University of Virginia Plastic Surgery
1300 Jefferson Park Avenue 4th Floor
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: (434) 924-1234
Location Hours: Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
While BOTOX treatments are offered at salons, med spas, and in the offices of many types of doctors, it’s important to choose your practitioner carefully. The quality of your results and your safety depend on it. At UVA Plastic Surgery, our highly trained plastic surgeons perform all BOTOX treatments. Whether in our Charlottesville or Fishersville office, you can be confident that your BOTOX treatment will be performed by a physician with expertise in facial anatomy, facial aging, and the use of BOTOX itself. Women and men from Richmond, Harrisonburg, and surrounding areas trust our team to perform these popular treatments with strict attention to safety and to provide attractive, natural-looking results.
BOTOX Cosmetic and a newer alternative called Dysport® smooth out dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by facial muscle contractions. These FDA-approved products, classified as neuromodulators, contain a purified protein that is naturally produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium. BOTOX and Dysport work by temporarily suspending facial muscle contractions. Injectable dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®, are also used to treat wrinkles and other concerns; however these types of fillers work differently and actually replace volume within the skin.
Good candidates for BOTOX and Dysport treatments are healthy women and men who would like to look more youthful, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Our surgeons use these treatments to smooth out one or more of the following concerns:
BOTOX and filler treatments are often combined to provide more complete facial rejuvenation. BOTOX is also used to maintain improvements from a facelift or facial plastic surgery.
These treatments are also used to treat:
At UVA Plastic Surgery, our highly regarded surgeons offer expertise and personalized care for a rewarding patient experience.
Meet Our SurgeonsOur surgeons perform these treatments right in our office. They use a short, fine needle to make several quick injections in precise points on the face. Patients typically experience little to no discomfort, but may choose to have a topical anesthetic applied in advance if desired. The treatment takes only about 10 minutes to perform.
Downtime is usually not necessary after BOTOX or Dysport injections. Normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. However, you should avoid rubbing treated areas or lying down flat for the first 4 hours after treatment. You should also postpone strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
Treated wrinkles begin to smooth out within 2 to 5 days and continue to gradually fade for up to 2 weeks.
Results last approximately 3 to 6 months depending on individual factors. Patients can return for maintenance treatments periodically to keep improvements indefinitely.
BOTOX injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced physician. The most common side effects are temporary and include discomfort at the injection site, headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, eyelid droop, and nausea.
Your BOTOX appointment may only take a few minutes, but the prep work begins well in advance. To minimize complications, prepare your skin, and make the most of your treatment, you should aim to avoid the following:
These restrictions prevent skin irritation and help keep bruising and swelling to a minimum.
BOTOX (botulinum toxin type A) is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified medical professional in appropriate doses. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects.
A popular misconception about BOTOX is that it is addictive. BOTOX provides short-term wrinkle-relaxing benefits without causing any physical or chemical dependencies. Many people choose to maintain their results by getting consistent follow-up treatments—and can safely do so for however long they want.
Yes, but you should postpone strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours after the treatment. This allows the BOTOX to settle into the targeted muscles and reduces the risk of migration to unintended areas.
The frequency of BOTOX treatments varies based on individual factors, such as the treated area and the rate at which your body metabolizes the BOTOX. On average, BOTOX treatments are done every 3 to 4 months to maintain the desired effects.
We recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 hours before wearing makeup; however, 24 hours is preferable to give the injection sites greater time to heal. Apply makeup gently and avoid any vigorous rubbing that could irritate the area.
Waiting 3 to 4 days after your injections to get a facial allows the BOTOX to settle into the muscles and start taking effect. When getting your facial, please be sure to inform the esthetician about your recent BOTOX treatment, as they may need to adjust their techniques accordingly.
BOTOX and Dysport are both injectable neuromodulators that contain botulinum toxin as their active ingredient. They work similarly by temporarily relaxing muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The main difference lies in their formulation and unit conversion.
Dysport has smaller proteins, which may lead to a quicker onset of results and more diffusion, making it ideal for treating larger areas such as the forehead. The thinner formula also means that more units are typically needed than BOTOX to achieve comparable effects.
The amount of BOTOX you need will depend on various factors, including the treated area, muscle strength, and the severity of wrinkles. We will assess your individual needs during a consultation and recommend an appropriate number of units for your unique case.
To meet with one of the world-class surgeons at UVA Plastic Surgery in Charlottesville or Fishersville, request a consultation using our online form or call (434) 205-9554 for an appointment.
