What is BOTOX?

BOTOX is a sterile, purified protein produced from a specific bacterium, and when it is injected into the facial muscles, it weakens or paralyzes the treated muscle for several months. This results in a reduction of lines that are normally caused by the muscles contracting under the skin. Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS, uses BOTOX in Richmond, VA, to effectively treat the common effects of aging and some signs of skin damage. Typical areas treated with BOTOX include the forehead, the frown lines between the eyebrows, and the crow’s feet around the eyes.

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Administering BOTOX

BOTOX is administered during an in-office appointment that typically takes about 30 minutes. The depth, length, quantity, and location of wrinkles vary for each patient. Therefore, the injection treatment, including the dosage and location, is tailored during the procedure. Patients will be marked for the specific areas on the face that will be treated. The injection is given through a syringe to localized areas on the face. Patients will feel a small prick as the needle inserts through the skin, but any pain or discomfort is controlled with a cold compress.

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What Treatments Can You Get the Same Day as BOTOX & Filler?

Many of our patients choose to combine their injectables with other aesthetic treatments to achieve maximum results.

In our latest video, Master Aesthetician & Laser Specialist Franki Lambiotte walks you through six treatments you can get on the same day as your next BOTOX or filler appointment!

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What To Expect

Immediately following a series of BOTOX injections, there will be some mild swelling and redness at the injection site. This will subside a few hours after the procedure. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately, but exercise should be avoided for a few hours. Patients should also keep their heads elevated for the first 8-10 hours. Results following BOTOX will become apparent within 4-7 days. Patients will notice an inability to fully move portions of their forehead about a week after treatment. With limited movement, wrinkles will cease to appear. The result is skin that appears smooth and soft.

Patient Reviews

I LOVE what the microneedling has done for my skin - the tone and texture is unbelievable. Thanks for introducing me to Circadia, too - Love all the products you recommended. Am...

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L.C.

Dear Dr. Bridges, Thank you so much for your amazing work on my nose! I'm so thrilled with how it looks, and I couldn't be happier! I hope you have a great rest of your summer.

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Anonymous

Dr Bridges takes the time to know his patients conditions and explains what must be done for treatment in user friendly language. staff is proficient and seems to genuinely care...

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R.S.

Dr. Bridges performed very complex surgery on my nose to repair a large loss to my left nostril due to cancer. At all times he ensured that I understood what the procedure would...

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J.W.

Extremely happy with the outcome of my nose surgery. I had sleep apnea....I was a true mouth breather. My nasal passages were thin slits! Dr Bridges gave me new cartilage ...

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D.B.

Dr. Bridges is an outstanding doctor. His easygoing personality and high level of expertise really set him apart from other doctors. He is a master of his craft and I know when ...

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J.S.

Dr Bridges is wonderful, so relatable and made me feel comfortable from the start. Thorough assessment that led to a wonderful result. Was sent to him for my deviated sept...

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J.H.

I had a most wonderful experience at this office. The staff are great and support the patient before/after surgery. I would tell everyone to come to this office. Dr. Bridges exp...

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Anonymous

Truly an amazing experience. Franki explained the laser procedure with me and made me feel extremely comfortable. I would highly recommend commonwealth and Franki for any services!

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A.B.

Dr. Bridges is fantastic. I always wanted a rhinoplasty but I waited to find the right surgeon. He's patient, listens, and delivers excellent results. He also fixed my dev...

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T.H.

Super friendly staff. Dr Bridges did the impossible. I had gone to several consultations with plastic surgeons in the Richmond area to fix a surgery I had on my nose about...

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J.D.

I got a septo/rhinoplasty with Dr. Bridges and had an amazing experience! The process was seamless from start to finish. I felt prepared for surgery and had a quick and ea...

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S.R.

Dr. Bridges reminds me of the old time family doctors…empathetic, competent, efficient. I wish all of my doctors were like him. Additionally, he has surrounded hims...

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V.H.

Dr. Bridges performed my rhinoplasty in June 2024 and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I wanted a rhinoplasty for years but kept putting it off. My tip really...

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A.F.

Super friendly staff. Dr Bridges did the impossible. I had gone to several consultations with plastic surgeons in the Richmond area to fix a surgery I had on my nose about...

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J.D.

Dr Bridges performed a Lipoma removal procedure on my forehead and I am truly satisfied. He is an excellent physician. His nurse is awesome as well. I was extremely nervou...

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T.Y.

Getting rhinoplasty to correct my larger nose has been a lifelong dream of mine, but the idea of doing it has always been scary/intimidating. Dr. Bridges and his team made...

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D.D.

I feel so grateful to have met Franki Lambiotte, the aesthetician at Dr. Bridges' practice!

I'd been interested in laser hair removal/reduction for...

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C.B.F.

My family have been patients at this practice for over 10 years. Franki Lambiotte has been wonderful with her services. My parents gave me laser hair removal packages as a...

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E.F.

Dr. Bridges is an amazing facial plastic surgeon, and we're so lucky to have him here in RVA. Amazing bedside manner, and actually listens to what you want to work with yo...

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M.P.

I’m blown away, pun intended. From the moment Dr. Shaia recommended Bridges, I have felt that my level of care was akin to what the president receives. The expertise...

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L.R.

Dr. Bridges is fantastic. I always wanted a rhinoplasty but I waited to find the right surgeon. He's patient, listens, and delivers excellent results. He also fixed my dev...

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T.H.

I had rhinoplasty by Dr. Bridges on November 20th 2019, almost 2 months ago. I had a great experience as a whole. Dr. Bridges was easy to talk to and his staff were all ve...

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J.S.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first of Franki’s clients to try the laser hair removal, Bare HR by Sciton, and loved the results on my legs and armpits. Franki ...

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M.W.

Franki has been my aesthetician for several years. I visit her every 2 or 3 months for either a hydrafacial or dermaplane facial. More recently, Franki recommended that I ...

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S.W.

In my teens, a mishap left my nose with a slight deviation and fractured. As the years passed, my nasal deviation worsened, turning my nose into something akin to a wilted...

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Anonymous

For the past few years I’ve been watching the lines on my face getting deeper and jowls forming. It was when I started to see my neck sagging that it was time to get...

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Anonymous

BOTOX FAQ

Is BOTOX safe?

Is there a comparable medication?

Should I use BOTOX or filler?

What is the best age to start getting BOTOX injections?

Are the BOTOX results long-lasting?

Is BOTOX safe?

BOTOX is approved by the FDA and has a long, safe history. It is administered in over 75 countries and consistently ranks as the most popular cosmetic procedure in America. However, even with its popularity, BOTOX is a drug and should only be administered by a qualified medical practitioner. Individuals who receive injections from someone inexperienced run the added risk of bruising, overmedicating, and ultimately obtaining an undesirable result.

Is there a comparable medication?

In 2009, BOTOX gained competition when Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) was developed, approved by the FDA, and made available to the general public. Both drugs are used to relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles and frown lines. Some practices lean towards getting BOTOX in Richmond to address forehead lines while considering Dysport for crow’s feet. There has been much debate as to which drug is superior. Both have their advantages. Some distinct differences can be discussed during your consultation.

Should I use BOTOX or filler?

Injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane help decrease wrinkles by adding volume to certain facial structures, creating the appearance of smooth skin. BOTOX, which temporarily freezes the underlying muscle, offers a similar result with a different approach. A skilled practitioner will be able to determine if a filler material or a product like BOTOX would garner the best results.

What is the best age to start getting BOTOX injections?

Individuals over the age of 18 who wish to soften and decrease facial lines and wrinkles may be candidates for BOTOX. The most common age to receive BOTOX injections is between 30 and 55, but it is also common for patients younger and older to receive injections.

Are the BOTOX results long-lasting?

Getting BOTOX in Richmond will not be a permanent fix. Results will last for several months—sometimes longer—but they will not last forever. Qualified injectors will tell you there is good news and bad news when it comes to BOTOX. The good news is if you are not happy with your results, the results will only last a few months. Likewise, the bad news is if you love your results (which most people do), the results will only last a few months. Regardless, many patients recognize even the temporary results are worth feeling and looking younger.

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