Botox is a liquid neurotoxin injected into the muscles of the face. By relaxing the underlying muscles, these lines or wrinkles in the face become less deep and show less. The effect is that it creates a more youthful appearance.

There are 3 types of Botulinum toxin on the market: Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. Recent studies show all 3 to be similar in effectiveness. Dr. Campbell has chosen to use Xeomin because she can offer it at a lower cost to her patients with the same effectiveness. If you have a strong preference for one type of product, you can let her know and she will make it available for you.

The most common places to receive Botox are in your forehead, frown lines (glabellar complex), and eyes (commonly called crow’s feet).  You can also treat squint lines around the nose, lip wrinkles, sad lines around the mouth (marionette lines), chin wrinkles and a high smile line.  Additionally, Botox is found to be effective with TMJ and migraines.

It can start at any age really.  It is preventive.  It is easier to treat dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that you see when you move your face) versus static wrinkles (wrinkles present already without movement).

Proper Botox treatment is individually customized for each person’s face. You must take into account factors such as the facial muscles used the most, facial balance, a person’s job, and personal preferences and desires.  Dr. Campbell can do a consult to see how much you would need based on the areas of the face you are concerned with.

Side effects include bruising, eyebrow or eyelid droops, a temporary headache, and rare flu-like symptoms have been reported. Many of the side effects that are listed for Botox are seen when large amounts are injected for medical purposes as opposed to the small amounts used for cosmetic purposes.

Botox should not be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers, or patients with certain neuromuscular diseases.  Patients with allergies to human albumin (different than an egg allergy) should also not use Botox.

The average length of time is 3.5 months, but varies from person to person based on the strength of their facial muscles and how much Botox they received. It can take up to 10 days to see full effects after receiving Botox.

You should not lie down or exercise too vigorously and avoid touching the face for a few hours after receiving Botox.