Do people often tell you that you look mad even when you’re feeling happy? If so, it may be time to consider BOTOX®. Permanent lines across the forehead, between your eyes, often referred to as the 11 lines, and heavy lines around your eyes, also known as Crow’s Feet, can completely alter your facial expression. Depending on your genetics, some patients may start to develop these lines as early as their 20’s. Besides making you feel older than you are, these kinds of “dynamic” wrinkles can make you look perpetually tired, worried or mad. BOTOX® is a simple non-surgical procedure to freeze the underlying muscle that is causing the wrinkle. The result is a smoother, more relaxed, younger looking facial contour. Extremely effective, it’s the kind of office based procedure that can be performed during your lunch hour.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Doherty is considered a BOTOX® expert by his patients, but also by Allergan, the company that makes BOTOX®. He consults for them, training other doctors across the country in the proper use of BOTOX®. His goal with any injectable patient is to deliver a completely natural looking result. No one should know that you had anything done unless you decide to tell them. However, it is extremely important with any procedure, including injectables, to see someone with a lot of skill and training.
Why Should You See a Plastic Surgeon for BOTOX®?
Today, it seems like almost everyone is offering BOTOX® — your local spa, your gynecologist, maybe even your dentist. It has become so common place that a lot of patients tend to forget that injectables are a medical procedure. While very safe when performed correctly, bad things can happen when you see someone who is not properly trained or who doesn’t have a lot of experience. And honestly, it’s not worth saving a few dollars if your face droops in weird ways or your eyesight is impaired.
A plastic surgeon, particularly a board certified plastic surgeon, has completed extensive medical training, and had to pass multiple rigorous testing. Furthermore, a plastic surgeon knows the underlying anatomy of the face, and therefore understands how all the skin, muscles and bones work together. This is critical for insuring a safe, natural, subtle result.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a neurotoxin, a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. The kind of wrinkles that BOTOX® addresses are called dynamic wrinkles because they result from movement in certain hyperactive muscles under the skin. BOTOX® works by literally blocking or “freezing” the transmission of nerve impulses to these muscles. Completely safe when administered correctly, the effects of BOTOX® are confined to the injection site and do not travel throughout the body.
Although the term BOTOX® has really become a catch all phrase for any neurotoxin, there are others such as Dysport™ and Xeomin. The right one for you is going to depend on your needs, anatomy and goals. During your initial BOTOX® consultation at one of his Boston area offices, Dr. Doherty will listen to what bothers you about your face. He will perform a thorough physical exam to determine your underlying issues and then, together, you will come up with the best treatment plan for you.
Are You a Candidate for BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a great option for both men and women who are bothered by:
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead creases
- Crow’s feet near the eyes
- Bands or cords in the neck
- Excessive sweating in the hands, feet & underarms
- TMJ
- Droopiness in the lower face
- Migraines
Difference Between BOTOX® and Filler
Dr. Doherty will often combine BOTOX® with fillers as part of a non-surgical facelift. Together, they really have the ability to turn back the clock and address all of the early signs of aging except for severe skin sagging or ptosis. However, many patients think that BOTOX® and fillers are interchangeable. They’re not. While both are referred to as injectables, and both help to treat fine lines and wrinkles, BOTOX® does so by addressing the underlying muscle that is causing the wrinkle while fillers actually add volume to fill in and smooth out a deep groove or wrinkle.
BOTOX® Procedure
BOTOX® injections are performed in the office and take about 15 – 30 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. Dr. Doherty will first apply a topical numbing agent to your treatment area. Then, he will administer a series of injections through a very fine needle. You will not feel a thing. You may have a small red mark at the treatment site, but it is easily covered with makeup. You can return to work immediately.
Patients should stop all medicine, pills or supplements that may affect their bleeding for 7 days prior to your Botox® injection. This includes Motrin, Advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, Fish Oil. Omega, Green Tea Supplements and Vitamin E.
There is literally no downtime or recovery with BOTOX®. It’s one of the nice things about the procedure. Dr. Doherty does ask his patients to not exercise after any injection. You may return to your normal work outs the next day, however. It will take about 2 weeks for your final results. These typically last about 3-4 months. Patients who come in for their BOTOX® injections on a regular schedule find that their results last longer — sometimes up to 6 months. But this really depends on the patient and the area being treated. All of this will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
BOTOX® for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating in the armpits, hands and/or feet. It can cause your skin to become raw and chafed. Not only does this hurt, but it may even increase your risk of infection. Hyperhidrosis is also humiliating for its sufferers. Many will refrain from participating in social activities because they’re too self-conscious. It can even inhibit your ability to get the work that you’d like. And it is more common than you might think. At least 2.8% of the population suffers from Hyperhidrosis, but only a small portion of these patients seek treatment.
Dr. Doherty is a strong believer in offering his Boston patients a full range of cosmetic procedures to improve their lives. While there are quite a few treatment options for hyperhidrosis, one of the simplest is BOTOX® injections. Basically, they work by reducing the function of the sweat glands in the treatment area. Though not effective for every patient, if BOTOX® does work, the results last about 4-6 months, and can be life-altering.
To find out more about BOTOX® with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
FAQ’s
Do BOTOX® injections hurt?
The needle used to inject the BOTOX® is the size of a teeny, tiny pore. You will literally not feel a thing. Especially since Dr. Doherty administers a topical numbing agent first.
Are my BOTOX® results permanent?
No. The results will last anywhere from 3-4 months, sometimes longer if you get regular injections. So, you do need to plan and budget accordingly.
What if I don’t like my results? Are they reversible?
Unlike a hyaluronic acid filler, which can be “dissolved” with an injection of hyaluronidase, BOTOX® results cannot be reversed. However, they do fade with time so even if you are the rare patient that is miserable with your results, they won’t be permanent.
I’ve seen photos of people whose eyes look like Spock. Is this bad BOTOX®?
No. It’s really the result of bad placement. While even the best surgeon may, on occasion, need to “tweek” your result, you should never come out of any injectables procedure looking like an alien.
Can BOTOX® help lift my sagging jowl area?
To a certain extent. Significant sagging or drooping jowls are typically the result of excess skin. This can really only be improved with a surgical facelift to remove the excess skin and “lift” the face back up to a more youthful position. However, for the earliest signs of jowling, a bit of strategically placed BOTOX® can deliver some improvement. Especially when combined with fillers, Radio Frequency treatments and/or lasers as part of a non-surgical facelift.