BOTOX FAQ

What is the difference between BOTOX COSMETIC® and Dysport®?

Dysport® is an alternative to Botox® made by a different company. Both products contain the same basic derived protein known as botulinum toxin, which is serotype A. The main difference is in the make up of the protein. The cost, duration of treatment and efficacy are comparable.

What is Botox Cosmetic®?

Botox Cosmetic® is a purified protein from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.

Botox Cosmetic® is a safe and simple non-surgical, physician administered procedure for wrinkles and frown lines.

Licensed in Canada in 2001, Botox Cosmetic® is the most popular physician administered cosmetic procedure and has been studied extensively for over 20 years with an excellent safety profile.

The most common areas of treatment are the frown lines between the brows, forehead lines, crows feet and other dynamic wrinkles.

How Does BotoX Cosmetic® Work?

It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth refreshed appearance.

Is Botox Cosmetic® Safe?

Yes! Botox® has been available for 20 years and has been used to treat many diseases. Botox Cosmetic® is licensed in Canada to treat patients for cosmetic wrinkles.

Will Botox Cosmetic® give me food poisoning?

No! Botox Cosmetic® is not botulism and it will not cause food poisoning. To clarify, Botulism is the name of an illness. Botox Cosmetic® is a natural purified protein. It is an approved drug that is used in very small doses and it comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes from mould.

How long will the procedure take?

Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no down time and you can return to normal activity, you can get it done in your lunchtime, and no one would know you’ve had it done

When will I see results from a Botox Cosmetic® treatment?

It usually takes 2-3 days to start to see the smoothing effect of Botox Cosmetic® and often takes 10-14 days before the full effect of treatment is realized.

How long does Botox Cosmetic® last?

The effect of Botox Cosmetic® may last 3-4 months and completely wears off if not retreated. After several treatments at the recommended frequency by Dr. Chatur, the effects of Botox Cosmetic® may begin to last longer and potentially reduce the amount of Botox Cosmetic® that you require and your overall treatment costs.

Does Botox Cosmetic® hurt?

Most patients say that the injection feels similar to a pinch. Dr. Chatur may choose to numb the area with an anesthetic cream. Patient’s usually remark, “Is that all?”

Will wrinkles look worse after Botox Cosmetic® wears off?

No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using Botox Cosmetic®, or when it wears off. Botox Cosmetic® “stops/slows” the clock of aging. When you stop getting treatments, the “aging clock” resumes like normal.

At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use Botox Cosmetic® for a number of years and then stop – your muscles learn to relax and therefore, your lines will end up looking a little better than when you started.

Will I look natural or still be able to express myself after treatment with Botox Cosmetic®?

Dr. Chatur will determine the exact number of unit you need to look NATURAL, RELAXED and REFRESHED.

What is a unit of Botox Cosmetic®?

A unit of Botox Cosmetic® is simply a very tiny measurement of drug. The exact # of units you require (to achieve the look you want) will be discussed during your confidential consultation with Dr. Chatur. For example to treat the forehead and frown lines between the eyes usually requires 25-50 units. ALT Aesthetics charges 10.00 per unit of Botox Cosmetic®.

Is Botox Cosmetic® expensive?

The cost of treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation with Dr. Chatur will give you a specific amount. The cost can range from 300.00 and up depending on the area treated and whether any dermal fillers will be required.

As with any aesthetic investment, the cost must be weighed relative to the expectations.

What are the side effects to Botox Cosmetic®?

Side effects are RARE and are NOT PERMANENT. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered with make-up) or a slight short-term headache. Less than 1% of patients may develop a drooping eye lid but will only last a few days to weeks.

Is Botox Cosmetic® for everyone?

There are very few restrictions to the use of Botox Cosmetic®. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a known neurological disorder, allergy to the ingredients in the formulation, or the presence of infection over the proposed injection sites should not be treated.

DERMAL FILLERS FAQ

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid — a naturally occurring substance in your skin. It combines with water in your skin to instantly restore lost volume, smooth out lines and wrinkles and enhance lips. Dermal fillers provide results that are not only instant but long-lasting and natural-looking.

What areas can I treat with dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers smooth unwanted lines, restores natural contours and enhances lips to giving you a smooth, natural and refreshed-looking appearance.

Dermal fillers are best used to:
• smooth the lines around your mouth and nose
• enhance the size and shape of your lips
• reduce crow’s-feet
• reduce laugh lines fill out your cheeks

The most appropriate lines to treat with dermal fillers are those that are described as static—the lines you can see when your face is still.

How long dermal fillers last?

Dermal filler can last up to 1 year or longer. Duration and results may vary.

How long before I see results?

Results are instant. You will see an immediate improvement in the treatment area. Most people need one treatment to achieve an optimal outcome. Supplemental "touch-up" treatments may be required to achieve and maintain the desired look.

How long does treatment usually take?

The injection process is quick and easy and takes only about 15-30 minutes. You'll also need to allow time to consult with your doctor prior to treatment.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a complex sugar naturally found in many tissues of the body such as skin and cartilage. It binds to water to create more volume and elasticity in the skin to correct the appearance of wrinkles and facial folds.

What is cross-linked hyaluronic acid?

"Uncross-linked" hyaluronic acid in its natural form is in a liquid state. "Cross-linking" is the process through which hyaluronic acid is made into a gel product that can be injected into the skin for long-lasting results.

Do I need an allergy test?

No allergy test is required with dermal fillers.

How are dermal fillers used in treatment?

Dr. Chatur will inject the dermal filler under your skin using a fine needle to smooth away fine lines, wrinkles, folds and scars. The smooth gel flows easily into the skin, providing a soft, natural look and feel. You will see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas.

What will treatment with dermal fillers accomplish?

Dermal fillers away unwanted lines, restores natural contours and enhances lips to give you a smooth, natural and refreshed appearance. Most patients need only one treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothing or volume enhancement and the results last up to 1 year.

Is treatment with dermal fillers painful?

Dermal fillers are injected directly into the skin using a fine needle to reduce injection discomfort. Your doctor may choose to numb (anaesthetize) the treatment area to further minimize discomfort. Dr. Chatur uses dermal fillers with Lidocaine to minimize injection discomfort and maximize patient satisfaction.

What is the recovery time following a treatment?

Treatment requires minimal downtime and most people return to their normal routine right away.

How much does a treatment cost?

The cost of treatment will vary depending on your specific needs and the area being treated. In general, treatments can range from $450 to $1,000.

What are the possible side effects?

Dermal fillers are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects are mild to moderate in nature and lasts less than 7 days. They may include temporary skin reactions such as redness, tenderness and bruising.