Botox®

Although Botox® is a toxin produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, it has been safely used for many years and approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat facial wrinkles. Botox® injections are quick and safe and relax the muscle to decrease the appearance of creases and folds in the skin.

How will Botox® injections benefit me?

Botox® injections are designed for and dramatically improve wrinkles caused by facial expressions such as crow's feet, laugh and frown lines, forehead creases. It will not have much effect on fine lines. Dr. Ignatowicz recommends laser rejuvenation, chemical peels and fillers as better options for fine lines. For deeper wrinkles that are not associated with movement and expressions, fillers and fat shifting are more suitable methods.

It takes about three to four days to see results which last an average of six months (but can last a few months less or a few months more.) You are able to put make-up back on and resume regular activities immediately after an injection.

It is recommended Botox® injections be repeated every 3-6 months as maintenance and it is perfectly safe to do so. Some patients will notice some permanent improvement in the area because new skin is given a chance to grow smoothly during the period that Botox® is in effect.

What are the risks of Botox® injections?

This procedure is very safe and you will experience only mild discomfort during the injection. Dr. Ignatowicz can apply an aesthetic cream to numb the area. After the injection, the area may be slightly red, swollen and/or bruised. This is temporary and harmless. Occasionally, a patient may experience a headache after treatment.

When Botox® is used in the forehead area, a drooping of the eyelid can occur. This is very, very rare and there are techniques to minimize it, should it happen.

As with any injection, there is always the risk of infection.