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The Basics of Botox: A Review by Seattle Plastic Surgeon Dr. Shahram Salemy

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Botox Cosmetic is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today.  While many folks have tried it and been very happy with the results, some are still hesitant and want some more information first.  With that in mind, here are a few basics everyone should know:

1) Botox Cosmetic works by relaxing the muscles that it’s injected into, and so is used for facial wrinkles that are caused by these muscles.  Common areas include the lines between the eyes, forehead lines, and crow’s feet (small wrinkles on the sides of the face next to the eyes).

2) It is a simple procedure, takes just a few minutes, and has very little discomfort.  It takes about 2-3 days to start to see the effects, and the results last around 3-4 months, so it is not permanent.

3) The cost varies by surgeon and region of the country, but typically it cost between $12-$18 per unit, and the number of units required to see the results depends on your specific anatomy (typical total costs are $400-$800 per treatment).

4) Many different types of doctors as well as non-doctors offer Botox injections.  I always recommend speaking to the doctor or nurse doing the injection first to gauge their comfort level and experience with the procedure.  Before and After photos are also helpful, so that you can make an informed decision as to who should do your injections.

In short, Botox is a very nice option for many folks, including those not quite ready for surgery.  Take the time to pick your injector carefully and you should have a great experience and a great result!

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