Hawaii, Your Burning Questions on BOTOX^® Get Answered Now.

With our upcoming event on the horizon (next week!), we thought we would share some commonly asked questions surrounding the injectable BOTOX^®. So, when you ask your friend to join you for our Bring Your Bestie BOTOX® event, you have all of the answers to get her on board!

But before we jump in, just a couple of friendly reminders here …

• Seriously, it is about time you share your BOTOX® beauty secret with your friend. It’s the right thing to do.
• Good deeds reap stellar rewards. If you bring your friend in for BOTOX® Bestie Day or refer her (or him, yes, there is Brotox) during any time of the year, you receive a $50 credit towards services or products. This referral reward, by the way, is not limited to a one-and-done deal. For every new patient that you refer to Honolulu MedSpa, you receive this credit. Trust us, these add up!

What is BOTOX®? Is it safe?

BOTOX® is a neurotoxin that relaxes the facial muscles underneath the skin. These muscles (unlike the ones we strive for on the rest of our bodies) actually cause wrinkles and creases as they relax and contract over time. BOTOX® is widely used all over the world due to its efficacy; however, some patients can experience sensitivities to the treatment. This can be determined through a thorough consultation and medical history review conducted by our expert injectors. And, rest assured, there are, in fact, alternatives when this is the case.

What does BOTOX® treat?

BOTOX® is currently FDA approved to treat the “11s” and crow’s feet—These are the lines that begin to appear (typically in our 30s) right between the brows.

In many cases, off-label treatments (non-FDA-Approved) can be administered to diminish:

• Horizontal forehead lines
• Tiny bunny lines (on the side of the nose)
• Vertical neck “bands” caused by the platysma neck muscle
• Plus, BOTOX® can provide the appearance of a gentle brow lift.

When we speak of the “off-label” use of BOTOX®, we mean that the injectable can be used to treat these areas mentioned above, but they have not been FDA-approved for that purpose. However, this does not imply that BOTOX® is an unsafe or unsuitable option; Rather, it means that the FDA has not signed off on any testing conducted on the injectable to the point where they can legally say BOTOX® is safe per their standards. This being said, if an off-label treatment does cause a complication, insurance may not cover the treatment needed to alleviate the complication.

The big BOTOX® takeaway here: Read reviews, conduct your research, and know who is treating you with BOTOX® before you let anyone perform the injections. Injectors should be medically trained and experienced in order to provide safe, natural, and optimal results. Of course, that would be us Meet our expert injectors and aesthetic nurse specialists Leilani and Courtney.

What is the best age to start getting BOTOX® injections?

The FDA has approved the use of BOTOX® for adults 18 and up. We believe this decision is truly up to the patient. Genetics can certainly play a big role in how early we start to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Our belief is that prevention is always a positive; therefore, we suggest you start early and avoid developing these lines altogether if you’re able and willing.

However, it is never too late to start BOTOX® treatments either. The injectable cannot altogether reverse moderate to severe wrinkles, but it can stop them from becoming more prominent. And, never fear, there are ways to dramatically reduce any signs of aging and skin laxity through other methods (often used in conjunction with BOTOX® such as dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® or fractional laser treatments.

When should I see results after my first BOTOX® treatment?

Typically, patients will begin to see the results of their BOTOX® after seven to ten days. These will continue to improve until about two weeks when the results are at their maximum. As the BOTOX® injection begins to take effect, frown lines, crow’s feet, and other commonly treated areas become less apparent and overall the whole face starts to look less stressed and more rested. We all want that!

How long does BOTOX® last?

For most patients (although results do vary), results from BOTOX® can typically last over the course of three to four months, give or take.

How long can you use BOTOX® to treat fine lines and wrinkles?

For those who experience successful results, BOTOX® injections can be used indefinitely for wrinkle prevention and maintenance. In most cases, we recommend booking advance appointments every three to four months to continue the process of muscle atrophy (this keeps wrinkles at bay). In fact, for many patients, frown muscles can continue to shrink with ongoing treatment over the course 18 to 24 months. After this point, many patients can go longer in between treatments because they start to lose their frown reflex over time.

How many units of BOTOX® are typically required to achieve optimal results?

This varies by patient—factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and the condition of skin play a big role in the number of units. However, we generally treat patients with a minimum of 20 units for an area such as the glabella or 24 units for crow’s feet (for example). Typically, we are administering anywhere between 20 to 25 units for any one area.

Can I use BOTOX® and still have a natural look?

YES. However, there is absolutely an art to injecting. In fact, our expert injectors are well known throughout Hawaii for their level of experience, skill, and uncanny ability to leave patients looking natural and flawless post injection. It is imperative that you seek out the services of someone well trained, medically experienced, and comes with amazing testimonials. There are no two injectors alike—Rather there are the good, the average, the bad, and of course, the best (ours). And, we’d be remiss to not mention that you can, in fact, over-do BOTOX®, but a well-versed injector would never advise this.

Are there any BOTOX® mistakes I should avoid making?

Again, don’t overdo it. Don’t go too long without it in between treatments. And, we always recommend being treated about a month before an event. This leaves time for you to work with your injector on fine tuning any areas and gives the BOTOX® time to settle in and take full effect so you can truly look and feel your absolute best for your big reveal.

Will I bruise from BOTOX®?

This depends very much on the patient. Those who take blood thinners or regularly consume drugs like iBuprofen are more likely to bruise. In some cases, the skill level of the injector can play a role in how much bruising occurs. At Honolulu MedSpa, we are extremely careful to apply just the right amount of pressure and provide ice to help minimize any unnecessary bruising. Overall, if bruising does occur, it should subside within 24 to 48 hours.

Have more BOTOX® questions?

Be sure to contact us at info@HonoluluMedSpa.com or fill out our online form!