Wrinkles are generally caused by the repetitive contraction of the muscles underneath the skin. Muscles contract via nerve signals. Botox works by blocking those signals from the nerves to the muscles. This partially and temporarily paralyzes the muscles so they are not able to contract in their fully capacity. This allows the skin to relax, stop new wrinkles from forming, and can also reduce deep wrinkles over time.

All current "botox" injections (BotoxCosmetic, Xeomin, and Dysport) function similarly by using the Botulinum Toxin protein to block the nerve signal to certain muscles of the face. Dr. Erin uses Xeomin as her injectable of choice. Why? Xeomin contains a "naked" form of botulinum toxin. Unlike BotoxCosmetic, which contains many accessory proteins, Xeomin is designed to deliver the toxin without any protein additives. According to recent studies, Xeomin may work faster and last longer than BotoxCosmetic. Research has also suggested that years of BotoxCosmetic injections may lead to desensitization because of the added proteins.

Dr. Erin will evaluate your face at the time of treatment to decide where and how much botox is right for you. Every face is different, but generally speaking, botox is great for patients with fine lines and wrinkles, as well as for younger patients who are interested in preventing signs of aging. Botox can also help treat the appearance of a "gummy smile" by relaxing the muscles around the mouth, and can also treat TMJ related muscle pain and headaches.

NO. This is a common misconception about botox injections. Botox does not have to create a frozen look. With proper technique, your face can still have natural movement while lessening the creasing of the skin.

Botox is priced per unit and each individual face will be evaluated to determine the correct dose and duration for your botox treatment. On average, patients can expect to spend $250-$900 on treatment. Keep in mind that larger muscles, like the muscles making up the TMJ, require more units than smaller muscles, like the muscles around the eye.

On average, botox injections last between 3-4 months. It is not recommended to have botox more frequently than on a 3 month basis to avoid adverse reactions and desensitization.

There is not enough current research regarding the effects of neurotoxin injections in pregnant women. It is recommended to delay your treatment for when you are no longer pregnant or breast-feeding.

Avoid blood thinning medications (e.g. fish oil, ibuprofen), alcohol and caffeine 12-24 hours ahead of your treatment.

This is a common question! These days, most patients typically start using Botox in their mid to late 20’s to benefit from what we call “preventative botox”. The idea of preventative botox is to treat the muscles of the face with botox from a younger age to prevent the formation of deep lines and wrinkles, which are much more difficult to treat or make disappear!

Every patient is different and there is no set rule as to when you “should” start getting botox injections!

NO. Botox injections put your muscles in a temporary "time-out". For 3-4 months, botox is active in the muscles and allows the skin to relax. This begins to soften lines. When botox wears off, the muscular activity will eventually go back to normal.

Botox can also be used to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by relaxing the muscles around the mouth. Botox can reduce symptoms of TMJ disorders such as headaches and muscle soreness by acting on the muscles that allow for intense teeth grinding and clenching. Botox can also be used in a procedure called a “lip flip”, where botox is injected along the border of the lip to create a more pouty lip/smile.