Botox in Cambridge

FAQ | Before & After Photos

Frequently asked questions about botox

What is botox?

botox is a treatment for wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. The most commonly treated areas include:

  • The lines around the eyes known as crow's feet caused by squinting or smiling.
  • The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows.
  • The lines and folding of the skin between the eyebrows caused by frowning.

Is it safe?
Yes! Botox has been available for 20 years, and has been used to treat many diseases. In fact, it is used in children as young as 2 years old to treat cerebral palsy. These children receive over 10 times the amount used for cosmetic every three months. If a 2 year old is safe with this high volume of botox, then you will be safe. This safety has been proven repeatedly over the past 20 years through extensive testing and research. To put this all in perspective - the risks and side effects are much less than Tylenol. botox is an approved prescription drug by both the FDA and Health Protection Branch in Canada.

Will it give me food poisoning? Is it Botulism? Isn't botox a toxin/poison?
No! It isn't toxic or poisonous to you. botox is NOT botulism and it will not cause food poisoning. To clarify, Botulism is the name of an illness, not the name of a specific drug. The product is a purified protein, which is extracted from naturally occurring bacteria and then processed under strict pharmaceutical guidelines. It is very similar to how penicillin comes from mould. It is an approved drug that is used in VERY tiny doses.

How does it work?
botox works by simply relaxing the muscles underneath the skin to create a smooth and refreshed appearance.

How long does the procedure take?
Generally, after the consultation, the procedure only takes under an hour. Since there is no downtime - you can do it on your lunchtime - and no one would know you have had it done!

How quickly does it work?
It can take up to 2 weeks for your botox treatment to take full effect. Usually we ask patients to wait 14 days in order to fully see the results.

How is it done?
Botox is injected with a very tiny needle - much smaller than those used to take your blood.

Does it hurt?
Most patients say the injections feel similar to a pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear patients say, "Is that all?"

How long does botox last? Is it permanent?
No - botox is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average, but everyone is different. If you follow Dr. Takhar's directions to have your first 3 treatments promptly every 3 months (without waiting in between) she will guarantee that your next few treatments will start to last longer than 3 months. Most patients who get their first 3 treatments done "back to back" every 3 months find that their next treatments last 4 months, the next treatment lasts 5 months and the following lasts 6 months. Dr. Takhar's patients who stay on her prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatments at approximately 2 times per year (saves you money).

Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using botox or when it wears off. Botox "stops/slows" the clock of aging. When you stop getting treatments the "aging clock" resumes like normal. At the very minimum, you will simply return to where you started. If you use botox for a number of years and then stop your muscles learn to relax and therefore, you will end up looking a little better than you did when you originally started.

How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation can give you a specific amount. Dr. Takhar charges $12 per unit and the number of units that you will need can be estimated during a consultation. A unit of botox is simply a very tiny measurement of the drug. The exact number of units you require (to achieve the look you want) will be discussed with Dr. Takhar. Dr. Takhar will guarantee that the price given to you during your consultation will be within 15% of the exact price you pay at your visit. Usually it is the exact price quoted.

I don't want to look like a mask without expression - will it happen?
No! Dr.Takhar ensures you get the look you want - as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look natural, relaxed and refreshed without looking done. In the experienced hands of Dr. Takhar, patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and relaxed!

Why should I have Dr. Takhar treat me versus another doctor? Is she experienced?
Dr. Takhar is a fully qualified family physician, who has been practicing for over 16 years. She holds both British and Canadian qualifications (MBchB (UK) DHC, DRCOG, DFFP, LMCC (Canada) CCFP). She obtained her aesthetics training (botox and fillers) from Dr. Baily, and Dr. McQuillan. They are North America's most experienced botox injectors. Dr. Takhar is fully certified in botox injection techniques and holds a level 4 certificate.

What are the side effects?
Side effects are rare and not permanent. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which can be easily covered up with makeup) or a slight short-term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.

I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid - is this true?
Again, side effects are RARE and are NOT PERMANENT. The incidence of drooping eyelid is less than 1% and will last only a few days if it were to occur. Most patients do NOT experience side effects at all.

Where does it go in my body?
botox stays local to the muscle into which it is injected. After the injection botox is simply metabolized and broken down into natural by-products within a few hours.

I am pregnant/currently breast feeding, can I get botox?
No. It is recommended that you wait until you are finished your pregnancy and breast feeding to have your botox done. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove any harm to the mother or baby - we prefer to be safe.

If you have any further questions please be sure to contact our office by either calling 519-653-4490 or by sending us an email at drtakhar@gmail.com. Of course, we are also more than happy to answer any questions if you would like to pop by during business hours.

Due to rules and regulations set out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, we are unable to list brand names of our products such as dermal fillers. However, please feel free to call our office directly for detailed information on our products and services.

Before & After Photos

By law doctors are not allowed to put in pre and post pictures. You may research the various treatments yourself or come in to the clinic to speak to the doctor about them.