Cosmetic & Laser

BOTOX®

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:

The lines around the eyes known as crows feet caused by squinting or smiling. The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows. The lines between the eyebrows caused by frowning.

Is it safe?

Yes!! BOTOX® has been available 20 years and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy. These children receive over 10 times the amount used for cosmetic - every 3 months. This safety has been proven repeatedly over the past 20 years through extensive testing and research. BOTOX® is an approved prescription drug and is approved by the FDA.

Will it give me food poisoning? Is it botulism? Isn't BOTOX® a toxic/poison?

No, it is not toxic to you - nor is it poisonous to you!! BOTOX® is not botulism and it will not cause food poisoning. To clarify, Botulism is the name of an illness not the same of the active drug. The product is a purified protein which is extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and then rigorously processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. It is very similar to how Penicillin comes from mold!! It is an approved drug that is used in VERY tiny doses.

How do I know it won't be toxic to me?

Typically, for a cosmetic treatment, you may receive under 100 units. To make someone remotely sick, you would have to receive OVER 35 times the dose all at one time which would NEVER happen (plus it would cost you over $42,000 - absolutely impossible!!) You are more likely to "poison" yourself with Tylenol (if you took the whole bottle at once!!), than to ever remotely hurt yourself with BOTOX®.

How does it work?

BOTOX® works by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.

How long does BOTOX® last? Is it permanent?

No-BOTOX® is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average but everyone is different. Most patients who get their first 3 treatments done "back to back" every 3 months, find that:

their next treatment last 4 months
then the next treatment lasts 5 months
and the following treatment last 6 months

Dr. Perlis' patients who stay on her prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatments at approximately 2 times per year.

Is it going to be worse when it wears off?

No!! Your face will never get worse if stop using BOTOX® or when it wears off. BOTOX® "stops/slows" the clock of aging. When you stop getting treatments, the "aging clock" resumes like normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use BOTOX® for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and therefore, you will end up looking better than when you originally started.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation will give you a specific amount.

I don't want to look like a mask without expression will that happen?

No. Dr. Perlis ensures you get the look you want - as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed and refreshed, without looking "done". In the experienced hands patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and great!

What is a unit?

A unit of BOTOX® is simply a very tiny measurement of drug. The exact number of units you require (to achieve the look you want) will be discussed at your consultation.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are rare and not permanent. Rarely there can be some minor bruising, which is easily covered up with makeup, or a slight short-term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.

I have heard you can get a drooping eyelid—is this true?

Again, side effects are rare and are not permanent and this can include a drooping eyelid. The incidence of these side effects is less than 1% and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.

Where does it go in my body?

BOTOX® stays local to the muscle where it was injected.

How long does the procedure take?

Generally after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do this on your lunchtime, and no one would know you've had it done!!

How quickly does it work?

It can take UP TO 2 WEEKS for it to take full effect.

How is it done?

It is injected with a very tiny needle, much smaller than those used to take your blood, etc. A delicate insulin type needle is used.

Does it hurt?

Most patients say the injections fell similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear patients say, "Is that all?"

Who should not use BOTOX® cosmetic?

Individuals with muscular disorders
Women who are pregnant or breasfeeding
Aminoglycoside antibiotics