BOTOX® FAQs
BOTOX® Cosmetic Summit and Englewood, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
The caring medical professionals at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center have detailed the answers to some of the most common questions regarding BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. If you are interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic, contact our luxurious Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa today for more information.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is botulinum toxin derived from Clostridum botulinum bacteria. It is a protein that works at the junction of the nerve and the muscle, and prevents the release of the chemical that is responsible for the movement of muscles. There are many different subtypes of this protein and BOTOX® is one such subtype utilized to improve facial lines and wrinkles. It is FDA approved, very safe, and effective.
Where is BOTOX® injected?
BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscles that you want relaxed and can be injected virtually anywhere in the body. BOTOX® is ideal for the treatment of frown lines, the forehead, crow’s feet, around lips, the chin, and glabellar lines, which are also known as "elevens" between the eyebrows. BOTOX® can also be injected into the horizontal bands of the neck to give a smoother appearance. Medical uses of BOTOX® include the treatment of excessive sweating, relief of migraines, cervical dystonia, and even cerebral palsy.
Who can get BOTOX®?
The ideal candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic is between 18 and 65 years of age. We will discuss your medical history, including any allergies, to ensure you are a good candidate, prior to beginning treatment.
What are the possible complications of BOTOX®?
Possible side effects of BOTOX® injections include: tiny red bumps at the injection site which typically resolve within several hours; headaches; flu like symptoms; or bruising at the injection site, which is typically minor and subsides after a week.
Other possible side effects include droopy eyelids or double vision, which are results of the BOTOX® spreading from the injection site. This is temporary and can last from 4 to 6 weeks. Infection at the injection site may also occur. At Ethos Spa, we have not had any cases of droopy eyelids, infection, or any other serious adverse reactions.
It is important to let your injector know if you are taking anti-coagulants, vitamin E supplements, or herbal medications such as St. Johns Wort.
More serious reactions such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, loss of muscle strength in other parts of the body, or difficulty speaking are rare. These symptoms occur when large units of BOTOX®, far greater than those utilized for cosmetic procedures, are injected. When BOTOX® is used to treat medical problems, such as cervical dystonias or muscle spasms, more units are required than the number of units used for cosmetic purposes. At Ethos Spa, we use a very concentrated dilution of BOTOX®, reducing the total volume injected and preventing spreading from the injected site.
Who performs the BOTOX® injections?
At Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit and Englewood, New Jersey only an extensively trained, board certified physician will administer BOTOX® Cosmetic injections. We have three physicians on staff, one of whom is a plastic surgeon, to ensure that you receive only top treatment and optimal results.
How many units of BOTOX® do I need?
The number of units required for treatment varies per patient, depending on the treatment location, the severity of lines, and each person’s response to the BOTOX®. As a general guide, the glabella region requires 20 to 40 units; the forehead requires 10 to 20; and crow’s feet require 15 to 20 units. These amounts are, however, different for everyone.
What is the cost per unit of BOTOX®?
At Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in New Jersey, we charge per BOTOX® Cosmetic unit. There is never a sitting or consultation fee. The cost of BOTOX® is $14/unit. If on your follow up visit, it is determined that you need more BOTOX®, this will be charged at $7/unit. For any additional injections after that, the regular price of $14/unit is charged. Before any injections are performed, we will inform our clients how many units we are injecting, where we are injecting, and what the total cost will be.
What will the procedure for BOTOX® injections entail?
First, we will discuss your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® injections. You will be informed of potential side effects and then asked to sign a consent form. We will take photos of you showing no expression, and then of you showing expression to best evaluate and locate treatment lines. We begin the BOTOX® injection procedure by cleansing the treatment area with alcohol. Ice packs may then be applied to limit bruising. Using a very fine needle, we will inject tiny amounts of BOTOX® into the treatment site. The injections generally take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. After the injections are complete, we will cleanse the area with alcohol, and apply the ice packs again.
What do I need to do after BOTOX® has been administered?
Aftercare instructions will be provided to you after BOTOX® injections are administered. You must remain upright for 4 hours after the injections to limit the potential spread of toxin. In addition, no strenuous activity or exercise is recommended after the injections. You can apply makeup or skin care products, provided you use upward and outward strokes especially for injections near the eyes. You can go back to your usual routine the following day. Be sure to notify your provider if you experience any side effects or alarming reactions.
When will I see the results of the BOTOX®?
On average, results become visible within 7 to 10 days after treatment. You may however experience effects as early as 3 to 5 days. One week after the treatment, you will return to our lovely New Jersey spa to evaluate your progress and determine if more BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are needed.
A current trend is that some patients opt to have just partial relaxation of the muscles, allowing for some movement, in an attempt for a more natural look. However, many clients still prefer complete muscle relaxation, which requires more BOTOX® units.
How long will the results last?
Results vary from patient to patient, generally lasting from 3 to 5 months. The duration is usually less after your initial treatment. As you continue with injections the results tend to last longer. Wrinkles begin reappearing slowly, at which time you can return for more injections if desired.
Who should not get BOTOX®?
It is important to discuss your medical history with our spa physicians to determine if you are a good candidate for BOTOX® injections. You may not be an ideal candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment if: you are hypersensitive to any of the components in BOTOX®, such as albumin; you have existing neuromuscular issues, such as myasthenia gravis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and multiple sclerosis; you have an infection at the treatment area; you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing; or you are over the age of 65.
Is there an alternative to BOTOX®?
The only other type of Botulinum toxin approved by the FDA is Dysport. Others are available in Europe, however have not to date been approved for use in the United States. Topical creams that claim to provide the same results as BOTOX® have not been proven effective. BOTOX® is a proven safe, effective treatment for removing wrinkles.
Learn More about BOTOX® Cosmetic
If you are interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic and want to learn more, contact our Summit or Englewood, New Jersey spa today for more information. A dedicated representative is standing by to answer your questions, or to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
