Botox Cosmetic

What is Botox Cosmetic?

Botox Cosmetic treatments safely reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, usually in the upper third of the face. Botox relaxes facial muscles targeted during a treatment, preventing contractions, thus smoothening overlying skin. Because many facial lines are caused by repeated contractions, Botox may also slow the formation or deepening of facial lines and wrinkles.

Botox is used to treat:

  • Forehead lines and wrinkles.
  • Brow lines.
  • Glabellar lines between the eyes (often called “frown lines” or “11’s lines).
  • Crow’s feet.
  • Lip pursing or smoking lines.
  • Marionette lines and jawline contours can sometimes be improved with Botox instead of dermal fillers.

Botox Cosmetic Patient Information.
Botox Before & After Photos.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are a good candidate for Botox Cosmetic treatments if:

  • Your general health is good.
  • You’d like to improve moderate facial lines and wrinkles.
  • The lines and wrinkles are in an area of the face that Botox can treat.
  • Your expectations are realistic.

Read the FAQ for contraindications.

Before the Treatment

In a consultation with Dr. Gagliardi, you can discuss which facial lines and wrinkles you’d like to treat. The doctor will determine whether Botox is a suitable treatment (Dermal Fillers are sometimes more appropriate). During the consultation, you’ll be able to ask questions about the treatment, discuss any concerns, and learn what to expect during and after.

During the Treatment

Dr. Gagliardi uses ultra-fine needles that minimize the discomfort of injections. If you are anxious about needles or pain, discuss your concerns with the doctor. Treatments are quick; therefore, discomfort is momentary. Most clients find treatments easily tolerated.

After the Treatment

You should remain upright and avoid rubbing the areas of injection for several hours after the treatment. Post-treatment side effects usually resolve within a few days. Treatment results are usually noticeable within a few days post-treatment and can last for several months.

Botox FAQ

Are Botox Cosmetic treatments safe?

Botox Cosmetic has an excellent safety profile with few adverse effects when an experienced doctor performs the treatments. Botox has been used as a cosmetic treatment since 2002, when it was first approved by the FDA. Statista reported that in 2019, Botox was the top non-surgical cosmetic treatment, with over 6 million injections administered worldwide that year. Botox treatments have become commonplace – another tool in your grooming kit.

How do I prepare for the treatment?

Tell Dr. Gagliardi what medications you are taking, especially blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve and Motrin.

Are Botox Cosmetic injections painful?

Botox injections are easily tolerated by the vast majority of patients. During an injection, you may feel a slight pin prick.

How long does a treatment take?

A typical Botox treatment takes 30-minutes to an hour. Much of that time is spent discussing expectations with the actual injection time being quite short.

Will I need more than one appointment to treat my concerns?

You may choose to have Dr. Gagliardi address other areas of concern at subsequent appointments.

How long until I see final results?

You may notice improvement of fine lines and wrinkles in about 5 days. Optimal results should be seen within 2 weeks.

How long do results of a Botox Cosmetic treatment last?

Botox Cosmetic results can last several months or more, depending upon the severity of the lines and wrinkles that were treated. Typically, treatments are recommended every 3 or 4 months.

Are there any contraindications?

You should not have Botox treatments if you:

  • Have a neuromuscular disease, unless during a consultation Dr. Gagliardi determines that it is safe to do so.
  • Are pregnant, may soon become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • Suffer from body dysmorphic disorder.
  • Are allergic or sensitive to Botox or its components.