About BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA)
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What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxin) is a naturally occurring substance that can decrease muscle movement. It has been used for over 15 years to improve muscle spasms, eye twitching, and double vision associated with muscle imbalance. It is FDA approved for the prevention of headaches and it’s uses in medicine continue to expand. The injection of very small quantities in precise locations can relax facial muscles for cosmetic purposes; this prevents frowning, improves crow’s feet, and other expression lines. It is also used to decrease sweating on the face, underarms, palms, and soles.
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What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® is injected under the skin to decrease muscle contraction. Your healthcare provider will determine how much product to use based on your desired outcome. Treatments are usually given 3-6 months apart since BOTOX® is broken down by the body within that time. To maintain and improve the long-term results, treatments are typically scheduled every 3 to 6 months.
At each appointment, the treatment area is cleansed, then small amounts of BOTOX® are injected just under the skin. The treatment area is iced during and after injections to minimize discomfort. Pain is minimal, however topical anesthesia can be used prior to treatment.
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Are there any possible side effects?
The most common side effects from BOTOX® treatment include mild pain, bruising, and temporary swelling or redness at injection sites. Most side effects are mild and all are temporary.
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Are there any contraindications?
You should not use BOTOX® if you have an infection in or around the area to be treated. To make sure BOTOX® is safe for you, please inform your doctor of the following:
- History of central nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- History of muscle weakness
- History of vision problems
- History of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
- Taking aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin) or muscle relaxants
- History of excessive scarring
- Taking substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E
- Taking immunosuppressive therapy that could increase your risk of infection
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Bruise Prevention and Treatment Tips
NEVER STOP PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS FOR AESTHETIC TREATMENTS UNLESS DISCUSSED WITH PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN AND DERMATOLOGIST.
Things to Stop
NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen/Aleve) two weeks before your treatment. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an alternative which will not make you more likely to bruise.
Herbal and vitamin supplements associated with thinning the blood (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo, Co Q-10, saw palmetto) one week before your treatment.
Alcohol 3 days before your treatment.
All can be restarted following your appointment, even if you bruise.
Things to Start
Arnica Montana can help prevent bruising and speed the resolution of bruises. Start the oral or topical form 2 days before your treatment. Both forms are available at our office.
Bromelain, found in pineapple, also helps to prevent and treat of bruises. Eat fresh pineapple the two days before your appointment.
Try to relax. Elevation of blood pressure also contributes to bruising. We use numbing cream, play music, and provide squeezy balls and ice during treatments. BUT always tell us if you need a break.
If you develop a bruise
Ice the bruised areas for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours for first 48 hours to minimize bruising and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Oral and topical arnica, pineapple and 200mg of vitamin C daily have also been shown to speed recovery. Continue these steps until bruises resolve.
If you have significant bruising, pain or changes in skin color after a procedure please call our office immediately.
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Cancellation Policy
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any aesthetic appointments. If you make changes to your treatment plan, reschedule, no show or cancel your appointment within 48 hours, you will be required to pay $250.00. If a third late cancellation, change to your treatment plan, reschedule or no show should occur, within the same calendar year, you will be required to pay 50% of the service you are requesting to reserve any future appointments. This amount is non-refundable should you fail to show up or cancel within 48 hours of your appointment.
*This policy is subject to change without prior notice.
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New Patients
Modern Dermatology requires a 48-hour notice of any changes or cancellation of any medical appointments. If a new patient reschedules, no shows or cancels their appointment within 48 hours more than twice, no future appointments will be scheduled.