Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi, Dr Lam
Would you reject a patient for botox to jawline upon in-person consultation? If so, what are the circumstances would you consider an individual is not appropriate? B/c of the need to travel, I want to make sure I don't waste a trip, thank you

sure. most times people fly in for me to do it at the same day as the consultation. i just had a lady fly in from sweden for my botox of the jawline last week. however, you must check if you are a good candidate. bite down and feel the outer jawline. if you feel that the muscle dominates and is very thick and hard, then you are a good candidate. if you do not know what that feels like, feel 10 people's outer jawbone when they clench their teeth. most people who are good candidates for this have very strong, firm almost rock hard muscles when biting down.

Thanks Dr Lam
You said the results take about 4-6 months to be noticed and that the results last for 6-12 months, does it last from the day you see the difference (4-6 months after injection)? or from the day you received the injection? Thanks again!

let me clarify: at one week you should feel that the jawline is softer but not see anything; at 4-6 WEEKS you should start to see a very noticeable difference; from that point the result should last 6 to 12 months. typically, i recommend a second treatment at 6 months to really soften the muscle down to create maybe twice the longevity at that point.
best,
sml

Thanks again Dr Lam
One more question. Can someone be allergic to botox, if so, how do you know to avoid the botox? Thanks!

i have never heard of a reported case of botox allergy. i suppose that could be possible but with over 16 million injections since 2002 (last count a year or so ago) and with a record since the late 70s before cosmetic approval, I don't recall of hearing of an allergic problem. For example, with Restylane there is about a tenth of 1% or so chance of allergy but it is not to the product, which we all have naturally in our bodies, it is to the gel carrier. The reason I prefer Restylane and Juvederm is that if there is an infinitesimal chance of an allergic reaction, I can abort it with a dissolver, i.e., it is reversible. I have seen one allergy to Restylane that was very mild and treatable within hours. The only thing that Botox could theoretically have an allergic response is not to the Botox itself but to the vehicle which uses albumin, or an egg based product. So theoretically an egg allergy could be the only thing out there as far as I know. I simply have never seen it.