Botox ®

Botox® is a chemical that is injected into muscles to stop movement, thereby getting rid of wrinkles. In the treatment of wrinkles, there are two basic types of wrinkles: dynamic and static.

Dynamic wrinkles are present only when the muscle is moving. Botox® is used in this situation to prevent the motion of the muscle and thereby preventing the development of the wrinkle. The most common dynamic wrinkles on the face are at the corners of the eyes (Crow’s feet) and across the bridge of the nose (the bunny nose).

Static wrinkles are visible whether the muscle is moving or not. Any dynamic wrinkle could eventually become a static wrinkle. Using Botox® on the muscle responsible for that wrinkle may allow the skin to smooth out over time, but it could also require other procedures such as facelift, browlift, or skin resurfacing with chemical peels. Currently, Botox is approved to treat the glabellar region (between the eyebrows ).

Treatment is highly effective, but may require 2 or 3 treatments to smooth the wrinkle, usually every 3 months.

There are some permanent solutions for wrinkles treated with Botox® involving the surgical removal of the muscle responsible for the wrinkle. This is usually done at the time of another procedure.

There is a common misperception that Botox® injections result in frozen facial expressions or that Botox® takes away a person’s ability to produce facial expressions. For the vast majority of Botox patients this is completely false. The overuse and/or misuse of Botox can produce undesirable results. After your BOTOX® treatments, you will still be able have facial expressions, but because the muscle activity in the brows has been reduced, you will be able to do so without wrinkling and possibly deepening the wrinkles on the brow.

FAQs on Botox®

Are Botox® injections painful?

Most patients report that Botox® injections are uncomfortable (not painful) and that the injections are very quick.

Are Botox® injections safe? What are the common side effects?

The most common side effects occur at the injection site and are tenderness, redness and swelling.

How quickly will I see results from Botox?

Following Botox® injections, most patients see improvement within a couple of days.

How do I know if Botox® is right for me?

Please contact our Columbus, Ohio, office with any questions you may have. During a consultation, Dr. Houser can help you decide if Botox, or perhaps a different treatment, is right for you.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing Botox in Ohio are board certified. Why should I choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

• Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
• Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
• Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
• Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.