Is Botox safe?

There has not been a confirmed serious case of “spread of toxin effect” when BOTOX® has been used at the FDA recommended dose to treat frown lines. You should receive your treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon or professional under their direct supervision who is skilled and licensed to administer the treatment.

Those with neuromuscular or autoimmune diseases may not be good candidates for Botox injections and should disclose this information prior to an injection appointment.

Will I look different or “weird”? Will I look paralyzed? Will it “freeze my face”?

Although you will have visible results, a Botox treatment will not dramatically change your facial appearance or cause any tell-tale signs of having “had something done”. The muscle activity/animation that causes frown lines between the brows is temporarily reduced, allowing you to still show facial expression (frowning or looking surprised) without the wrinkles and creases caused by this activity. Results are apparent within days; however, the full effect is reached at two weeks. Perhaps your friends will notice you look different, but they may not realize you no longer have frown lines!

What if I don’t like my results?

If you do not choose to have another treatment, the moderate-to-severe lines and creases will gradually return to the way they looked prior to treatment as early as 3 months and possibly up to 4 months (individual results may vary).

Are there complications with Botox?

Aside from minor bruising at the injection site, the most common complications with Botox Cosmetic injections are temporary eyelid droop which may be corrected with a targeted injection or prescription eye drops administered at a follow-up visit.

Minor bruising at the injection site, which may occur if the needle punctures a small blood vessel, can be easily concealed by make-up. You will be less likely to experience any bruising after your injections if you do not take aspirin, vitamin E, herbal medications or ibuprofen-containing products such as Aleve, Motrin, Naproxen, and most over-the-counter pain relievers.

Is Botox painful?

The discomfort involved with Botox injections depends upon each patient’s tolerance for pain. However, most of our patients think that the discomfort is minimal and brief, and there is no discomfort following the injections. The entire procedure may only take 10 to 15 minutes.

Is there a recovery period for Botox?

There is virtually no “downtime” associated with Botox injections, and you may return to work the same afternoon without anyone knowing.

However, it is recommended you remain upright (vertical) and that you avoid bending and laying down for 4-5 hours post-injections. Also, avoid exercising for at least 2 hours.

How often do I need to repeat Botox treatments? How long does Botox last?

The effects of your treatment may last up to 4 months; although, individual results may vary. Dr. Short recommends regular treatments approximately every 3 months to maintain an appearance free of frown lines, creases and wrinkles.

Will I look worse if I receive Botox and then stop?

No. You will gradually return to the way you looked prior to your treatment. Although, you may miss not having frown lines!

How much does Botox cost?

Each treatment is individualized per patient depending upon their facial structure and strength of facial muscles. For the frown line area, or “11’s”, many patients may use approximately 20 – 25 units of Botox. At regular per-unit pricing of $13.00 this area would average just under $300. However, our per-unit pricing is reduced to $11.00 on our regularly scheduled Botox Events.

Additional savings may be earned for Botox if you are registered with the Brilliant Distinctions Program, Allergan’s consumer loyalty program. You may register at www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com, and you may choose Dr. Kimberly Short as your physician so we can easily issue points and redeem coupons to your account after treatments.

Can I get Botox for headaches?

Yes, Botox was FDA approved in October of 2010 as a preventative treatment for migraine headaches.

How do I know when to start Botox treatment?

While many patients begin Botox treatments in their early to mid-30s to treat those first deeper lines and wrinkles, you may begin receiving Botox treatments in your 20s to PREVENT those lines and wrinkles from forming.

How long has Dr. Short been injecting?

Dr. Short has been injecting Botox and Dermal Fillers for over 14 years.

Does Dr. Short get Botox? Does the staff?

Yes, Dr. Short and most staff members regularly receive and enjoy the benefits of Botox.

Can I get “poisoned” from Botox?

It is highly unlikely to contract botulism from a Botox cosmetic injection when the Botox is properly stored and mixed. This is especially unlikely when receiving treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon skilled and licensed to inject Botox or a professional under their direct supervision.

However, those with neuromuscular or autoimmune diseases may not be good candidates for Botox injections and should disclose this information prior to an injection appointment.

How was Dr. Short trained or certified?

Dr. Short has been trained and is a member, speaker and a nationally recognized trainer for the National Education Faculty for Botox. She has performed and trained others in a variety of advanced uses for Botox Cosmetic.

Can I get Botox if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

No, as it is not known if Botox may harm your unborn baby or pass into breast milk.

Botox doesn’t work on me, why?

Cases of true Botox resistance are very uncommon. If the Botox was stored and mixed properly, as would be the case at The Gillian Institute, it is possible that you may need additional units to obtain optimal results.

Photos will be taken prior to treatment and 14 days post-treatment to document and evaluate your results. If you did receive some improvement, you may find subsequent treatments to be more effective as the muscle is generally easier to treat after the initial treatment.

Can I get my smile lines fixed with Botox?

Botox can also be used in combination with dermal fillers to decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This combination therapy may be used in the frown lines, lines and wrinkles around the mouth and upper lip commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines.” Botox can also increase the longevity of the dermal filler (injectable) to the lips, nasolabial folds, perioral folds, and frown lines.