Quite simply, Botox is a medication that is injected into muscles to make them relax. Therefore, it decreases current wrinkles and prevents future wrinkles. It is commonly used around the eyes (crow’s feet), Frown lines on the forehead, Bunny lines on the nose and furrow lines (between your eyes). It contains a highly purified botulinum toxin protein.

The cost for Botox is only $14 per unit.

Botox is a quick procedure. The injections will take 10-15 minutes. Most people will see results within 48-36 hrs. Within a week, most will see the softening of their wrinkles. Optimal results are typical within a month. Botox can last up to 4 months.

Most adults are eligible for Botox. (Not recommended for those under age 18)

Do not get Botox if: -You are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or any other Botulinum toxin product (Dysport, Xeomin, etc) -Have an infection at the injection site -Have a Urinary Tract Infection -Are being treated for urinary incontinence or cannot empty your bladder on your own. -Are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if Botox can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. If you have other conditions, it is best to consult with your doctor before getting Botox.

Contrary to popular belief, the bacteria that causes botulism, clostridium botulinum, is not part of treatment, nor are six of the seven neurotoxins it secretes. The only substance used in Botox injection, botulinum toxin A, is carefully extracted, purified and standardized into FDA approved doses. Plus, the dosage is so small, it can’t get beyond the muscle tissue it is injected into, meaning there is little if any chance for Botox to reach the bloodstream. 07

When injected properly, Botox injections don’t require a lot of downtime. Patients can typically resume all their normal activities immediately after a treatment. Common side effects include mild redness, bruising and swelling can occur immediately and within a couple of days. More serious complications can occur but are rare. Talk to your provider about possible complications and read all the safety considerations on the handout in the office.

Myth #1- "Botox is Toxic and Unsafe." Botox is completely safe for cosmetic use. It has been FDA approved as an anti-aging treatment. Botox is derived from Botulism Toxin and is an effective treatment for wrinkles and frown lines. Botox toxin has been used to treat neurological disorders for over 30 years. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement over a decade ago about the safe use of botulinum toxin for therapeutic use. Myth #2 -"Wrinkles will worsen if you stop getting Botox." Botox isn’t a permanent solution to wrinkles, so as the effects of Botox generally fade away, you will start to regain facial movements in your muscles before your next treatment. There is no permanent damage if you stop. In fact, the reduced movement of the treated muscles will prevent future wrinkles from forming. But why would you stop Botox? Myth #3 - "Botox will make me look Frozen." Botox should never make you look frozen or emotionless. Good Botox should make you look softer and more wrinkle free. Myth #4 "A Facial and/or a Serum or Cream Can Do the Same Thing." No Skin Cream or serum on the market today can actually relax the muscles in your skin. Only Botox can do that! Creams and serums can only penetrate so far. Serums can enhance your results, but Botox goes into the muscle, eliminating those wrinkles. Ask Dr Maragh for a Free Consult for Botox or Fillers