Frequently asked questions about BOTOX® and Facial Dermal Fillers in Boulder

What are BOTOX® and Facial Dermal Fillers?

There are two types of facial wrinkles: those that appear temporarily when a muscle contracts during a facial expression, and those that are visible when your face is at rest. The most common of the first type are the "forehead furrows", the "worry lines" or "11's" between the eyebrows, and the "crow's feet" around the eyes. A series of tiny BOTOX® injections relaxes the underlying muscle that causes the wrinkle. The effect will be noted within a few days and will last about 4 months. The second type are static wrinkles or pitted scars and clefts that occur do to loss of elastic tissue and collagen beneath the skin's surface. The most common sites for these are prominent lines extending from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth, and the "marionette lines" extending straight down from the corner of the mouth toward the bottom of the chin. These are better dealt with by the use of temporary injectable skin fillers.

Isn't BOTOX® a toxin? That must be bad.

BOTOX® is a purified protein that is produced by a bacteria that has been in use therapeutically by doctors since the 1960's. Doctors often use medicines that are very useful in low doses that would be harmful at high doses. Common minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and medicines such as digitalis fall into this category. BOTOX® is given in miniscule doses, directly to the area that is to be affected by it. When given in recommended doses, it is not detected in the bloodstream at a noticeable level. When given for certain disease states, BOTOX® can be given safely at 4 to 6 times the maximum dosage that we would ever give for extensive cosmetic treatments.

What does a BOTOX® injection feel like?

We use the tiniest needles that you have ever seen, and with the small doses given, you will barely feel the discomfort of the pin prick and a short sting.

Are the Facial Dermal Filler injections the same?

Facial Dermal Fillers are more involved. They require a topical anesthetic cream and occasionally a nerve block like you would get at the dentist's office. The appointment is longer and the discomfort afterwards may be more pronounced. Pain medication will be available to you if you opt to use it.

Is it expensive to have these treatments?

These services are available to make you feel better about yourself. Making people feel better is our business. As we get older, we begin to notice that the structure of our face begins to change. Everyday we are reminded when we look in the mirror, that the flower of youth is fading. Some people deal with this by getting therapy, some buy expensive cars or clothes, others opt for plastic surgery. Relative to any of these attempts, BOTOX® and Facial Dermal Fillers can attack the problem more simply and for far less expense. True, you must maintain your facial treatments over time as you do other aesthetic concerns, but for a few hundred dollars, once or twice a year, you can roll back the years and feel more spry and confident.