Botox
Over time we all develop habitual facial expressions that form lines and then wrinkles in our skin. Neuromodulators (i.e. Botox, Nuceiva) are a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements.
The most commonly treated areas include:
- Lines around the eyes, known as crow’s feet, caused by squinting or smiling
- The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- The lines and folding of the skin between the eyebrows (glabella) caused by frowning
- The downward turning of the mouth (DAO)
These actions are considered minor when thought of as a one-time gesture because skin, especially when young, is elastic in nature. However, like water flowing through a canyon, over time these gestures cause expressions to become wrinkles, and the elasticity in our skin fades, resulting in permanent features of the face that we associate with advancing age. Botox is a safe procedure that produces a more rested, smooth and younger version of you.
How it Works
When treated with Botox/Nuceiva, a tiny amount of the neuromodulator product is injected into one or more of the dozens of muscles that control facial expression. The Botox/Nuceiva works to relax the muscles by blocking the nerve impulse from reaching that specific area, causing the muscle to relax and the wrinkles to fade.
The purified protein will work its way into the nerves in the treated areas and you will begin to feel and see some changes in about 3 days. The full effect will be apparent after 2 weeks.
Over time the treated muscles can “learn” not to make the facial expression that caused the wrinkle, resulting in a long-lasting effect.
After Treatment
After treatment, you may experience swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the injection site. This will typically last for a couple of hours. The use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) is permitted. Additionally, although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur for 2-3 days. If needed, you may apply makeup after 6 hours of treatment, using very minimal pressure on your skin.
You can maximize and protect your results from Botox by exercising the areas treated for the first hour, remaining upright (no laying down or bending over) and avoid rubbing/touching your face for a minimum of 4 hours. For 24 hours after treatment, refrain from strenuous physical activity, hot tubs/sauna, facials, alcohol, aspirin, or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or supplements.
We would love to see you for a two week follow up assessment especially if this is your first Botox/Nuceiva treatment with us. This will ensure that we are able to see how your facial muscles react to your treatment. For medical reasons, your results will be photographed and documented in your confidential patient file.
Botox/Nuceiva is a temporary procedure and at first, you may find that your treatment results will last approximately 3-4 months. Over time the results of each treatment may last longer than 4 months.
Botox/Nuceiva is injected to treat fine lines and wrinkles, however, it also helps prevent them from developing — while Botox/Nuceiva is in place, make an effort to notice which muscles are not moving, for example, the lines between the eyebrows. This gives you the opportunity to change your wrinkle forming habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Oakley Smith perform the treatment?
No. Dr. Smith is strictly a Rhinoplastic surgeon and devotes his entire career to just that. Dr. Oakley is responding to a need that has been requested of him many times over the years. By bringing in superior products, and hiring the most skilled nurse injectors, Oakley feels proud to be able to offer this to patients who have been asking.
What product do you use for Botox?
We use a superior product well known in the industry, called Nuceiva. We welcome you to do online research and we are sure you will agree that this is the best product on the market to combat facial ageing.
What are neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated movements. The most commonly treated areas include:
- Lines around the eyes, known as crow’s feet, caused by squinting or smiling
- The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
- The lines and folding of the skin between the eyebrows (glabella) caused by frowning
- Downward turning of the mouth (DAO)
Are they safe?
Yes! They have been available for 20 years, and have been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy. It has been proven to be very safe through extensive testing and research.
Will it poison me?
No, it is not toxic to you and it is not a poison. The product is a natural, purified protein, not the bacteria that causes botulism. It is an approved drug that is used in very tiny doses and it comes from a naturally occurring bacterium – similar to how Penicillin comes from mould.
How do I know it won’t be toxic to me?
Typically for a cosmetic treatment, you may receive fewer than 100 units. To make someone remotely sick, you would have to receive OVER 35 times this dose all at one time, intravenously, which would NEVER happen.
How does it work?
Neuromuscular blockers work by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.
How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes up to 15 minutes. Since there is no downtime, you can do it during your lunch hour, and no one would know you’ve done it!
How quickly does it work?
It can take up to 2 weeks for the product to take full effect. Usually, we ask patients to wait for the full 14 days to pass in order to see the full result.
How is it done?
It is injected with a very tiny needle (it only feels like a little pinch).
How long does the effect last? Is it permanent?
No, it is not permanent. The results will last 3-4 months on average but everyone is different. If you follow the directions give to you by your injector and book your first 3 treatments promptly every 3-4 months (without waiting in between), you may eventually be able to increase the duration of the results (4-6 months).
Does it hurt?
Most patients say that the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. Following a treatment we often hear patients remark “is that all?”!
Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using neuromodulators, or when it wears off. They “stop or slow” the clock of aging. When you stop receiving treatments, the “aging clock” will resume as normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use neuromodulators for a number of years and then stop – your muscles learn to relax and therefore you will end up looking a little better than you did when you originally started.
I don’t want to look like a mask without expression – will that happen?
No! Your injector will ensure that you get the look you want – as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed and refreshed, without looking “done”. In the experienced hands of the professionals at our clinic, patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and great!
How much does it cost?
Find your treatment along with an estimate of costs below.
Our botox is $10 per unit.
Forehead Elevens
(vertical lines between brows)
20-25 units of botox on average ($180-$225)
Full Forehead
(elevens, forehead, brow lift)
40-50 units on average ($360-$450)
Crows’ Feet
(lines around outer corners of eyes)
20-32 units on average ($180-$288)
Full Facial Rejuvenation
(Botox and Filler)
Dependant upon how much is needed and in which areas. (starting at $2500+)
If you are in need of financing, please click here.
Book Your Appointment
As a promotional gift, we would like to offer you $149.00 for the first 20 units, 10 a unit after. 100 off first filler. First time customers only. This offer is valid until the end of January 31st, 2023.
Fill out the form below, call, or email us to book.
416-465-5795
[email protected]
Contact Us
Office Location
Come visit us in The Beach!
2349 Queen Street East
Toronto, Ontario, M4E 1H2
