Not surgery, and...

Botox® is great maintenance!

A quote from Vanessa L. Williams, 43, actress & former Miss America,  People Magazine, May 8, 2006, page 156:

"Actually, when I turned 40, I said, I need to start fighting. I love Botox®! No matter how much rest you get, you look more refreshed."

Before the Procedure

To better understand your overall health, Dr. Bentkover will evaluate your medical history prior to the procedure. In addition, he will determine the exact location and size of the muscles to be injected in order to decide the most effective injection sites and dose. He will carefully explain the treatment and realistic goals for the treatment. He will answer all your questions, including questions about the low risk of the treatment. He will take digital photographs in order to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of your first treatment.

The risks of a Botox® treatment are very low: but if you have a neurological disorder (such as Myasthenia Gravis or Multiple Sclerosis), Botox may not be for you. You should discuss the advisability of having a Botox treatment with your neurologist before booking the treatment.

If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin or any other blood thinners on a daily basis, please mention that at the time of your consultation.  If it is safe for you to stop this type of medication, we might ask you to do so.

The Botox® Procedure

Botox® injections are performed with or without topical anesthesia, whichever you prefer. The discomfort is usually minimal, and most patients require no topical anesthetic. A small sting is felt with each injection. The effects of Botox are not permanent and should be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain the correction. To help you maintain your appearance, we offer our Botox® VIP Program of progressive discounts throughout the year for our regular patients. Remember, we truly believe that Botox is great maintenance!

Research has suggested that the long-term use of Botox® injections may lead to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Some of our long-term patients find they need injections less often than when they started the treatments. Patients over the age of 65, however, may not experience as dramatic a result, and some patients may be "partial reactors" to the Botox. Also, up to 16% of patients seem to be completely immune to the effects of Botox®, so-called "non reactors".

Recovery: What to Expect

You may experience slight bruising around the injected area (especially in the crow's feet area) that fades and responds nicely to ice. Most normal activities can be resumed immediately. You may exercise the following day. We ask that you wash your face gently that night and do not rub the areas injected. Side effects are unusual but may include an allergic reaction, headache, flu-like symptoms, and temporary weakness of nearby muscles. Dr. Bentkover will explain all the risks associated at the time of your consultation.