What is Botox?

Botox is a non-surgical facial filler treatment for relieving facial wrinkles, particularly the wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes, and in the “crows feet” areas on the upper third of the face.

Who Is Botox For?

Botox is strictly for wrinkles caused by the use of facial muscles, such as:

• the line between the eyes (caused by muscles for squinting, glaring or frowning)
• crows feet (caused by squinting, laughing, crying)
• or the forehead (caused by a number of animated facial expressions).

If you have wrinkles on your forehead, between your eyes, or crow’s feet around your eyes, you may be a candidate for Botox. For wrinkles in any area where there is not a muscle or areas where the wrinkle is present when the fact is at rest, then Botox is not a good option. There has to be a muscle movement causing the wrinkle, line or fold for Botox to be effective. Botox also works for blocking sweat glands in cases of profuse sweating (hyperhydrosis).

What is the procedure?

Botox is injected into the facial muscle underlying the problem area. The Botox injectate is prepared fresh on the day of the injection. With a very tiny needle, small amounts of Botox are injected into the muscles to be paralyzed. Botox takes about a half a second to inject.
Unlike many other offices, spas or clinics, at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center we do not have a technician perform our Botox injections. Rather, we have our highly-trained registered nurse perform the injections. Dr. Wahlgren believes that, although Botox is a minimally invasive treatment, it is best administered by a skilled aesthetic medically trained personnel. Indeed that is the safest approach any time the face or eye areas are involved in a procedure.

What to expect after treatment?

Discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds. There are no recognized permanent side effects to Botox. Occasionally, the tiny needle may puncture a small blood vessel during the injection, and a small black and blue mark may develop. This can last from five to ten days and can require makeup to cover. If any Botox reaches a facial muscle not being treated, partial weakness of that muscle may last for several months.

How long does Botox last?

Botox injections usually last between 3- 6 months, though sometimes as long as 4-12 months, depending on your individual facial muscles. If we use a dermal filler in conjunction with the Botox, the filler will have its own timeline for effectiveness.

How will I know if Botox is right for me?

After a brief examination in our office, the doctor will determine if a Botox facial treatment is appropriate for you.