BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most well-known trade name for botulinum toxin. It is not the only product available and presently two other comparable products, Xeomin® and Dysport®, deliver nearly equivalent results. For the purposes of brevity, we will simply refer to this group of products using the BOTOX® name, but we have had experience with all three products.
Laughing, frowning and all other facial expressions require the muscles of the face to contract, and these contractions will then create some sort of crease or line on the skin. In younger years, this fades immediately and your skin springs back to normal. Over time, however, lines and wrinkles deepen and remain visible even when the facial muscles aren’t actively in motion. Although these dynamic wrinkles are the result of normal daily facial expressions, they’re also among the first evidence of aging to appear on the face. Patients love BOTOX® because it’s an effective, affordable and nonsurgical option for combating the early signs of aging.
Dr. Otto Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon who uses BOTOX® Cosmetic injections to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In addition to nonsurgical medical spa treatments, Dr. Placik also performs a variety of facial cosmetic surgery procedures for men and women in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Please contact us online or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on BOTOX® Cosmetic, including prices.
Dr. Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University where he also completed residencies in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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BOTOX® was originally developed to treat problems with eye muscles and to control uncontrolled facial spasms. During that time, it was noted that patients receiving the injections for these purposes had an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles in the treatment area as well. Doctors began using BOTOX® solely for wrinkles in 1996. After tests and studies to ensure safety, the FDA approved BOTOX® Cosmetic for this specific use in 2002.
BOTOX® works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles responsible for lines and wrinkles on the face. After injection, BOTOX® prevents the muscles from contracting, and over time the appearance of dynamic wrinkles begin to fade and become less noticeable. The use of BOTOX® is FDA-approved for frown lines, the vertical wrinkles on the forehead between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet, the fine lines around the eyes that deepen when smiling, “bunny lines” or lines around the mouth with lip pursing or “prune chin.” BOTOX® is often used in conjunction with dermal fillers to minimize deeper wrinkles caused by loss of volume.
Injectable Fillers to the Face
BOTOX® Cosmetic is administered with a series of injections directly into the facial muscles. A very small needle is used for the injections, which many patients have described as feeling like a pinch. If you’re concerned about discomfort, Dr. Placik may apply ice or a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. One treatment session typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and patients can return to their daily routines immediately. Although manipulation of the treatment area, vigorous exercise or the supine position is discouraged for 4 to 6 hours.
BOTOX® can also be used to weaken undesirable muscle action and achieve what is known as a nonsurgical brow lift or nonsurgical corner of the mouth lift (grimacing), gummy smile correction, treatment of a downturned nasal tip with smiling, hyperactive neck muscle activity and unwanted muscle fullness of the masseter muscles with jaw clenching. BOTOX® has benefits of diminishing sweating of the armpits (axilla), hands and forehead. Ongoing, but not definitive, research studies of BOTOX® have shown value in the treatment of migraines, acne, depression and many other conditions.
After your appointment, you may notice some temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site, although the majority of patients enjoy a relatively comfortable experience. Most men and women see the effects of their Chicago BOTOX® injections within a few days after treatment and enjoy the best long-term results by scheduling ongoing maintenance treatments.
In addition to BOTOX® treatments, Dr. Placik also offers Dysport® and XEOMIN® injections. Similar in many respects to BOTOX®, these injectables are also FDA-approved for treating lines and wrinkles.
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The best candidates for BOTOX® in Chicago are physically healthy, at least 18 years old and have bothersome wrinkles on the forehead and/or around the eye area. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or trying to become pregnant or have any diseases or conditions that affect nerves or muscles may not be good candidates for BOTOX®.
Receiving great results with BOTOX® Cosmetic relies heavily on injection technique. When administered by an experienced injector like Dr. Placik, BOTOX® reduces, but should not eliminate, the ability of your muscles to create facial expressions. After BOTOX®, you should still be able to smile, frown or look surprised, but the associated wrinkles and creases won’t appear on your skin. You’ll look like yourself, except younger, refreshed and rejuvenated.
The cost of BOTOX® will depend on the number of units needed to properly treat your facial muscles and give you the best results. Estimating the number of units that will be needed is difficult to do until Dr. Placik can examine you and assess your facial anatomy. Dr. Placik and his staff strive to provide excellent value and can help you with financing to make your treatment even more affordable. Reduced fees are available when treatments are administered by staff that have been trained and supervised by Dr. Placik.
BOTOX® is a temporary treatment that generally lasts 4 to 6 months, and the results will fade gradually and naturally as the muscles resume normal movement. Individuals with a higher metabolism may notice their results fade sooner than others. Dr. Placik and his staff are happy to schedule regular maintenance sessions to help you maintain your new look long-term.
BOTOX® has proven to be well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The most common side effects include swelling or bruising at the injection site, although these are greatly mitigated by the experience level of your injector. Headaches are also sometimes reported. Aesthetic side effects, such as eyelid droop or crooked eyebrows, are seen less often but may occur in some patients.
Dr. Placik promises you his best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation to learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic, please contact us online or call us at 847-398-1660.
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To meet with double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik, you can request a consultation online or call our Arlington Heights office at 847-398-1660 or our Chicago office at 312-787-5313 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you look your very best.
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