Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a medicine used to relax muscles--simple as that.  In relaxing specific muscles, we can help prevent and eliminate wrinkles.  The wrinkles in which we can help soften or prevent are ones created by movement or dynamic wrinkles.  BOTOX® is a brand name.  Just like how you buy bottle water, there is Aquafina, Dasani, Arrowhead, etcetera.  Like BOTOX®, there are two other brand name medications, Xeomin® and Dysport®, both of which are FDA approved like BOTOX® to relax muscles and to stop wrinkles.  

 

Where can BOTOX® be used?

We can use BOTOX® to help relax numerous muscles in the face to help give us a more youthful appearance.  Also, given that Dr. Sato is a board-certified dermatologist, he is very comfortable placing this medicine in numerous muscles to achieve your goals.  

 

Areas we can treat include

• lines around the eyes (crow's feet)

• forehead lines

• upper and lower lip for "smoker's lines"

• crinkles on the nose (bunny lines)

• in the lower eyelid to help soften lines 

• "gummy smile"

• in the jaw muscles to taper the a boxy jaw appearance for a more feminine look

 

What is the appointment like?

After discussing with Dr. Sato about your cosmetic concerns and agreeing on a treatment plan, the BOTOX® or Xeomin® is placed into the muscles.  The pain is very minimal as the needles we use are very small.  The pain feels like a small pinch or a bug bite and people typically rate it a 2/10 as far as pain.  

 

What should I expect after the appointment?

After the procedure, you can easily return to work without anyone knowing you had anything performed.  The medicine takes up to two weeks for its full effect, but many patients notice softening and improvement in two to three days.  

 

Why do you see patients two weeks after treatment?

For first time patients we like to see you back to make sure you are happy with the results.  Although we are very precise with our placement, everyone reacts differently.  You may have had friends or yourself having BOTOX® done before and not being happy with it.  We like to see our patients after BOTOX® in two weeks to ensure they are happy with the results.  If there are issues, many times this is easily corrected with placement of one or two more units which we do complementary.    

 

Do I have to follow up in two weeks after the procedure?

No, you don't.  If you've had BOTOX® before, and haven't had a problem, we are glad to continue keeping you looking good!

 

Who performs the procedure?

Dr. Sato, a board-certified dermatologist, performs all BOTOX® and Xeomin® procedures.  

 

How much does BOTOX, Dysport or Xeomin cost?

The cost for BOTOX® or Xeomin® is determined by how many units we need to use.  The units is the amount of medicine required to treat the areas.  This can depend on numerous factors including how strong someone's muscles are, if they had BOTOX® or Xeomin® before, or how much movement they would like after treatment.  

 

Below are only estimations and depend upon numerous factors as above

Frown: $210 - $260

Forehead: $150 - $250

Crow's feet: $200 - $270

 

How long does it last and what happens if I stop?

Depending upon where it is placed, BOTOX®, Dysport or Xeomin® lasts for 3-4 months for most people.  If you stop, you continue to age normally and not any faster than before.  Some people tell us that they don't want to do it since it is temporary and have to keep up with it.  But you get your haircut every two months, change the oil in your car every six months and, if you want to maintain the results from BOTOX, you would have to put in the maintenance likewise.  

 

I still have more questions?  Now what?

For more information, you can visit botox.com, xeomin.com, dysportusa.com or contact us for a personal consultation!  You can also read more from us on our blog as well.