BOTOX® in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh BOTOX specialist, Dr. James Fernau of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa in Pittsburgh, PA routinely utilizes BOTOX to treat wrinkles and lines across the forehead and near the eyebrows. BOTOX is an FDA-approved dermal filler of purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is considered a short-term correction (3-6 months) for these areas, but very effective. As one of the most popular wrinkle treatments in plastic surgery today, BOTOX works by blocking the nerve impulses to the injected muscles and reducing the muscle activity that may cause moderate to severe facial lines. BOTOX injections provide noticeable results, without surgery or recovery time. It provides the facial skin with a smooth, refreshed appearance.

Fine lines and facial folds can distract from our better attributes, in addition to making us appear older than we really are. BOTOX is a good option for supplying you with a younger, smooth aesthetic. Although the results are not permanent, you can reap the benefits for several months prior to needing to consider a touch-up appointment. Patients may also receive other benefits from BOTOX at Dr. James Fernau Plastic Surgery, like:

• Quick appointments: BOTOX appointments usually take as little as 10 minutes.
• No rest or recovery: Because of the nonsurgical qualities, you are welcome to resume your everyday activities after sessions.
• Very little pain: BOTOX treatments utilize a very fine needle, making your treatments seem like a mild pinch of the skin.
• Straightforward upkeep: Individuals who wish to keep their appearance semi-permanently should notice that follow-up treatment sessions are short and feasible for day-to-day schedules.

Tiny doses of BOTOX are injected into the skin where wrinkles are noticeable. It is normally done in the doctor’s office and the procedure can last from 15 to 30 minutes. The number of injections and dose amounts administered varies by patient depending on the severity of wrinkles. Patients are first marked with ink prior to the injection so that the practitioner can accurately inject the areas in need of wrinkle softening. This procedure does not create any discomfort other than a normal prick that comes with a small needle. A numbing cream may be applied to help with any discomfort. Patients will be able to go home right after treatment with no downtime from their normal routine.

In addition to being a popular wrinkle relaxer, BOTOX can treat several conditions, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Patients who suffer from excessive sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) in the palms, armpits, and scalp can get temporary relief from BOTOX injections that block overactive sweat glands. BOTOX can also be used to treat chronic migraines, blepharospasm (eyelid spasms), cervical dystonia (neck pain), incontinence (overactive bladder), strabismus (crossed eyes), and upper limb spasticity (muscle stiffness in the elbows, wrists, and fingers). During the initial consultation, patients should speak to Dr. Fernau about any of these concerns and learn more about a BOTOX treatment plan for these conditions.

After treatment, mild swelling and bruising may appear on the injection spots. Patients are advised to limit exercise and to sleep in an upright position the same night as the treatment. The redness and swelling will only last for a few hours, but some patients may experience bruising for several days. There are bruising medications, such as Arnica, that patients can take a week prior to treatment to help minimize bruising. The results from a BOTOX treatment take 5-7 days to appear. When they do, the face will look smoother and brighter, and patients will feel rejuvenated by their fresh appearance.

A syringe of BOTOX averages about $250 to $850. Depending on the patient’s case, a session may use 1 to 3 syringes, or more. During the initial consultation, the practitioner will be able to assess how many units/syringes are needed to attain the patient’s desired results.

There is an ongoing trend where people who wish to have BOTOX treatments will gather together and administer the BOTOX doses themselves called ‘BOTOX cocktail parties’. This is very risky. BOTOX, when administered incorrectly, may paralyze unintended muscles that can result in an abnormal facial appearance. BOTOX treatments should be done in a medical setting with an experienced, skilled injector.

In recent years, BOTOX has seen some competition as other drugs have been approved by the FDA and introduced to the aesthetic market. Dysport and Xeomin are muscle relaxers similar to BOTOX. Each has its specific trending function that can be addressed during the initial consultation. Sometimes, a combination of the drugs is used to treat various areas. For example, BOTOX for frown lines, and Dysport for crow’s feet.

BOTOX and fillers are both popular cosmetic treatments with the ability to decrease wrinkles and smoothen facial areas. The difference with each is the way the substances function to create the rejuvenating effect. Injectable fillers add volume under the skin to fill hollow areas and decrease the appearance of wrinkles on the surface. BOTOX, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles underneath the skin so that the muscles cannot contract, allowing a softer effect on the surface. It is very common for patients to undergo treatment using both a muscle relaxer and an injectable filler to attain optimal results.

Today, practitioners are treating patients of all ages with BOTOX. For some individuals, for example those as young as 30, BOTOX is considered a preventative way to prevent facial wrinkles. For others (i.e. 40 years old and older), it is a rejuvenation effort to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Older individuals (55 and up) will still receive great benefit from having BOTOX injections, but for some, a facelift technique might be a better option to consider.

A BOTOX injection will last between 3-4 months. The treatment can be repeated every quarter and for most patients who receive this treatment, they usually come back for more. BOTOX is an effective, easy and safe way to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. Patients consider it a part of their normal beauty routine.