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Botox
Aesthetic South is a concierge aesthetic medicine practice with Dr. Megan Bertke delivering botox in Northern Kentucky in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
What is Botox?
Botulinum toxin injections can be used strategically to relax the facial muscles and stop the repeated muscle contractions that lead to wrinkles. Years of smiling, squinting, raising your eyebrows, grimacing or frowning will lead to etched in wrinkles and making us look older. These injections are used as a preventative measure to help slow down that progression and maintain younger looking features.
The most common areas that clients seek treatment for are the forehead lines, 11s (between the eyes), and crows feet; but there are many other uses as well that your injector can speak with you about with consultation.
There are currently 4 different types of botulinum toxin on the market: Botox, Xeomin, Jeauveu, and Dysport. Each of these medications vary slightly in their composition, but give the same overall result.
When should I start getting botox?
It is different for everyone and is not based on your age. Think of it as wrinkle prevention. When a certain facial movement causes a wrinkle, then you know it is time to start treating that area. For many people that begins sometime in their 30’s, but for others it may be as early as their 20’s. Once you have deep etched in lines, botox may soften those lines over time, but they will likely not go away completely.
Does botox hurt?
Some people liken it to a pinching sensation. You may have some discomfort, but overall most patients tolerate the procedure very well with little discomfort.
Is there any downtime after botox?
Immediately after the procedure you may have small red whelps at the injection sites. These typically resolve in 15-20 minutes. Avoid manipulation of the area for at least 4 hours after procedure. Do not massage, rub, or apply pressure to the treated area for at least 4 hours after treatment. It is also advised that you avoid any strenuous exercise the day of your injections, but you can otherwise resume your normal activities.
Are there any side effects to botox?
Headaches can occur immediately after treatment, especially if it is your first botox treatment. You may experience occasional tingling sensations. Bruising and some discomfort at the injection site may also occur, but not always. If you have a tendency to bruise easily please discuss this with your injector beforehand as there are some preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of bruising. Other complications that could occur, but are less likely, include: infection, allergic reaction, minor temporary drop of eyelid (this usually lasts 2-3 weeks), occasional numbness of the forehead, and flu-like symptoms may occur.
How long before I see results after botox?
You will not see results immediately after the procedure. It takes at least 24-48 hours before you will start to notice a difference and up to 2 weeks to get the full effect. That is why we typically schedule your follow up appointment 2 weeks after your treatment. At that time, if any touch-ups are needed we can do them at that time. The effects typically last about 3 months for most people.
What do you mean by a touch up?
Botox injections are done only after an initial consultation and individualized plan is discussed between patient and physician in order to obtain the best cosmetic outcome. However, every face is different and it is sometimes difficult to know which muscles will overcompensate for others that are weaker as a result of treatment. Because of this, and because we want you to look and feel your best, we follow up with each patient 2 weeks following initial treatment. If there is any asymmetry or residual movement that needs to be addressed at that time, we can do another injection. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if there is an outcome that you are not completely pleased with, an addition botox injection is often the answer. If you have concerns that you would like to discuss in the meantime, we encourage you to call and speak with Dr. Bertke at any point.
Who performs my procedure?
Dr. Megan Bertke does all procedures, consultations, and follow up appointments.
What should I expect at my appointment?
Once you make an appointment, you will be sent a link to complete an online profile and any medical questionnaires related to your procedure. Dr. Bertke will arrive at your home or other agreed upon location at the time of our appointment. Before any procedure she will go over the medical information that you submitted. If you have not yet done so, then you will be asked to complete any forms or consents electronically at that time. If you are a new client, she will give you a comprehensive facial assessment, discuss your aesthetic goals, give you her recommendations, and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Dr. Bertke takes photos before and after the procedure for documentation and comparison purposes that will be kept confidential unless you give your expressed consent to use them for any promotional purposes. Once initial photos are taken, she will set up for and perform your injections. This usually takes about 10 minutes. After that you have after photos taken and schedule your follow up. The entire visit usually takes 30-45 minutes for new clients and 20-30 minutes for returning clients. The majority of the time is spent talking to you so that you get the best possible outcome and feel completely comfortable with the procedure.
What if I am not sure if botox is right for me?
Can Men and Women get botox?
That’s what we are here for! Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bertke. She will come and give you a comprehensive facial assessment in the comfort of your own home and make recommendations based on your specific profile and aesthetic goals. If at the end of the consultation you wish to proceed with the procedure then she can do it at that time. Sometimes, however, it may be determined that it is not the best fit for you. No problem. The consult is still free and you walk away feeling comfortable after making a knowledgeable decision with all of the facts.
Absolutely! Women are sometimes more open about their self-care routines, but men can and are getting botox as well. Aesthetically, certain features are traditionally found to be more attractive on males versus females, so it is important to go to someone that understands these differences so that you get the best result for you.