What to Expect

Botox can be used to treat multiple areas in the face and neck, including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, bunny lines, prominent platysmal banding in the neck, large masseter muscles in the jaw, and excessive gingival display when smiling. It’s most commonly injected into the forehead or around the eyes to reduce frown lines and crow’s feet, which are FDA-approved uses for Botox®.

The botulinum toxin works by blocking nerve signals to the muscle where it was injected, disabling the muscle’s ability to contract. There are several botulinum toxin type A injections available on the market, including Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we offer Botox and Dysport.

Botox procedures are quick and require minimal recovery time. Initially, we will clean the designated areas and use a numbing cream or ice pack to gently numb the skin. Then, using a thin needle, we will administer small quantities of the toxin into targeted areas. Within a week or two, you should see the full results. While a few patients may experience slight bruising at the injection site, this is uncommon and typically resolves in a day or two.

Choosing a Qualified Botox Injector

Understanding facial anatomy is crucial, as there are 43 muscles in the face. Although medical doctors, physician’s assistants, and registered nurses are permitted to administer botox, their level of training may not necessarily result in optimal outcomes.

If you are seeking botox treatment at a medical spa or plastic surgery clinic in a metropolitan area, it is essential to conduct thorough research to find a qualified and experienced injector.

When botox injections are performed incorrectly, they can lead to impaired eyelid function or ptosis, which causes drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids. This can happen if the practitioner injects the chemical into the wrong areas or uses an excessive amount, resulting in the migration of the product.

To ensure that your treatment is successful, it is essential to ask your botox provider about their training and experience, as well as request to see before and after photos of their previous patients. As board-certified plastic surgeons, we possess a deep understanding of facial anatomy and are highly qualified and trusted to perform surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.