What are Botox® injections?
Botox is a brand of botulinum toxin type A, a purified substance that’s derived from the bacteria that causes botulism. Other common brands include Botox® Cosmetic, Xeomin® and Dysport.
Xeomin® (at $200/area) is the same molecule as Botox® (at $300/area), and therefore yields the same results. Both work for cosmetic purposes by blocking muscular nerve impulses which actually weakens the muscle so that it can’t contract. As such, they are very effective at diminishing certain facial wrinkles. Though the effects are temporary, they often last for up to four months.
While some RN’s can be highly skilled injectors, I personally perform your Botox® injections to give you the optimum, safest results. If you book an injection appointment elsewhere, be sure to ask who will be doing your injections.
What problems do Botox® and Xeomin® address?
Patients interested in Botox® Injections are often concerned about:
- fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead
- fine lines between the eyebrows (often referred to as 11's)
- crow's feet
- wrinkles near the eyelids
- frown lines
- lines on the lips (smoker's lines)
How are Botox® and Xeomin® injections performed?
I want affordable botox injections performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
-a Baltimore patient
Botox® and Xeomin are injected using a very small needle directly into targeted facial muscles in order to produce the desired results. When you book an appointment for Botox, you should ask WHO will be performing the injections. It is increasingly common for RN's to administer Botox or Xeomin injections. Some RN's are highly skilled injectors. However, here at Cosmeticsurg, we do not use nurse injectors. I personally perform all of our patients' Botox® injections because I strongly believe that only a well-trained, experienced, board certified plastic surgeon can give you the optimum, safest results. Consistently. Each and every time you visit.
Do Botox® or Xeomin® injections hurt?
Botox® is administered in a simple, 30-minute office visit. The area to be injected is often numbed with ice or a numbing cream (topical anesthetic), but no anesthesia is required. The smallest needle available is used, so the pain is minimal and not long lasting. Some people experience no pain whatsoever.
Results from either product will appear within 2 to 10 days and will generally last about four months.
Is there a more permanent solution for forehead wrinkles?
Yes, if you are concerned with wrinkles in your forehead a more permanent solution is a Brow lift. The Brow lift actually gives you a more natural look than Botox® or Xeomin® injections.
Are there any other uses of Botox® and Xeomin®?
Botox® is very useful in diminishing perspiration (excessive sweating). The most commonly treated areas are the armpits and the hands.
What are the preoperative requirements?
Patients seeking Botox® or Xeomin® injections must not have had these treatment within the previous four months and should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. To avoid excessive bruising, you should avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for the week prior to your treatment. However, the injections can still be performed if you are currently taking these meds. The difference is that you may possibly bruise more than what is necessary.
What is Botox® and Xeomin® injection Post-Op recovery like?
Following your injections, you'll be able to leave the office and resume most all activities that day. However, you'll want to avoid laying down immediately after your injection. You'll also want to avoid any strenuous activity for several hours in order to keep bruising to a minimum. However, you should be able to return to work and all normal activities the following day.
What are the risks and possible complications?
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. Common side effects associated with Botox® as well as the molecular equivalent Xeomin® include:
- headache
- bruising
- swelling
- discomfort at injection sites
- flu-like symptoms
- a frozen-look result
Why does Botox® or Xeomin® 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. I am extremely careful to avoid this result.
How much do Botox® and Xeomin® injections cost?
Botox® is $300 per treatment area with up to 20 units of Botox® injected per bilateral area. An example area is the bilateral crow's feet. Treatment areas which require over 20 units will be charged at $12/unit. It's the best of all the worlds - experienced, convenient, and affordable.
Xeomin is a less expensive alternative to Botox®
We offer Xeomin at $200 per area, for up to 20 units. It is the same molecular structure as Botox and is an FDA approved product. It gives the same results as Botox®. Dr. Rodriguez has been using this product consistently over the past two years and is very happy with this injectable product.
Does dilution matter?
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; however, a physician who offers Botox® injections at very low price may be suspect for over diluting the Botox®. Highly diluted Botox® will usually give a less than optimal result - NOT what you want!
Save even MORE when you are a member of Brilliant Distinctions with Allergan!
Brilliant Distinctions is an exclusive rewards program that helps you save on select Allergan products and services. It's easy and it adds up fast! If you are not yet a member, we'll be happy to help you register when you come into our office. Basically, you earn points towards cash vouchers each time you get Botox® and/or Juvederm XC, as well as Latisse.
At 400 points, you get a $50 savings coupon.
To sign up for this program, visit Allergan's Brilliant Distinction Program page or simply sign up when you come to our office.
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Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member
NOTICE
Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.