Botox Injections
in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Botox injections are generally well-tolerated, and patients experience a mild pinch similar to a bug bite. While most practices use a tuberculin needle, at Galt Dermatology, we utilize ultra-fine needles to minimize discomfort and bleeding. After the procedure, you will receive an ice pack to apply to your face to help reduce mild swelling or discomfort.

After your treatment, you can return to your regular daily routine, but you should refrain from wearing makeup for 12 hours and avoid working out until the following day.

The effects of your Botox injection are seen and felt approximately 5-7 days after your procedure. Give yourself two weeks to see the maximum effect and benefit.

The effects of Botox are temporary and last approximately 3 - 4 months for the majority of patients. However, few patients experience shorter benefits with Botox. Those patients with very high metabolisms like marathon runners or professional athletes may experience shorter effects as their body metabolizes the medication much quicker. Some patients can develop antibodies to a specific protein on the Botox molecule, especially after many years of use. When this occurs, we may need to switch to a different neuromodulator, such as Dysport or Jeuveau.

Botox has an excellent safety record, especially in the hands of a trained and experienced dermatologist. While any cosmetic procedure has inherent risks, most side effects with Botox are temporary. Some of the complications of Botox include:

• Redness due to the pinpoint swelling at the injection site and from the application of the ice packs. The redness typically lasts about 30 minutes.
• Swelling is usually mild and looks like little bug bites that disappear on their own in about 15 - 30 minutes. 
• Bruising can occur at the injection sites and can rarely persist for about a week. Patients on blood thinners, aspirin, and specific vitamins are at a higher risk. It is not recommended to stop any prescription medication solely for the use of botox. 
• Asymmetry can occur and is most apparent two weeks after the procedure. Botox touch-up appointments are scheduled two weeks after the initial procedure to address any mild asymmetry and follow up on the progress. 
• Brow drop can occur when excess Botox is injected into the forehead or when Botox is injected too low on the forehead. Brow drop is more common in men due to the shape of their brows. This self resolves after the Botox wears off in about 3-4 months. 
• Ptosis is eyelid droop and occurs when diluted Botox spreads into other muscles around the eye or when Botox is injected at an incorrect depth. Medicated eye drops can offer some improvement, but it should resolve on its own in about 3 - 4 months.
• Headaches are reported in some patients within 24 hours of their procedure. This is temporary and typically resolves with acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• An allergic reaction is possible with any medication or injection. Please let Dr. Villacorta know if you have had an allergic reaction to Botox or another neurotoxin in the past.

Some practices in Fort Lauderdale charge by the unit, which encourages over injecting to charge more. Patients pay more money and end up with an unnatural and "frozen" look when receiving more units than needed.

At Galt Dermatology, rather than charging by the unit, we charge by area treated. This allows Dr. Villacorta to personalize treatments for each patient regardless of the number of units needed. Depending on the number of areas treated our patients typically pay between $245 to $645. The full pricing breakdown including some off-label uses of Botox are listed on our pricing page.

Approximately 94% of millennials are considering Botox treatment. The most common area treated is the glabella, commonly known as the "11" lines between the brows.

Patients of different ages consider Botox for various reasons.

• Consider Botox in your 20's if you're interested in delaying fine lines from forming.
• Patients in their 30's begin to develop dynamic lines and wrinkles and may botox to treat these dynamic lines of facial expression.
• Patients over 40 usually consider Botox to achieve a "less tired" look and to maintain a youthful appearance.

Discuss your cosmetic goals with Dr. Villacorta to develop your personalized treatment plan.

While many inject Botox in Fort Lauderdale, it takes more than a weekend training course to become a "master injector." It takes over 10,000 hours of medical training and experience to become a board-certified dermatologist. When it comes to your face, trust the true skin expert, a board-certified dermatologist—training and experience matters.