Botox - Patients ask Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Botox or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Philadelphia's Botox® Specialists
Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. It works. It is safe. It is predictable and provides noticeable results with virtually no downtime. To learn more about our Botox treatments in Philadelphia, contact Ringpfeil Dermatology and book a consultation today.
Please note - the estimates above may vary by patient.
Calculator is based on $15/unit of Botox. Enjoy a 20% discount if booked on Botox day.
Botox Overview
Botox is best for dynamic lines and mild static lines on the upper face. It can also decrease a pebbly chin, vertical lip lines, as well as vertical bands that form on some aging necks. It lasts between 3-6 months and the number of units needed is determined by the strength of the targeted muscle.
A bacteria-derived toxin is injected into specific muscle groups to specifically relax them and restore a worry-free, youthful appearance. Only Botox, the US approved grade of botulinum toxin A, is used in our office. Moderate and severe static lines need several sequential botox treatments to melt away.
Expected Results
Relaxation of the dynamic face and neck rhytids (wrinkles), which results in a more youthful appearance and smooth, firmer skin.
Post Treatment Instructions
Avoidance of aspirin and ibuprofen for 1-2 days.Duration of Desired Effects
The final results will be visible after 1 to 2 weeks and typically last 3-6 months. Most people who like the effects will repeat injections every 4 months to maintain their results.
Contraindications
Myasthenia gravis, allergies to egg white and kanamycin, pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications.
What Areas Can Botox Treat?
A basic Botox treatment hides facial wrinkles created by repeated movement. Advanced use of Botox includes the shaping of facial features. If performed conservatively, your family and friends will appreciate that you look more relaxed and younger but they will not be able to figure out how you did it. Botox can treat the following areas and in some cases, it can be combined with fillers such as Radiesse, Belotaro, and Juvéderm:
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
13
Note: Sculptra and Artefill can be used in place of Radiesse. Usually, several treatments are necessary to achieve desired volume correction. Their upfront cost is substantially higher, yet, fewer treatments are needed in the long run.
To address volume and wrinkles in areas indicated by 7,8,9,10, and 11 see similar illustration on the Dermal Filler Page.
Price List
| price / syringe | lasts (months) | # treatments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | $15 / unit | 4-6 | 1 |
| Botox Special | $12 / unit | 4-6 | 1 |
Purchase of a full syringe is required. When only a partial syringe is needed, the remainder can be injected to another area.
All Botox injections are performed by our dermatologists.
We do not employ injectors!
Haverford – Mainline Office
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Ringpfeil: "Botox is so much more than a wrinkle chaser. It allows me to enhance the attractive features of a face and restore youthfulness."
Philadelphia Office
Jayne E. Bird MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Bird: "Looking carefully at the facial features, I mix art, knowledge, and experience to magically erase these lines and facial depressions that hide your younger look."
Next Botox Appointment: Thu, May 28 10:50AM
Botox vs Fillers
Unlike fillers, which treat areas of the face where aging causes loss of skin volume, Botox targets facial wrinkles that are created by dynamic movement. As we age, loss of skin elasticity allows repetitive muscle movement to create a visible crease in the skin. Botox weakens this muscle movement and prevents lines from forming. Many times, it even reverses wrinkles that have already settled.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
Many people are self-conscious about smiling because over time it can increase wrinkles. However, with every smile, our body releases endorphins which keep us happy. It would be unhealthy not to smile for fear of facial lines. Yet, with the help of Botox, we can now have a guilt-free smile without fearing that we deepen the dreaded crow’s feet. With Botox treatments, we can untrain the forehead muscles and those between the brows to no longer look constantly strained or angry.
Botox works best to prevent wrinkles. Once wrinkles are visible at rest it will take some time until the skin returns to its original shape. Deep static lines may need extra help from a filler if they have not resolved after 3 Botox injections 4-6 months apart.
Cosmetic Conditions That Can be Addressed with Botox
The most common areas for wrinkle relaxation are the frown lines between the brows, crow's feet on the outside of the eyes, forehead lines and vertical lines above and below the lips where lipstick may bleed.
In addition to wrinkle relaxation, advanced use of Botox allows the shaping of brows and lifting of brows and eyelids. We can up-turn corners of the mouth and soften a puckered chin. We can also reduce prominent vertical bands in the upper neck, minimize a gummy smile and turn a square face into a more triangular one.
Botox is currently FDA approved for cosmetic use for frown lines between the brows and for the treatment of lines on the outside of the eyes that occur with smiling and squinting. The use in all other areas is off label, similar to the use of aspirin for the prevention of heart attack or stroke.
Other Brands - Botox vs. Dysport and Xeomin
Botox was the first neuromodulator approved for cosmetic use in the United States and it is the only one currently approved for medical diagnoses in this country. Dysport and Xeomin are equivalent neuromodulators that have since been approved by the FDA for wrinkle reduction on the upper face.
Dysport differs from the Botox brand by a slightly smaller molecule size and therefore slightly wider spread. Xeomin is almost identical to Botox but it is a bit purer, which reduces the risk of tolerance formation.
Risks and Safety
Cosmetic Botox has an excellent safety profile. You should not receive Botox during pregnancy or while nursing a baby. It is contraindicated in anyone with neuromuscular disorders or with a first degree relative with a neuromuscular disorder. You should not receive Botox when you are sick. In addition to this, Dysport should be avoided with a cow milk allergy.
Why Choose Ringpfeil Dermatology for Botox in Philadelphia?
At Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology, our team of skincare experts takes the time to understand our patients’ goals in order to produce the best results. Furthermore, our Botox treatments and other therapies are performed by our expertly trained, in-house dermatologists, ensuring the highest quality of service for our patients.
If you want to learn more about our Botox treatments, contact us and book a consultation today.
FAQs
Is Botox safe?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment to help combat wrinkles in the face, neck, and other areas. This compound is regarded as generally safe and carries very little risk, as long as the treatment is performed by a certified specialist.
How long does Botox last?
The results obtained through Botox can last anywhere between 3 to 6 months, after which a patient may require a touch-up session. With this in mind, touch-up sessions will not require as much Botox as the initial treatment.
Is Botox a poison?
Botox is derived from a neurotoxic compound produced by a microorganism called clostridium botulinum. However, as long as it’s administered by a board-certified dermatologist, Botox is completely safe and has a minimal chance of producing adverse side-effects.
Does Botox make you look older after it wears off?
After the effects of Botox have completely worn off, patients will return to their prior state. Many patients feel like the treatment results in increased signs of aging, however, there is no evidence to support this idea. Keep in mind that the skin continues to age even while under the effects of Botox, so it’s normal to see a few more wrinkles than before if you have been receiving treatment for a long time.
What is a good age to get Botox?
There is no minimum age to get Botox, but patients in their mid-30s to mid-50s tend to see the best results.
Hi I have developed jowls and I would like to have that skin tighter to avoid the droopy appearance. I heard Juvederm is something that make work for this . Can you give approximate cost for this procedure.
Mild jowls can be lifted with filler when placed in strategic areas of the upper cheeks, temples or area in front of the ear. The appropriateness, effectiveness, and amount of lifting filler that is needed can be determined after careful in-office examination.
Can Botox be used to reduce masseter muscles for slender chin? Do you perform such procedure?
Yes and yes.
I know that you can do botox for vertical upper lip lines, but have you ever done it for a horizontal line above the upper lip? I am 27 years old, and whenever I smile the skin above my lip and directly below my nose creases (muscle contraction that creates a mustache-like effect if that makes sense). I’ve noticed it a lot more recently, so wasn’t sure if this was something that botox could help with!
There is a 50% chance for successful treatment of horizontal lines above upper lip.
1. i am 27 year old and want to start preventative botox. Do you think it is a good idea? i do notice some lines on my forehead and maybe vertical bands. Will you adjust the dosage because i am fairly young to receive botox?
2. it was also mentioned that you are required to purchase a syringe. How does that work? is it 100 units per syringe? I don’t think i will need 100 units in one go… what would happen with the left overs?
3.Is weight lifting and intensive training going to affect botox?
Botox is truly preventative when weakening muscles on the upper face. Vertical bands are rare in a 27 year old and prevention of these bands is tough to judge. However, they can be treated. Its dose should always be adjusted to the intensity of the muscle. With one exception, our office charges by units injected with a $150 minimum. Full syringe minimums typically refer to filler and not to Botox as it can be sterilly withdrawn from its vial. We recommend not to exercise for 4 hours after receiving cosmetic doses of Botox. After medial doses of Botox, which are generally higher, we restrict heavy duty exercise for a full day.
Do you do botox injections for hyperhidrosis, specifically for excessive sweating in the underarms and if so, approximately how much does that cost and how long do the results last? We have already researched Miradry and do not want to do that procedure because of concerns with possible lasting side effects and we do not want to do any type of drug therapy either. Thank you for your help.
Our office offers Botox treatments for excessive in the armpits and on palms. The effects set in after 3-4 days and last for about 3-4 months. Cost depends on the dose that is needed to achieve results which depends on the degree of hyperhidrosis, and the hair bearing area in the armpit. It can vary between $800 to $1450 for the armpits and between $900 and $1550 for the palms. Most people with excessive sweating in armpits fall at the lower range. Several insurance plans accept Botox treatment for excessive sweating and cover some or most of its cost after pre-certification. Please set up a medical consultation with one of our dermatologists.
Do you offer botox for the scalp to reduce sweating on the head/hairlines?
If so, what is the cost of that treatment?
We treat sweating of the scalp and frontal hairline. Cost is about $1150 if you need 100 units. This treatment is off-label and therefore cannot be submitted to insurance.
I have suffered with Raynauds in my fingers and toes for 30 years also crest syndrome.
I am interested in receiving digital Botox injects. Does anyone at this practice this procedure?
This treatment is one of the emerging uses of botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin/Botox appears to work for many spastic and inflammatory conditions. The estimated amount for the fingers is between 50 to 100 units every 3-4 months. It is not yet FDA approved and can therefore not be submitted to insurance. If you are interested, you may schedule an appointment with me. Please mention this blog communication when you are scheduling your visit.
Do you inject botox in the masseter muscle for bruxism at your office?
Yes, we do. Pending the strength of your muscles, between 10 and 60 units of botulinum toxin every 3-4 months might be needed for results.
Its a beautiful page thanks we liked it.
Hello,
I was wondering if you provide intradermal Botox injections as a service (for refining pores and reducing oil production)?
Thanks.
We do not currently provide this service because results are not always reproducible.