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Botox 101

Botox was FDA-approved in 2002 for treating wrinkles. Most lines on the face are actually caused by the repetitive creasing of underlying muscles. Botox works by relaxing these dynamic muscles which cause wrinkles in:

  • Frown Lines (parallel lines between the eyes -“11’s”)
  • Horizontal Forehead Lines
  • Crow’s Feet (outer eye areas)
  • Radial Lip Lines (Smoker’s or Water Bottle Lines)

It is a highly-refined purified protein that temporarily binds & blocks neurotransmission to the muscles. It is a myth that you can get botulism from Botox. Botox is a protein, not a bacteria. There are absolutely NO bacteria in Botox – so you cannot get botulism from Botox.

It takes approximately 2-4 hours to bind to the nerve and then 3-10 days to exert its clinical effect of reducing wrinkles.

Results will typically last 3-6 months before re-treatment is necessary. There is a cumulative effect so by training the muscles to relax, they learn to not work as hard so longer durations may occur with regular treatments.

As the effect wears off, strength gradually returns (along with the wrinkles caused my movement). However, wrinkles will not be any worse than they were at the start of treatment.

Dr. Sisson uses Comfortox syringes to administer Botox – they are the smallest diameter & sharpest tips on the market in order to make the injections as comfortable as possible. Ice and topical anesthetic are also available if needed.

Botox is charged by the unit. We use authentic Botox by Allergan at $12/unit.

  • Glabellar Frown Lines (between the eyes – “11’s”) ~ 20-25 units
  • Frontalis (Forehead) ~ 6-10 units (Must be combined with Glabellar Region)
  • Crow’s Feet ~ 12-16 units
  • Radial Lip Lines (Smokers/Water Bottle) ~ 4-7 units

Studies suggest that 85% of TMJ Pain is due to muscles. Botox is used for treating neuromuscular pain in the head & neck area associated with TMJ Disorder, headaches and bruxism. A full exam is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment planning for patients who are seeking pain relief.

Botox Treatment is not covered by insurance but is medically coded as Botox for pain relief so you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA), Flex-Spending Account (FSA) or Care Credit for payment. It is also considered a medical expense and can be used as a deduction for tax purposes.