• Cosmetic FAQ

    BOTOX®

    What is BOTOX®?
    BOTOX® is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Low doses of BOTOX® are administered with a few injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause lines to form. The effects of BOTOX® are usually confined to the injected region and it does not travel throughout the body.

    What is BOTOX® used for?
    BOTOX® injections are used to treat facial wrinkles (crow’s feet, frown lines, brow lines), muscle spasticity, and facial spasms.

    A BOTOX® treatment is a simple, nonsurgical procedure that smoothes the deep, persistent lines between your brows that develop over time. One treatment, which includes a few tiny injections, relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keeps them relaxed for up to 4 months. BOTOX® has been widely tested and is approved by the FDA.

    How does BOTOX® work?
    BOTOX® works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, facial wrinkles diminish, creating a more youthful appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the overactive muscles whose repeated contractions cause the lines between your brows to form. So you can frown, smile, or look surprised — without the furrows, creases, and wrinkles.

    Who is a candidate?
    Any woman or man who is concerned about the appearance of their frown lines may wish to consider BOTOX®.

    What occurs during a BOTOX® procedure?
    The doctor will make a series of injections into the facial muscles. The procedure is quick and generally painless.

    When should I expect results and how long will they last?
    The BOTOX® injections will take effect within three to five days and will last for approximately three to four months. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of the men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better.

    Unlike surgery, BOTOX® is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with no downtime or recovery. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. Within days, they report looking more natural, refreshed and relaxed.

    BOTOX® will not radically change your appearance or make you look like you’ve had “work done.” It will not make you look 20 years younger. Because it’s highly localized and administered intramuscularly, its effects are usually confined to the region of injection, and BOTOX® does not remain in your body indefinitely.

    Is BOTOX® right for you?
    If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, BOTOX® may be for you. If reducing lines and wrinkles between your brows would make you feel better about yourself, BOTOX® may be for you.

    Thousands of appearance-conscious women and men have already discovered the benefits of BOTOX®. Not just models and movie stars, but ordinary people – professionals, executives, secretaries, teachers, parents, and business people from all walks of life.

    Are BOTOX® treatments painful?
    Discomfort is generally minimal and brief. Your physician may choose to use a numbing cream to minimize this. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

    Will my lines look worse if I choose not to continue treatments?
    No. Your lines gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

    How long does BOTOX® last?
    BOTOX® lasts up to 4 months.

    How much does BOTOX® cost?
    When considering your facial aesthetic options, you’ll find that BOTOX® is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2000 survey, BOTOX® is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking 7th in the 9 most widely-used procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Dr. Stangler will discuss pricing during your individual consultation. Since injections are customized to each patient’s needs, prices may vary between patients.

    What are the risks?
    Risks include: headache, nausea, an allergic reaction, no improvement after treatment, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid, and numbness, tingling, bruising, or swelling in the injection area. Dr. Stangler will discuss additional risks with you. Patients often compare the sensation to a bug bite. It is unlikely you will develop significant side effects, although some people may develop slight temporary bruising at the injection site, which can easily be covered by makeup. You may resume normal activity immediately.

    Chemical Peels

    What is a Chemical Peel?
    A Chemical Peel is a chemical solution applied to the face, removing the skin’s top layers that have been damaged and wrinkled, allowing new, healthier skin to emerge. With more than 1.3 million patients having chemical peels, this procedure was the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in 2001 for both men and women.

    When should I consider a chemical peel?
    Chemical peels are most effective at improving the appearance of the following: wrinkled, sun damaged facial skin; fine wrinkling around the mouth/eyes; and brown spots or blotchy skin coloring.

    What results can I anticipate?
    While individual results may vary, our patients are extremely satisfied with their results, which include: softening of the fine lines/wrinkles around the mouth/eyes; improvement in skin quality and texture; and improvement in complexion.

    Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty

    How is the facial surgery done?
    Facial Rejuvenation is done through a variety of techniques. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Stangler will review the best combination of procedures to achieve your new look.

    How much time can I expect to be out of work?
    Most patients can expect to be out of work for approximately one week. More comprehensive procedures may require more recovery time. Some bruising may last for up to two weeks although it is usually adequately covered with make-up.