Botox® - Frequently Asked Questions Presented by: Dr. Suresh Koneru Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery Named by his peers to the Super Doctors list as seen in Texas Monthly Magazine 2007, 2008, 2009, and

What is Botox®? BOTOX Cosmetic is a popular, injectable material that is used to paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles and creases on the face. Wrinkles are caused mainly by repeated muscle action like frowning. Just ask anyone who has had Botox if they like the effects!

What Problems Will Botox Treat? Botox is used for over 180 medical conditions and has many cosmetic uses. Many years ago, the FDA approved the use of Botox to treat wrinkles between the eyes and crows feet on the outside of the eyes. FDA-approved Botox also helps with: Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance Severe underarm sweating Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking Strabismus – misaligned eyes Chronic migraine Overactive bladder

How Does Botox Work? Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last three to 12 months, depending on what you are treating. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary droopy eyelids. You should not use Botox, or other non- prescribed drugs, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who is a Good Candidate for Botox? A man or a woman who is in overall good health and would like to have a more youthful appearance by diminishing wrinkles on areas of the face and neck. Most patients find that they will need less Botox as the muscles atrophy or shrink and stop causing wrinkles. We have seen patients last as long as 6 months between treatments and even some last as long as a year.

How is Botox Administered? Our team will inject small doses of Botox to treat frown lines, worry lines across the forehead, crow’s feet lines, smile lines, lines around the mouth, downturned corners of the mouth, chin wrinkles, neck lines, “marionette” lines running down from the corners of the mouth, and excessively sweaty armpits, palms, and feet.

Is there Pain and Downtime? Men and women are surprised at how little pain they experience with Botox injections which have very small needles. There is no downtime. You may experience bruising at the site of the injections which diminishes in under a week. You can have Botox injected over your lunch hour and return to work!

Does Insurance Cover Botox? For wrinkles, Botox is considered a cosmetic procedure and Insurance healthcare providers do not cover Botox. If you need Botox because of a medical condition, such as migraine headaches or excessively sweaty hands or armpits, your Insurance provider may cover it. If you have addressed the medical issue with your primary care physician and/or another doctor, and they have written letters verifying your medical condition, please bring the letters to your consultation. We will be happy to write one as well and submit it to your Insurance company for pre-authorization.

Contact Us Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery Suresh Koneru, M.D. 423 Treeline Park, Suite 300 San Antonio, TX (210)