Aesthetic Treatments
Wrinkle Reduction
- BOTOX^®
  - Frequently Asked Questions
- Cosmetic Fillers
- Affirm^™
- Laser Skin Tightening
Body Sculpting
Skin Rejuvenation
Vein Treatments
Laser Hair Removal

BOTOX^®: Frequently Asked Questions

What is BOTOX^®?

BOTOX^® is a medication we use at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC to relax muscles of the face, using an ultra-fine needle. It is particularly effective to smooth dynamic wrinkles of the forehead, glabella (area between the eyebrows) and crow's feet.

What is BOTOX^®  made of?

BOTOX^® is an injectable protein made of Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is introduced locally to the desired muscles to reduce muscle contraction. The BOTOX^® protein blocks the release of acetylcholine at the junction of the nerves and muscles, blocking the signal that tells the muscle to contract. In the 1960s, the muscle-relaxing property of Botulinum toxin was used to treat people with strabismus (cross-eyes). BOTOX^® is the most studied brand of the many botulinum toxins and has been used worldwide for more than 15 years.

How does BOTOX^® compare to Dermal Fillers such as JUVÉDERM^® and Restylane^®?

At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we use BOTOX^® to relax muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles caused by active muscle contraction. We use Dermal Fillers such as JUVÉDERM^®, Restylane^® and Radiesse^® to fill tissue under deep wrinkles and make one's lips look fuller, and to smooth out nasolabial folds, smoker’s lines, and marionette lines (creases at the corner of the mouth). Fillers do not have a direct effect on the action of muscles themselves. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we often recommend combining the two types of treatments to enhance the overall effect, softening your wrinkles and providing you with a more youthful look.

Does BOTOX^® require allergy testing?

No, BOTOX^® does not require allergy testing.

How long does BOTOX^® last?

The effect of BOTOX^® begins in about 3 days, with most of the effect occurring within a week, and the full effect in 2 weeks. At Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC, we will see you back in two weeks after your treatment to evaluate the effects and adjust the treatment if needed. BOTOX^® typically lasts 3 to 4 months, sometimes up to 6 months. If people maintain the treatments, we find they often need less BOTOX^® to maintain their more youthful appearance. Also, with some people, the creases made by continually contracting muscles (forehead furrows or the ‘hockey sticks’ between the eyebrows) begin to fade with successive BOTOX^® treatments.

Can BOTOX^® be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Besides with Dermal Fillers, at Medical Aesthetics of New England, PC we use BOTOX^® after light treatments such as IPL, various lasers and Microdermabrasion. All of these require little or no recovery time.