If you have unwanted forehead lines, crow’s feet or frown lines between the eyebrows, Botox® may be a good anti-aging solution for you. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers Botox® for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.
Botox® is a prescription medication that can relax the muscles that cause deep, unwanted lines on your face. While Botox® was FDA-approved in 2002 to treat the lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows (the glabella), it is also widely used by dermatologists and dermasurgeons to improve crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), forehead lines and lines elsewhere. Today, Botox® is the No. 1 selling product of its kind in the world.
The amount of Botox® needed varies not only with each patient, but also with the number of areas being treated. We suggest you schedule a complimentary consultation with our Aesthetic PA/RN so we can determine the amount of Botox® you will likely need to address your areas of concern. After evaluating you and learning of your concerns, we can give you an accurate cost of treatment. Aloe Dermatology accepts payment by cash and major credit card, and you can learn more on our financing page.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, have a skin infection at the planned injection sites, or have a history of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to any botulinum toxin preparation or to any of the components in the formulation, then you are not a candidate for Botox®. If you have none of these conditions and have unwanted frown, smile or forehead lines, you are a candidate for Botox®.
Two weeks prior to your treatment, you should avoid taking aspirin (unless prescribed by your physician), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, Aleve or Ibuprofen), Gingko Biloba, Vitamin E and fish oil supplements. These agents may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection sites.
We are very gentle and work to ensure the appointment is virtually painless. Most patients do not need any topical numbing agent; however, we do offer a topical numbing cream that can be applied to the injection area prior to the appointment. Please notify our office if you desire a topical numbing cream as you will need a longer appointment time.
Following your Botox® treatment, do not work out or lay down for four hours following your injection.
Do not have any facial laser treatments for two weeks following your Botox® injection.
Bruising is possible and, therefore, we recommend that you schedule any social plans accordingly.
Arnica supplements have been shown to reduce discomfort, bruising, and swelling from injectable procedures. Arnica pills may be started the day before or the day of treatment and should be continued until bruising has resolved.
While the initial effects of Botox® may be visible as soon as 3-5 days after your treatment, you should expect your final results to be achieved 2-3 weeks after treatment. Results typically last 3 to 4 months for most patients, but in some Botox® may last up to 6 months.
Botox is most frequently used to relax and smooth lines around the eyes (crow’s feet), between the eyebrows (frown lines) and forehead lines.
As we do not perform Botox if there is an active rash or inflammation in the site to be treated, you would want to avoid having a chemical peel or laser resurfacing treatment 1 to 2 weeks prior to your Botox treatment. You cannot have a Botox treatment if you are pregnant or breast feeding. After a Botox treatment, you should stay upright for 4 hours and not lie down. Avoid exercise for the rest of the day after your Botox treatment. Little swellings may be noticeable where Botox was injected. Do not press or massage those areas as that may cause spread of Botox beyond the desired treatment area. They will resolve on their own.
Results from Botox typically last 3 to 4 months for most patients, but for some Botox may last up to 6 months.
Botox smooths and improves lines and wrinkles between your eyebrows (frown lines), around your eyes (crow’s feet) and on your forehead.
If Botox treatments are performed regularly, some patients find that the effects of Botox last longer.
Curious about Botox®? Aloe Dermatology offers cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Santa Maria, Solvang, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.