203-335-3223

Voted Best & Top Plastic Surgeon in Fairfield County & Connecticut

“Many thanks for the best personalized treatment I’ve ever gotten at a doctor’s office. I’ve gotten Botox in other places, but this experience was truly the best. Your attention to detail and the time you took with me to do my Botox was amazing and I love the results!” — MG

Jeffrey Rosenthal MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon l Former, Chief Plastic Surgery at Bridgeport Hospital

140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center

"Where Art Meets Science"

FAQs about Botox Injections

What is Botox Therapy?

Botox is a purified Botulinum toxin and is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles. Botox works well for forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines. Botox is injected into the muscle in these areas and works by weakening the muscle, which in turn lessens the lines of facial expression. Botox relaxes the muscles so they do not contract fully. Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Back to questions

Are Botox Treatments safe?

Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for over ten years to treat many ophthalmological and neurological disorders. Each year thousands of patients receive Botox treatments for a variety of conditions, and it is quickly becoming a popular treatment for reversing the visible signs of aging. Botox treatments for wrinkles and signs of aging have not specifically been approved by the FDA. It is considered an “off the shelf use” of this product and has been used by physicians for this purpose.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Side effects are possible: headaches, bruising, pain at the site of injection, and, in fewer than 1% of cases, drooping eyelids or eyebrows that return to their natural position within a few months.

Botox for migraines?

Botox is injected by a doctor into 7 specific areas in the head and neck with very fine needles. A complete injection pattern has 31 total injections.

What is the treatment like?

Cosmetic balancing with Botox is a simple and relatively safe procedure. Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox is injected into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You can resume normal activities immediately, but exercise is not recommended for 4-6 hours. You can drive yourself home. Some patients experience a slight bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up. The treated areas will take 5 to 14 days to soften; treatment will last 3 to 4 months.

Precautions to be followed: 
If any of the following apply to you, you should not receive Botox injections:

- If you have myasthenia gravis
- If you have neuromuscular disease such as muscular sclerosis
- If you have an allergy to human albumin (eggs )or to botulinum toxin
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding
- If you have taken aspirin, Advil or anti-inflammatory medication in the last
two weeks.

What to do after Botox injections:
Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment
Do not massage the treated muscles for 4 hours, this could possibly cause the Botox to spread to the muscles around the eyes.

How long does it last & How often can I receive Botox?
The facial muscle activity varies on both sides of the face causing an imbalance of the facial features and uneven lines and folds of the upper face. The muscles between the brows are very strong and are the first to return after the treatments. In order to maintain a balance to these muscles, it is recommended that Botox sculpting is done every 3-4 months for the first year. This will allow the facial muscles that pull on the skin to weaken, resulting in fewer lines and wrinkles. During the year that the muscles are not as strong, the body gets used to not frowning or pulling on the skin. This learning period then allows the muscles to be less active after approximately 1 year. The Botox may wear off at the same interval of 3-4 months, but the muscle action may be less. With time, some patients will require less frequent treatments as they break the habit of contracting frown lines and other muscles of facial expression. The muscles themselves may weaken from lack of use.

Botox usually starts to work at 24-36 hours but the full effect may take up to 7-14 days.

Repeat Botox Injections
Injections can be repeated every 3 to 4 months. With time some patients will require less frequent treatments as they break the habit of contracting frown lines and other muscles of facial expression. The muscles themselves may weaken from lack of use.
Sometimes an injection does not have sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. The Botox effect may take 36 hours to 14 days. Repeat injections are necessary every 3-4 months or sooner in some individuals.

Sometimes the Botox injection is not effective due to the production of antibodies or individual resistance to Botox. Botox effect may also decrease in its affectivity over time.

Are there any side effects?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Sometimes an injection does not have a sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. Occasionally, individuals may be resistant to the Botox injection. Rarely, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid can occur. Lasting for up to six months, this drooping may be reversible with an eye drop medication. A few patients have reported headaches or flu-like syndrome.

Although extremely rare, double vision has been reported. In some cases, Botox can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles and asymmetry of the face. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected. Dr. Rosenthal, with offices in Fairfield and Greenwich, Connecticut, will discuss this with you in length before your treatment. Because the effects of Botox are usually reversible, most side effects are temporary, lasting a few weeks to months.

How else might I improve my facial appearance?

Our bodies are in a constant flux. Gravity, environment, diet, exercise and genetics effect how we look.
Start with good nutrition and exercise to nurture your skin and your body’s health. The sun and environment are bombarding our skin with rays during the day and night. Skin care products are personalized for your particular needs. Relaxing facials not only improve circulation and remove the outer thick and uneven layer of our skin, but allow you to take a calming sigh in this hectic world.

Facial fillers: Fillers have revolutionized facial contouring. Juvéderm and Radiesse are synthesized products that plump up, support and reshape the face, lasting from several months to over a year. The results can be so remarkable that Dr. Rosenthal refers to his procedure as “a liquid face lift”. While Juvéderm smoothes out lip lines and restores lost volume around the mouth, Radiesse restores or improves the cheek bones and arch to lift, smooth and contour hollow areas. The combination of Radiesse and Juvéderm is a perfect match for facial rejuvenation and enhancement.

Art of Plastic Surgery Fairfield CT