BOTOX® Cosmetic Physicians Network

Dr. Rodriguez has extensive experience with botox injections. He is a member of the exclusive BOTOX® Cosmetic Physicians Network. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ( http://www.plasticsurgery.org) almost 3 million BOTOX® injections were performed in 2003, most of these were in the 35-50 age group.

What are the uses of BOTOX®?

Botox is very effective at temporarily eliminating certain facial wrinkles. BOTOX® blocks the nerve impulse into the offending muscle. The effect can last up to 4 months. The most commonly treated areas include the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, wrinkles near the eyelids, and 'smokers lines' on the lips.

Is there an alternative to BOTOX?

Yes, if you are concerned with wrinkles in your forehead a more permanent solution is a browlift. The browlift actually gives you a more natural look than botox injections.

Why does BOTOX give some patients a frozen look?

A patient can acquire a frozen look if too much BOTOX is used. For example, too many injections in the same area can result in such a flat surface, that the appearance can be expressionless. Dr. Rodriguez is very careful to avoid this.

Are there any other uses of BOTOX®?

Botox is very useful in diminishing perspiration (excessive sweating). The most commonly treated areas are the armpits and the hands.

Is BOTOX® safe?

BOTOX® has been used safely for over 20 years. It is a highly purified protein with an excellent safety record and a low incidence of side effects. It has FDA approval for cosmetic use.

Do BOTOX® injections hurt?

The area to be injected is often numbed with ice or a numbing creme. The smallest needle available is used, so the pain is minimal and not long lasting. Some people experience no pain whatsoever.

How much do BOTOX® injections cost? Does dilution matter?

The first area of injection is $350. Additional areas injected in the same operative session are discounted per area.

When comparing BOTOX® injection prices among offices be sure to ask each office how much they dilute the pure botox. The manufacturer of BOTOX® does suggest a small amount of dilution to the pure BOTOX®. However, a physician who offers BOTOX® injections at very low prices may be suspect for overdiluting the botox. Highly diluted BOTOX® will usually give a less than optimal result--NOT what you want!

What is new in the field of BOTOX®?

Sometime over the next few months we expect to test a cream which claims results similar to BOTOX®. Stay tuned!