Before and After Botox Videos 

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox

As an eye plastic surgery specialist, I have been using Botox since 1989 - well before it was used for cosmetic purposes. Ophthalmic plastic surgeons originally used it for its initial FDA indication - for the treatment of blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking of the eyelids) and facial spasms.

Botox has since become the definitive non-surgical treatment for the wrinkles that are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh or frown. Over the years, I have refined strict dosage guidelines and procedural protocols to ensure that the Botox injection procedure is safe and effective for all of my patients.

Recognizing this experience, Allergan (manufacturer of Botox) has designated our office as one of their national training centers for cosmetic Botox treatments and appointed me to their National Educational Faculty. I have also attained Allergan's highest level of Botox injector, Platinum status.

Botox is easily administered during a routine office visit. The treatment procedure itself takes only 10 minutes. A simple injection, directly into localized regions of the facial muscles, weakens and reduces their pull on the skin, eliminating the ability to form deep expression lines on problem areas of the face.

Although not a permanent cure, with adequate dosages the effects of Botox can last from 3 to 6 months or even longer, making it today's most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The treated areas not only have a more youthful and rested appearance, but patients have actually remarked about how much more relaxed they feel after their Botox treatments.

I can personally vouch for that (I get Botox between my own eyebrows). I definitely feel less tense and more relaxed from my treatments, especially when I am in the sun, which normally causes facial muscular contraction. It works much the way sunglasses relieve squinting.

Importance of realistic patient expectations

Botox injections are highly technique- and experience-dependant. This means that results can vary based on the doctor's knowledge of facial anatomy, particularly of the peri-orbital (area around the eyes) facial musculature and function. Although the actual injection is a relatively minor procedure, it still requires steady hands and a good injection technique to maximize results and decrease the risk of bruising.

Results can also vary between patients and even between same-dosage treatments in the same patient. This is because each patient has a unique sensitivity to the effects of Botox and also because between each treatment session there may be slight differences in the exact position of the needle tip that delivers the Botox. In some cases more than one session may be needed for optimal results. A Botox "Touch-up" may be administered 2 or more weeks after the initial injections if an additional improvement is desired.

From years of experience with Botox injections, I have found that it is one of the safest and most patient-pleasing treatments that I offer. I encourage my patients to consider Botox therapy if they would like to make a significant improvement in their appearance without surgery, with very little risk and in most cases, no 'down' time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Botox