A Botox Brief: Dr. Susan Van Dyke details everything you need to know about botulinum injections
Botox, or botulinum, has become a phenomenon. As the most practiced form of plastic surgery, it is now embedded into people’s daily lives. However, for those considering it, Dr. Susan Van Dyke of Van Dyke Laser & Skin explains the considerations to be taken when thinking of botulinum injections.
Who is the best candidate for botulinum?
The best candidate is someone with wrinkles that occur or worsen with movement, such as crow’s feet or the frown lines between the eyebrows.
What factors do people need to consider when selecting a botulinum provider?
Ask your provider what their credentials are. If he or she is a physician, ask what specialty they are board certified in — dermatology and plastic surgery are desired, gynecology or anesthesiology are not. If the provider is not a physician, find out what license they have, where they trained, who trained them, how long they have been providing the service and how many patients they have treated.
What are the risks of botulinum?
Botulinum, particularly Botox, has a great safety record. The cosmetic use of botulinum requires small doses, and after (millions of) treatments in the U.S., side effects are rare. Inexperienced injectors (of botulinum) regularly create unwanted results by injecting the wrong of amount into the wrong area. Luckily, the effects of botulinum will wear off over several months, so untoward reactions are temporary.
What are the benefits of botulinum?
Botulinum relaxes the muscles of the face that cause unwanted movement-related wrinkles. The effects are relaxed and pleasant — no more frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. There are other areas that benefit from botulinum, such as lip lines, downturned corners of the mouth, neck cords and more.
A lesser known use for Botox is sweat reduction. Many people have excess sweating from their armpits, and Botox can be used to dramatically reduce sweating for a year with one treatment.
What are the costs of botulinum?
Botulinum is often priced by the unit. Typically, a full treatment will cost around $400 and last for three to four months.
