Botox ®

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

Before and After Gallery

Botox® is a trade name for a refined version of the botulinum toxin type A, originally isolated and refined by researchers seeking to help people with eyelid and facial spasms. It has been safely used for this purpose since the 1980’s. Dr. Fante is the author of scientific articles on the medical uses of Botox® and has vast experience with this medication.

Botulism is food poisoning. Yikes. How can a poison be used therapeutically?

Well, not to worry. It’s only poisonous in a large dose, about 100 times what will be used, because then it paralyzes muscles. For cosmetic treatments, it’s been approved by the FDA.
Injected precisely into specific muscle areas in tiny doses, it relaxes the muscle and relieves it from unconscious and unnecessary movement, thus preventing it from making wrinkles.

Botox® relaxes your face

We tend to learn facial habits as we grow up, facial expressions that become habitual, and over the years start creating permanent lines. Botox® injections don’t totally stop all muscle movement; they just relax the muscles and allow the skin to become smoother.

This gives us a refreshed look, as if we had a good night’s sleep and feel in a good mood.

We’re all different

Typically, the Botox® is injected in 4 or 5 areas on each side of your forehead, and 2 or 3 at each eye area. But of course, each face is unique. So Dr. Fante will decide on the right number of small injections to make for you, in just the right places, to give you optimal results.

The procedure

  • Beforehand, several photographs will be taken of your face, from different angles, so that you can compare your new look with this previous look.
  • The injections take only a few minutes and are done with a very fine, tiny needle. There’s not much pain, but some people feel minor, temporary discomfort.
  • There’s no recovery time necessary. Most people go right back to work or their normal activities after treatment.

After the procedure

Dr. Fante will have you rest for a few minutes, to make sure you feel good. After that,

  • Avoid rubbing the injected areas for 3 or 4 hours, and also avoid any strenuous activity for that time.
  • Dr. Fante will have discussed bruising with you, and if it’s a concern, avoid taking any aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil) for a day or two.
  • You’ll see the results anywhere from 2 to 10 days later.
  • You’ll notice that deeper wrinkles will become lighter and light ones will almost disappear.
  • Some people go on to have injections of a filler substance, such as Restylane® or collagen. This fills out the skin that was furrowed and is now smoother.
  • If you have several deeper wrinkles, you might decide to have further Botox® injections on them, to achieve your best results.

Minor risks

The worst that people generally experience is some pain and/or headache, and maybe a kind of cold or flu. Dr. Fante will prescribe a pain medication if necessary.

In very rare instances, there’s some temporary eyelid drooping. If you were to notice that, immediately let Dr. Fante know, because there is a treatment for it.

In the longer term

Effects last for 3 or 4 months. Gradually your muscles return to their normal state, and repeat treatments can maintain them in their more relaxed state. After 18-24 months of continuous treatment, some people will have retrained the facial muscles and will need little or no Botox after that.

Botox® Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.