Botox Frequently Asked Questions

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BOTOX® Cosmetic is an iconic brand. It’s been approved for use in 98 countries. But find out the truth behind common misconceptions, and you’ll get to know BOTOX® Cosmetic even better.

WHAT IS BOTOX® COSMETIC?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the #1 selling treatment of its kind*: 

• It’s the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults
• A quick 10-minute treatment with minimal downtime
• You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines 
• It delivers predictable, subtle results, so you look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines

*Data collected through June 2018

HOW MUCH RESEARCH HAS GONE INTO BOTOX® COSMETIC?

When you choose  BOTOX® Cosmetic, you can trust in its established track record. Backed by over 16 years of published studies,  BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind, approved for use in 98 countries. The safety and efficacy of  BOTOX® Cosmetic have been described in more than 528 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.

HOW DOES BOTOX® COSMETIC WORK?

BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines — the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling and raising the eyebrows over the years. Your specialist will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a visible smoothing of the frown lines between your brows, your crow’s feet lines and your forehead lines.

IS THERE A SUBSTITUTE FOR BOTOX® COSMETIC?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a biologic product that cannot be interchanged – or substituted – for another product. In fact, the FDA has stated BOTOX® Cosmetic is “non-interchangeable,” which means that its safety and effectiveness cannot be claimed by any other product. The potency – or strength – of BOTOX®Cosmetic is measured in scientifically defined units that cannot be compared to any other product, due to our unique manufacturing process. There are no substitutes for our product. 

People who are prescribed a biologic product have a right to know exactly what they are receiving. Be sure to ask which product you are being prescribed and why.

WILL MY FACE LOOK OVERDONE OR UNNATURAL?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. You can trust BOTOX® Cosmetic to deliver subtle results when you are treated by someone who is licensed, trained, and a medical expert in facial anatomy. So you’ll look like yourself—only with less noticeable lines. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done.

IS BOTOX® COSMETIC ONLY FOR WOMEN?

Not at all! Many men make BOTOX® Cosmetic part of what they do to care for their appearance.

The number of men choosing treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic has risen fast – in the past three years alone, men have received over one million botulinum toxin treatments. When surveyed, the majority of men say they want to look good and they’re bothered by the changes they see in the mirror. 80% would choose to treat their crow’s feet first, while 74% would prioritize their forehead lines, and 60% would most like to treat their frown lines.†

†Results from a survey of men to determine most likely treatment areas and top areas of concern for injectable-naive, aesthetically-oriented men aged 30 to 65 years (N=600). Proportion of respondents selecting that area as highest priority to treat using the Maximum Difference (MaxDiff) scaling system.

DO I NEED TO BE OVER 40 TO START USING BOTOX® COSMETIC?

It’s not your age that determines when BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you, it’s the severity of your lines. In fact, 64% of plastic surgeons report seeing a rise in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments for patients in their early 30’s.The truth is, everyone’s lines form differently. The timing can be influenced by a combination of factors, from cellular changes that may occur over time, to the reduction of collagen, to genetic factors, or damage caused by free radicals from the sun and the environment.

Whenever your lines start to bother you, go speak with your doctor. They can help you determine if treatment is right for you.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES TREATMENT TAKE? WILL IT HURT?

The actual injection process takes a quick 10 minutes. Your specialist will discuss your treatment goals and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you. Then, some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch. Your specialist may use ice to numb the treatment area. Or, if you are concerned about discomfort, your specialist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.

Treatment requires minimal downtime. So you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave your specialist’s office.

WILL I SEE RESULTS QUICKLY? HOW LONG DO TREATMENT EFFECTS LAST?You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours, with results lasting up to four months for moderate to severe frown lines. Remember that results vary from patient to patient though, so your physician will plan your next appointment based on your results and aesthetic goals.Start talking about your goals with a specialist today and find out what you could expect.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME AFTER TREATMENT?

Treatment requires minimal downtime. So you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave your specialist’s office.

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic is customized to your goals and needs. When you meet with your specialist, he or she will determine the appropriate treatment for any areas you wish to address, including moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. Remember, only BOTOX®Cosmetic is approved to treat all three of these areas.

For the crow’s feet area, your specialist will inject 3 areas of the muscle that frames the side of the eye. This will be repeated on the muscle that frames the other eye. For the frown lines area, your specialist will administer 5 injections into the muscles between your brows and in your forehead.For the forehead lines area, your specialist will administer 5 injections into a muscle in your forehead.

HOW MANY INJECTIONS WILL I RECEIVE?

Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic is customized to your goals and needs. When you meet with your specialist, he or she will determine the appropriate treatment for any areas you wish to address, including moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. Remember, only BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved to treat all three of these areas. 

For the crow’s feet area, your specialist will inject 3 areas of the muscle that frames the side of the eye. This will be repeated on the muscle that frames the other eye. For the frown lines area, your specialist will administer 5 injections into the muscles between your brows and in your forehead. For the forehead lines area, your specialist will administer 5 injections into a muscle in your forehead.

WHAT WERE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS SEEN IN CLINICAL STUDIES?

Three percent of patients experienced eyelid drooping in the frown lines studies, one percent of patients experienced eyelid swelling in the crow’s feet studies, and one percent of patients experienced brow drooping in the forehead lines studies. Other possible side effects include: dry mouth; discomfort or pain at the injection site; tiredness; headache; neck pain; eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight and dry eyes; and allergic reactions. These are not all of the possible serious side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

IS THERE A “GENERIC” BOTOX® COSMETIC?There is no such thing as a “generic” form of BOTOX® Cosmetic. Be wary of discount products or “cheap” BOTOX® Cosmetic. Medical formulations, potency, and approved doses vary among products, so no one product can take the place of another. FDA labeling states that BOTOX® Cosmetic is not interchangeable with any other product. If it doesn’t say BOTOX® Cosmetic on the vial, then it isn’t BOTOX® Cosmetic.

BOTOX® Cosmetic has a one-of-a-kind formulation. And BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind. Backed by more than 16 years of published studies, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® Cosmetic have been described in 528 peer-reviewed articles in scientific and medical journals.Finally, Allergan, the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, owns the entire manufacturing and packaging process, which helps ensure the reliability and safety of each vial.

Dr. McLaren is the founder and owner of “Skin Secrets by Dr. McLaren” where her philosophy is that “only your doctor knows for sure…” She believes that aesthetic enhancement should always look “Very Natural”. Dr. McLaren has been able to achieve natural-looking results through extensive training and years of experience in the field of aesthetic medicine.

Dr. McLaren entered the field of aesthetic medicine when it was in its infancy. She was one of the first physicians to offer Botox and Laser treatments in the Denver area and developed the first aesthetic clinic for the University of Colorado in Lone Tree, CO where she served as medical director overseeing a five physician practice.

Schedule a consultation online,  call Skin Secrets of Cape Coral, FL (239) 800-7546 or call Skin Secrets of Denver, CO at 303-770-7546