Frequently Asked Questions
What are Xeomin Injections?
Xeomin injections are and aesthetic treatment, comparatively low in cost, and blocks chemical signal from nerves that cause muscles to contract. These injections relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles on the face - especially around the forehead and eyes.
These areas include:
Horizontal forehead lines (when a person raises both eyebrows)
Frown lines (between eyebrows above the nose)
Bunny Lines (fine wrinkles on bridge of nose)
Eyebrow shaping (brow lift)
Crow's Feet (seen when smiling or squinting)
Botox injections are also used to clinically treat conditions such as Cervical dystonia, lazy eye, muscle contractures, excessive sweating, chronic migraines, bladder dysfunction, and eye twitching.
Contraindications: When is Xeomin not advised?
Please inform the physician and office if you are:
Allergic to albumin/eggs.
Have a medical history of Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton-Lambert Syndrome, ALS.
Have an eye infection or infection at injection sites.
Currently going through Antibiotics therapy.
Planning on Lasik surgery
Currently taking ASA (Aspirin), NSIADS (Advil, Motrin, Aleve), or Anticoagulants (Coumadin, Warfarin).
Currently pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.
Currently taking Fish Oil (Omega-3, Omega-6)
A frequent blood donor.
Also, please tell the physician if you have a serious preexisting disease.
Preparing for Treatment
Schedule an initial consultation for $85. The office will discuss with the patient any history of previous Botox injections, as well as any medications that are currently taken.
Written consent of procedure will be taken, as well as front, side, and 45 degree photos will be taken of the patient's face before treatment.
For the photo, the patient will be asked to:
Pull hair away from face
Remove all make-up
Also before the procedure, local anesthetics may be used by patient request, though this is known to interfere with treatment. The injection site is cleaned, and marked pending treatment. Patients will be asked to sit in a comfortable position for treatment.
A series of injections with a 30 gauge fine needle are performed at the office. The number of injections depend on patient aesthetic goals, and area of treatment. Men require more injections for desired effects.
How many units of Botox are needed to remove my wrinkles?
This depends. Each minute injection of Botox is measured between 2 units (0.05mL) to 4 units (0.1mL).
The forehead lines typically requires five injections to the Frontalis muscle
Frown lines commonly require three injections.
Crow's feet wrinkles receive one to two injections per side.
The price of treatment will be explained to the patient prior to injections.
After Treatment
Patients will be reminded to do the following after treatment:
1. Avoid massaging or scratching injection site.
2. Stay upright for four hours. Don't lay down, or lean forward for long periods during this time.
3. Exercise treated muscles, as demonstrated by the physician after treatment.
In addition, patients need to be aware that effects aren't immediate. Results are expected in 3 to 7 days. The office asks the patient to come in after two weeks for another set of photos for comparison.
Because Botox injections are not permanent, additional treatments are recommended 3 - 6 months after last treatment.
Skin Care after Treatment
Clean the skin twice a day, and moisturize within 3 minutes after cleansing.
During the day, keep sunscreen on the affected area when you're expecting to be outside for long periods of time.
At night apply Retinol cream to the area.
Side-effects and Complications
Side-effects of Botox depend on the physiology of the patient, as well as the skill of the person performing the injections.
Some common to rare complications of Botox include:
Local injection pain
Bruising (one in ten may experience this)
Pressure sensation above upper lid/lower forehead
Reversible eyelid ptosis (rare)
Diplopia (double-vision) (very rare)
Headaches (very rare)
Flu-like symptoms (very rare)
Hearing impairment (very rare)
Numbness sensation of forehead
Brow ptosis (can last up to 3 months)
Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) (extremely rare)
Some of these side-effects are present because of novice practitioners. If you're experiencing uncommon symptoms after treatment, let the office know about your concerns.
Before and After photos
Dermal Fillers FAQ
What's the difference between Dermal Fillers and Botox?
Botox reduces muscle activity in the face. This has the effect of smoothing wrinkles.
Dermal fillers however, populate the area with collagen, and lifts the skin. This has the result of reducing the signs of aging, and achieving a youthful look. The collagen is like threads woven together, and it provides a lattice upon which new cells grow, and shape the skin.
Collagen is weakened by prolonged exposure to outdoors, injuries, unsustainable lifestyles, and genetics. Dermal fillers delays these unavoidable eventualities.
Exchanging one for the other at injection sites would be unfortunate, as the patient would not be able to smile or speak clearly.
How does Dermal Fillers work?
Depressions in the skin are injected into, which raises the level of surrounding skin. This reduces the effect of lines and scars on the face.
Scientifically, Hyaluronic Acid, the key component of temporary Dermal Fillers, is a natural molecule under the skin, which decreases as people age. An increase in wrinkles is caused by a gradual decrease in Hyaluronic Acid in the body. Because the molecule is natural, patients do not have to worry about an allergic reaction.
Where are Temporary Dermal Fillers Applied to?
Dermal fillers are typically applied to the lower parts of a patient's face.
Common areas include:
Vermillion border (upper lip lines)
Lips (increase volume and definition)
Marionette lines (wrinkle on the side of lips, running down)
Mouth corners
Nose to mouth lines (Naso-labial folds)
Peri-oral wrinkles (between nostrils and lips)
When are Dermal Fillers NOT Recommended?
Dermal Fillers will not improve the following conditions:
Dynamic rhytides (very fine wrinkles)
"Ice pick" scars
Wide surgical scars
Actinic lip damage
Extensive facial rhytides
Dermal Fillers will not be used if patients have the following situations:
Previous allergic reactions to Dermal Fillers
Multiple severe allergies
Is pregnant or lactating
Inflammation at site of injection
Hypertrophic or keloid scars
Patient has important social function in next 72 hours
Prior to Treatment
Dermal fillers will be applied on the same visit as Botox.
Similar to Botox treatment, Aspirin and NSAIDS should be avoided prior to treatment.
Informed consent and pre-treatment photos will be taken, as well as an explanation of treatment, potential risks, and answer any questions the patient may have.
It's important for the patient to understand that the treatment is temporary. The cosmetic effect can last between 3 to 6 months.