Bacteria called Clostridium botulinum have been producing botulinum toxin (Botox) for millions of years. Botox is the result of an evolutionary process in its most basic form, survival. In order for this bacteria to survive, it needed a tool to prevent surrounding bacteria from encroaching on its space and destroying it. Thus, botulinum toxin was born.
Rather than referring to Botox as a toxin, today it is referred to as a purified protein. We have learned a substantial amount of information about its safety through more than 2,500 clinical studies and over two decades of use.
Botox has many medical indications, and as we continue to learn more, those indications are evolving and expanding. Some current indications for treatment include:
• Excessive sweating
• Overactive bladder
• Migraine headaches
• Muscle spasms
• Wrinkle prevention
Our Denver Botox injections can effectively reduce wrinkles and help fight the aging process. How? Botox binds to nerve receptors in the muscle, which prevents muscle contraction by inhibiting the release of a chemical called acetylcholine. As fewer muscle contractions occur, fewer fine lines and wrinkles will appear.
Botox is preventive. It can only help to fight the aging process; it cannot reverse it. When your parents told you, “Don’t make that face or it will stick,” they were right! The earlier you begin using Botox, the better and more dramatic the results.
Although Botox can’t reverse the aging process, it’s amazing what it can do for patients who already have deep lines.
There are many types of Botox on the market today. The three main brands used for cosmetic purposes are Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin, and Dysport. Having performed thousands of injections and having used all three of these products, Simply Injectables has found the best results in Denver with Botox Cosmetic. It is this practice’s opinion that Botox Cosmetic is far superior among its competitors, and since it has been on the market the longest, its safety profile has been studied the most.
We understand that some patients have varying experiences. Since Simply Injectables’ goals are result-driven, we are always happy to order Dysport or Xeomin if you prefer one of these products.
The goal of Simply Injectables is to offer you the education and tools you need to make informed decisions regarding your aesthetic needs. There is never any pressure to have a procedure performed.
After your consultation, injections usually take less than 10 to 15 minutes.
Most patients see the first results within 3 days. The full results are seen within 2 weeks.
We ask all patients to wait the full 2 weeks before deciding if they need more or would like a touchup. It takes the full 2 weeks for Botox to settle into place and reveal the overall result.
The lifetime of your Botox is dose-dependent. The higher the dosage, the longer the Botox will last.
Botox Cosmetic has a duration indication of 3-4 months with patients doing 20 units in the glabellaice.(11 lines) and 24 units around crow’s feet.
We can achieve fantastic results without the indicated dosages as long as the patient understands that his or her treatment will wear off more quickly.
Everyone is different. The number of botox units required will vary based on the area you’re looking to treat, the results you hope for, and the length of time you want your Botox to last.
The average dose of Botox Cosmetic in the United States is around 37 units. The average at Simply Injectables is 28 units.
Like any drug, Botox does have side effects. The good news is that most side effects are minor and short-lived.
Directly after receiving your injections, you may have some minor redness and swelling at the insertion point. This is typical and usually resolves within 30 minutes, but sometimes can last slightly longer.
Another, less common, side effect is bruising. Bruising as a result of Botox injections usually resolves like any other bruise. A rare few may experience flu-like symptoms and/or a headache.
Some rare side effects are listed on Allergan’s website. Feel free to ask any questions you have during your consultation. We are here to inform you and to make you feel comfortable.
There is always a certain anxiety for first-time patients as well as patients changing providers. If injections are uncomfortable, it is usually the result of this anxiety more than the needle itself.
Most new patients respond, “That was all?” or, “I can’t believe how easy that was.”
The majority of patients fare well without the use of numbing creams or ice. Some patients actually grow to enjoy the injections as a sort of therapy because they know the results are so great.
If you are one of the few patients who are highly sensitive to needles and injections, we have the appropriate measures in the office to make your experience more pleasurable.
Simply Injectables charges $11 per unit for all new patients.
It is always best to have a consultation with a provider to get the most appropriate cost estimate. Consultations are free. If you are a new patient who has never done Botox, expect to pay at least $220 and up on your first visit.
For 4 hours after receiving your injections, DO NOT:
• Lay down
• Work out
• Wear constrictive head gear, such as hats, headbands, etc.
For 24 hours after receiving your injections, DO NOT:
• Drink alcohol
• Take blood thinners (unless otherwise prescribed by your physician)
To reduce your chances of bruising, you should minimize agents that thin the blood 3 days before your treatment. Blood-thinning agents include fish oil, flax seed oil, multivitamins, aspirin, NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen), and alcohol.
Arnica Montana and a chemical in pineapples called bromelain help some patients reduce the chances of bruising and shorten the duration of a bruise. If you are one of those unlucky patients who receives a bruise no matter what you do, please try this holistic approach.
Only if you tell them or want a more “frozen” look.
We approach Botox from the standpoint that it looks best when it is natural. Throughout many years of practice, we have mastered the balance of how much is too much and what is necessary for the natural looking youthfulness we all desire.
Not much. Botox begins to work in 3 days, and full effects can be seen after 2 weeks.
If you did not reduce blood thinners before your visit, you may experience some minor bruising the day after your appointment.
Botox is administered safely at all age ranges, however you don’t really need it before you have wrinkles to hide.
Many of our patients have been using Botox for more than 20 years without any side effects.
This is very unlikely to happen. Throughout all of our experience and thousands of injections, we have only had one patient complain of this sensation. This patient reported that the sensation only lasted a couple of days while the Botox was kicking in, and then it resolved.
You should follow up in 2 weeks. Follow up is important to make sure your provider has delivered the best result for your face.
We can always alter and change the look of things by adding a couple of extra units here or there.
The maximum effects of Botox usually wear off 4 months after your injections, at which time you can expect to return to baseline.
Some patients may experience asymmetry after receiving injections initially, but this usually resolves in 2 weeks when the Botox settles.
Just like one arm can be bigger than the other because it is used more frequently, the muscles on one side of the face are often more dominant than the muscles on the other side of the face. Because of this, some patients require additional units on one side.
No, everything will eventually return to baseline. Botox will have prevented the aging process during the time you had it. You may even have residual smoothness and reduction of wrinkles after it has completely worn off.
All three of these will give you a good result. Through our experiences in Denver, Botox Cosmetic is superior to other products on the market. It has been around the longest and has the most research surrounding its use.
If you would like to try one of the other types, please don’t hesitate to ask so we can order the product for you.
Dysport is made by Galderma. It is similar to Botox Cosmetic, but it is slightly different chemically. Much like Botox Cosmetic, Dysport prevents the release of acetylcholine, which prevents the muscles from contracting and thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Alle is a program through Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox Cosmetic. It helps reduce costs by providing coupons toward your future visits. It is completely free to sign up.