Botox

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Fairfield, CT and White Plains, NY

Botox is a cosmetic injectable used to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. When making expressions, the facial muscles contract, pulling on the skin. After repeated expression and time, the skin starts to wrinkle and fold. Botox injections temporarily prevent the underlying muscle contraction, effectively relaxing the skin above them to soften and smooth dynamic wrinkles. Whether you are noticing your first signs of wrinkles, or you have been worried about your crow’s feet for a few years now, Botox is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment.

Dr. Alfred Sofer is a double board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in White Plains, NY. He performs over 1,000 cosmetic procedures annually, as well as non-surgical treatments like Botox injections. Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Sofer today by calling our main office at (203) 336-9862. You can also fill out this form to inquire about your appointment online.

About Botox

A staple in cosmetic medicine for over 20 years, Botox is one of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures in the United States. (1) Botox is an injectable made up of Botulinum toxin A, a neuromodulator. When injected into the muscle, it targets and stops the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine before it can tell the muscle to contract. By inhibiting muscle contractions, Botox smooths out the skin and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This non-surgical treatment provides quick and noticeable results, with minimal downtime or discomfort.

The injection of Botox improves wrinkles and fine lines in these areas:

  • Glabellar lines (wrinkle between the eyebrows)
  • Forehead lines (vertical/diagonal lines above the eyebrows)
  • Crow’s feet (lines in the outer corner of the eye)
  • Platysmal bands (vertical wrinkles on the neck)

What Are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by the constant folding and creasing of the skin due to repetitive muscle movement. For example, forehead wrinkles can develop from raising the eyebrows, frown lines between the eyebrows can form from squinting or concentrating, and crow’s feet can appear from smiling or squinting in the outer corners of the eyes. These wrinkles are best treated with Botox, especially before they become static wrinkles, or lines that are visible even when a patient is not making a certain expression. (2)

Dysport & Jeuveau

Despite its name recognition, Botox is not the only injectable neuromodulator. Dysport and Jeuveu are two slightly different formulations that provide comparable results.

Dysport

Also known as AbobotulinumtoxinA, Dysport was FDA-approved in 2009 to treat frown lines. It differs from Botox slightly in that its molecules are smaller and the formulation is more dilute. This means it spreads more easily into tissues, so it may be a better choice for patients who wish for more even distribution. The onset of action is also faster than Botox, with patients seeing results in 2-3 days, rather than 5-7 days.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau, or PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs, is a newer addition to the market, specifically designed to target moderate to severe frown lines. It is often referred to as “Newtox” due to its similarity to Botox. While both Jeuveau and Botox are effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, there are some differences between the two treatments. The main differentiating factor is that Jeuveau is purified to contain only the active ingredient needed for wrinkle reduction, making it a highly concentrated and potentially longer-lasting option.

Benefits of Botox

With their ability to minimize signs of facial aging, neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau can help individuals achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated look, restoring confidence in their overall appearance. Injection is extremely customizable, allowing Dr. Sofer to plan treatments tailored to your specific needs. As well as treating existing wrinkles, Botox can prevent new ones from forming when applied to the right patient. Much like other injectables, the results of Botox are temporary, allowing for patients’ features to return back to normal expression quickly if they do not like the results of the treatment.

Ideal Candidates

Botox injection is safe, with minimal to no downtime for most patients. You must be in good overall health without underlying medical conditions that may interrupt treatment. Dr. Sofer inquires about any allergies during your initial consultation to avoid adverse effects. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive Botox treatments.

The ideal candidate for Botox injection is someone with moderate dynamic wrinkles in the upper face that have not responded to skincare or other nonsurgical treatments. Botox is a great option for patients looking for visible improvement and a decrease in wrinkle formation without undergoing surgery. They must also have reasonable expectations for what Botox can do, and understand that continued treatment is necessary to preserve their results.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Sofer takes great pride in assessing each patient himself before treating them. During your private consultation, he will ask you about your medical history to determine your candidacy for Botox injection. As long as you are not allergic to anything in the injectable, you will likely be a good candidate for the treatment.

Dr. Sofer provides detailed instructions to make sure you are completely prepared for your treatments. He determines a treatment schedule that will work for your needs, customizing each patient’s procedure plan down to the most precise detail.

Botox Preparation and Procedure Steps

Please come to your appointment with a clean face free of makeup. For 1 to 2 weeks before your appointment, avoid any use of harsh skincare ingredients like retinol or vitamin C as these can irritate the skin. You must avoid taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for at least the week leading up to your treatment. Please inform Dr. Sofer of any other medications you are taking, and if you have had previous Botox injections in the area. It is very important to be completely candid before and during treatment to avoid any complications or miscommunications.

After cleansing your skin, Dr. Sofer injects Botox in carefully-measured increments into the muscles being addressed. Once the allotted amount is sufficiently administered, you may go about your day as usual.

Recovery & Results

You may experience minor redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects typically subside within a few hours to a few days. To minimize any discomfort, Dr. Sofer may recommend using a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers.

It is essential to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for at least 24 hours after your Botox injection. This ensures that the neuromodulator settles into the targeted muscles properly, maximizing its effectiveness. Additionally, refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities or lying down flat for several hours following the procedure.

Results from Botox injections gradually become apparent within three to five days, with full effects visible around two weeks. You will notice smoother skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall rejuvenated complexion.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Facelift

Dr. Sofer specializes in the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift. During this procedure, the facial skin is carefully separated from the muscles underneath. The SMAS layer is then separated from surrounding tissue and meticulously sutured back to its original contour. Addressing this layer allows for Dr. Sofer to create long-lasting and natural lifting of the entire facial structure. If you are experiencing aging and skin ptosis (sagging) than cannot be addressed with Botox injection, a facelift is your best treatment option.

Eyelid Surgery

If your main concern is eyelid drooping, Dr. Sofer can perform eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to correct the area. As we age, our skin starts to shift, especially around the eyes. Eyelid skin can start to sag, causing field-of-vision problems. This effect also makes patients look much older and more tired than they actually are. During this surgery, Dr. Sofer makes an incision across the upper or lower eyelids, removes redundant skin and fat, and sutures the eyelid along the natural crease to conceal the scar.

Both of these procedures are great options if you have wrinkling and fine lines that cannot be sufficiently treated with Botox. Ask Dr. Sofer about them during your initial consultation, or read more about them on our blog.

How Much Does Botox Cost in White Plains, NY?

Every patient’s treatment plan is different. For Botox injections, your total cost is completely dependent on the treatment area and the amount of product needed. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sofer will give you a detailed cost estimate along with your procedure plan.

To schedule your first appointment today, call our White Plains, NY office today at (203) 336-9862. 

FAQ

How long do the effects of Botox last?

The effects of Botox are not permanent but can last anywhere from three to six months. After this period, the muscles gradually regain their movement, and wrinkles may start to reappear. Many patients choose to undergo regular maintenance treatments to maintain their desired results.

Am I too young to get Botox injections?

There is no recommended age to start getting Botox treatments. Many patients that are in their 20s receive preemptive Botox injections at the first sign of wrinkles and fine lines to prevent further development.

Is Botox suitable for all types of wrinkles?

Botox is highly effective in reducing dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frown lines and crow’s feet. However, it may not be as effective for static wrinkles, which are visible even at rest. In these cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend alternative treatments, such as dermal fillers or laser resurfacing, to address your specific concerns.

Is Botox a painful procedure?

Most patients report minimal discomfort during Botox injections. The procedure itself is relatively quick and generally well-tolerated. However, some individuals may experience mild bruising or swelling at the injection sites, which typically resolves quickly.

References

  1. Camargo CP, Xia J, Costa CS, et al. Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;2022(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd011301.pub2
  2. Sun Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, et al. Unparallel improvement patterns of dynamic wrinkles and skin quality after botulinum toxin type A treatment on the upper face. Skin Research and Technology. 2023;29(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13309