Although BOTOX® may look easy to administer, it is not this aspect which is most important to the outcome. The clinician's experience and "aesthetic eye" is the key to a great outcome with BOTOX®.

Treatments take 20-30 minutes unless you opt not to have your skin numbed prior to the injections, then the treatment should take less than 10 minutes. Several tiny injections are given in the areas that you and your provider have decided upon. They usually are barely appreciable in sensation or appearance following the injection. You can reapply makeup to the treated areas immediately after the session.

There are no specific after care instructions. If this is the first time you have had Botox injections, you will not notice any change for at least 3 days and the complete effect will take up to 14 days.

Side effects from Botox are very rare, but headaches can occur temporarily after the injection – especially in patients who suffer from frequent headaches. Ironically, Botox injections often help with frequent headache patients once the Botox takes effect. Bruising can occur although very infrequently. If you are prone to bruising or are on blood thinners please notify your caregiver; special techniques and recommendations will be used to try to minimize your bruising risk. If bruising does occur it will not affect your final result and typically is minor enough that makeup coverage will conceal it.

It is always recommended that anyone considering a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure first consult with a qualified, and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Proper research and pre-procedure planning is an important step in a decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure, and one that should not be taken lightly. Ensure you fully understand the procedure, its risks, and have a realistic expectation of the results.

Research is very important to the process, and should be done prior to having your chosen procedure, no matter how invasive the procedure is. There are many great outlets available for this research,. the best one I have found is lookingyourbest.com- a free-to-use website that offers a large library full of in depth plastic and cosmetic surgery information. This website also offers a free service to help you locate a skilled and experienced specialist in your area.

Where is Botox® Cosmetic Used?

It is most effective for wrinkles that are visible when smiling, laughing, raising the eyebrows or for crow's feet around the eyes. These wrinkles are called "dynamic" and tend to be much less noticeable when your face is completely relaxed. It also works well for bands in the neck.

Am I a good candidate?

The best candidates for the procedure are those between ages of 25 and 65. In many cases, wrinkles in people over 65 are "static" and do not change when relaxing the face. Other procedures would work better for these patients. Each person is different however, and should undergo a consultation determine the most effective treatment plan.

How is Botox® Cosmetic Administered?

A very small amount of Botox® Cosmetic is injected into each or the target areas using a very small needle. Because the needle is fine, only a small amount of the liquid is injected and the associated discomfort is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to light pinch. No sedation or local anesthetic is necessary and you can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Are the injections painful

The injections are very small and done with a tiny needle that usually does not cause discomfort. The pressure sensation associated with the injection goes away very quickly and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

When will I notice the difference and how long will it last?

The treatment takes three to ten days to take full effect which sometimes can be hastened by contracting the facial muscles. The results usually last from 3 to 5 months. The effects of Botox® Cosmetic are confined to the treatment sites.

What happens as treatment begins to wear off?

As the Botox® Cosmetic wears off the wrinkles will begin to reappear but frequently they are not as deep or noticeable. To maintain the smooth, youthful appearance year round, it requires three to four injections.

Is there any downtime?

No. Most people return to work or normally activities immediately following treatment. It is recommended however, that you avoid exercise, heavy lifting and massaging the injected area injected for one day.

Remember, it is always recommended that you consult with a plastic surgeon, and do your research prior to undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, no matter if it is an invasive surgery such as a Facelift or Breast Augmentation, or a non-invasive procedure such as Botox. BE sure to have all your questions answered, your concerns addressed and ensure you fully understand the procedure. This is an important step that should not be taken lightly. Proper research and pre-procedure education can mean the difference between a successful procedure and a nightmare. While there are many great websites out there boasting information on Botox and other cosmetic procedures, the absolute best one I have found ion my research is lookingyourbest.com- a free website offering a large library of accurate and in depth plastic surgery information. This website also offers a free service to help you locate a qualified, skilled and experienced surgeon in your area.