Neuromodulators
HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFULLYHeadingBotox® is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for reducing facial and neck wrinkles. At Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine in Chicago, Botox® treatments are performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson who uses a refined injection technique and her aesthetics expertise to provide beautiful, natural-looking results for her patients.
What Is Botox®?
“Botox” derives its name from its primary active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A, which is a neuromodulator. When injected into a muscle in small, precise amounts, botulinum toxin type A works to block nerve messages that would otherwise cause the muscle to contract.
When a targeted muscle stops contracting, the skin above it can smooth out and relax, restoring a more youthful look. In addition to aesthetic enhancement, Botox® can also effectively alleviate physical discomfort and other symptoms of certain medical conditions.
Other Neuromodulators We Offer
We also offer Dysport®, Jeuveau®, XEOMIN®, and DAXXIFY® to treat dynamic facial wrinkles, which are lines and creases that appear due to facial muscle contractions. These neuromodulators can relax hyperactive muscles—such as the facial muscles that cause vertical furrows to form and become more pronounced between the eyebrows.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox®?
If you are seeking treatment for one or more of the concerns listed above, you may be a candidate for Botox®. Depending on your treatment goals, Botox® injections may be performed independently or in combination with dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, facials, or other complementary cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive improvements.
Botox® is administered to people of all ages. When it comes to minimizing the appearance of facial expression lines, it is not uncommon to begin treatment in the early 20s for the prevention of wrinkles. However, it is never too late to start using Botox® as part of the rejuvenation process.
How Much Does Botox® Cost?
The overall price of a Botox® treatment varies for each patient depending on how many units are needed. Dr. Erickson will provide personalized treatment recommendations, along with the associated cost details, during your consultation.
What Can Botox® Treat?
At Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Erickson frequently administers Botox® injections for:
- Forehead creases: The horizontal lines across the forehead
- Glabellar lines: The two vertical creases between the eyebrows that are also called frown lines or “11” lines
- Crow’s feet: The fine lines that extend from the outer corners of the eyes
- Marionette lines: The vertical lines extending from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Neck banding: The vertical bands that become prominent on each side of the neck due to overactive platysma muscles
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation in the underside of the foot, which causes sharp pain
- Bruxism: Unconscious teeth grinding
- TMJ: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Jawline contouring: A broad jawline can be narrowed with a treatment known as Masseter Botox®.
- Migraine headaches: Many patients have found relief from painful migraine headaches after targeted Botox® injections.
- Trapezius muscle tension: “Traptox” is a Botox® treatment to relax overactive trapezius muscles.
- Erectile dysfunction: Injections of Botox® into the penile erectile tissue, a treatment known as Bocox™ or Priapus Toxin™, can provide erectile enhancement.
What to Expect
Before Treatment
There is no real preparation for a Botox® appointment other than discontinuing the use of non-prescribed blood thinners such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and alcohol to minimize the risk of bruising. If you are on prescription blood thinners, do not stop them prior to treatment.
During Treatment
Your Botox® treatment will take place at our practice in downtown Chicago. Botox® injection sessions usually take less than 20 minutes, and you’ll be able to head home right after. In most cases, optimal results necessitate multiple injection sites in a single treatment area, as needed to fully relax the muscle. The number of units of Botox® required and the number of injection sites associated with your procedure will depend on how frequently and intensely the targeted muscle is engaged and other anatomical factors, which Dr. Erickson will consider when planning your treatment.
After Treatment
No downtime is necessary after Botox® injections. However, you will be advised not to put pressure on the treatment site for several hours after your appointment and to wait 24 hours before exercising.
Most patients notice improvements within a week, though final results may not be evident for 14 days. Botox® results typically last three to four months.
learn morecontact us today
If you are considering Botox® in Chicago, contact Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erickson. At this initial appointment, Dr. Erickson will evaluate your cosmetic concerns and review your medical history to determine if Botox® is the safest and most effective treatment option for you.
Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine is proud to serve patients from throughout the greater Chicago area. Our practice is conveniently located close to Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, North Center, and the West Loop. Our location on the Magnificent Mile makes us accessible from the North Shore and western suburbs, as well.