As one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, Botox injections can be both preventative and corrective. The key to a natural—and not “frozen”—look is in the hands of the injector. Dr. Jess Prischmann is an experienced board certified facial plastic surgeon serving patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and uses a “microdroplet” technique for her injections. By placing small droplets in very selective locations, Dr. Prischmann can achieve excellent results while using the fewest number of units. Dr. Prischmann strongly believes that every patient deserves an individualized treatment plan.
What is BOTOX?
Botox is an injectable drug designed to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Derived from a diluted form of botulinum toxin type A, Botox works by temporarily preventing muscles from contracting. Since repetitive muscle contraction contributes to the development of facial wrinkles and lines, the solution’s ability to relax these muscles can ultimately lead to a smoother, more youthful, and more refreshed appearance. With customized treatment from an experienced and qualified injector such as Dr. Prischmann, the effects of Botox can appear very natural and patients can avoid a “frozen” look.
What are the benefits of BOTOX?
Cosmetic injections with Botox have a range of benefits for those seeking to rejuvenate their facial appearance, including:
- Quick treatment time: Botox treatment sessions typically only take a few minutes, so you can get it done during your lunch break.
- No downtime: There is no recovery time needed after receiving Botox, so you can return to your normal activities immediately.
- Natural-looking results: When administered by a trained and experienced provider, Botox can give you a natural-looking result without making you look “frozen” or expressionless.
- Lasting results: The effects of Botox can last for up to 3 months. If you like the results of your Botox treatment, but would like for it to last longer, Dr. Prischmann recommends a product called Daxxify.
- Versatility: In addition to treating wrinkles, Botox can also be used to treat medical conditions, such as jaw clenching and grinding (off-label use).
Am I a good candidate for BOTOX?
Botox is generally safe and effective, and it can be used by most adults who are looking to improve the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines on their face. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Some people may not be good candidates for Botox due to certain medical conditions, such as nerve or muscle disorders, or an allergy to any of the ingredients in the product. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid Botox, as the effects of the treatment on a developing fetus or nursing infant are not known. It is important to consult with Dr. Prischmann before undergoing a cosmetic treatment like Botox to determine whether it is appropriate for you.
How to prepare for Botox injections
Before receiving Botox injections with Dr. Prischmann, it’s essential to avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for at least a week before your appointment to minimize bruising. It’s also recommended to avoid alcohol and certain supplements like fish oil or vitamin E, which can increase the risk of bruising or swelling. During your consultation, Dr. Prischmann will provide personalized pretreatment guidance based on your medical history to ensure optimal results.
What does the BOTOX procedure involve?
During a Botox treatment, Dr. Prischmann will inject small amounts of the medication into specific muscles in the face using a fine needle. She will determine the appropriate dosage and injection sites based on your individual needs and desired results. Before the injection, the injection site will be cleaned. The actual injection process takes only a few minutes. After the injection, you may experience some redness and swelling at the injection sites, but these side effects usually resolve within minutes. It’s important to note that Botox treatment results are not immediate and it may take several days to see the full effects. The results typically last for several months and can be maintained with repeat treatments.
What can I expect during recovery from BOTOX Injections?
Botox is a relatively quick and simple cosmetic treatment that does not usually require any significant recovery time. After the procedure, you will be able to return to your normal activities right away. There may be some mild side effects, such as swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, but these should resolve quickly. It is important to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for the first few hours after the procedure. Most people see the full effects of Botox within a week of treatment, and the results can last for several months. Overall, the recovery after Botox treatment is generally minimal, and most people are able to return to their normal activities right away.
What can I expect from the results of BOTOX® Cosmetic?
The results of Botox treatment vary from person to person, but most people experience a noticeable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, which helps to smooth the skin.
Most people notice an improvement in the treated areas within a few days of the injection, with the full effects becoming apparent within a week or two. The results of Botox treatment typically last for several months and can be maintained with repeat treatments. It’s important to note that Botox is not a permanent solution and the effects will eventually wear off.
To maintain the results, it is necessary to get repeat treatments at regular intervals. It’s also important to note that Botox is not a one-size-fits-all solution and the results may vary depending on the individual and the specific area being treated. It’s important to discuss your expectations and desired results with a qualified healthcare provider before getting treatment.
How much does BOTOX cost?
The cost of a Botox treatment varies from patient to patient. This is because some patients only treat one area of the face, while others treat three or more areas of the face. Botox is a drug and is dosed based on the number of “units” each patient needs.
Dr. Prischmann customizes the treatment for each patient. She typically starts with the lowest possible dose to achieve the desired effect. The average price of Botox at our practice generally ranges from $350 to $700. Our practice accepts a wide range of payment methods, and we work with CareCredit®, a healthcare and plastic surgery financing agency.
Additional FAQs About BOTOX
Which areas of my face can I get Botox injected into?
Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for use in forehead lines, crow’s feet, and lines between the eyebrows (also known as the “11s”). All other areas are considered “off-label.” Having said that, Dr. Prischmann feels Botox can safely be used for “bunny lines,” lip lines, chin dimpling, relaxing a gummy smile using a technique called the “Botox Lip Flip”, softening the jawline, and platysmal bands. Dr. Prischmann often uses Botox for relaxing the masseter muscle and finds that this can also provide pain relief to patients who clench their jaws.
Sometimes, we will place a very small amount of Botox around the lips for vertical lip lines. However, our practice does not use Botox freely in this area. This is to retain a natural appearance and to avoid smile asymmetry.
What are the qualifications required by practitioners to perform Botox injections?
To our knowledge, in the state of Minnesota, there are no qualifications or education requirements needed to perform Botox injections. In our practice, our facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jess Prischmann, is the only one who performs injections. We believe this is safer for the patient.
How can I avoid side effects after Botox treatment?
It is best to start conservatively with all injectables. This can be one of the best ways to reduce your risk of side effects.
I am a younger patient considering Botox. Does age affect the frequency of administration?
Dr. Prischmann believes it is important to start with the lowest possible dose of Botox for all of her patients, not just the younger ones.
Botox and other injectables have only been used for cosmetic purposes in this country since the early 2000s. While the 10-year studies on safety are good, there is no way to know what the long-term effects of these products will be. That is why it is best to stick with the lowest effective dose for the longest period of time.
Schedule A Consultation
Would you like to learn more about facial rejuvenation with Botox, Dysport, or Daxxify treatment for patients in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area? If so, please contact our office today. We will be happy to answer your questions or assist you with scheduling a consultation.