Botox®

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Botox® Cosmetic is a safe, non-surgical way to soften wrinkles caused by muscle activity. It is used primarily on the frown lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows), crow’s feet, forehead creases, and fine lines around the mouth.

At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments, including injections, are done by our physicians. They have been thoroughly trained by Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox®, and they have a thorough knowledge of how this product works with the muscles and skin to smooth wrinkles. For a great result, placement and dosage must be carefully considered. We are one of Allergan’s biggest clients in this area, so our doctors administer Botox® injections on a regular basis.

Botox® is made up of botulinum toxin, a protein that is safe in the small doses administered in the injections. This substance has been used by the medical profession for many years to treat muscle spasms in children, as well as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Botox® is not effective on all types of wrinkles. Signs of aging caused by loss of volume must be treated with dermal filler injections, such as Juvéderm®, Voluma, and Restylane®. For sagging upper eyelids or sagging jowls, we recommend an Ulthera® treatment, while a double chin is best treated with Kybella®.

A thorough examination and detailed medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for Botox® or if the condition you wish to improve would respond better to a dermal filler, Ulthera®, or Kybella®.

The effects of Botox® last about four months, so most people have three treatments annually.

The Botox® Treatment

Our physicians administer Botox® with a fine needle, so it is not painful. We can apply numbing cream prior to your injections, however. The cream takes at least a half hour to take effect, and the injections themselves take only a few minutes.

After your treatment, we will apply ice for a short time before you leave. Then, you can do anything you like – return to work or any other activities. You will begin to see results within a week to ten days.

Recovering from Botox® Injections

While most patients experience some slight bruising and tenderness for a couple of days, there are no restrictions on your activities after Botox® injections. You can use makeup right away to cover any discoloration.

You might also feel tender at the injection sites for a week or two. If the pain is bothersome, over-the-counter medication should provide sufficient relief.

Before and After Images

Images provided by Allergan.
Images provided by Allergan.
Images provided by Allergan.
Images provided by Allergan.

Do you think Botox® injections might be right for you? Call us today for an appointment.