What is BOTOX®? BOTOX® is a purified form of the toxin that is removed from the germ that causes botulism & is injected in such a small amount that there is no risk of disease to people receiving BOTOX® injections. What isn't BOTOX®? BOTOX® is not the answer for those with unrealistic expectations. BOTOX® can only help to soften wrinkles and cannot totally reverse the effects of aging. BOTOX® is not a permanent solution but is a temporary fix to an ongoing aging process. How does it work? BOTOX® works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that it is injected into. Cosmetically it is used to prevent movement of the facial muscles of expression. Repeated use of these muscles causes people to eventually get wrinkles in that area. By preventing that muscle from moving, the wrinkles can be prevented, softened or eliminated.. How is BOTOX® administered? BOTOX® is administered by tiny injections into the desired area; the procedure generally takes about 10-15 minutes. Your physician will determine how much BOTOX® is needed to treat you effectively. How soon will I see results, and how long does BOTOX® last? Within days you'll see a significant improvement that may continue to improve for as long as a week. BOTOX® may last 4 to 9 months depending on how many treatments you have previously had. Everybody metabolizes it differently. BOTOX® gradually wears off and the injected muscles begin to function again.If you continue with your BOTOX® on a routine basis, research has shown that the injected muscles eventually weaken and time between appointments will increase. Is there any downtime following the procedure? Since this is a non surgical procedure, there is no recovery time; you can get back to your regular routine schedule immediately following the process. However, generally speaking, you need to keep your head up for 4 hours after a treatment to your face. Can I continue to get injected with BOTOX® for as long as desired? Treatments can typically be repeated as long as your condition responds to BOTOX® without any serious side effects or diminished response. Although BOTOX® has been used for over 10 years commercially worldwide, acceptable safety in long-term treatments has not yet been conducted. When shouldn't BOTOX® be administered? BOTOX® should not be used during pregnancy, if you are nursing, or if you are taking certain medications. Only your physician can determine the best course of therapy. The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure that your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking. Does the procedure hurt? You may experience some minor, temporary discomfort during and immediately following the procedure. No anesthesia is necessary. What are the possible side effects? All medications have some side effects, but with BOTOX® they are minimal and temporary. Side effects really depend on the location of the muscle being injected. Some people notice temporary weakness of muscles, discomfort or slight bruising at the injection site. Some people also develop flu-like symptoms, but this is relatively rare. Is BOTOX® right for me? If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, BOTOX® may be for you. If reducing those tough lines between your brows would make you feel more approachable, or reducing the wrinkles around your eyes and flattening the creases upon your forehead, BOTOX® may be for you. Is it Safe? BOTOX® has been safely used in medical treatments for over 20 years and received FDA approval in April of 2002 to be used cosmetically for certain areas of the face. In the US alone, more than 1 million people a year receive injections of BOTOX® cosmetic. There has never been a reported case of disease transmission from an injection of BOTOX®. The risks of complications from receiving injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic are rare and cause only temporary problems. Does it correct all of my wrinkles? No. BOTOX® is used to soften, eliminate or prevent the wrinkles that are caused from repeated muscle contraction. It will not fill in wrinkles like collagen but will prevent the cause of the wrinkle. We use it to treat wrinkles of the forehead, between the brows, around the eyes and mouth, to give the brows elevation and to prevent excessive sweating under the arms, on the palms and the soles of the feet. How long does an appointment take? New Patients (includes time to complete paperwork and have consultation)-30 minutesEstablished Patients- 15 minutes Can I have my consultation and appointment on the same day? Yes, If appointments are available. You need to be off of any medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E for a couple of days before an injection, or you will likely bruise at the site of injection. Try to let the receptionist and/or doctor know if you have been taking the above medications, because you may be advised to stop them for a couple of days then, come back later for your treatment. Does insurance cover any of the above services? Royce Aesthetic Centers does NOT accept or file any form of insurance. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. However, for Axillary Hyperhidrosis ONLY (which is severe Underarm Sweating) as a courtesy to our clients, we will fill out a HCFA form, which will be given to you to file with your insurance company. Your insurance company will then make any final determinations regarding reimbursements. For more information on BOTOX® treatments, please call now to schedule a consultation or appointment at 770-888-8999.