Relaxers and Fillers
Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.
Sponsored By Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut, L.L.C.
208 Post Rd. West | Westport, CT 06880 | 203 454-0044
Botox® Cosmetic
What is Botox?
Botox Cosmetic is botulinum toxin type A manufactured by Allergan, Inc. Botox Cosmetic is FDA-approved for people between the ages of 18 and 65 for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar frown lines - found between the eyebrows. Botox Cosmetic is a safe and quick treatment which provides noticeable results in just a few days after treatment. Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause glabellar frown lines and other facial wrinkles such as transverse forehead wrinkles (or “worry lines” ) and crows-feet. By so doing, the activity of the treated muscles is greatly reduced, resulting in improvement or elimination of the overlying wrinkle.
Images above provided by Allergan
What is botulinum toxin type A?
Botulinum toxin is a product of the bacterium clostridium botulinum. This bacteria, which occurs naturally in the environment, makes 7 different strains of neurotoxin all of which inhibit acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction leading to a flaccid paralysis or “relaxation.” When used in small doses, this protein, which is produced commercially in “A” and “B” forms, can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes. While botulinum toxin has a myriad of uses including treatment of headaches, essential blepharospasm, grinding of the teeth (bruxism) and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) its cosmetic use is the most widely publicized. This botulinum toxin is not the same strain associated with botulism..
How many treatments do I need?
Results will appear usually in about three days after one treatment is administered. The dosage and actual number of injections will be carefully determined by Dr. O’Connell after a close evaluation of your facial aesthetics. Because Botox treatments are usually repeated in about four months, the dosage as well as the number and precise location of injections is constantly refined by Dr. O’Connell with subsequent treatments in order to optimize your aesthetic correction.
How long will the results last?
Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Some patients are able to obtain longer correction with repeated use. Correction of hyperhidrosis averages about six months and the most commonly treated areas for hyperhidrosis are the palms, arm pits, soles of the feet and face.
Images above provided by Allergan
What are different “levels” of Botox provider?
Allergan designates several different levels of provider based upon utilization of their products including Botox. Dr. O'Connell has been a platinum level provider for 2009 and 2010. This means that he is one of the most experienced Botox and filler injectors in the United States.
Is Botox covered by my insurance?
Some insurance carriers provide reimbursement for treatment of headaches, hyperhidrosis and other conditions with Botox. Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut will be happy to provide you with a properly coded insurance form for legitimate functional use of Botox but we will not assist in submission for cosmetic use. Payment for all uses of Botox is required at time of service. Dr. O’Connell has experience with treatment of headaches and excessive sweating with Botox and he is a member of the Botox Hyperhidrosis Network.
Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D.
208 Post Rd. West
Westport, CT 06880
Call Us Today
203 454-0044
Designed for Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons