"Tox" / Botox FAQ

"Tox" is another industry name for medications called neuromodulators, including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. 

Medications such as Botox and Xeomin work to minimize the appearance of wrinkles by weakening certain muscles in the face, preventing them from contracting. When these muscles contract, they create wrinkles under the skin, which can get deeper and  more pronounced over time.

Not all lines are created equal. Some lines and wrinkles are created by muscles in the face contracting, while others are made over time and are often due to skin laxity and loss of collagen/fat. 

Tox will work on lines that are caused by strong muscles coming together to create wrinkles under the skin when animating (making faces, smiling, etc.), while fillers are ideal for lines that are present at all times, including while at rest.

• Eat a small snack before arriving to prevent dizziness
• Drink plenty of water
• Arrive with a clean face

To prevent excessive bleeding/swelling, please:

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
• Avoid blood thinners and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and aspirin for 7 days before. 

             (NEVER STOP TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM YOUR DOCTOR!)

I recommend that you do not schedule a facial for at least 5 days after your tox appointment, as you may have sensitivity and bruising near the injected areas. 

Absolutely! After one hour, you may gently wash your face with warm (not hot) water. The day following your injections, you can wash your face normally. 

I recommend that you wait one hour to apply makeup after Botox. 

"Baby Botox" is a newer trend which encourages younger people to begin getting Botox injections before developing wrinkles in order to delay the appearance and severity of wrinkles over time. Theoretically, it is much easier to prevent wrinkles, rather than treat them.

Alternatives to Botox depend on your areas of concern, as well as the cause of fine lines/wrinkles. Options often include microneedling, PRP injections, fillers, laser resurfacing, PDO threads, frequent facials, quality clinical skincare products, etc. 

Although this is not a complete list, people who should not get Botox include:

• History of a neuromuscular disease, such as Myasthenia Gravis
• Pregnant/Breastfeeding
• Severe allergy to cow's milk (not lactose intolerant)
• Patients on blood thinners, such as Plavix