Botox® Cosmetic

Botox® Cosmetic is a procedure that can smooth frown lines on the face and neck for both men and women. It can soften lines and wrinkles that make you appear tired, upset or angry. Botox® Cosmetic can help you maintain your appearance without surgery and there is little, if any, recovery time. It is the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure, with over one million patients receiving treatment. It is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures done. Dr. Gidon has had extensive training and experience injecting Botox® Cosmetic and regularly participates in advanced continuing education programs.

View Before-and-After Photos for this Procedure

What is Botox® Cosmetic?

It is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium bacterium and is used in extremely small amounts to relax dynamic wrinkles caused by contraction of muscles.

Is it safe?

It has been used safely and successfully for over 20 years. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and several neurological problems, with children as young as 2 years of age safely receiving more than 10 times the amount used for wrinkles.

How does Botox® Cosmetic work?

Wrinkles and frown lines are the result of muscle activity. Dr. Gidon analyzes this activity and determines which muscles require treatment. Several tiny injections of Botox® Cosmetic are administered very precisely into the muscles that cause the wrinkles. It blocks nerve impulses from reaching that area and the muscles relax. As a result, the wrinkles overlying the muscles are smoothed away.

Does it hurt?

Discomfort is minimal and brief. An anaesthetic cream can be used beforehand to numb the areas being treated, so no pain at all is experienced.

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas treated are the frown lines between the brows, the forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, the eyebrow area to lift the brow and open up the eyes, around the mouth, and the neck area to soften tight bands and help shape the jaw line. In Canada, Botox® Cosmetic is approved for use for frown lines between the brows, forehead lines and crow’s feet.

What happens after treatment?

The treatment takes about 10 minutes and you can resume normal activities right away. In 3 to 14 days, the wrinkles will appear softer and smoother.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally, a small bruise lasting a few days may occur and can be covered with make-up. A mild, temporary headache may occur in some patients. Rarely, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid that may last a few weeks may occur.

Will my facial expressions look natural?

Treatment will not radically change your appearance. Most people will not notice that you had any treatment done since you will still be able to smile or look surprised or angry. You will just appear more relaxed and happier.

How long will the effects of Botox® Cosmetic last?

The effects initially last about 3 months. When movement of the muscles is detected, it is time for another treatment. With repeated treatment, some patients' results may last 4 to 6 months or longer. If you discontinue treatment, your wrinkles will gradually return to the way they were before treatment.

Can Botox® Cosmetic treatments be combined with any other treatments?

Definitely! Botox® Cosmetic treatments can be combined with many other anti-aging procedures to enhance their effectiveness and give longer-lasting results. Intense pulsed light treatments, Thermage™, Fraxel™, SmartXide™, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, filler substances and the use of anti-aging products are all complementary procedures.

Is this treatment for everyone?

Men and women, from age 18 to 80, who would like a more relaxed appearance, enjoy the benefits of Botox® Cosmetic. There are very few restrictions. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or have certain neurological disorders, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, should not be treated.

What is the Send-a-Friend program?

If you refer a friend or family member who is new to our clinic for a Botox® Cosmetic treatment, he or she will receive a discount on his or her first treatment and you will receive a gift certificate toward your next Botox® Cosmetic treatment. Ask our staff for details.

How do I find out if I am a candidate for Botox® Cosmetic?

During your consultation, Dr. Gidon will assess you to determine if you might benefit from these treatments. She will also address any further questions you may have.

Botox® Therapeutic for Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating. Normally, the body produces sweat to regulate body temperature. Sometimes, the nerves that control the sweat glands become overactive and excess sweat is produced. It can have a significant impact on self-confidence and can affect the quality of life. Botox can dramatically reduce hyperhidrosis by blocking the nerves to sweat glands.

What areas can be treated?

The underarms, palms, soles and forehead may be treated.

How are the treatments done?

A Minor Test may be done on your first visit. Iodine and then starch are applied to the site to determine exactly what areas need to be treated. Tiny injections are then administered to the site.

Does it hurt?

Tiny pinpricks can be felt, but if needed, an anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand to numb the skin.

How long does it take to reduce sweating?

The reduction in sweating begins to take effect in 1 day, but it may take 7 days to reach its full effectiveness. Occasionally, a second round of injections may be needed to control sweating.

How long will the effects last?

Sweating is usually controlled for 7 to 9 months. Repeat treatments can be done at that time.

Are there any side effects?

Occasionally, some patients temporarily perceive increased sweating in other areas, but this sensation resolves.

How can I know if treatment will be effective for me?

Dr. Gidon will take your medical history, perform an examination and assess you. She can determine whether this treatment would be beneficial for you.