eliminate facial wrinkles. Approximately 25 years ago, it was approved by the FDA to treat eye muscle spasms and almost immediately Botox had proven its cosmetic potential for wrinkle treatment. Botox blocks nerve impulses which in turn weakens the facial muscles used for emotions, such as, smile, frown, surprise which over time cause wrinkles. Common areas of treatment are crows feet, forehead, and frown lines. Another popular treatment of botox is the “non-surgical” brow-lift.

What You Need to Know Before Your Botox Treatment:

Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the country today. It is quick, safe, relatively painless with no down time.

It relaxes and eliminates wrinkles in a natural-looking way.

The effects are not permanent and needs to be repeated on average every 3-6 months, depending on the individual.

It must be Allergan’s brand of Botox, the sole provider and not an unauthorized source. You don’t know what you will be getting.

Botox is supplied as a dry powder and needs to be reconstituted with sterile saline. In order to achieve good results, it needs to be accurately diluted for proper concentration.

Botox has other uses other than cosmetic such as prevention of excessive sweating and migraines.

The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Botox Expert

I want to bring to your attention today the importance of selecting a qualified expert for your Botox, and all injectable, treatments. As you surely are aware, today many different types of medical professionals are offering Botox and other injectables to their patients. With so many sources available that provide the same FDA approved product, it is absolutely no wonder that patients “shop around” before they decide who to see for their Botox injections.

At Burnett Plastic Surgery, we get calls every day about Botox injections, most of them unfortunately inquiring primarily about cost. While this of course is a reasonable question, Botox is not a commodity. We worry that patients are losing sight of the importance of knowing the expertise, qualifications, and experience of the doctor you choose to provide your injections. Patients may inadvertently expose themselves to unwanted side-effects and health risks if they select only the lowest-cost-provider. So here are a few tips on getting the best and most cost-effective results from your Botox experience.

1. Experience Matters. In the hands of an experienced injector, such as a board-certified plastic surgeon, your procedure will seem simple and you will experience minimal discomfort. The injector’s understanding of the muscles in the face and body is essential for a safe and successful procedure.

2. Become Fully Informed. It is important for you to take an active role in your treatment, and have realistic expectations of results. Please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

– Am I a good candidate for Botox?

– Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?

– Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?

– Do you recommend numbing cream?

– What will be the costs associated with my treatment?

– What will you expect of me to get the best results?

– What kind of recovery period can I expect and when can I resume normal activities?

– What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

-How are complications handled?

Be Safety-Conscious. While you may see advertisements for Botox in salons, spas and maybe a party or two, Botox is a real medical procedure, with the potential to cause serious problems, even death. In trained hands, Botox problems are usually minor things like bruising or the occasional asymmetric eyebrow. Most of the bigger problems have resulted from injections of large amounts in the neck. This toxin can travel to the muscles that control swallowing and coughing and aspiration of food and pneumonia can result. These complications are rare, but they do underscore the fact that getting Botox is not like getting a facial or a massage. It is a medical procedure that should be performed in a medical office, a heavily regulated environment designed to assure patient safety and privacy.

Remember that botox is a treatment—not just a product. Take the time to do your research, ask questions and make a wise decision.

Dr. Burnett is a highly skilled and qualified board certified plastic surgeon whose patients have enjoyed great success with his expertise in the area of Botox treatments. His consultative approach toward these treatments has him first discussing the patient’s desired outcome and what they would like to achieve. He then works out a plan with his patients for the appropriate Botox treatments. His main concern is to successfully give the patient the desired look they want. A follow-up appointment is made for any touch-ups if needed. Contact us today for more information and to make an appointment with Dr. Burnett.

Carlos Burnett