BOTOX Cosmetic Frequently Asked Questions
What is BOTOX Cosmetic®?
BOTOX Cosmetic® is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:
- The lines around the eyes known as crows feet caused by squinting or smiling
- The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- The lines & folding of skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning
Is BOTOX Cosmetic® Safe?
Yes! BOTOX® has been available for 20 years, and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy.
It has been proven to be very safe through extensive testing and research.
BOTOX Cosmetic® is an approved drug used to treat patients for cosmetic wrinkles.
Will it give me food poisoning?
No, it is not toxic to you. / No it is not a poison.
Is it Botulism?
No – BOTOX Cosmetic® is not botulism and it will not cause food poisoning. To clarify, Botulism is the name of an illness.
Isn’t BOTOX Cosmetic® a toxin/poison?
The product is a natural, purified protein that is an approved drug used in very small doses. It comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes from mold.
How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
Typically, for a cosmetic treatment, you may receive under 100 units. To make someone remotely sick, you would have to receive OVER 35 times this dose all at one time, which would never happen (plus it would cost you over $42,000 – absolutely impossible). You really are getting VERY TINY doses.
How does it work?
BOTOX Cosmetic® works by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.
How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do it on your lunch break, and no one would know you have had it done!
How quickly does it work?
It can take UP TO 2 WEEKS for it to take full effect. Usually we ask patients to wait the 14 days to pass in order to fully see the results.
How is it done?
It is injected with a very tiny needle (it only feels like a tiny little pinch)
My BOTOX Cosmetic® treatment didn’t work! BOTOX Cosmetic® takes up to 14 days to take full effect.
When was your last treatment done?
- If LESS than 2 weeks ago, say to the patient: “You will need to wait until the full 2 weeks has passed and then please call if you have any concerns (or come in for your booked follow up appointment).”
- If MORE than 2 weeks ago, say to the patient: Okay, then let’s book an appointment with Dr. Capasso so that you can be assessed and to see if you require a little more product.
How long does BOTOX Cosmetic® last? Is it permanent?
No – BOTOX Cosmetic® is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average, but everyone is different. If you follow these directions to have your first 3 treatments promptly every 3 months (without waiting in between), he will guarantee that your next few treatments will start to last longer than 3 months. Most patients who get their first 3 treatments done “back to back” every 3 months find that:
- Their next treatment lasts 4 months
- Then the next treatment last 5 months
- And the following treatment lasts 6 months
- Patients who stay on his prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatments at approximately 2 times per year (saves you money!)
Does it hurt?
Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear that patients say, “Is that all?”
Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using BOTOX Cosmetic® or when it wears off. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use BOTOX Cosmetic® for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and therefore you will end up looking a little better than when you originally started.
How much does it cost?
The cost per treatment varies by each patient, and a personal consultation can give you a specific amount.
“I don’t want to look like a mask without expression” – Will that happen?
No. Most people simply want to look NATURAL, RELAXED, and REFRESHED, without looking “done.”
In the experienced hands of the staff at Thin Centers MD, most patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and great!
What is a unit?
A unit of BOTOX Cosmetic® is simply a very tiny measurement of drug. The exact # of units you require (to achieve the look you want) will be discussed with Dr. Capasso, although our staff can give you cost estimate.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are RARE and are NOT PERMANENT. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup) or a slight short term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid – is this true?
Side effects are rare and are not permanent and this can include a drooping eyelid. The incidence of these side effects is less than 1% and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
Where does it go in my body?
BOTOX Cosmetic® stays local to the muscle where it was injected. After the injection, BOTOX Cosmetic® is simply metabolized and broken down into natural byproducts within a few hours.
Contact us now
Call us today at 904-694-0992 to schedule your first complimentary appointment.
