Botox® Cosmetic

Botox® Injections
in Seattle & Bellevue, WA

Why Botox® Cosmetic?

Maybe you’re uncomfortable with changes brought about in your appearance because of aging. The vertical frown lines between your eyebrows, horizontal creases, or wrinkles on your forehead, maybe even crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes.

If the thought of plastic surgery sounds extreme, Dr. Stern can help you enhance the natural beauty of your face with BOTOX® injections in Bellevue, WA.

These quick, simple injections can effectively help reverse the signs of aging with no recovery time needed.

Botox Before & After

Botox Before & After Bellevue WA

What is Botox® Cosmetic?

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BOTOX® Cosmetic, a prescription medicine, is a purified protein that temporarily improves the appearance of wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial muscles.

Dr. Stern administers BOTOX® Cosmetic as a simple, nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the facial expression muscles. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes persistent lines and creases to form over time.

Botox® has been used for many years in the treatment of eyelid and facial spasms. Most recently, Botox® has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating forehead lines, frown lines, crows feet around the eyes, lipstick lines, and wrinkles, and webbing of the neck. Botox® can also be used in many patients to create a “browlift” effect without surgery.

In addition, Botox® has been shown to effectively reduce excessive sweating, an uncomfortable condition known as hyperhidrosis.

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Botox® in reducing the frequency of migraine and tension headaches in some individuals. While not a cure for these types of headaches, Botox® seems to be a useful form of treatment for these often debilitating conditions.

Dr. Stern finds that Botox® is more likely to have a long-lasting effect when a series of injections are given over a course of approximately 12 to 18 months. In many cases, Botox® may enhance the rejuvenating effects of laser resurfacing. For the ultimate wrinkle reduction effect, Botox® may be injected along with facial fillers such as Restylane®Juvederm®, or Radiesse®.

Dr. Stern Explains Botox® Cosmetic on KIRO TV, Seattle

Who is an ideal candidate for Botox?

It’s not your age that determines when Botox is right for you, it’s the severity of your wrinkles. Any adult who is bothered by lines or creases caused by your facial muscles is a candidate for Botox. We are seeing more men and women in their 20’s and 30’s who are beginning to notice unwanted wrinkles and would like to reduce, as well as prevent deepening of these lines before they become permanent.

Patient Testimonial

"Thank you Dr. Stern and team! I have had a few procedures now -- Botox, Filler, and Halo Laser -- and the results are better than I imagined! I wanted to look refreshed but not overdone and Dr. Stern and Karen accomplished just that. The entire staff is so warm and welcoming, I really look forward to each and every visit!"

What can I expect from a Botox treatment at the Stern Center?

At the Stern Center, unlike many spas or even other plastic surgical offices, in most cases Dr. Stern will be performing your injection. In addition, Dr. Stern has personally trained Karen Brooks, RN to perform Botox and dermal filler injections in order to offer expanded hours for injections to our patients. Dr. Stern is one of the most experienced Botox and filler injectors in the country and has been performing Botox Cosmetic® and facial filler treatments since 1994. Dr. Stern was one of the first injectors in the U.S. and is honored to have been chosen as one of a select initial group of Instructors for Botox Cosmetic®. Dr. Stern continues to teach Botox and dermal filler injection techniques as a Faculty Member for Allergan, the maker of Botox Cosmetic®.

How Long Do Botox Treatment Sessions Take?

The injection treatment session only takes a few minutes.

Patient Receiving Botox Injections On Forehead

What should I avoid after my Botox session?

Botox was the first aesthetic treatment to receive the “lunchtime procedure” moniker. That’s because it doesn’t have any aftereffects other than a little redness at the injection sites, in most cases. You can go right back to work or your other normal activities.

There is one thing you do need to avoid for the first 24 hours after your injections. You must not rub the injection sites because this can cause the Botox to migrate to an unintended muscle, which can cause problems such as a drooping eyelid.

the potential risks associated with Botox injections

Botox Cosmetic® has been in use for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. Mild swelling or a bruise from the injection can occur. In rare cases, there can be a temporary droop of an eyelid if Botox is injected too close to that area or if you rub your eyelid or eyebrow after the injection. More detailed information regarding potential risks can be found on Botoxcosmetic.com

The most important way to reduce the risk of possible side effects is to be sure the person doing your injection is highly experienced and understands facial anatomy, as every person’s anatomy may be different. Dr. Stern is an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon and one of the most experienced Botox injectors in the U.S.

How should I sleep after Botox injections?

Patients need only worry about sleeping positions for the first four hours after your injections. For that initial period, you should not sleep on your face. Unless you’re taking a nap, that’s not a problem for most people, as more than four hours typically elapse between the time patients have Botox injections and when they head to bed. After the four-hour period, there are no issues with sleeping on your face.

How long does Botox last?

The average duration of the effect of Botox is four months, depending upon the dose used and the area of the face injected. Some people metabolize Botox faster, others more slowly.

How often can I get Botox injections?

Eventually, your body begins to absorb the now-inert botulinum toxin. This occurs after about four months for most patients. There can be some variation in the duration of your Botox results based on your individual metabolism. When your body absorbs the Botox, the muscles targeted with the injections will begin to contract once again. Those are the muscles creating your crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines, so those will begin to return again. At this point, it’s time for another Botox session with Dr. Stern to maintain your results.

Botox® Cosmetic Before & Afters

Additional Botox Pics

Can Botox injections be combined with other aesthetic treatments?

Yes. Botox can be combined with pretty much anything we do at The Stern Center for Aesthetic Surgery. For instance, if you’re having HALO fractional laser treatments or laser tattoo removal, Botox can be a great addition to the time you’re here. Botox can also be combined with any of the dermal fillers, such as the entire Juvéderm line that we offer. That’s because Botox works on “dynamic” wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, whereas dermal fillers work on “static” wrinkles caused by sun damage, declining collagen production, and the like. There isn’t any overlap between the two, so they make a great complement for wider facial rejuvenation. Botox can also be combined with Kybella injections if you want to address your crow’s feet and your double chin.

How is Botox different than dermal fillers?

Botox is not a dermal filler: it is a neuromodulator. Botox is made from the botulinum toxin type A. It works by stopping muscles from contracting. When injected into a muscle that is creating a person’s crow’s feet, for instance, Botox blocks the nerve messages in the muscle from reaching the brain, so the muscle never receives the signal to contract. This keeps it relaxed and the crow’s feet that form with the muscle contraction go away or are dramatically reduced in appearance. This type of wrinkle is called a dynamic wrinkle. Dynamic wrinkles occur on the upper third of the face.

Dermal fillers, as their name implies, are injected beneath a wrinkle, crease, or area of volume loss and they simply add volume. This pushes the skin back up and erases the wrinkle or crease. Dermal fillers work on a different type of wrinkle, known as static wrinkles. These wrinkles are caused by sun damage, declining collagen production, personal habits such as smoking, and simple aging. The most popular dermal fillers, Juvederm and Restylane, are made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for hydrating and plumping the skin. It does this by binding with nearby water molecules.

Dermal fillers do not work on dynamic wrinkles, and Botox does not work on static wrinkles.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

Botox is priced by the unit. The cost of your Botox session will depend on the areas you are treating and how much Botox Dr. Stern uses. He will give you an idea of how much Botox he thinks you will require before he begins your session.

BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) Important Information

Indication
IndicationBOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in people 18 to 65 years of age for a short period of time (temporary).

What are the risks of Botox injections?

Important Safety Information

BOTOX® Cosmetic may cause serious side effects that can be life-threatening. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these problems any time (hours to weeks) after injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic:

  • Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months.
  • The spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing.
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There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines.

The dose of BOTOX® Cosmetic is not the same as, or comparable to, any another botulinum toxin product.

Serious and or immediate allergic reactions have been reported. These reactions include an itchy rash, swelling, and shortness of breath. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you experience any such symptoms, further injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic should be discontinued.

Do not take BOTOX® Cosmetic if you: are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® Cosmetic (see Medication Guide for ingredients); had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc® or Dysport ®; have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

Tell your doctor about all your muscle or nerve conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease], myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome as you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including severe dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and respiratory compromise (difficulty breathing) from typical doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have: plans to have surgery; had surgery on your face; weakness of forehead muscles, such as trouble raising your eyebrows; drooping eyelids; any other abnormal facial change; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (It is not known if BOTOX® Cosmetic can harm your unborn baby); are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed (It is not known if BOTOX® Cosmetic passes into breast milk).

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Is getting Botox injections painful?

Dr. Stern injects Botox with a very fine, short needle, and he does not inject it into great depths. The combination doesn’t cause much discomfort. Patients equate the feeling of each Botox injection to a slight pinprick. Topical numbing cream is not necessary.

What are the potential side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness or vision problems. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Other side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic include: dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, and eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes. For more information refer to the Medication Guide or talk with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see BOTOX® Cosmetic full Product Information, including Medication Guide.

The BOTOX® Cosmetic mark is owned by Allergan, Inc.

With Dr. Fredric Stern

Dr. Fredric Stern has been safely performing Botox and facial filler treatments for over 20 years and is among the top injectors in the state of Washington. Dr. Stern is one of the original Botox and dermal filler instructors for Botox Cosmetic, and continues to teach the latest injection techniques.

Schedule a Botox Consultation Today

To learn more about Botox® Cosmetic and how you can reduce lines in the forehead and around your eyes please contact our office for a consultation by calling 425.455.9100 today.

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