What is BOTOX Cosmetic?
BOTOX Cosmetic is a safe, fast, and effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions on the forehead and around the eyes and lips. BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA-approved highly purified protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
BOTOX Cosmetic is largely one of the most effective minimally invasive, non-surgical options for this purpose, and depending on the area, a treatment session can be over so quickly that it has been famously dubbed a “lunchtime procedure.” Dr. Naomi Brooks and her P.A. Sammy Verner administer BOTOX at Boise Dermatology & Medspa with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and effectiveness in mind.
How does BOTOX Cosmetic work?
Not all wrinkles are the same—broadly, they can be divided into static, dynamic, or folds.
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by the contraction of muscles in the face attached to the skin above it. Each contraction makes the skin bunch together and
BOTOX Cosmetic is the most well-known neuromodulator on the market. With its active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A (a purified neurotoxic protein derived from a specific bacteria), it prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from reaching the muscles, causing them to relax—and in turn, smooth the overlying skin.
Besides a variety of medical applications, BOTOX is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that has been used successfully for several years to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles in the upper face safely and effectively.
Where can I use BOTOX?
When administered by a certified, experienced, and skilled injector, BOTOX can treat a variety of moderate to severe cosmetic issues, such as:
- Crow’s feet at the outer sides of the eyes
- Frown lines between the eyebrows (also called glabellar lines or 11s)
- Horizontal lines that span across the forehead
What can I expect from a BOTOX treatment session?
During an appointment, Dr. Brooks or Sammy will examine your face carefully to determine whether BOTOX Cosmetic may be appropriate for you. If so, she will discuss with you the treatment goals and placement of injections.
It is important to note that the skill and training of the injector matter far more than the type of neuromodulator used. The injector also needs to have an intimate understanding of how the skin and surrounding tissues may react to the injection.
But the right placement and technique by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Brooks can maximize the safety and effectiveness of a BOTOX treatment. A BOTOX treatment could take as little as 15 minutes, or go on a bit longer, depending on the size and number of the areas to be treated.
As the sessions typically do not take very long and have minimal visible side effects, patients usually are able to continue with their day-to-day activities.
Patients often report that the injection itself feels like a small pinch with minimal discomfort. There may be some slight injection-related swelling, bruising, or redness in the area. These are normal, temporary side effects, which usually resolve on their own within a week of treatment.
What should I expect from the results?
The initial results may be visible as early as three days after treatment, and will continue to improve for about two weeks.*
The effects of BOTOX can last between three to six months* and can vary from patient to patient. Many choose to maintain their results with regular follow-up sessions with Sammy or Dr. Brooks.
Before and after photos
*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.
What is Dysport? How does it compare to BOTOX?
Dysport is a fast-acting neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) that can target dynamic wrinkles to soften their appearance. After you receive treatment, you will immediately be able to continue your regular activity.
Dysport and BOTOX are very comparable (due to using the same active ingredient), although they are formulated differently. Both function by blocking communication between targeted muscles and the surrounding nerves, so that muscle contraction is reduced, softening the wrinkles that were created by them.
Dysport, however, diffuses over a wider area than BOTOX from its injection site. The advantage of using Dysport is that you can achieve a more natural look while effectively treating broader areas, such as the horizontal lines that span across the forehead.
The price per unit is higher for BOTOX. However, the overall costs of treatment may be very comparable because fewer units of BOTOX may be required in comparison to equivalent treatment with Dysport. Dr. Brooks or Sammy will carefully assess which product may be more suitable for the areas you would like to treat.
Are there alternative or complementary treatments to BOTOX Cosmetic?
Patients with relatively minor fine lines or skin damage due to sun exposure, aging, and other environmental pollutants may also benefit from chemical peels or
Before and after photos
*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee.
Request an appointment at Boise Dermatology
Dr. Brooks or Sammy can assess which of the above treatments, either alone or combined,