Not surgery, and...

Botox® and Dysport® are great maintenance!

A quote from Vanessa L. Williams, 43, actress & former Miss America,  People Magazine, May 8, 2006, page 156:

"Actually, when I turned 40, I said, I need to start fighting. I love Botox®! No matter how much rest you get, you look more refreshed."

Before the Procedure

To better understand your overall health, Dr. Bentkover will evaluate your medical history prior to the procedure. In addition, he will determine the exact location and size of the muscles to be injected in order to decide the most effective injection sites and dose. He will carefully explain the treatment and realistic goals for the treatment. He will answer all your questions, including questions about the low risk of the treatment. He will take digital photographs in order to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of your first treatment.

The risks of a Botox® or Dysport® treatment are very low: but if you have a neurological disorder (such as Myasthenia Gravis or Multiple Sclerosis), a neuromodulator like these drugs may not be for you. You should discuss the advisability of having a treatment with your neurologist before booking your appointment with us. If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin or any other blood thinners on a daily basis, you should stop this type of medication 10 days before the injections, if it is safe for you to do so.  If it is not safe for you to stop such medications, your risk of bruising, while small, will be higher with the treatment.

The Procedure

Injections are usually performed without topical anesthesia, but we have it available if you want it.  We can also apply ice before the injection to numb the area. The discomfort is minimal, and most patients require no topical anesthetic or ice.  A small sting is felt with each injection. The effects of the treatment are not permanent and should be repeated every 3-4 months to maintain the correction. To help you maintain your appearance, we offer our  VIP Program of progressive discounts throughout the year for our regular patients. Remember, we truly believe that Botox® and Dysport® are great maintenance!

Research has suggested that the long-term use of botulinum toxin injections may lead to a longer duration of each treatment's effect. Some of our long-term patients find they need injections less often than when they started the treatments. Patients over the age of 65, however, may not experience as dramatic a result, and some patients may be "partial reactors". Also, up to 16% of patients seem to be completely immune to the effects of the drugs, so-called "non reactors".  However, some patients who seem to be immune to Botox® my have a very resonable reaction to Dysport®.

Recovery: What to Expect

It usually takes 5-7 days to see the affects of the injections, but it can take up to 30 days. We check the affects of your first injection at 3 weeks.  We do this to make sure we have the right dose and injection sites for you. You may experience slight bruising around the injected area (especially in the crow's feet area) that fades and responds nicely to ice. Most normal activities can be resumed immediately. You may exercise the following day. We ask that you wash your face gently that night and do not rub the areas injected. Side effects are unusual but may include an allergic reaction, headache, flu-like symptoms, and temporary weakness of nearby muscles. Dr. Bentkover will explain all the risks associated at the time of your consultation.