Thank you for your question about Botox(TM). Botox(TM) is safe when the treatment is done by an experienced board certified physician who is an expert in facial rejuvenation. I do my own injections and do not have my nurse do the treatments. You will not have an expressionless face like that in a wax museum-especially if your treatments are done properly. Below I am reprinting an article of mine which gives a lot of information about Botox(TM).

Is Botox(TM) safe?

Yes when FDA approved Botox(TM) made by Allergan™ is used according to approved dosage by licensed physicians who are experienced in Botox(TM) use, in my opinion.

What Is Botox(TM)?

Botox(TM) is an injectable medication that relaxes facial muscles that cause lines or wrinkles. Technically called Botulinum Toxin A, Botox(TM) is synthesized in the laboratory by Allergan™, a major pharmaceutical company.

Before and after picture of Botox(TM) treatment for crow’s feet.

Contrary to stories in the media Botox(TM) is not food poisoning bacteria and you cannot get food poisoning from a Botox(TM) injection. Botulinum Toxin A was discovered as a toxin created by the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium which is a cause of food poisoning which caused muscle weakness.

The synthesized, medical grade Botox(TM) used today has been safely used in medical practice for 30 years and is FDA approved. The first use of Botox(TM) was in children with spastic legs-the spasms were relaxed by this medication. Botox(TM) has also been used in Toticollis-painful spasms of the neck, and in Oculogyric spasms-tics or involuntary movements or twitches of the eyes.

How Does Botox(TM) Work on Wrinkles?

The wrinkles caused by the pull of your muscles of facial expression are called “dynamic lines” because they are dynamic or move. That is these wrinkles and lines are caused by repeated motion of muscles of facial expression-each time the muscle moves it pulls the skin into a wrinkle. After years of repeated motion, these wrinkles or lines become permanent.

Botox(TM) relaxes or quiets the muscles of facial expression. When the muscle is relaxed, the line or wrinkle caused by the muscle disappears.

Which Wrinkles Are Removed with Botox(TM)?

The lines of facial expression which are:

• Crow’s Feet-lines on the cheek around the eyes

• Frown Lines-the deep creases between your eyes at the base of your nose

• Worry Lines-the creases running across your forehead

• Bunny lines-the wrinkles at the base of your nose that wrinkle when you smile hard

• Lip Lines-the wrinkles around your mouth when you purse your lips

• Marionette Lines-the lines running from the corner of your mouth down to the jaw lie that pull the mouth down when you are angry or sad

Before and after Botox(TM) treatment for lip wrinkles as part of a liquid face lift which also uses the facial filler Radiess(TM).

How is Botox(TM) Given?

Tiny amounts of Botox(TM) are injected directly into the muscle that is causing the wrinkle or dynamic line. These injections are dosed in International Units (IU). Very small amounts of the solution are used.

Generally a treatment of 25 IUs 0f Botox(TM) is used to treat the crow’s feet and frown lines-5-6 IU in each side of the crow’s feet and 13-15 IUs in the frown lines. If the worry lines are also treated and additional 6.25 IU is placed into each side of the forehead for an additional 12.5 IUs.

Very small amounts of Botox(TM) are used around the mouth to avoid any interference with mouth function. Generally only 1 or 2 IUs are used on the upper lip for lip wrinkles-after treatment you may not be able to whistle or drink through a straw-but those lip wrinkles will be gone. Only 1 IU is used on each marionette line-this treatment can reduce the mouth line and help reduce the jowl.

Small amounts of Botox(TM) can also be used on the bands on the neck below the chin. 1 or 2 IUs in each band will reduce the folds or bands on the neck.

Does Botox(TM) Injection Hurt?

I use a topical numbing cream which is very effective. I also use a cold Titanium Roller to cool the skin which is very effective at numbing the skin and which also helps prevent bruising. My patients often do not even feel the injection. If the patient has had a previous Botox(TM) injection without these measures in a different office they are amazed at the difference.

What Does Botox(TM) Injection Cost?

Nationally Botox(TM) injections cost $20.00 per unit injected. If you are offered a discount or deal be sure to ask how many units you are getting. Some low priced offers are using diluted Botox(TM) which will not be as effective for removing wrinkles.

What Can Go Wrong with Botox(TM)?

Botox(TM) injections are safe when done properly by an experienced and licensed physician who is an expert in facial anti-aging therapy. However there are potential side effects which can occur-some are unavoidable-some are related to injection technique.

Generally there is about a 2% incidence of side effects in my current experience although initial studies years ago were higher. The more common potential side effects of Botox(TM) are:
• Headache
• Flu like illness
• Nausea
• Temporary eyelid droop

Eyelid droop is caused if the agent is injected too low in the forehead near the eyelid, and does not occur with the typical forehead injection.

Where Should I Go to Learn about Botox(TM)?

See an expert in facial rejuvenation and anti-aging skin care therapy. In my opinion experts are board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons that specialize in facial rejuvenation procedures.

Study your doctors website and ask questions-especially ask how many Botox(TM) injections they have done and how many they do each week. Experience is very important in getting the best result and avoiding complications.

Don’t go to Botox(TM) parties-I have seen some unhappy results on patients who have had Botulinum Toxin A injections in a non medical setting.

My opinion is that you want an expert who is board certified in dermatology or plastic surgery who is an expert at what causes facial aging and wrinkles, knows all of the various techniques for correcting facial aging, and knows which treatment is best for your unique face. Some doctors are now handing Botox(TM) injections over to nurses or PA’s because they dont want to be bothered by doing an injection. I am a board certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of experience. I do every Botox(TM) injection in my praqctice. I believe I can do the injection better, my patients prefer that I do the injection and I believe patients deserve my expertise. attention and care when they are paying for this service.

Botox(TM) is one of the most revolutionary advances in anti-aging skin care in the past 10 years. Regular use can actually prevent permanent wrinkles from occurring on your face. In terms of facial aging, prevention is the best cure.

To leaqrn more about Botox(TM) call 978-369-4499 or email me. Read our free newsletter for updates on non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Read Save Your Face to learn how to prevent facial aging.

Dr. Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Thank you for your question about Botox™. I will best answer your Botox™ question by using an article that I have written about Botox™.

Is Botox™ safe?

Yes when FDA approved Botox™ made by Allergan™ is used according to approved dosage by experienced licensed physicians, in my opinion.

What Is Botox™?

Botox™ is an injectable medication that relaxes facial muscles that cause lines or wrinkles. Technically called Botulinum Toxin A, this medication is synthesized in the laboratory by Allergan™, a major pharmaceutical company.

Contrary to stories in the media Botox™ is not food poisoning bacteria and you cannot get food poisoning from a Botox™ injection. Botox™ was discovered as a toxin created by the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium which is a cause of food poisoning which caused muscle weakness.

The synthesized, medical grade Botox™ used today has been safely used in medical practice for 30 years and is FDA approved. Its first use was in children with spastic legs-the spasms were relaxed by this medication. It has also been used in Toticollis-painful spasms of the neck, and in Oculogyric spasms-tics or involuntary movements or twitches of the eyes.

How Does Botox™ Work on Wrinkles?

The wrinkles caused by the pull of your muscles of facial expression are called “dynamic lines” because they are dynamic or move. That is these wrinkles and lines are caused by repeated motion of muscles of facial expression-each time the muscle moves it pulls the skin into a wrinkle. After years of repeated motion, these wrinkles or lines become permanent.

Botox™ relaxes or quiets the muscles of facial expression. When the muscle is relaxed, the line or wrinkle caused by the muscle disappears.

Which Wrinkles Are Removed with Botox™?

The lines of facial expression which are:

• Crow’s Feet-lines on the cheek around the eyes
• Frown Lines-the deep creases between your eyes at the base of your nose
• Worry Lines-the creases running across your forehead
• Bunny lines-the wrinkles at the base of your nose that wrinkle when you smile hard
• Lip Lines-the wrinkles around your mouth when you purse your lips
• Marionette Lines-the lines running from the corner of your mouth down to the jaw lie that pull the mouth down when you are angry or sad

How is Botox™ Given?

Tiny amounts of Botox™ are injected directly into the muscle that is causing the wrinkle or dynamic line. These injections are dosed in International Units (IU). Very small amounts of the solution are used.

Generally a treatment of 25 IUs of Botox™ is used to treat the crow’s feet and frown lines-5-6 IU in each side of the crow’s feet and 13-15 IUs in the frown lines. If the worry lines are also treated and additional 6.25 IU is placed into each side of the forehead for an additional 12.5 IUs.

Very small amounts of Botox™ are used around the mouth to avoid any interference with mouth function. Generally only 1 or 2 IUs are used on the upper lip for lip wrinkles-after treatment you may not be able to whistle or drink through a straw-but those lip wrinkles will be gone. Only 1 IU is used on each marionette line-this treatment can reduce the mouth line and help reduce the jowl.

Small amounts of Botox™ can also be used on the bands on the neck below the chin. 1 or 2 IUs in each band will reduce the folds or bands on the neck.

Does Botox™ Injection Hurt?

I use a topical numbing cream which is very effective. I also use a cold Titanium Roller to cool the skin which is very effective at numbing the skin and which also helps prevent bruising. My patients often do not even feel the injection. If the patient has had a previous injection without these measures in a different office they are amazed at the difference.

What Does the Injection Cost?

Nationally these injections cost $20.00 per unit injected. If you are offered a discount or deal be sure to ask how many units you are getting. Some low priced offers are using diluted Botulinum Toxin A which will not be as effective for removing wrinkles.

What Can Go Wrongwith Botox™?

Botox™ injections are safe when done properly by an experienced and licensed physician who is an expert in facial anti-aging therapy. However there are potential side effects which can occur-some are unavoidable-some are related to injection technique.

Generally there is about a 2% incidence of side effects with Botox™ in my current experience although initial studies years ago were higher. The more common potential side effects are:
• Headache
• Flu like illness
• Nausea
• Temporary eyelid droop

Eyelid droop is caused if Botox™ is injected too low in the forehead near the eyelid, and does not occur with the typical forehead injection.

Where Should I Go to Learn about Botox™ ?

See an expert in facial rejuvenation therapy. In my opinion experts are board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons that specialize in facial rejuvenation procedures.

Study your doctors website and ask questions-especially ask how many Botox™ injections they have done and how many they do each week. Experience is very important in getting the best result and avoiding complications.

Don’t go to Botox™ parties-I have seen some unhappy results on patients who have had Botulinum Toxin A injections in a non medical setting.

My opinion is that you want an expert who is board certified in Dermatology or plastic surgery who is an expert at what causes facial aging and wrinkles, knows all of the various techniques for correcting facial aging, and knows which treatment is best for your unique face.

There are many wrinkles and lines that definitely should not be treated with Botox™.

For more information on Botox™ and other non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques call 978-369-4499 or email us. Read our free newsletter to keep up with new aesthetic treatments. Read Save Your Face to leaqrn how to prevent facial aging.

Dr. Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

For more information on Botox and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

Dr Seckel

Boston, Massachusetts

CONFIDENTIAL: This communication is intended only for the party to
whom it is addressed. If you are not that party, disregard all
contents and delete this message.

DISCLAIMER: This communication is for general reference use only
and is neither represented as nor intended to serve as medical
diagnosis, specific advice, and/or treatment. If you are
experiencing a medical problem, see your physician.

It is the botox injection technique, not you, that causes the eyelid droop.
The Botox is being injected too close to the eyelid muscle called the Levator Palpebrae Supreriorus muscle; the Botox “drips down” into the eyelid and weakens the eyelid muscle. In the future the physician should stay well above the eyebrow when injecting botox.

I have never heard of the light pulse laser being used for skin
tightening so I cannot recommend its use for this.

The machines that have been proven to tighten skin are:
The LuxIR-made by Palomar
Thermage
Titan-by Cutera
Aluma by Lumenis and

Refirme

I would only recommend one of these for skin tightening.

For more information on botox, skin tightening, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

Thank you,

Dr Seckel

Boston, Massachusetts

Botox is the best and most effective treatment for wrinkle removal of worry lines, frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Fillers like Restylane or Radiesse are best for the Nasal labial fold. I use skin tightening systems LuxIR and Aluma with FACES. Other skin tighetning systems are Titan, Refirme, and Thermage

Fraxel works well for pigment and acne scars but is disappointing for wrinkles. For wrinkle removal and removal of fine lines other than those mentioned above I do a procedure called the ActiveFX laser skin peel using b the new Active FX laser made by Lumenis.

Please find a board certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist–you should read my book Save Your Face-chapter 10-Dont Let Just Anyone Touch your Face–it will tell you how to find a good doctor.

To learn more about non-surgical facial rejuvenation visit my clinical site in Boston.

For more information on laser skin rejuvenation, wrinkle removal, skin tightening and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

Dr Seckel

Boston, Massachusetts

Botox works very well for the frown lines and also the crow’s feet on the corners of the eyes but botox is not useful for removal of eyelid wrinkles.

Botox cannot be used for eyelid rejuvenation on the lower eyelid directly under the eyelashes-just on the crow’s feet on the outer corners.

I do not use fillers like Restylane, Radiesse, Hylaform, Cosmoplast, or Collagen on the lower eyelid-I do not think filler injection around the eyes is a safe procedure..

The best solution for lines and wrinkles on the lower eyelids is to do some type of laser skin rejuvenation procedure or laser peel or laser resurfacing to remove the eyelid wrinkles. I use the ActiveFX laser skin peel on the lower eyelid to remove eyelid wrinkles. This is the best eylid rejuvenation procedure for removal of eyelid wrinkles in my opinion.

It is important to see an experienced board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon as laser skin rejuvenation of the eyelid can only be done if the eyelid is tight not, lax, and only done on fair skin.

For more information on crow’s feet, laser skin rejuvenation, eyelid rejuvenation and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

Thank you,

Dr Seckel

Boston, Massachusetts

I cannot be certain without examining you but I believe you are describing a bunny line caused by the contraction of the procerus and nasalis muscles. Bunny lines are similar to crow’s feet, worry lines and frown lines in that they are caused by contractioon of the muscles of facial expression and require botox for correction.

Botox should correct this line. The soft tissue fillers such as cosmoplast, cosmoderm, sculptra, hylaform, restylane and radiessec and skin ntightening procedures such as Aluma FACES skin tightening would not help.

For more information on Botox, fillers and non-surgical facial rejuvenation read Save Your Face or contact me.

Thanks,

Dr Seckel

Boston, Massachusetts