Botox™ Related Questions

Q: Can Botox not work?

A: I have never seen the Botox prevent muscle contraction. It can happen though, that the skin creases, especially if they are quite deep, won't go away quickly until the muscle maintains its rest for close to a year and the lines continue to fade. Some deep creases may need filler as well, but in the glabella (between the forehead) only certain fillers of thin, not thick consistency, and of not much volume should be used because of a risk of ulceration from blood flow compromisation. I have had a couple of patients in whom the Botox works, but only lasts for six weeks.

Q: My doctor said to come back in four months for more botox but it's been three and my muscles are moving a lot. Is it too early to have more botox?

A: No, if you have near full activity, and your doctor can determine this, then it is acceptable to have more Botox. I prefer my patients not to wait more than four months but if they notice motion sooner, they should return earlier and a full treatment can be given as Botox is known, on average to last three to possibly four months.

Q: Could Botox hurt my eye if it were to drop in it?

A: There have not been any reports of eye injury, of which I am aware, from such a situation. It has been used in eye muscles and eyelid muscles for more than twenty years with a high level of safety. If however, you have any concern about the eye from physical symptoms or mental concerns, then see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation.

Q: Should I have Botox or Dysport?

A: Your physician may have a personal preference, and some of my patients prefer one over the other, but there is no significant difference clinically between the two and cost is the same when using the most effective conversion formula of units of Botox to Dysport.

Q: Can I have Botox injected if I have thyroid disease?

A: Whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, there is not direct contraindication. Hyperthyroidism can cause changes in the eye shape and size and if you have Botox to the eyelids, that can exacerbate problems such as dry eye. You may want to consult an ophthalmologist for approval before you have it done.