BOTOX® Cosmetic and Alternatives

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an effective non-surgical treatment used to improve the appearance of wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic and alternatives such as Dysport® and Xeomin® contain botulinum toxin to relax the muscles that contribute to visible aging. These minimally-invasive injectables can address frown lines, crow’s feet, and other concerns without downtime.

Speak with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Weiss to learn more about achieving your aesthetic goals with neuromodulators. Call 504-814-3223 today to schedule an in-office consultation. We serve men and women from Metairie, New Orleans, Mandeville, and nearby areas of Louisiana.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is an FDA-approved injectable treatment. Its main purpose is to improve the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.

Repetitive muscle contractions, which occur when you form expressions, are a known cause of visible aging. BOTOX® Cosmetic reveals smoother, more youthful skin by temporarily preventing these contractions. It can also slow the formation of new wrinkles.

You can expect the following benefits from BOTOX® Cosmetic:

• Quick appointments
• Fast-acting treatment
• Minimal to no downtime
• Predictable, natural-looking outcomes
• Proven safety

What Areas Can Be Treated With BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic and comparable injectables can be used in many different regions of the face. Treatment areas include:

• Between the eyebrows (glabellar area) to combat frown lines or 11’s
• Around the eyes to tackle crow’s feet
• The forehead to smooth out horizontal lines
• Enlarged masseter muscles that obscure a slim jawline
• Around the mouth to address lipstick and marionette lines
• The chin to correct dimpling

In addition to these facial treatment areas, BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used on the neck to help improve the appearance of prominent vertical bands. It is also an effective way to stop excessive sweating when administered to the underarms.

Am I A Good Candidate for Botox®?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is likely a great choice if you are interested in correcting wrinkles without surgery. Contrary to popular belief, the treatment is not just for women or individuals age 40 or older. BOTOX® Cosmetic is becoming increasingly popular with men who use it to care for their appearance. Recently, there has also been a rise in BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments among younger patients who are bothered by lines.

Ideal candidates for BOTOX® Cosmetic are adults in good general health. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use BOTOX® Cosmetic or similar injectables.

Speak with Dr. Weiss to learn if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. He’ll discuss your medical history, allergies, and medical conditions.

How Often Can I Get BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections?

You can get BOTOX® Cosmetic injections as often as needed. It depends on your unique situation. Factors such as your age and the results you want to achieve will come into play.

Many patients find that one treatment every three to four months is a great place to start. Of course, you may benefit from another frequency. Dr. Weiss will offer a custom recommendation. 

Know that everyone responds to BOTOX® Cosmetic differently. You may not want to focus on a set timeframe. Instead, you can always schedule a treatment when your results begin to fade.

How Should I Prepare for a BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment?

Getting ready for a BOTOX® Cosmetic appointment is simple. You will need to:

• Research your provider: It matters who administers your injections. The wrong technique could lead to an unnatural result or other complications. Meanwhile, in skilled hands, you can enjoy a flattering treatment outcome and the highest levels of safety.
  

• Take measures to limit bruising: Stop using anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-thinners unless prescribed by a doctor. Discontinue supplements such as fish oil, ginger, and ginseng that are known to increase bruising after injectable treatments.
  

• Wash your skin and avoid makeup: It is recommended to arrive at your appointment with clean and bare skin. Any makeup that you wear will likely need to be removed.
  

• Leave enough time to see results: Do not book your treatment right before a big event. You might experience temporary bruising, which can take days to fade away. It could also take up to one or two weeks to enjoy the full effect of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Our office will gladly provide you with detailed pre-treatment instructions. Give us a call to make sure that you are completely prepared for your BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in New Orleans.

Can You Combine BOTOX® Cosmetic With Other Treatments?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is often combined with other treatments to achieve the most comprehensive results. You may decide to get BOTOX® Cosmetic alongside dermal fillers such as Juvederm. BOTOX® Cosmetic plays well with skin treatments, but separate appointments may be needed.

Your pairing options are not limited to non-surgical services. BOTOX® Cosmetic can enhance the results of facial plastic surgeries too. The combinations are virtually endless. You are sure to find a treatment plan that works for your unique goals with the help of our facial plastic surgeon.

Are There Any Side Effects to BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic has minimal risk and side effects. Some of the most common ones include bruising and discomfort at the injection site. Serious complications are rare with this injectable.

The risks associated with BOTOX® Cosmetic increase in the hands of an inexperienced provider. It is important to seek out a skilled and experienced professional for your injections. You can also set yourself up for success by following the pre- and post-treatment guidelines.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a safe and established treatment. It is the most widely researched treatment of its kind and has been studied extensively for over 16 years. BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved by the FDA for aesthetic use back in 2002. It is an injectable that you can trust!

How Long Do the Results of BOTOX® Cosmetic Last?

BOTOX® Cosmetic results last three or four months on average. However, two to six months may be a more accurate range. That is because each patient has a different experience. 

Many different factors can affect the longevity of your BOTOX® Cosmetic results, including:

• Your metabolism
• Your diet
• Your stress levels 
• Your skincare routine
• Your level of sun exposure
• Whether or not you smoke
• How often you exercise 
• How often you get BOTOX® Cosmetic

What Can I Expect At My BOTOX® Cosmetic Appointment?

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are done in-office and require minimal preparation. Before you come in, you may be asked to stop taking blood thinning medications or remove any makeup in the treatment area.

During your appointment, Dr. Weiss will use a small needle to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic. Most patients find that the process is tolerable. Dr. Weiss can numb the area with a topical anesthetic to improve your comfort. The actual injection process usually takes 10 minutes.

What Results Can I Expect After My BOTOX® Treatment?

BOTOX® Cosmetic requires little to no downtime. You may experience minor bruising or discomfort, but you will be able to resume your normal activities immediately. Depending on the area you had treated, Dr. Weiss may tell you not to lie down or bend over for several hours to ensure the best results.

You may begin to notice results as early as 48 hours after treatment. Dr. Weiss knows how to administer the product to create a natural and refreshed look. BOTOX® Cosmetic results are not permanent, and you will need follow up appointments to maintain the treatment effects.

Are There Alternatives to BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most well-known and frequently administered product of its kind. However, there are several different brands of muscle relaxing neuromodulators. In addition to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dr. Weiss also offers Dysport® and Xeomin®.

These options are all very similar. They differ slightly in terms of cost, dosing units, onset, and manufacturing process. Xeomin is also free of accessory proteins, which may reduce the chance of someone becoming resistant to the treatment.

How Much Does BOTOX® Cosmetic Cost?

It is understandable that patients are concerned about the cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic and similar options, but this should be secondary to who they choose to perform their treatment. In today’s world, there are many people injecting these products and with varying degrees of expertise, knowledge, and training. The skills, talents, and background of the injector are the most important factors in ensuring a natural result.

It is likely that more experienced and highly trained injectors will have a higher price than less experienced and trained professionals. But overall, there is not a big difference in cost between the highest-priced and lowest-priced cost of these injections. Our staff will be able to give a price estimate for BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or Xeomin® in New Orleans over the phone if requested.

Dr. Weiss is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He provides superior results and seeks to tailor the treatment for the patient’s individual concerns and desires. When considering injections into the face in the New Orleans or Metairie areas, we recommend that you trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon.

Schedule Your BOTOX® Cosmetic Consultation

If you are interested in improving the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, contact Dr. Weiss today at 504-814-3223. Our practice serves Metairie, New Orleans, Mandeville, and nearby areas of Louisiana.