What is it?
Botox Cosmetic® is a purified protein of the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium type A. Botox, a neurotoxin acts on the nerve which control the movement of muscle which causes wrinkles and fine lines. It also has other medical uses in migraine headache therapy, and excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis).
How Does it work?
Botox Cosmetic® has an affinity for nerve cells. When in contact with the nerves which controls muscles it causes muscle paralysis preventing contraction of that specific muscle. A muscle which does not contract does not wrinkle. When minute amounts of Botox are precisely injected into the selected tiny facial muscles, for example, around the eyes or forehead, the nerve to these muscles is inactivated, the muscle is relaxed, and crows' feet or frown lines wrinkles are eliminated.
Does It hurt?
The injection is via a very small thin needle (30 g to be specific) and with only very minute amounts per injection the sensation is a very slight sting lasting seconds. Since there are multiple injections in an area applying ice packs pre and post injection promotes comfort from the annoying pricking stinging sensations. Because everyone has different sensitivities and tolerances, a topical anesthetic is available but is very rarely needed.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect may be slight bruising at the injection site and very infrequently, some patients experience slight nausea for a few minutes. Sometimes the drug may travel beyond the immediate area and can cause a droop in the eyelid. This is temporary and will return to normal over a period of several weeks.
All patients are carefully screened to optimize treatment outcomes.
Is there any downtime?
No, you may resume your normal activities immediately and apply make up if desired.
What results can I expect?
Although, results vary, you may notice a slight change immediately; within a few days to a week you will see an improvement that can last up to 4 months.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
Although results vary, typically the dewrinkling effects last 10 to 12 weeks. If you do not continue treatments, the wrinkles gradually return and look like they did before treatment. As the treatments are continued the interval between, can become longer with the effects lasting possibly 5 or 6 months.
Who are the best candidates to have the Procedure?
Anyone who is healthy, has reasonable expectations for positive outcomes, and has a dynamic wrinkle. (A dynamic wrinkle is eliminated if the area, of skin is spread apart with your fingers).
Who are not good candidates for Botox?
Anyone with any history neuromuscular disorder, taking certain antibiotics, heart medication and herbal preparations, an infection or open area at the sites of injection, breastfeeding, pregnant or contemplating pregnancy within a six month period. . All patients for this and every procedure at Silk… are very carefully screened to achieve optimum and safe outcomes.
How many treatments do I need to achieve desired results?
Typically, one treatment session can produce the desired outcome. Occasionally, a deeper or longer wrinkle may need a slight touch up in a week or 2 to achieve the maximum result.
How long does it take?
Depending on the number of areas to be treated, it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to perform the injections, once your medical evaluation is completed.
How much does the average treatment cost?
Botox injections are either charged by units used or by the area treated. Because wrinkles vary in number and depth from one person to another, at Silk…, you are charged only for the number of units required to achieve your desired effect. (we purchase only US manufactured Allergan brand of Botox Cosmetic and pass on periodic special pricing we receive to our patients)
Presently, Botox purchased from Allergan in the US cost the patient an average of $13/unit in the eastern/ midatlantic region of the US.
What type of payment is accepted?
Silk…® Holistic Skin Rejuvenation & Wellness Center accepts cash, checks, VISA, & Master Card. Additionally, the Silk…® EasyPayPlan is available for all packages or American Financial Services can provide financing.
What appointment times are available?
Silk…® Holistic Skin Rejuvenation & Wellness Center has regular daytime and evening hours Monday thru Friday from10am to 6pm daily, with late appointments till 10pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Saturdays 10 am till 2 pm and Sundays (fall and winter) 10am to 2pm. Alternative appointment times are available to accommodate special needs and individual work schedules.
Why choose Silk…® for Botox Cosmetic®?
All procedures are performed directly by Nurse Practitioner Ellen D. Doyle.
As a Clinical Specialist, she is considered by many to be an expert in skin care and anti-aging procedures. She customizes each procedure and skin care prescription specific to the individual patient and the desired goals of treatment. The goal of proper Botox Cosmetic®, treatment is to diminish wrinkling and softening the lines of the forehead and around the eyes, while maintaining normal facial expression elsewhere.
Preceding any treatment a comprehensive medical history and evaluation is completed to determine the appropriateness of the procedure and identify any risk or contraindications to having Botox Cosmetic®, Alternative treatments available which may provide the same or similar outcome are included in the discussion. Additionally, pre-procedure requirements and preparation and post care instructions are thoroughly explained during the initial consultation visit. With a Holistic approach to all procedures, post treatment always includes antioxidants and nutritionals to reduce treatment associated stress, promote positive immune system function and promote effective and timely healing. CRNP Doyle also tests techniques, formulas and treatment protocols on herself so she can speak first hand of the treatment and post treatment experience.