BOTOX® in Austin, TX

If you want one of the best nonsurgical approaches to smoothing your moderate-to-severe frown lines, we suggest having a BOTOX treatment by our board-certified Plastic Surgeon of Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center, Dr. Snyder. Dynamic wrinkles and creases in the upper third of the face (eyes and forehead) and other areas of the face and neck can be treated with BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A). The overall effect of this wonderful injectable is a relaxed and smooth facial skin appearance with a formula that has been used safely by physicians for more than 20 years. Our experienced plastic surgeons have both been trained in advanced BOTOX injection techniques for wrinkles around the mouth, corners of the eyes, forehead, and the neck. BOTOX usually lasts 3 – 4 months and can produce results that can be seen in as little as 5 – 7 days. Patient results may vary. 

How does it work?

Unattractive frown lines (between your brows), crow's feet, and other facial wrinkles form over time as the result of muscle activity (dynamic wrinkles). When injected with BOTOX, the treated muscle will no longer constrict, then the muscle activity is simply reduced. You can still frown or look surprised, just without the deep wrinkles and creases in the treated areas. If you would like to learn more about BOTOX, please call and set up a consultation with our team in Austin.

Tiny doses of BOTOX are injected into the skin where wrinkles are noticeable. It is normally done in the doctor’s office and the procedure can last from 15 – 30 minutes. The number of injections and dose amounts administered varies by patient depending on the severity of wrinkles. Patients are first marked with ink prior to the injection so that the practitioner can accurately inject the areas in need of wrinkle softening. This procedure does not create any discomfort other than a normal pinch that comes with a small needle. A numbing cream may be applied to help with any discomfort. Patients will be able to go home right after treatment with no downtime from their normal routine.

After treatment, mild swelling and bruising may appear on the injection spots. Patients are advised to limit exercise and to sleep in an upright position the same night as the treatment. The redness and swelling will only last for a few hours, but some patients may experience bruising for several days. There are bruising medications, such as Arnica, that patients can take a week prior to treatment to help minimize bruising. The results from a BOTOX treatment take 5 – 7 days to appear. When they do, the face will look smoother and brighter, and patients will feel rejuvenated by their fresh appearance.

When administered properly, BOTOX rarely causes any complications. With that said, it is still very important to find someone who has experience in handling this medication. Too much of the product can cause an undesirable outcome. A skilled practitioner will use just enough of the medication to effectively freeze the facial muscles that cause wrinkles while leaving nearby muscles unaffected. BOTOX is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market today. It is safe and effective, and approved by the FDA. BOTOX is also used to treat other medical conditions such as squints, excessive sweating, uncontrollable blinking and migraines. Some side effects from BOTOX can include:

• Headache
• Temporary eyelid droop
• Nausea
• Pain in the face (rare)
• Erythema or muscle weakness at the injection site

BOTOX should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s), or in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, or Lambert-Eaton Syndrome may be at increased risk for serious side effects.

There is an ongoing trend where people who wish to have BOTOX treatments will gather together and administer the BOTOX doses themselves called ‘BOTOX cocktail parties’. This is very risky. BOTOX, when administered incorrectly, may paralyze unintended muscles that can result in an abnormal facial appearance. BOTOX treatments should be done in a medical setting with an experienced, skilled injector. 

In recent years, BOTOX has seen some competition as other drugs have been approved by the FDA and introduced to the aesthetic market. Dysport and Xeomin are muscle relaxers similar to BOTOX. Each has its specific trending function that can be addressed during the initial consultation. Sometimes, a combination of the drugs is used to treat various areas. For example, BOTOX for frown lines, and Dysport for crow’s feet.

BOTOX and fillers are both popular cosmetic treatments with the ability to decrease wrinkles and smoothen facial areas. The difference with each is the way the substances function to create the rejuvenating effect. Injectable fillers add volume under the skin to fill hollow areas and decrease the appearance of wrinkles on the surface. BOTOX, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles underneath the skin so that the muscles cannot contract, allowing a softer effect on the surface. It is very common for patients to undergo treatment using both a muscle relaxer and an injectable filler to attain optimal results.

Today, practitioners are treating patients of all ages with BOTOX. For some individuals, for example those as young as 30, BOTOX is considered a preventative way to prevent facial wrinkles. For others (i.e. 40 years old and older), it is a rejuvenation effort to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Older individuals (55 and up) will still receive great benefit from having BOTOX injections, but for some, a facelift technique might be a better option to consider. 

A BOTOX injection will last between 3 – 4 months. The treatment can be repeated every quarter and for most patients who receive this treatment, they usually come back for more. BOTOX is an effective, easy and safe way to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. Patients consider it a part of their normal beauty routine.

The most common side effects include headache, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring (< 3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occur within the first week.

To get the best results, it’s important to go to a doctor who is experienced in administering BOTOX® Cosmetic. You may want to consider choosing a doctor from the Botox Cosmetic Physicians’ Network. Members of the Network have medical practices that focus on facial aesthetics, as well as detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and experience injecting Botox Cosmetic.