We live in a youth-oriented society. Your appearance impacts your job, love life, and relationships with friends and family. Injectables are a great option to deal with signs of aging.

Dr. Downie has more than 15 years of experience injecting Botox, achieving lovely, natural-looking results. She has been using Botox on her patients since 1994, and on herself since 1996. She compares it to breathing – it is necessary. If you can afford it, you should do it!

Botox is a prescription medication injected just under the skin with a very fine needle. It blocks nerve impulses to facial muscles. Dr. Downie explains the process this way, "If you don't crease the envelope (the forehead, between the eyes, and at the outer corners of the eyes) by tensing those muscles, you won't develop a deep line in the skin. You won't look angry, stressed, or uncomfortable when you are actually happy."

Botox can be used in almost every area of the face, including frown lines on the forehead, crow's feet, and other facial lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to decrease sweating under the arms and on the hands and feet. Treatments take only a few minutes. Results begin to show in three to five days, and last about three to four months or longer. Some slight bruising can occur, but it is minor and temporary, easily camouflaged with makeup.

Other uses of Botox include not allowing the corners of your lips to descend into a frown with age - that is keeping your smile level. It is also FDA approved for migraine headaches and can be used off label to treat TMJ and to smooth the outline of a bulky jaw.

Most patients are good candidates for Botox – anyone from their late 20's into their 80's. She'll talk with you about other alternatives if you've had Bell's palsy or extensive facial surgery.

Dr. Downie is extensively trained in administering Botox treatments. She has provided special training for other doctors as an instructor for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Fillers and Injectables courses. She continues to further her own education and teach other dermatologists about the amazing benefits of Botox. She has also been involved in clinical trials for two different neurotoxins.

If you have been considering a procedure such as Botox, call Dr. Downie today to schedule a consultation. She will listen to your concerns and goals, and talk about how cosmetic dermatology can address your stubborn signs of aging.